Discontinuation of Mycobacterium avium complex prophylaxis in patients with antiretroviral therapy-induced increases in CD4+ cell count. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. AIDS Clinical Trials Group 362 Study Team

How do I manage disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex disease in people with HIV?

BACKGROUND

Advanced HIV disease (AHD) is increasing, with late presentation accounting for half of newly diagnosed people with HIV (PWH) in Europe. Mortality in late-presenting PWH remains high, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease, among other opportunistic infections, presents several diagnostic and treatment challenges that lead, ultimately, to a poor clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to provide guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of disseminated MAC disease (dMACd) in PWH.

SOURCES

We performed a review of original articles, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews retrieved from PubMed.

CONTENT

We reviewed and discussed the most challenging steps in the management of PWH with AHD and dMACd: the current epidemiology in the era of effective antiretroviral treatment; clinical presentation and interpretation of symptoms in the context of other opportunistic infections and immune reconstitution; diagnosis, sampling, and timing to reach a definitive diagnosis; prophylaxis, treatment options, and indications for discontinuing MAC treatment; future perspectives; and the role of rifamycins in the treatment of dMACd.

IMPLICATIONS

Despite the widespread availability of effective antiretroviral treatment, dMACd still represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in PWH with AHD. Residual challenges are mainly related to the difficulties and timing required to reach a definitive diagnosis, and the discussion regarding the role of rifamycins in the treatment of dMACd is still open.

Difficulty in diagnosing intracranial infection caused by Mycobacterium avium in an AIDS patient: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is an uncommon clinical pathogen, especially in the central nervous system (CNS), and carries a poor prognosis. MAC infections commonly present as immune reconstitution disease (IRD) in HIV patients. Herein, we report a case of intracranial infection caused by MAC in an AIDS patient without disseminated MAC (DMAC) and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).

CASE PRESENTATION

A 31-year-old HIV-positive male presented us with progressively worsening CNS symptoms, and neuroimaging revealed ring-enhancing lesions. The intracranial lesions worsened after the empirical therapy for toxoplasma encephalitis and fungal infection. Due to the rapid progression of the disease, the patient died. Mycobacterium avium was the only pathogen in brain tissue after cultures and molecular biology tests.

CONCLUSION

MAC infection in CNS is challenging to diagnose in HIV patients. Our findings emphasize that obtaining tissue samples and applying molecular biology methods is essential to help diagnose the patient as soon as possible to receive adequate treatment.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease in the Immunocompromised Host

The immunocompromised host is at an increased risk for pulmonary and extrapulmonary NTM infections. Where data are available in these specific populations, increased mortality is observed with NTM disease. Prior to starting therapy for NTM disease, providers should ensure diagnostic criteria are met as treatment is long and often associated with significant side effects and toxicities. Treatment should involve 2 to 4 agents and be guided by cultures and antimicrobial susceptibilities. Drug interactions are important to consider, especially in those with HIV or transplant recipients. Whenever possible, immunosuppression should be reduced or changed.

Adverse events in people taking macrolide antibiotics versus placebo for any indication

BACKGROUND

Macrolide antibiotics (macrolides) are among the most commonly prescribed antibiotics worldwide and are used for a wide range of infections. However, macrolides also expose people to the risk of adverse events. The current understanding of adverse events is mostly derived from observational studies, which are subject to bias because it is hard to distinguish events caused by antibiotics from events caused by the diseases being treated. Because adverse events are treatment-specific, rather than disease-specific, it is possible to increase the number of adverse events available for analysis by combining randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the same treatment across different diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the incidences of reported adverse events in people taking macrolide antibiotics compared to placebo for any indication.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which includes the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group Specialised Register (2018, Issue 4); MEDLINE (Ovid, from 1946 to 8 May 2018); Embase (from 2010 to 8 May 2018); CINAHL (from 1981 to 8 May 2018); LILACS (from 1982 to 8 May 2018); and Web of Science (from 1955 to 8 May 2018). We searched clinical trial registries for current and completed trials (9 May 2018) and checked the reference lists of included studies and of previous Cochrane Reviews on macrolides.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs that compared a macrolide antibiotic to placebo for any indication. We included trials using any of the four most commonly used macrolide antibiotics: azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, or roxithromycin. Macrolides could be administered by any route. Concomitant medications were permitted provided they were equally available to both treatment and comparison groups.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted and collected data. We assessed the risk of bias of all included studies and the quality of evidence for each outcome of interest. We analysed specific adverse events, deaths, and subsequent carriage of macrolide-resistant bacteria separately. The study participant was the unit of analysis for each adverse event. Any specific adverse events that occurred in 5% or more of any group were reported. We undertook a meta-analysis when three or more included studies reported a specific adverse event.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 183 studies with a total of 252,886 participants (range 40 to 190,238). The indications for macrolide antibiotics varied greatly, with most studies using macrolides for the treatment or prevention of either acute respiratory tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal conditions, or urogynaecological problems. Most trials were conducted in secondary care settings. Azithromycin and erythromycin were more commonly studied than clarithromycin and roxithromycin.Most studies (89%) reported some adverse events or at least stated that no adverse events were observed.Gastrointestinal adverse events were the most commonly reported type of adverse event. Compared to placebo, macrolides caused more diarrhoea (odds ratio (OR) 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34 to 2.16; low-quality evidence); more abdominal pain (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.26; low-quality evidence); and more nausea (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.90; moderate-quality evidence). Vomiting (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.56; moderate-quality evidence) and gastrointestinal disorders not otherwise specified (NOS) (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.56 to 3.00; moderate-quality evidence) were also reported more often in participants taking macrolides compared to placebo.The number of additional people (absolute difference in risk) who experienced adverse events from macrolides was: gastrointestinal disorders NOS 85/1000; diarrhoea 72/1000; abdominal pain 62/1000; nausea 47/1000; and vomiting 23/1000.The number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) ranged from 12 (95% CI 8 to 23) for gastrointestinal disorders NOS to 17 (9 to 47) for abdominal pain; 19 (12 to 33) for diarrhoea; 19 (13 to 30) for nausea; and 45 (22 to 295) for vomiting.There was no clear consistent difference in gastrointestinal adverse events between different types of macrolides or route of administration.Taste disturbances were reported more often by participants taking macrolide antibiotics, although there were wide confidence intervals and moderate heterogeneity (OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.64 to 14.93; I² = 46%; low-quality evidence).Compared with participants taking placebo, those taking macrolides experienced hearing loss more often, however only four studies reported this outcome (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.70; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence).We did not find any evidence that macrolides caused more cardiac disorders (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.40; very low-quality evidence); hepatobiliary disorders (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.27 to 4.09; very low-quality evidence); or changes in liver enzymes (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.73 to 3.37; very low-quality evidence) compared to placebo.We did not find any evidence that appetite loss, dizziness, headache, respiratory symptoms, blood infections, skin and soft tissue infections, itching, or rashes were reported more often by participants treated with macrolides compared to placebo.Macrolides caused less cough (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.80; moderate-quality evidence) and fewer respiratory tract infections (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.80; moderate-quality evidence) compared to placebo, probably because these are not adverse events, but rather characteristics of the indications for the antibiotics. Less fever (OR 0.73, 95% 0.54 to 1.00; moderate-quality evidence) was also reported by participants taking macrolides compared to placebo, although these findings were non-significant.There was no increase in mortality in participants taking macrolides compared with placebo (OR 0.96, 95% 0.87 to 1.06; I² = 11%; low-quality evidence).Only 24 studies (13%) provided useful data on macrolide-resistant bacteria. Macrolide-resistant bacteria were more commonly identified among participants immediately after exposure to the antibiotic. However, differences in resistance thereafter were inconsistent.Pharmaceutical companies supplied the trial medication or funding, or both, for 91 trials.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The macrolides as a group clearly increased rates of gastrointestinal adverse events. Most trials made at least some statement about adverse events, such as "none were observed". However, few trials clearly listed adverse events as outcomes, reported on the methods used for eliciting adverse events, or even detailed the numbers of people who experienced adverse events in both the intervention and placebo group. This was especially true for the adverse event of bacterial resistance.

