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Biomedical subjects

C A Benson

Publications and source records attributed to C A Benson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The effect of bilateral fetal adrenalectomy on fluid balance in the ovine fetus.

1. Bilaterally adrenalectomized adult sheep, taken off replacement therapy, exhibit decreased plasma sodium, and increased plasma potassium, urinary sodium excretion and urinary sodium:potassium ratio. The hypothesis tested was that these effects would not be seen in adrenalectomized ovine fetuses, due to the mother being the major regulator of fetal fluid balance. 2. The fetuses of seven Merino ewes were bilaterally adrenalectomized at 120 +/- 0.3 days of gestation (term is 150 days) and a bladder cannula inserted. Urine flow and composition were measured six times between 125 and 142 days of gestation, and compared with results in seven control fetuses at the same gestational ages. At between 142 and 145 days of gestation, blood samples were taken from the ewe and fetus, they were killed and the volume and composition of amniotic and allantoic fluids measured. 3. Adrenalectomized fetuses had significantly lower (P < 0.05) plasma aldosterone concentration than that observed in intact fetuses (adrenalectomized, 92 +/- 16 pmol l-1; intact, 224 +/- 46 pmol l-1; P < 0.001). Plasma cortisol level was also lower (adrenalectomized, 8.6 +/- 1.4 nmol l-1; intact, 110.3 +/- 24.8 nmol l-1). Maternal plasma steroids were similar in both groups. 4. There were no significant differences in fetal urine flow rate, osmolality or composition until 139-142 days of gestation. At this time urine sodium:potassium ratio was significantly greater in adrenalectomized (P < 0.05) than intact fetuses. 5. There were no significant differences in maternal or fetal plasma solutes in the two groups and only minor alterations in the volume and composition of amniotic and allantoic fluid. The conclusion is that the major determinant of fetal fluid and electrolyte balance is placental transfer of water and electrolytes from the mother.

Adrenal Cortex↗

Oral ganciclovir as maintenance treatment for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS. Syntex Cooperative Oral Ganciclovir Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus retinitis, a sight-threatening infection associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), currently requires lifelong intravenous treatment. An effective oral treatment would be an important advance. METHODS: We compared oral with intravenous ganciclovir in an open-label, randomized study in patients with AIDS and newly diagnosed, stable cytomegalovirus retinitis (the disease was stabilized by three weeks of treatment with intravenous ganciclovir). Sixty subjects were randomly assigned to maintenance therapy with intravenous ganciclovir at a dose of 5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily, and 63 to maintenance therapy with oral ganciclovir at a dose of 3000 mg daily. The subjects were followed for up to 20 weeks, with photography of the fundi conducted every other week. The photographs were evaluated at the completion of the study by an experienced grader who was unaware of the subjects' treatment assignments. RESULTS: Efficacy could be evaluated in 117 subjects; photographs were ungradable for 2 of the 117. On the basis of the masked assessment of photographs from 115 subjects, the mean time to the progression of retinitis was 62 days in those given intravenous ganciclovir and 57 days in those given oral ganciclovir (P = 0.63; relative risk [oral vs. intravenous], 1.08; 95 percent confidence interval for the difference in means, -22 to +12 days). On the basis of funduscopy by ophthalmologists who were aware of the subjects' treatment assignments, the mean time to progression was 96 days in subjects given intravenous ganciclovir and 68 days in subjects given oral ganciclovir (P = 0.03; relative risk [oral vs. intravenous], 1.68; 95 percent confidence interval for the difference in means, -45 to -11 days). Survival, changes in visual acuity, the incidence of viral shedding, and the incidence of adverse gastrointestinal events were similar in the two groups. Neutropenia, anemia, intravenous-catheter-related adverse events, and sepsis were more common in the group given intravenous ganciclovir. CONCLUSIONS: Oral ganciclovir is safe and effective as maintenance therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis and is more convenient for patients to take than intravenous ganciclovir.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

HIV infection in women: an observational study of clinical characteristics, disease progression, and survival for a cohort of women in Chicago.

