A call for randomized controlled trials of antiretroviral therapy for HIV-2 infection in West Africa

Abstract

We believe the 1-2 million people and communities in West Africa most affected by HIV-2 (and dual infection) deserve the same evidence-based medicine and efforts that those with HIV-1 have justly demanded. Rigorous well designed randomized controlled trials that demonstrate which antiretroviral regimens are effective in treating HIV-2-infected people are urgently needed to guide patients and the clinicians who care for them. The outcome of such trials will also be beneficial in treating patients dually infected with HIV-1 and HIV-2 although ultimately trials of ART in dually patients are also needed. However the apparent decline of HIV-2 in some West African locales highlights the importance of involving multiple West African countries to establish large multicenter collaborative studies and trials.We believe the best place to carry out such trials is in West Africa the locale where HIV-2 is endemic and effective treatment is most likely to serve the local population. We therefore call on the wider AIDS community to support efforts for evidenced-based treatment of HIV-2 infection. (excerpt)