Even at High CD4-Cell Counts, Mortality Rates Are High in Untreated HIV Infection

An observational study from Côte d'Ivoire supports earlier treatment initiation, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Only very limited data exist on causes of death among untreated HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa, especially those with high CD4-cell counts. Such data could be extremely relevant for discussions on when to start antiretroviral therapy (ART), given that some of the main arguments revolve around whether ART prevents morbidity and mortality in less immunocompromised individuals.

In a new report on this topic, investigators describe morbidity and mortality across CD4-cell count strata for two large cohorts of patients in Côte d'Ivoire. Follow-up time is included only from when patients were receiving prophylactic cotrimoxazole but had not yet started ART.

A total of 860 patients (94% positive for HIV-1, 1% for HIV-2, and 5% for bot…

Reviewing Author

Mauro Schechter, MD, PhD

Even at High CD4-Cell Counts, Mortality Rates Are High in Untreated HIV Infection

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Reviewing Author