To further characterize the natural history of HIV infection in women in the antiretroviral era, we performed a longitudinal, descriptive analysis of demographic features, clinical characteristics, patterns of antiretroviral and prophylactic therapy, disease progression, and survival in a cohort of women followed at a university medical center from 1986 to 1992. Eighty-two women (39 white [non-Hispanic], 33 African-American, 10 Hispanic) were followed for a median of 13 months (range 3-61 months). Sixty-two women received antiretroviral therapy, 34 through participation in a clinical trial. Candida esophagitis and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were the most common AIDS-defining conditions, accounting for 77% of all initial AIDS-defining diagnoses. Gynecologic complications affected 34 women (41%) and included recurrent Candida vaginitis in 26, abnormal PAP smears/cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in 10, and recurrent genital herpes simplex virus disease in seven. Median survival (Kaplan-Meier) from the time of HIV serodiagnosis was > 59 months; median survival following an AIDS diagnosis was 27 months. No survival differences were detected based on race, insurance status, or mode of HIV transmission. Women who participated in antiretroviral therapy clinical trials had a statistically significantly longer duration of survival compared with nonparticipants. Candida infections and gynecologic diseases were common in this population. Overall survival was similar to that reported for men.

Adult↗

Preventing disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is an important late-stage complication of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Since MAC is widely dispersed in the environment, the source of infection for patients with disseminated MAC generally cannot be determined. Therefore, specific recommendations for avoiding exposure are not supported at this time. Routine screening of stools and sputum to detect MAC colonization as a means of targeting prophylaxis for disseminated disease is also not recommended at present. Two randomized, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated that prophylactic use of rifabutin in persons with low CD4 lymphocyte counts results in a 50% decrease in MAC bacteremia as well as a reduction in some signs, symptoms, and laboratory abnormalities associated with MAC disease. Thus a prophylactic daily dose of rifabutin (300 mg) should be considered for adults who have had a previous AIDS-defining opportunistic illness and who have a CD4 lymphocyte count of < 75/microL. Many experts would consider prophylaxis appropriate only when the CD4 lymphocyte count is < 50/microL, particularly when there has not been a previous AIDS-defining opportunistic infection. Clinicians should be aware of drug interactions and potential adverse effects associated with the use of rifabutin. Preliminary reports of randomized, placebo-controlled trials suggest that chemoprophylaxis with clarithromycin is also effective in the prevention of disseminated MAC disease, and evaluation of other agents is under way. Prophylaxis for disseminated MAC infection in children has not been evaluated but is presumed to be as effective as that in adults. Decisions regarding initiation of MAC chemoprophylaxis should be individualized.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Postantibiotic effect of clarithromycin alone and combined with ethambutol against Mycobacterium avium complex.

The postantibiotic effect (PAE) of clarithromycin alone and in combination with ethambutol was determined for two clinical blood isolates of Mycobacterium avium complex. An average PAE, ranging from 5.5 to 18.0 h, was noted for each isolate at each clarithromycin concentration except when isolate B was exposed to clarithromycin at the MIC. The addition of ethambutol did not enhance the PAE observed with clarithromycin alone. The clinical implications of the PAE of clarithromycin for M. avium complex remain to be determined.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Clarithromycin therapy for bacteremic Mycobacterium avium complex disease. A randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study in patients with AIDS. AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocol 157 Study Team.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antimicrobial activity and tolerability of clarithromycin for treating bacteremic Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging study. SETTING: Outpatient clinics. PATIENTS: 154 patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and blood cultures positive for M. avium complex who had symptomatic disease. INTERVENTIONS: Random assignment to clarithromycin at dosages of 500 mg, 1000 mg, or 2000 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Median number of colony-forming units of M. avium complex per milliliter of blood. RESULTS: Clarithromycin decreased mycobacterial CFUs from 2.7 to 2.8 log 10/mL of blood at baseline to less than 0 log 10/mL during follow-up (P < 0.0001). After 2 weeks, patients receiving 500 mg twice daily were less likely to be culture negative than were patients receiving 1000 or 2000 mg twice daily (11% compared with 33% or 29%; P = 0.08). At 6 weeks, the median number of CFUs of M. avium complex/mL of blood was 0 or 1 for all three groups. Clarithromycin-resistant isolates of M. avium complex developed in 46% of patients at a median of 16 weeks. Median survival was longer in patients assigned to 500 mg twice daily (median, 249 days) than in patients assigned to 1000 mg or 2000 mg. Death in the first 12 weeks was lowest in the 500-mg group (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Clarithromycin therapy acutely decreased M. avium complex bacteremia in patients with HIV infection by more than 99%. Clarithromycin, 500 mg twice daily, was well tolerated and associated with better survival. Emergence of clarithromycin-resistant organisms was an important problem.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Disease due to the Mycobacterium avium complex in patients with AIDS: epidemiology and clinical syndrome.