Incidence of disseminated Mycobacterium avium-complex infection in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy with use of Mycobacterium avium-complex prophylaxis

The incidence of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in HIV patients has fallen markedly since the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, current guidelines still recommend primary prophylaxis. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in a university-affiliated hospital from January 1998 to January 2014. During that period, HIV patients who had at least one CD4 cell count below 50 cells/mm³ and had been treated with ART were enrolled. We compared incidence of disseminated MAC infection in the 12 months after the first CD4 cell count below 50 cells/mm³ between prophylaxis and nonprophylaxis groups. A total of 157 patients were enrolled and the total observation period was 144 patient-years (PY). Thirty-three patients (21%) received primary MAC prophylaxis. The initial CD4 cell count of the prophylaxis group was lower than that of the nonprophylaxis group ( P = 0.024), but the proportion of patients who reached a CD4 cell count >100 cells/mm³ ( P = 0.234) and were virologically suppressed ( P = 0.513) 12 months after ART commencement was not different in the prophylaxis and nonprophylaxis groups. The incidence of MAC did not differ significantly between the groups (3.4/100 PY versus 0.8/100 PY, P = 0.368). Routine MAC prophylaxis may be not required in the era of effective ART.

Paradoxical Reactions and the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome

In HIV-infected individuals, paradoxical reactions after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are associated with a variety of underlying infections and have been called the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). In cases of IRIS associated with tuberculosis (TB), two distinct patterns of disease are recognized: (i) the progression of subclinical TB to clinical disease after the initiation of ART, referred to as unmasking, and (ii) the progression or appearance of new clinical and/or radiographic disease in patients with previously recognized TB after the initiation of ART, the classic or "paradoxical" TB-IRIS. IRIS can potentially occur in all granulomatous diseases, not just infectious ones. All granulomatous diseases are thought to result from interplay of inflammatory cells and mediators. One of the inflammatory cells thought to be integral to the development of the granuloma is the CD4 T lymphocyte. Therefore, HIV-infected patients with noninfectious granulomatous diseases such as sarcoidosis may also develop IRIS reactions. Here, we describe IRIS in HIV-infected patients with TB and sarcoidosis and review the basic clinical and immunological aspects of these phenomena.

Efficacy and safety of World Health Organization group 5 drugs for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment

The efficacy and toxicity of several drugs now used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have not been fully evaluated.

We searched three databases for studies assessing efficacy in MDR-TB or safety during prolonged treatment of any mycobacterial infections, of drugs classified by the World Health Organization as having uncertain efficacy for MDR-TB (group 5).

We included 83 out of 4002 studies identified. Evidence was inadequate for meropenem, imipenem and terizidone. For MDR-TB treatment, clarithromycin had no efficacy in two studies (risk difference (RD) −0.13, 95% CI −0.40–0.14) and amoxicillin–clavulanate had no efficacy in two other studies (RD 0.07, 95% CI −0.21–0.35). The largest number of studies described prolonged use for treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Azithromycin was not associated with excess serious adverse events (SAEs). Clarithromycin was not associated with excess SAEs in eight controlled trials in HIV-infected patients (RD 0.00, 95% CI −0.02–0.02), nor in six uncontrolled studies in HIV-uninfected patients, whereas six uncontrolled studies in HIV-infected patients clarithromycin caused substantial SAEs (proportion 0.20, 95% CI 0.12–0.27).

For most group 5 drugs we found inadequate evidence of safety for prolonged use or for efficacy for MDR-TB, although macrolides appeared to be safe in prolonged use.

