T-lymphocyte subset phenotypes: a multisite evaluation of normal subjects and patients with AIDS.

The present study was undertaken to determine normal ranges for blood lymphocytes labeled with the monoclonal antibodies OKT3, OKT11, OKT4, and OKT8 and for the OKT4/OKT8 ratio. In addition, 26 patients with AIDS, 51 AIDS suspects, and 44 patients with infections were studied. The results of these determinations from six different study sites indicate that there is excellent intersite agreement in normal values obtained. These normal ranges may be used in clinical laboratory reporting. Data from patients indicate that a simultaneous review and comparison of OKT4+ values, OKT8+ values, and depression of the OKT4+/OKT8+ ratio is a useful indicator in clinically diagnosed AIDS patients and in AIDS suspects. These changes, moreover, cannot be attributed only to infection present in these patients, since in infection, the OKT4+/OKT8+ ratio does not exhibit the severe depression seen in AIDS. These results should provide a useful reference for further studies in diseased subjects.