Impact of Antiretroviral Treatment on EBV in HIV Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Friis Anna M. C., Gyllensten Katarina, Aleman Anna, Ernberg Ingemar, Åkerlund Börje
Primary Institution: Karolinska Institute
Hypothesis
Does combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) affect the control of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in HIV-infected patients?
Conclusion
Long-lasting suppression of HIV replication is necessary for restoring immune control of EBV in HIV-infected patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with optimal HIV control showed a decline in EBV load to levels seen in healthy controls.
- Patients with non-optimal HIV control did not restore their EBV control.
- CD4+ cell counts increased significantly in patients with optimal HIV control.
Takeaway
This study looked at how HIV treatment affects a virus called EBV in people with HIV. It found that controlling HIV helps control EBV too.
Methodology
Twenty HIV-infected patients were followed for five years with repeated measurements of EBV DNA load, HIV-RNA titers, and CD4+ cell counts.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to the specific patient group studied.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to moderately immunosuppressed patients.
Participant Demographics
20 HIV-infected patients, median age 40, 3 females, various routes of transmission.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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