Serum beta₂-microglobulin levels and p24 antigen, lymphocyte depletion and disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abnormally elevated serum beta₂-microglobulin levels have been associated with progression of human immunodeficiency virus disease. In this study we have analyzed the relationship between serum beta₂-microglobulin levels of patients at different stages of the disease and serological and immunological parameters commonly used for monitoring the infection. The investigation was performed on 150 patients and 30 controls during the period from March 1989 to March 1990. At that time, 30 patients had the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or its related complex and 120 had persistent generalized lymphadenopathy or were asymptomatic. Thirty-nine antibody-negative subjects, belonging to a high-risk group for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, were used as controls. All patients had normal renal function. There was a significant relationship between increased serum beta₂-microglobulin levels and the presence of p24 antigen, a decrease in the total number of lymphocytes (≤1500/mm³) and a decrease in CD4⁺ T lymphocytes (≤200/mm³). No significant relationship between serum beta₂-microglobulin levels and CD3⁺ T lymphocytes was found.