The impact of lymphatic filariasis (LF) on HIV is assessed by measuring HIV viral load before
and after DEC treatment of filariasis in double-infected individuals. The impact of HIV on
lymphatic filariasis is assessed by measuring the success of DEC treatment on W. bancrofti
antigenaemia and microfilaraemia in double-infected individuals. The effect of DEC treatment
in individuals with lymphatic filariasis and/or HIV is assessed by measuring the pre- and
post-treatment level of HIV viral load, immunological responses and micronutritional
parameters, including antioxidants and markers of oxidative stress, in single- or
double-infected individuals. The study is carried out as an anonymous, unlinked and
double-blind placebo controlled study with cross-over design. The study groups comprise: 1)
18 double-infected individuals (HIV+/LF+), 2) 16 HIV infected individuals (HIV+/LF-) and 3)
25 individuals with lymphatic filariasis (HIV-/LF+). Based on stratified, blocked
randomisation the study participants receive DEC treatment or placebo. Pre- and
post-treatment (1 week, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-treatment) blood samples are collected and
analysed for HIV viral load, CD4+ T cell count, distinctive Th1 and Th2 cytokines,
circulating filarial antigens (CFA), micronutrient status, antioxidant enzymes and markers of
oxidative stress. After 12 weeks the study participants get the opposite treatment and
post-treatment blood samples are collected four times with the same intervals as above.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
DBL -Institute for Health Research and Development
Collaborators:
Danish Council for Development Research The AIDS Foundation, Denmark The Wedell-Wedellsborg Foundation, Denmark