Infection due to the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the most common opportunistic disease of bacterial origin among patients with AIDS in the United States. The incidence of disseminated disease due to MAC (DMAC) has risen dramatically in recent years. The risk of developing DMAC increases as the CD4+ lymphocyte count declines to < 100/mm3. Preliminary analyses of several studies suggest that gender, racial or ethnic group, and individual risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection do not influence the incidence of DMAC but that prior Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, the development of severe anemia, or the interruption of antiretroviral therapy may increase risk. Both the respiratory and the gastrointestinal tracts probably serve as portals of entry for MAC. Colonization may potentiate the risk of DMAC but does not always precede dissemination. Patients with AIDS and DMAC have a shorter duration of survival than do those with AIDS but without DMAC. While treatment for DMAC may extend survival, no well-controlled, prospective, randomized clinical trial has documented this point. Most patients with AIDS and DMAC have disseminated multiorgan disease; the most frequently described symptoms include fever, night sweats, weight loss or wasting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The most commonly identified laboratory abnormalities are anemia and elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase. Localized disease syndromes related to MAC infection occur less often.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Treatment of disseminated disease due to the Mycobacterium avium complex in patients with AIDS.

Perhaps the most important recent advance in the field of infections due to the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is the identification and development of more effective agents for the treatment and prevention of disseminated disease. These agents include clarithromycin, azithromycin, rifabutin and other rifamycins, ethambutol, clofazimine, fluoroquinolones, amikacin, and liposome-encapsulated gentamicin. Most clinicians currently use multidrug therapy to maximize efficacy and to minimize the emergence of resistance. Prospective clinical trials of multidrug regimens suggest that MAC colony counts in blood decline during therapy, usually with alleviation of clinical symptoms. The small size and short duration of these trials have not permitted an evaluation of survival or quality of life. Because the contribution of any single agent to multidrug trials is difficult to assess, short-term trials of monotherapy have been conducted recently; clarithromycin, azithromycin, ethambutol, and liposome-encapsulated gentamicin have been most active. Rifabutin and rifampin, clofazimine, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin may contribute to the efficacy of multidrug regimens. Current recommendations include the following: (1) disseminated MAC disease should be treated in patients with AIDS; (2) initial treatment should consist of at least two agents; (3) oral clarithromycin or azithromycin is the preferred first agent; (4) ethambutol is the most rational choice for the second agent; and (5) in appropriate cases, additional agents (rifampin or rifabutin, clofazimine, ciprofloxacin, or parenteral amikacin) may be added. Therapy should continue for life.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Mycobacterium avium complex infection and AIDS: advances in theory and practice.

