A Cohort Observational Study to Assess the Virologic Response to Standard HIV Treatment in Bamako, Mali

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of first-line HIV treatment (fixed-dose combination of the generic antiretroviral drugs nevirapine, stavudine and lamivudine) provided by the Malian National HIV Treatment Program. Antiretroviral therapy has become a priority because of its proven effectiveness in decreasing sickness and death from HIV infection. Reliable information on its efficacy is needed.

Patients 18 years of age and older who enter the Malian National HIV Treatment Program and have not had prior antiretroviral treatment may be eligible for this study.

Primary Objective

The primary objective is to measure the virologic treatment response at 24 weeks to the Malian-approved fixed-dose regimen (FDC) of nevirapine, stavudine and lamivudine (Triomune) in patients who are na(SqrRoot) ve to antiretroviral therapy in Bamako, Mali compared to a historical cohort as a prelude to further clinical research investigations in Mali.

Secondary Objectives

1. To assess the association of the 24 week response with the response at one year as measured by suppression of viremia to less than 50 copies/mL
2. To evaluate the baseline clinical and HIV-associated characteristics of a cohort of persons who are enrolled in protocol-mandated monitoring.

Participants undergo treatment in the government-sponsored program. Clinical visits are scheduled at study days 0 (antiviral therapy start day) and 14, and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Patients undergo a medical history, including all confirmed and probably diagnoses made since the previous visit and current status, physical examination and blood tests for CD4 and viral load at each visit.

Study start date: July 2008