Joint modeling of survival and longitudinal non-survival data: current methods and issues. Report of the DIA Bayesian joint modeling working group

Explicitly modeling underlying relationships between a survival endpoint and processes that generate longitudinal measured or reported outcomes potentially could improve the efficiency of clinical trials and provide greater insight into the various dimensions of the clinical effect of interventions included in the trials. Various strategies have been proposed for using longitudinal findings to elucidate intervention effects on clinical outcomes such as survival. The application of specifically Bayesian approaches for constructing models that address longitudinal and survival outcomes explicitly has been recently addressed in the literature. We review currently available methods for carrying out joint analyses, including issues of implementation and interpretation, identify software tools that can be used to carry out the necessary calculations, and review applications of the methodology.

Bacterial Infections in Adult HIV-Infected Patients

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article is to critically review articles published from the pre-HAART era to the present on bacterial infections in adult HIV-infected patients.

METHOD

Literature search on bacterial infections in HIV-infected patients yields predominantly small case series from single centers, many of which are retrospectively collected.

RESULTS

Variations in case selection limit the utility of these articles for assessing the epidemiology and clinical features of a particular infection. Nonetheless, numerous articles indicate that certain bacterial infections occur most often when CD4 cell counts are < 200/mm3. In the pre-HAART era, others suggest that PcP prophylaxis with TMP/SMX and MAC prophylaxis with macrolides reduced rates of several bacterial infections. Since the advent of HAART, however, some articles suggest that the incidence of various infections has declined and that withdrawal of OI prophylaxis in patients who have had HAART restoration of CD4 cell counts has not led to an increase in certain bacterial infections.

CONCLUSION

This review suggests that bacterial infections may have declined in the HAART era, as multicenter cohort studies have shown to be the case with AIDS-associated OIs. Nonetheless, preventive measures such as pneumococcal vaccination and smoking cessation remain effective strategies.

Cost-effectiveness of newer antiretroviral drugs in treatment-experienced patients with multidrug-resistant HIV disease

OBJECTIVE

Newer antiretroviral drugs provide substantial benefits but are expensive. The cost-effectiveness of using antiretroviral drugs in combination for patients with multidrug-resistant HIV disease was determined.

DESIGN

A cohort state-transition model was built representing treatment-experienced patients with low CD4 counts, high viral load levels, and multidrug-resistant virus. The effectiveness of newer drugs (those approved in 2005 or later) was estimated from published randomized trials. Other parameters were estimated from a randomized trial and from the literature. The model had a lifetime time horizon and used the perspective of an ideal insurer in the United States. The interventions were combination antiretroviral therapy, consisting of 2 newer drugs and 1 conventional drug, compared with 3 conventional drugs. Outcome measures were life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

Substituting newer antiretroviral drugs increased expected survival by 3.9 years in advanced HIV disease. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of newer, compared with conventional, antiretroviral drugs was $75,556/QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses showed that substituting only one newer antiretroviral drug cost $54,559 to $68,732/QALY, depending on assumptions about efficacy. Substituting 3 newer drugs cost $105,956 to $117,477/QALY. Cost-effectiveness ratios were higher if conventional drugs were not discontinued.

CONCLUSIONS

In treatment-experienced patients with advanced HIV disease, use of newer antiretroviral agents can be cost-effective, given a cost-effectiveness threshold in the range of $50,000 to $75,000 per QALY gained. Newer antiretroviral agents should be used in carefully selected patients for whom less expensive options are clearly inferior.

Interventions for the prevention of mycobacterium avium complex in adults and children with HIV

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is a common complication of advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) disease and is an independent predictor of mortality and shortened survival.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of interventions aimed at preventing MAC infection in adults and children with HIV infection.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library (search date December 2012).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing different strategies for preventing MAC infection in HIV-infected individuals.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed trial eligibility and quality, and extracted data. Where data were incomplete or unclear, a third reviewer resolved conflicts and/or trial authors were contacted for further details. Development of MAC infection and survival were compared using risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The quality of evidence has been assessed using the GRADE methodology.

MAIN RESULTS

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Placebo-controlled trials: There was no statistically significant difference between clofazimine and no treatment groups in the number of patients that developed MAC infection (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.37 to 2.80). Rifabutin (one study; RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.67), azithromycin (three studies; RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.74) and clarithromycin (one study; RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.58) were more effective than placebo in preventing the development of MAC infection. There was no statistically significant difference between those treated with clofazimine (one study; RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.41 to 2.32), rifabutin (one study RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.05), azithromycin (three studies, pooled RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.32) and placebo in number of reported deaths. One study found that the risk of death was reduced by 22% in patients treated with clarithromycin compared to those treated with placebo (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.64 to 0.96). Monotherapy vs. monotherapy: Patients treated with clarithromycin (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.89) and azithromycin (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.40 to 0.89) were 40% less likely to develop MAC infection than those treated with rifabutin. There was no statistically significant difference between those treated with clarithromycin (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.15), azithromycin (RR 0.98; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.24) and rifabutin in the number of reported deaths. Combination therapy versus monotherapy: There was no statistically significant difference between patients treated with a combination of rifabutin and clarithromycin and those treated with clarithromycin alone (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.46 to 1.20); and those treated with combination of rifabutin and azithromycin and those treated with azithromycin alone (RR 0.59; 95% CI 1.03). Patients treated with a combination of rifabutin plus clarithromycin were 56% less likely to develop MAC infection than those treated with rifabutin alone (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.69). Patients treated with a combination of rifabutin plus azithromycin were 65% less likely to develop MAC infection than those treated with rifabutin alone (RR 0.35; 95% CI 0.21 to 0.59). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of reported deaths in all the four different comparisons of prophylactic agents.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on limited data, azithromycin or clarithromycin appeared to be a prophylactic agent of choice for MAC infection. Further studies are needed, especially direct comparison of clarithromycin and azithromycin. In additions, studies that will compare different doses and regimens are needed.

