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Foscarnet decreases HIV-1 plasma load

I Devianne-Garrigue1, I Pellegrin, R Denisi

  • 1Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU de Bordeaux, France.

Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology : Official Publication of the International Retrovirology Association
|May 21, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Foscarnet treatment significantly reduced HIV-1 plasma load in AIDS patients with viral infections. This antiviral activity of foscarnet against HIV-1 is clinically important.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Foscarnet is an antiviral medication.
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other herpesviruses are opportunistic infections in AIDS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of foscarnet on HIV-1 replication in vivo.
  • To assess foscarnet's impact on viral load in AIDS patients.

Main Methods:

  • Seventeen AIDS patients with CMV, HSV, VZV, or Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) were treated with foscarnet.
  • HIV RNA quantification and CMV markers (pp65 antigenemia, viremia) were measured before and during therapy.

Main Results:

  • Foscarnet treatment led to a significant decrease in HIV-1 plasma load.
  • HIV-1 load reduction was observed within 3 and 10 days of foscarnet therapy.
  • The reduction in HIV-1 load was independent of CMV disease status or pp65 antigenemia.

Conclusions:

  • Foscarnet demonstrated anti-HIV-1 activity in vivo.
  • The observed decrease in HIV-1 plasma load suggests foscarnet has clinical importance in managing HIV-1 infection.

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