Directly observed antiretroviral therapy to reduce genital tract and plasma HIV-1 RNA in women with poor adherence.
Six women with substance abuse and poor adherence histories received daily antiretroviral directly observed therapy (DOT). Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) and plasma HIV-1-RNA levels were measured at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. All subjects had undetectable (below 2.6 log10 copies/ml) CVL HIV-1-RNA levels by 3 months and undetectable plasma HIV-1-RNA levels by 6 months. The mean CD4 cell increase was 76 cells/mm3. DOT appears effective and may reduce infectiousness in this high-risk population.
Harwell
Joseph I
JI
Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
Flanigan
Timothy P
TP
Mitty
Jennifer A
JA
Macalino
Grace E
GE
Caliendo
Angela M
AM
Ingersoll
Jessica
J
Stenzel
Molly S
MS
Carpenter
Charles C J
CC
Cu-Uvin
Susan
S
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023801:Directly Observed Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000821:virology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D012367:RNA, Viral