Association of ongoing drug and alcohol use with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy and higher risk of AIDS and death: results from ACTG 362

Drug and alcohol use have been associated with a worse prognosis in short-term and cross-sectional analyses of HIV-infected populations, but longitudinal effects on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and clinical outcomes in advanced AIDS are less well characterized. We assessed self-reported drug and alcohol use in AIDS patients, and examined their association with non-adherence and death or disease progression in a multicenter observational study. We defined non-adherence as reporting missed ART doses in the 48 hours before study visits. The association between drug use and ART non-adherence was evaluated using repeated measures generalized estimating equation (GEE) models. The association between drug and alcohol use and time to new AIDS diagnosis or death was evaluated via Cox regression models, controlling for covariates including ART adherence. Of 643 participants enrolled between 1997 and 1999 and followed through 2007, at entry 39% reported ever using cocaine, 24% amphetamines, and 10% heroin. Ongoing drug use during study follow-up was reported by 9% using cocaine, 4% amphetamines, and 1% heroin. Hard drug (cocaine, amphetamines, or heroin) users had 2.1 times higher odds (p=0.001) of ART non-adherence in GEE models and 2.5 times higher risk (p=0.04) of AIDS progression or death in Cox models. Use of hard drugs was attenuated as a risk factor for AIDS progression or death after controlling for non-adherence during follow-up (HR = 2.11, p=0.08), but was still suggestive of a possible adherence-independent mechanism of harm. This study highlights the need to continuously screen and treat patients for drug use as a part of ongoing HIV care.

Cerebral Mycobacterium avium abscesses: Late immune reconstitution syndrome in an HIV-1-infected patient receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

A patient who developed an atypical manifestation of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection almost two years after starting effective highly active antiretroviral therapy is described. The recurrence, manifested as brain abscesses in the central nervous system, was an uncommon form of MAC disease usually reported postmortem. An increased CD4 cell count, localized and suppurative infection, and the absence of systemic evidence of infection were consistent with a late immune reconstitution syndrome. The present case report adds to the understanding of MAC disease in HIV-infected patients.

Fatal dual infection with Salmonella and Mycobacterium avium complex infection in a patient with advanced acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a case report

Non-typhoid Salmonella and Mycobacterium avium complex infections are part of the constellation of infections seen with increasing frequency in patients with acquired immuned deficiency syndrome. The incidence has reduced significantly since highly active antiretroviral therapy era, but their critical nature is unchanged. The co-existence of these infections and the accompanied increased mortality is presented in this case report.

Improvement in lipid profiles over 6 years of follow-up in adults with AIDS and immune reconstitution

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate long-term changes in lipids and to assess other coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in highly experienced AIDS patients with immune reconstitution, and to examine their association with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

We evaluated 433 AIDS patients with prior severe immunosuppression and ART-based immune reconstitution, followed in a multicentre prospective observational study between 2000 and 2006. We estimated the prevalence at entry of hypercholesterolaemia and metabolic syndrome, and 10-year CHD risks. Trends in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were evaluated over time, and use of specific ART drugs at each study visit was assessed using mixed effect models, adjusting for CHD risk factors and use of lipid-lowering agents.

RESULTS

At entry to observational follow-up, 28% of the 433 subjects had hypercholesterolaemia and 15% had a predicted 10-year CHD risk above 20%. Average TC and fasting TG levels declined over the follow-up period (median=5.8 years), and these declines were associated with increased use of physician-prescribed lipid-lowering agents and changes in ART regimens. After adjustment for CHD risk factors, TC and TG levels were significantly higher for those on ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors and those on nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), particularly efavirenz, than for other patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities in serum lipids were common at baseline but became less so over time, and this improvement was associated with increased use of lipid-lowering agents and selection of ART agents with less deleterious effects on lipids.

[Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) of the small bowel in an immunocompromised patient suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus and non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis]

An overwhelming immune reaction resulting in granulomatous inflammation after infection with opportunistic pathogens is termed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). It has mainly been described in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who show a significant increase of low CD4 T cells (initially <50/microl). IRIS may lead to organ damage and differential diagnosis is often difficult. We report the case of a 38-year-old female patient who developed a Mycobacteria genavense infection of the liver and the bowel after several immunosuppressive therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus. CD4 T cell counts as low as 17/microl were found and immunosuppressive therapy was stopped. Despite several courses of antibiotic treatment and rising CD4 T cell counts, severe malabsorption persisted. Upper endoscopy revealed a continuous inflammation with pseudopolyps of the small bowel and histologically, a granulomatous infiltrate was detected. After exclusion of a persisting infection by Mycobacteria genavense, IRIS of the small bowel was suspected and treatment with prednisolone was started. The clinical and histological picture improved significantly, the number of CD25(+)CD4(+) cells decreased in the lamina propria of the duodenum under treatment with prednisolone and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) accumulated around granulomas. This case shows that IRIS is not restricted to HIV patients but may also occur in otherwise immunosuppressed patients. Due to different treatment strategies, distinguishing IRIS from infectious diseases is essential. The role of Treg in IRIS has to be elucidated.

HIV suppression by HAART preserves cognitive function in advanced, immune-reconstituted AIDS patients

INTRODUCTION

HIV can damage neurons leading to cognitive impairment. Epidemiological observations suggest that neuropsychological impairment might progress despite successful HAART therapy, but available prevalence estimates are based on populations that were selected for impairment.

METHODS

Of 433 advanced AIDS patients with documented immune reconstitution (CD4 lymphocyte counts < 50 before and > 100 cells/microl after HAART), 286 had brief assessments of cognition (Trailmaking A/B and Digit Symbol Tests) at least once, no confounding neurological conditions, and available neuropsychological norms with comprehensive demographic corrections. At entry, most were immune reconstituted on HAART (median CD4 cell count 230 cells/microl) and HIV was suppressed (65% < 500; only 14% > 20 000 RNA copies/ml).

RESULTS

Over one quarter (27%) of participants exhibited impairment at their initial neuropsychological assessment, a rate nearly twice that expected in a normal (HIV-uninfected) reference population (14%). These impaired participants did not differ from the unimpaired group with respect to age, sex, education, race, CD4 lymphocyte counts, or HIV-RNA levels. Improved performance on neuropsychological tests was documented over a 2-year period 3-5 years after initiating HAART. This improvement was marginally associated with the continued or improving control of plasma HIV-RNA levels, but not with concurrent levels of immune recovery (CD4 lymphocyte counts).