The role of disseminated infection with the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) in the natural history of AIDS has been controversial. It is now clear that this complication of immunosuppression induced by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has a major impact upon the quality of life and duration of survival of patients with advanced HIV-1 infection. Progress has been made in our understanding of the bacteriology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of MAC infection. Drs. Constance Benson and Jerrold Ellner (of Rush Medical College in Chicago and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, respectively) have led the effort by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group to develop new methods of managing this serious complication of advanced HIV-1 infection. In this AIDS commentary they review our current knowledge of MAC organisms and the clinical problems resulting from infection with these mycobacteria.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

A randomized, controlled study of intravenous ganciclovir therapy for cytomegalovirus peripheral retinitis in patients with AIDS. AIDS Clinical Trials Group and Cytomegalovirus Cooperative Study Group.

This prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous ganciclovir for the treatment of peripheral cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either immediate treatment, intravenous ganciclovir, 5 mg/kg twice daily for 14 days followed by 5 mg/kg once daily for 14 weeks, or deferred treatment. Patients randomized to deferred treatment whose retinitis progressed were offered ganciclovir. Of the 22 patients randomized to deferred treatment who were included in the final analysis, 20 were found to have progressive CMV retinitis compared with 10 of the 13 randomized to immediate treatment. The median time to progression in the deferred treatment group, as determined by a masked fundus photography reading center, was 13.5 days compared with 49.5 days in the immediate treatment group (mean +/- SD, 19.3 +/- 4.1 vs. 66.4 +/- 14.0; P = .001, log rank test). These data indicate that ganciclovir delays the progression of CMV peripheral retinitis in persons with AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

In vitro susceptibility of Borrelia burgdorferi to 11 antimicrobial agents.

The in vitro susceptibility of Borrelia burgdorferi to 11 antimicrobial agents was investigated. The antimicrobial agents evaluated included ceftizoxime, FK037, cefotaxime, dirithromycin, clarithromycin and its metabolite 14-hydroxy-clarithromycin, erythromycin, doxycycline, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and ofloxacin. Isolates of B. burgdorferi tested included two reference strains (B31 and ATCC 53899), six isolates from the midwestern United States, and three from Europe. A broth macrodilution method was used to determine MICs and MBCs. B. burgdorferi was inhibited by < or = 0.5 micrograms of each of the agents except the quinolones per ml. The MBCs for 90% of strains tested of ceftizoxime, FK037, clarithromycin, 14-OH clarithromycin, and dirithromycin (< or = 1.0 microgram of each per ml) were superior to those of amoxicillin (2.0 micrograms/ml) and doxycycline (4.0 micrograms/ml). Further in vivo studies are warranted to determine whether these agents may be efficacious in the treatment of Lyme borreliosis.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of anemia associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and zidovudine therapy. Overview of four clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) on anemia in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who are receiving zidovudine therapy. DESIGN: Combined analysis of four 12-week, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials. SETTING: Multiple centers in the United States. PATIENTS: Two hundred and ninety-seven anemic (hematocrit < 30%) patients with AIDS who were receiving zidovudine therapy. Of the 297 patients, 255 were evaluable for efficacy, but all patients were included in analysis of safety. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either r-HuEPO (100 to 200 U/kg body weight) or placebo, intravenously or subcutaneously, three times per week for up to 12 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Changes in mean hematocrit, transfusion requirement, and quality of life. RESULTS: Sixty-nine percent of patients had endogenous serum erythropoietin levels less than or equal to 500 IU/L, and 31% had erythropoietin levels greater than 500 IU/L. In patients with low erythropoietin levels (< or equal to 500 IU/l), r-HuEPO therapy decreased the mean number of units of blood transfused per patient when compared with placebo (3.2 units and 5.3 units, respectively; P = 0.003) and increased the mean hematocrit from the baseline level (4.6 percentage points and 0.5 percentage points, respectively; P <0.001). Overall quality of life improved in patients on r-HuEPO therapy (P = 0.13). Patients with erythropoietin levels greater than 500 IU/L showed no benefit from r-HuEPO in any outcome variable. Placebo and r-HuEPO recipients did not differ in the incidence of adverse effects or opportunistic infections. CONCLUSION: Therapy with r-HuEPO can increase the mean hematocrit and decrease the mean transfusion requirement in anemic patients with AIDS who are receiving zidovudine and have endogenous low erythropoietin levels (< or equal to 500 IU/L). Such therapy is of no apparent benefit in patients whose endogenous erythropoietin levels are higher than 500 IU/L.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

AIDS: Part II.

