Trial of Immunotherapy in HIV Patients: Our Experience with the Immuno-Modulator Dithiodinicotinic Acid (CPDS) in 34 Congolese Patients

Abstract

Background: ART had substantially improved the quality of life of PLWHA, but cannot alone eradicate the HIV reservoirs neither fully restoring the impaired immune system functioning. Its life long duration is associated with the risk of resistant strain emerging and metabolic disorders, mainly in resources constrained settings. Objectives: To study the impact of an Immune modulator in PLWHA. Method: In this prospective study, we used a immune modulator, 6,6’-dithiodinicotinic acid (CPDS) in 34 Congolese PLWHA (study group) for a 2 years period opportunely compared to 60 PLWHA who underwent ARV (control group). Data were analyzed using Mixed models using IBM SPSS Statistics v. 20. Results: Both groups were comparable at the starting point. Globally, we observed a similar evolution of weight and the CD4 counts in both groups during the first 12 months period of study with a gradual increase and a peak by the 6th month. Immunotherapy group displayed higher values of CD4, CD8 lymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio. There was no significant difference between risks of dying between both groups. RR: 0.953 {0.67; 1.35} neither in the rate of hospitalization. Conclusion: This study suggests the benefit of immunotherapy in treatment of PLWHA and its possible association to ART.