CONCLUSION

Most advanced AIDS patients responding to HAART for prolonged periods have stable or improving cognition, but remain more likely to be impaired than the general population. During HAART, improving test performance probably reflects both practice effects and continuing neurological recovery after more than 3 years of HAART.

Functional impairment of CD4 T cells despite normalization of T cell number in HIV

Using an in vitro model, we demonstrate that when CD4 T cells from HIV infected subjects are enriched from total blood lymphocytes the immune response to antigen is augmented. However, augmentation of this response is confined to HIV infected subjects with relatively preserved CD4 T cell counts. Enriching for CD4 T cells had no effect on antigen responses in patients with low CD4 lymphocyte counts. These findings support the concept that CD4 T cells in late stage HIV have inherent qualitative defects.

Immunological recovery and antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infection

Potent antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved the prognosis of patients infected with HIV-1. Primary and secondary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii, Mycobacterium avium, cytomegalovirus, and other pathogens can be discontinued safely once CD4 cell counts have increased beyond pathogen-specific thresholds. Approximately one-third of individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy will not reach CD4 cell counts above 500 cells per muL after 5 years despite continuous suppression of plasma HIV-1 RNA. Whether this failure represents a risk factor for the long-term incidence of opportunistic diseases--eg, tuberculosis or malignancies--remains uncertain. We describe the time course of CD4 cell concentrations in patients whose plasma HIV-1 RNA is durably suppressed by antiretroviral therapy, in patients with incomplete suppression of plasma HIV-1 RNA, and during treatment interruptions. In addition, immune reconstitution disease, an inflammatory syndrome associated with immunological recovery occurring days to weeks after the start of antiretroviral therapy, is briefly described.

Tuberculosis among HIV-infected patients receiving HAART: long term incidence and risk factors in a South African cohort

OBJECTIVES

To determine the long-term incidence of tuberculosis (TB) and associated risk factors among individuals receiving HAART in South Africa.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Microbiologically or histologically confirmed incident TB was identified in a hospital-based cohort of 346 patients receiving HAART between 1996 and 2005 in Cape Town.

RESULTS

The TB incidence density rate was 3.5/100 person-years in the first year and significantly decreased during follow-up, reaching 1.01/100 person-years in the fifth year (P = 0.002 for trend). TB incidence during the study was highest among patients with baseline CD4 cell counts < 100 cells/microl and those with World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage 3 or 4 disease (5.71 and 3.88/100 person-years, respectively). Risk of TB was independently associated with CD4 cell count < 100 cells/microl (adjusted risk ratio [ARR], 2.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-5.60; P = 0.04), WHO stage 3 or 4 disease (ARR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.32-9.80; P = 0.01) and age < 33 years (ARR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.29-6.34; P = 0.01). Risk of TB was not independently associated with plasma viral load, previous history of TB, low socioeconomic status or sex. Despite similar virological responses to HAART, blood CD4 cell count increases were much smaller among patients who developed TB than among those who remained free of TB.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of TB continues to decrease during the first 5 years of HAART and so HAART may contribute more to TB control in low-income countries than was previously estimated from short-term follow-up. Patients with advanced pretreatment immunodeficiency had persistently increased risk of TB during HAART; this may reflect limited capacity for immune restoration among such patients.

[Immune reconstitution syndrome and mycobacterial disease during highly active antiretroviral therapy. Retrospective study of six cases]

INTRODUCTION

Soon after starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), some patients experience clinical deterioration due to the reactivation of their immune system. Mycobacteria are the principal agents complicating this immune reconstitution period.

CASES

A retrospective examination of patients with mycobacterial disease before or shortly after beginning HAART at Grenoble University Hospital from January 2001 through July 2004 identified six subjects (among 650 outpatients per year) with a new or aggravated mycobacterial disease after starting HAART. Clinical manifestations were: adenopathy (4/6), hyperthermia (3/6), thoracic pain (2/6), abscess (2/6), and neurological deterioration (1/6).

DISCUSSION

Severely immunosuppressed patients who begin HAART may reactivate or aggravate a mycobacterial disease such as tuberculosis. In such cases, current recommendations call for continuing HAART, beginning or continuing the antimycobacterial therapy, and considering corticosteroids on a case-by-case basis. For patients with AIDS, opportunistic infections that might be reactivated should be actively sought before HAART.

Discontinuation of Primary Prophylaxis against Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection in HIV-Infected Persons Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy: Observations from a Large National Cohort in the United States, 1992-2002

In a large, diverse cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons receiving routine care, the proportion of eligible persons who discontinued primary prophylaxis against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, according to guidelines of the US Public Health Service and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, increased from 16.7% (in 1996) to 84.9% (in 2002). The discontinuation of primary prophylaxis was not associated with an increased risk of disseminated MAC infection.

How effectively does HAART restore immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis? Implications for tuberculosis control

Use of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) has had a major impact on HIV-associated morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries. Access to HAART is now expanding in low-income countries where tuberculosis (TB) is the most important opportunistic disease. The incidence of TB has been fueled by the HIV epidemic and in many countries with high HIV prevalence current TB control measures are failing. HAART reduces the incidence of TB in treated cohorts by approximately 80% and therefore potentially has an important role in TB control in such countries. However, despite the huge beneficial effect of HAART, rates of TB among treated patients nevertheless remain persistently higher than among HIV-negative individuals. This observation raises the important question as to whether immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) are completely or only partially restored during HAART. Current data suggest that full restoration of circulating CD4 cell numbers occurs only among a minority of patients and that, even among these, phenotypic abnormalities and functional defects in lymphocyte subsets often persist. Suboptimal restoration of MTB-specific immune responses may greatly reduce the extent to which HAART is able to contribute to TB control at the community level because patients receiving HAART live much longer and yet would maintain a chronically heightened risk of TB.

