Proportion of HIV-1-infected subjects with CD4 TREC contents greater than, similar to, and lower than those in HIV-negative subjects. Groups with greater or lower TREC contents were defined by CD4 TREC contents greater or lower than the mean ± 3 × SE CD4 TREC contents in age-matched HIV-negative subjects. Proportions were calculated in patients within 2 age groups (20-44 and 45-59 years) at different stages of disease. Numerical values within the bars indicate the number of subjects analyzed per group. Higher TREC contents (□). Similar TREC contents (▪). Lower TREC contents (▦).