HIV-2 infection in Providence, Rhode Island from 2002 to 2011

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 2 (HIV-2) is less common than HIV type 1 (HIV-1), with limited understanding of its natural history and treatment response.
• Characterizing HIV-2 disease progression and antiretroviral (ARV) management is crucial for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical characteristics, diagnosis methods, ARV treatment, and complications in a cohort of HIV-2 infected patients.
• To compare the disease course of HIV-2 with that of HIV-1.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for 12 HIV-2 infected patients treated between 2002 and 2011.
• Summary of patient demographics, transmission routes, CD4 counts, ARV regimens, and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• The cohort consisted of 12 patients, predominantly heterosexual transmission from West Africa. Median CD4 count at diagnosis was 668 cells/microL.
• Four patients on protease inhibitor-based regimens showed a mean CD4 increase of 183 cells/microL; eight were managed without ARVs.
• Two patients experienced severe HIV complications: HIV encephalopathy, molluscum contagiosum, and microsporidiosis.

Conclusions:

• HIV-2 exhibits a slower, more indolent disease course compared to HIV-1, with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations.
• A reliable quantitative HIV-2 viral load assay is needed for effective management and guiding ARV treatment initiation.
• Further studies are required to determine optimal timing for initiating ARV therapy in HIV-2 infected individuals.