Immune reconstitution disease associated with mycobacterial infections in HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretrovirals

Immune reconstitution disease (IRD) in HIV-infected patients is an adverse consequence of the restoration of pathogen-specific immune responses during the initial months of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Previously subclinical infections are "unmasked" or pre-existing opportunistic infections clinically deteriorate as host immunopathological inflammatory responses are "switched on". IRD is most frequently associated with mycobacterial infections. Our literature search identified 166 published cases of IRD associated with mycobacterial infections. We review the underlying immunological mechanisms, difficulties surrounding case definition and diagnosis, the wide diversity of clinical manifestations, and treatment. The importance of screening patients for mycobacterial disease before starting HAART and the critical impact of the timing of commencement of HAART in patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis are highlighted. We also discuss the problem of IRD associated with mycobacterial diseases in developing countries where tuberculosis prevalence is high and access to HAART is currently expanding.

[Pediatric infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria]

During the last few years, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been isolated with increasing frequency in our environment. However, there are only a few reports of pediatric NTM infections in Spain (13 articles since 1990). This article presents an update of the epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and treatment of these infections in children. The most frequent clinical syndromes caused by NTM include lymphadenitis, pulmonary and disseminated infections in immunocompromised children. NTM cervical adenitis usually causes chronic infection associated with sinus tract formation and scarring. The treatment of choice is surgical excision of the involved node. Incision and drainage of the enlarged node should be avoided because it can lead to chronic drainage or sinus tract formation. Medical treatment with azithromycin or clarithromycin associated with rifabutin, ethambutol or ciprofloxacin should be reserved for cases in which the family refuses surgery, a recurrence occurs or complete excision is impossible. Pulmonary disease caused by NTM is relatively rare in immunocompetent children, but is increasingly reported in children with cystic fibrosis. In these patients, the clinical significance of the presence of NTM in the sputum is unclear. The persistence of positive cultures, especially if bacilloscopy is positive and the patient shows clinical evidence of pulmonary disease exacerbation, is an indication to start treatment. Disseminated infection caused by NTM can appear in patients with severe immunodepression, especially in HIV-infected children with CD4 cell counts of less than 100 cells/mm3. Early antibiotic therapy with at least three drugs including a macrolide, and immune recovery with aggressive antiretroviral therapy are the keys to improving quality of life and survival in these patients.

The rate of serious bacterial infections among HIV-infected children with immune reconstitution who have discontinued opportunistic infection prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

Receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with a decrease in the incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) among HIV-infected adults. The goal of Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol 1008 was to evaluate prospectively the incidence of serious bacterial infections (SBIs) and other OIs after discontinuation of OI and/or Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis among HIV-infected pediatric subjects who experienced immune reconstitution while receiving stable antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

HIV-infected children and adolescents, 2 to 21 years of age, who had received OI and/or PCP prophylaxis for > or =6 months were enrolled if they had sustained responses (>16 weeks before study entry) to antiretroviral therapy, with CD4+ cell percentages of > or =20% for patients >6 years of age or > or =25% for patients 2 to 6 years of age. Prophylaxis was discontinued at entry. To identify whether any correlation existed between functional immune reconstitution and protection from OIs, subjects were immunized with the hepatitis A virus vaccine. The association between the humoral immune response and the likelihood of developing an OI was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 235 HIV-infected subjects from 43 participating sites had a median follow-up period of 132 weeks, yielding 547 person-years of observation. Twenty SBIs were observed among 19 subjects, resulting in an incidence rate of 3.66 SBIs per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 2.24-5.66 SBIs per 100 person-years). Sixteen of the events were presumed bacterial pneumonia, with 4 proven SBIs. One participant experienced 2 separate pneumonia episodes, of presumed bacterial cause. Ten subjects who developed SBIs had baseline CD4+ cell counts of > or =750 cells per mm3, and 15 had CD4+ cell percentages of > or =25% at the time of their SBIs. Two subjects died as a result of non-SBI-related causes. There were no statistically significant differences in changes over time in CD4+ cell counts or CD4+ cell percentages between subjects who experienced primary end points and those who did not. There was no evidence that baseline protease inhibitor use, gender, race/ethnicity, age, or CD4+ cell count or percentage affected the time to development of a SBI.

CONCLUSIONS

OI or PCP prophylaxis can be withdrawn safely for HIV-infected pediatric patients who experience CD4+ cell recovery while receiving stable antiretroviral therapy. More studies are needed to assess the association between antibody responses to neoantigens and the development of SBIs.

Incidence and risk factors for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome during highly active antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

There is little systematic information regarding the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence, risk factors, and long-term outcome of IRIS in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who were coinfected with one of three common opportunistic pathogens.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort identified through a city-wide prospective surveillance program.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for 180 HIV-infected patients who received HAART and were coinfected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex, or Cryptococcus neoformans between 1997 and 2000. Medical records were reviewed for baseline demographics, receipt and type of HAART, response to antiretroviral therapy, development of IRIS, and long-term outcome.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 31.7% of patients who received HAART developed IRIS. Patients with IRIS were more likely to have initiated HAART nearer to the time of diagnosis of their opportunistic infection (P < 0.001), to have been antiretroviral naive at time of diagnosis of their opportunistic infection (P < 0.001), and to have a more rapid initial fall in HIV-1 RNA level in response to HAART (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

IRIS is common among HIV-infected persons coinfected with M. tuberculosis, M. avium complex, or C. neoformans. Antiretroviral drug-naive patients who start HAART in close proximity to the diagnosis of an opportunistic infection and have a rapid decline in HIV-1 RNA level should be monitored for development of this disorder.

