The Biology of HIV Transmission

The purpose of this study is to look at the amount of HIV in the blood, genital fluid, and saliva of the partners of patients with early HIV infection. This study will also look at the strength of the immune systems of patients with early HIV infection. Because HIV multiplies very quickly in the early stages of infection, patients with early HIV infection may be more likely to transmit HIV to their partners. The amount of HIV in blood, genital fluid, and saliva may determine the risk for transmission.