There is no internationally agreed definition of a long-term non-progressor (LTNP), in recent years more usefully referred to as a slow progressor, or an HIV controller (HIC). As a result several different interpretations of what parameters can make someone a LTNP or a HIC exist and these change both between and within countries. Either way these atypical patients are an important group to research as they have the potential to increase our understanding of HIV pathogenesis.

Mandalia and colleagues performed a retrospective review of the Chelsea and Westminster patient database to determine the prevalence of LTNPs or HICs and their associated rates of progression.

In this case LTNPs and HIC were defined as being HIV-1 positive for >7 years, with a CD4 T cell count >=450 cells/mm³, CD4 T-cell slope >=0 since entry to cohort, no OIs and naive to ART. LTNPs were defined as having varying HIV-1 RNA plasma load which is mostly low but detectable whereas HICs maintain undetectable levels of viral load. READ MORE

I fall under the LTNP/HIC category surviving over 9 years so far without treatment.