[Treatment and prophylaxis of opportunistic infections in the course of HIV disease: a state of the art in 2004. Part 2: Viral, fungal and bacterial infections]

Remarkable progress has been made in antiretroviral therapeutics, as well as in the prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections, since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. The patient's life expectancy and quality of life have consequently improved, thanks to better management of opportunistic diseases. The introduction of protease inhibitors-containing regimen (i.e. highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART), since 1996, has drastically reduced the incidence of opportunistic infections by restoring immunity. The large panel of antiretroviral drugs responsible for frequent sustained viral and immune responses has thus allowed a new definition of guidelines for the prophylaxis and treatment of opportunistic infections. A better use of prophylactic drugs should help to reduce the risk of drug-related toxicity and pharmaceutical interactions. It should also decrease the cost of HIV management and eventually increase compliance to treatment and quality of life.

Long-Term Follow-Up of HIV-Infected Individuals Who Have Significant Increases in CD4+ Cell Counts during Antiretroviral Therapy

BACKGROUND

Descriptions of the durability and consequences of immune reconstitution in patients who start highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) while severely immunosuppressed are limited.

METHODS

Patients with previous CD4+ cell counts <50 cells/mm3, all of whom had HAART-induced increases in CD4+ cell counts of >100 cells/mm3 on 2 separate occasions (measured sequentially at least 4 weeks apart), were enrolled in a prospective trial and observed every 16-32 weeks. Evaluations included assessments for new opportunistic complications, virologic (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] RNA load) and immunologic (CD4+ cell count) responses, or death.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration for 612 subjects was 184 weeks (range, 8-216 weeks). The rate of increase in CD4+ cell counts was approximately 5.9 cells/mm3 every 8 weeks, with the degree of increase associated with the baseline HIV RNA load (<500 vs. > or =500 copies/mL). Subsequent measurements of virologic suppression based on HIV RNA levels were also associated with predicted CD4+ cell responses. Thirty-three AIDS-defining illnesses were reported (1.75 events per 100 person-years of follow-up); >40% (14 cases) occurred with higher than expected CD4+ cell counts.

CONCLUSIONS

CD4+ cell count increases are related to virological control, with continuing increases seen in individuals who are immunosuppressed. Opportunistic illnesses and/or complications are infrequent but can occur at any time, even in patients who maintained an elevated CD4+ cell count.

Impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on incidence and management of human immunodeficiency virus-related opportunistic infections

We review the changes in incidences of HIV-related opportunistic infections and the safety of discontinuation of primary and secondary prophylaxis for HIV-related opportunistic infections in patients achieving immune restoration after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HIV-related opportunistic infections continue to occur in patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV infection, those in the early course of HAART or non-adherent to HIV care and HAART, and those in whom non-HIV-related infections have emerged as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the post-HAART era. Clinical studies of patients with tuberculosis and HIV co-infection are reviewed to provide appropriate regimen combinations of rifamycins and antiretrovirals, which have varying degrees of drug-drug interactions that have posed challenges in the management of tuberculosis as well as HIV infection.

Mycobacterium avium complex in patients with HIV infection in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is a common complication of late-stage HIV-1 infection. Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the rate of MAC infection has declined substantially, but patients with low CD4 cell counts remain at risk. Among patients in the Johns Hopkins cohort with advanced HIV disease, the proportion developing MAC has fallen from 16% before 1996 to 4% after 1996, with a current rate of less than 1% per year. Factors associated with developing MAC include younger age, no use of HAART, and enrollment before 1996. Prophylaxis with azithromycin or clarithromycin is recommended for all patients with CD4 counts less than 50 cells/mL. Optimum treatment for disseminated MAC includes clarithromycin and ethambutol, and another investigation suggests that the addition of rifabutin might reduce mortality. Both prophylaxis and treatment of disseminated MAC can be discontinued in patients who have responded to HAART, and specific guidelines for withdrawing treatment have been published. Although HAART has altered the frequency and outcome of MAC infection, it remains an important complication of AIDS.

Disseminated mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) infection in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy: is prophylaxis still indicated?

Before highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) were available for the treatment of persons with HIV infection, disseminated Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) infection was one of the most common opportunistic infections that affected people living with AIDS. Routine use of chemoprophylaxis with a macrolide has been advocated in guidelines for the treatment of HIV-infected individuals if they have a circulating CD4+ cell count of < or =50 cells/microL. In addition, lifelong prophylaxis for disease recurrence has been recommended for those with a history of disseminated MAC infection. The introduction of HAART has resulted in a remarkable decline in the incidence of opportunistic infections and death among persons living with AIDS. Considerable reconstitution of functional immune responses against opportunistic infections can be achieved with HAART. In the case of infection with MAC, there has been a substantial reduction in the incidence of disseminated infections in the HAART era, even in countries where the use of MAC prophylaxis was never widely accepted. Moreover, the clinical picture of MAC infections in patients treated with potent antiretroviral therapies has shifted from a disseminated disease with bacteraemia to a localised infection, presenting most often with lymphadenopathy and osteomyelitis. Data from several recently conducted randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials led to the current practice of discontinuing primary and secondary prophylaxis against disseminated MAC infections at stable CD4+ cell counts >100 cells/microL. These recommendations are still conservative as primary or secondary disseminated MAC infections are only rarely seen in patients who respond to HAART, despite treatment initiation at very low CD4+ cell counts. Potential adverse effects of macrolide therapy and drug interactions with antiretrovirals also metabolised via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system must be critically weighed against the marginal benefit that MAC prophylaxis may provide in addition to treatment with HAART. These authors feel that, unless patients who initiate HAART at low CD4+ cell counts do not respond to HIV-treatment, routine MAC prophylaxis should not be recommended. Nevertheless, the patient population for whom MAC prophylaxis may still be indicated in the era of HAART needs to be identified in prospectively designed clinical trials.

A prospective multicentre study of discontinuing prophylaxis for opportunistic infections after effective antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the medium-term safety of discontinuing prophylaxis (primary or secondary) for opportunistic infections following an effective response to antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

Participating clinical sites prospectively identified patients in whom the discontinuation of prophylaxis for any opportunistic infection was considered to be clinically indicated, although CD4 levels were not predefined. A follow-up report was subsequently sent every 6 months requesting information on changes in prophylaxis, antiretroviral drugs, new AIDS-defining events, and CD4 cell count results.

