Immunocytochemical identification of HIV (p24) antigen in parotid lymphoid lesions

Antibodies to specific human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) polypeptides are important laboratory markers of HIV infection. We have used an antibody to the major structural gag protein p24 of HIV-1 virus to immunochemically localize this capsid antigen in lymphoid cells from seven of eight patients at risk for HIV infection and who presented with parotid lymphadenopathy and lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland. A clinicopathological assessment of these two manifestations as they relate to HIV infection is also presented.