LONG-TERM NONPROGRESSOR

an individual who has been infected with HIV for several years (7-10 or more) but does not exhibit immune system decline or have opportunistic diseases. About 10% of persons with HIV disease seem to be LTNP. LTNP typically have a strong cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response, minimal lymph node damage and a relatively low viral load. LTNP may have unusually strong immune responses, may be infected with a weakened strain of HIV, or may have protective genetic factors.