Great strides have been made in the therapy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Currently approved drugs include zidovudine and didanosine. A third drug, dideoxycytidine (zalcitibine), has recently been filed for approval with the Food and Drug Administration. All these drugs work through inhibition of the reverse transcriptase enzyme. Zidovudine is the only drug that has shown clinical efficacy against HIV. Treatment of patients with advanced HIV disease (i.e., acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS] or symptomatic infection with < 200 CD4+ lymphocytes per mm3), results in a prolongation and improved quality of life. Zidovudine is the only antiretroviral agent approved for the treatment of asymptomatic patients. Early intervention with zidovudine has been shown to delay progression to AIDS when patients' CD4+ lymphocyte counts decline to less than 500/mm3, irrespective of clinical signs or symptoms of HIV infection. Didanosine is currently indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced HIV disease who are intolerant to or failing zidovudine therapy. The major toxicity of zidovudine is bone marrow suppression with anemia and granulocytopenia (which occurs in from 1% to 45% of patients, depending on the clinical stage of disease and the dose of the drug). Didanosine and zalcitibine have both been associated with a severe peripheral neuropathy, which is generally reversible on cessation of the drug. In addition, didanosine has been implicated as a cause of pancreatitis that has been fatal in a small percentage of cases. The toxicities of didanosine and zalcitibine range from 1% to 10%, depending on dose, duration of therapy, and the presence of underlying HIV-related peripheral neuropathy or a previous history of pancreatitis. The clinical hallmark of HIV infection is the development of opportunistic infections and malignancies, which are a consequence of the profound immunodeficiency. The risk of an opportunistic infection increases significantly as the T-helper lymphocyte count declines to less than 20%, or 200 to 250/mm3. The spectrum of opportunistic infections ranges from viruses to protozoa. Patients with advanced HIV disease are also at increased risk of infection with nonopportunistic, community-acquired pathogens. Primary and secondary prophylaxis against the most common AIDS-defining opportunistic infection, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, is now recommended. Studies are currently underway to determine the efficacy of prophylaxis against other opportunistic pathogens. Treatment of opportunistic infections associated with AIDS has improved significantly over the past 5 years as new drugs and combination regimens of antimicrobials have been developed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

AIDS: Part I.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by infection with a pathogenic human retrovirus known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Approximately 1 million people are currently infected with HIV in the United States, with 8 to 10 million infected individuals worldwide. The virus is transmitted predominantly through genital sexual contact, although orogenital spread has been rarely reported. Heterosexual transmission has been most common in the Third World, whereas male homosexual transmission has predominated in the United States and western Europe. Transmission through homosexual contact has been steadily declining over the past 5 years as transmission through illicit intravenous drug use and promiscuous unprotected heterosexual activity has increased. Sexually transmitted diseases that cause inflammatory or ulcerative lesions of the genital tract act as important cofactors in increasing the risk of transmission through sexual contact. Perinatal transmission of HIV occurs in approximately 30% of infants born to infected mothers. Transmission to infants through breast-feeding has also been documented. Health care workers have been infected with HIV through accidental high-risk percutaneous or mucous membrane exposures, albeit at a low transmission rate of 0.3%. Infection of patients by infected health care professionals is a rare event, having been reported only once in 10 years of the epidemic. Infection with HIV results in a chronic lifelong infection. The major targets for HIV are CD4+ T-helper lymphocytes and cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage. Infection of the T-helper lymphocyte ultimately results in the death of the cell. Over time (measured in years), a progressive destruction of the T-helper lymphocyte population occurs, which results in profound immune suppression. Infection of monocytes/macrophages is not cidal, but these cells do have functional alterations as a result of the infection, which may contribute to the immune deficiency. In addition, chronically infected tissue macrophages may act as an important reservoir for HIV, particularly in the central nervous system. Infection of the T-helper lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages is mediated through attachment of HIV through a specific binding interaction between CD4 expressed in the plasma membrane of these cells and a surface glycoprotein on the virus, gp120. Once the virus nucleocapsid (core particle) enters the cytoplasm of the target cell, the viral RNA genome is reverse transcribed by a reverse transcriptase enzyme into proviral DNA. This proviral DNA migrates into the nucleus where it integrates into the host cellular genome, which results in a chronically infected cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Pneumocystis carinii choroiditis in patients with AIDS: clinical features, response to therapy, and outcome.

