CD4 response in HIV+ patients treated with malariotherapy.
Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:91 (abstract no. We.B.3200) Heimlich HJ, Chen XP, Xiao BQ, Liu SG, Lu YH, Spletzer EG, Yao JL; Heimlich Institute, Cincinnati, OH, USA. Fax: (513) 221-0003.
In one study, 71 patients with AIDS had a 35% mortality; during the same period, none of 41 patients with both AIDS and malaria died. Weakened immunity renders HIV + patients susceptible to fatal secondary infections. Studies show malaria, unlike opportunistic diseases, does not adversely affect AIDS patients, nor does HIV interfere with the course and treatment of malaria. Malaria stimulates production of interleukins, interferons and other immune substances, and can potentially improve the clinical course of HIV+ patients. Depletion of CD4 cells is one marker of HIV progression. Restoration of immune system function is a key element in the clinical management of HIV. In our study of immunological response to malariotherapy (as indicated by CD4 levels), 8 HIV + patients have been followed for a period of 6-18 months post-treatment. A majority of the patients experienced a sustained increase in CD4 levels during this time without further treatment of any kind, and all remained clinically well. (table: see text)
Keywords: AEGIS, HIV, Antigens, CD4, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV-1, Anti-HIV Agents, HIV Antibodies, HIV Seropositivity, Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, HIV Protease Inhibitors, HIV Core Protein p24, Interleukins, Human, ICA11
