Discovery of Genetic Variants Contributing to the Incidence or Course of CMV Disease in AIDS Patients

This study will evaluate the role of certain gene variants on the onset and course of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis-a severe infection affecting the eye-in patients with AIDS. Symptoms include blurry vision, eye pain, photophobia, floaters, eye redness, and impaired vision. Left untreated, it can cause blindness. The study is done in collaboration with investigators of the Longitudinal Studies of the Ocular Complications of AIDS (LSOCA) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The purpose of the LSOCA study is to learn about how HIV and other infections associated with AIDS and their treatments affect people's eyes and sight.

Blood samples previously collected from patients participating in the LSOCA study will be analyzed for gene variants. These differences will then be correlated with the patients' clinical data to try to discover the role of gene differences among patients on the following: susceptibility to CMV and related problems; development and course of CMV; and response to HAART (highly active antiretroviral treatment), particularly in CMV onset and pathology.

The study will use blood samples and clinical information previously collected from patients during their participation in LSOCA. The materials will be identified with a numerical code linking the samples and clinical data. No additional procedures will be performed on patients for this study.