To further characterize the clinical features, response to therapy, and outcome of Pneumocystis carinii choroiditis in patients with AIDS, we retrospectively reviewed the course of choroiditis for eight patients identified from two institutions through April 1991. Seven patients had prior Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and had received aerosolized pentamidine prophylaxis for a median of 10 months; one patient had no prior history of pneumonia or prophylaxis. The median CD4+ lymphocyte count for six patients was 11 cells/mm3. Choroiditis was a preterminal diagnosis for three patients--two with associated disseminated pneumocystosis. Ocular manifestations improved or resolved with therapy for five of the six treated patients. All five subsequently received prophylaxis with dapsone (n = 2), dapsone/trimethoprim (n = 2), or aerosolized pentamidine (n = 1). Choroiditis recurred at 15 months in the one patient receiving aerosolized pentamidine. The median survival from time of diagnosis was 44 weeks. A literature review including an additional 40 cases support the conclusions that (a) Pneumocystis choroiditis is a rare complication of advanced HIV disease, occurring often in the context of systemic pneumocystosis; (b) ocular signs and symptoms may improve or resolve with specific antipneumocystis therapy; and (c) relapse may occur, particularly in those not receiving systemic prophylaxis.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Suppression of cytomegalovirus retinitis in persons with AIDS with high-dose intravenous acyclovir.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose intravenous acyclovir combined with oral zidovudine as suppressive therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS, a single-arm, outpatient, open-label, phase II pilot study was performed. Between July 1989 and July 1990, 12 men with AIDS, cytomegalovirus retinitis, and salvageable vision received intravenous acyclovir, 10 mg/kg of body weight every 8 h, and oral zidovudine after successful induction therapy with intravenous ganciclovir, 5 mg/kg every 12 h for 14 days. Patients were evaluated weekly. Ten of 12 patients were followed to the time of retinitis progression; two were withdrawn from the study because of concomitant life-threatening infection. The median duration of acyclovir and zidovudine therapy before retinitis progression occurred was 32 days. None of the eight uninvolved eyes in the 10 evaluatable patients developed cytomegalovirus retinitis during study participation. These data suggest that high-dose intravenous acyclovir with zidovudine provides some benefit in suppressing cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Prevalence of measles antibodies in asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults.

One hundred five asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive adults were screened for measles antibody. Ages ranged from 21 to 59 years (mean, 35.7). CD4+ lymphocyte counts (range, 76-1137/mm3), percentage of CD4+ cells (6-42), CD4:CD8 ratio (0.08-1.3), measles antibody titers by EIA, and undocumented history of prior measles or immunization were obtained. Forty-six patients gave a history of measles but no immunization, 18 of immunization but no measles, 26 of immunization and measles, and 15 of neither measles nor vaccination. Only one patient (less than 1%) lacked levels of antibody considered protective. Neither the presence nor the level of antibody were predictable from patient age, history of measles or immunization, CD4+ lymphocyte count, percentage of CD4+ cells, or CD4:CD8 ratio. Nearly all subjects had antibody to measles, regardless of immunization or measles history. Whether these antibodies are truly protective is unknown.

Adult↗