The objectives of the present study were: 1- To identify the frequency of subclinicalatherosclerosis in HIV-positive patients, comparing it with that of controlsubjects; 2- To associate the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis with viralload, CD4 levels and antiretroviral treatment in HIV-positive patients; 3- Toassociate the presence of carotid atherosclerosis with cardiovascular risk factorsand with the FCRS in HIV-positive patients. This evidence concerns the gene CD4 and atherosclerosis.