RESULTS

Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) was withdrawn in 524 patients (426 primary and 98 secondary prophylaxis), prophylaxis for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) was withdrawn in 28 patients (13 primary and 15 secondary), and prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis was withdrawn in 10 patients. CD4 counts were generally maintained above accepted prophylaxis threshold levels during the period of follow up (95-98% of the time). Total follow up to last report or re-continuation of prophylaxis was 680 and 144 person-years for patients discontinuing primary and secondary PCP prophylaxis, respectively. No cases of PCP were reported, giving incidence rates of 0.0 (upper 95% confidence limit 0.4) and 0.0 (2.1) per 100 person-years. No cases of MAC were reported, but one patient had a recurrence of CMV retinitis. PCP prophylaxis was restarted in 30 patients; no patients restarted MAC or CMV prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies have demonstrated a low risk of PCP in the short term following the withdrawal of prophylaxis in patients who have responded well to antiretroviral therapy. The present study suggests a continuing low level of risk with extended follow up, provided adequate CD4 count levels are maintained. The case of recurrent CMV retinitis in a patient with impressive immunological and virological response indicates the need for close monitoring of patients previously diagnosed with this condition.

Safety of Discontinuation of Maintenance Therapy for Disseminated Histoplasmosis after Immunologic Response to Antiretroviral Therapy

We performed a prospective observational study to assess the safety of stopping maintenance therapy for disseminated histoplasmosis among human immunodeficiency virus infected patients after response to antiretroviral therapy. All subjects received at least 12 months of antifungal therapy and 6 months of antiretroviral therapy before entry. Negative results of fungal blood cultures, urine and serum Histoplasma antigen level of <4.1 units, and CD4+ T cell count of >150 cells/mm3 were required for eligibility. Thirty-two subjects were enrolled; the median CD4+ T cell count at study entry was 289 cells/mm3. No relapses of histoplasmosis occurred after a median duration of follow-up of 24 months. This corresponded to an observed relapse rate of 0 cases per 65 person-years. The median CD4+ T cell count at final study visit was 338 cells/mm3. Discontinuation of antifungal maintenance therapy appears to be safe for patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with previously treated disseminated histoplasmosis and sustained immunologic improvement in response to antiretroviral therapy.

Immune reconstitution in HIV-infected patients

The prognosis of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 has dramatically improved since the advent of potent antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), which have enabled sustained suppression of HIV replication and recovery of CD4 T cell counts. Knowledge of the function of CD4 T cells in immune reconstitution was derived from large clinical studies demonstrating that primary and secondary prophylaxis against infectious agents, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii (Pneumocystis carinii), Mycobacterium avium complex, cytomegalovirus, and other pathogens, can be discontinued safely once CD4 T cell counts have increased beyond pathogen-specific threshold levels (usually >200 CD4 T cells/mm3) for 3-6 months. The downside of immune reconstitution is an inflammatory syndrome occurring days to months after the start of ART, with outcomes ranging from minimal morbidity to fatal progression. This syndrome can be elicited by infectious and noninfectious antigens. Microbiologically, the possible pathogenic pathways involve recognition of antigens associated with ongoing infection or recognition of persisting antigens associated with past (nonreplicating) infection. Specific antimicrobial therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and/or steroids for managing immune reconstitution syndrome should be considered.

Discontinuation of maintenance therapy for cryptococcal meningitis in patients with AIDS treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy: an international observational study

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study evaluating the safety of discontinuing maintenance therapy for cryptococcal meningitis after immune reconstitution. Inclusion criteria were a previous definitive diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis, a CD4 cell count of >100 cells/microL while receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and the subsequent discontinuation of maintenance therapy for cryptococcal meningitis. The primary end point was relapse of cryptococcal disease. As of July 2002, 100 patients were enrolled. When maintenance therapy was discontinued, the median CD4 cell count was 259 cells/microL and the median plasma virus load was <2.30 log10 copies/mL, and serum cryptococcal antigen was undetectable in 56 patients. During a median follow-up period of 28.4 months (range, 6.7-64.5; 262 person-years), 4 events were observed (incidence, 1.53 events per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval, 0.42-3.92). Three of these patients had a CD4 cell count of >100 cells/microL and a positive serum cryptococcal antigen test result during the recurrent episode. In conclusion, discontinuation of maintenance therapy for cryptococcal meningitis is safe if the CD4 cell count increases to >100 cells/microL while receiving HAART. Recurrent cryptococcal infection should be suspected in patients whose serum cryptococcal antigen test results revert back to positive after discontinuation of maintenance therapy.

A prospective, randomized trial examining the efficacy and safety of clarithromycin in combination with ethambutol, rifabutin, or both for the treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex disease in persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

This multicenter, randomized, open-label phase 3 clinical trial compared the safety and efficacy of 3 clarithromycin-containing combination regimens for the treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A total of 160 eligible patients with bacteremic MAC disease were randomized to receive clarithromycin with either ethambutol (C+E), rifabutin (C+R), or both (C+E+R) for 48 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, the proportion of subjects with a complete microbiologic response was not statistically significantly different among treatment arms: the proportion was 40% in the C+E group, 42% in the C+R group, and 51% in the C+E+R group (P=.454). The proportion of patients with complete or partial responses who experienced a relapse while receiving C+R (24%) was significantly higher than that of patients receiving C+E+R (6%; P=.027) and marginally higher than that of patients receiving C+E (7%; P=.057). Subjects in the C+E+R group had improved survival, compared with the C+E group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23-0.83) and the C+R group (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.26-0.92).

Atypical toxoplasmic manifestation after discontinuation of maintenance therapy in a human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patient with immune recovery

We describe an HIV-infected man with recurrence of a toxoplasmic manifestation, despite immune reconstitution during highly active antiretroviral therapy. This atypical recurrence was more likely to be a reinfection than a reactivation, as attested by the genotypic analysis of the Toxoplasma gondii strain recovered from the patient.