Analysis of HIV-1 Replication During Antiretroviral Therapy

This study will determine if the level of virus in HIV-infected patients taking antiretroviral medications for prolonged periods decreases or persists at a stable level. It will also examine whether new gene changes (mutations) occur during drug suppression. HIV-infected patients who are 18 years of age or older, have been enrolled in another NIH protocol, have been suppressed on antiretroviral therapy and have very low levels of virus in their blood may be eligible for this 5-year (or more) study. Participants come to the NIH Clinical Center about every 6 months for a physical examination, routine and research blood tests and leukapheresis to collect white blood cells for T cell analysis. For leukapheresis, blood is collected through a vein much like donating whole blood, but the blood is directed through a machine that separates and extracts the white cells and returns the rest of the blood components to the patient. Patients may also have an optional third clinic visit each year for another blood draw. ...