The Frequency of Malaria Is Similar among Women Receiving either Lopinavir/Ritonavir or Nevirapine-based Antiretroviral Treatment

Authors: Tina S. Skinner-Adams, Alice S. Butterworth, Kimberly A. Porter, Ronald D’Amico, Fred Sawe, Doug Shaffer, Abraham Siika, Mina C. Hosseinipour, Elizabeth Stringer, Judith S. Currier, Tsungai Chipato, Robert Salata, Shahin Lockman, Joseph J. Eron, Steven R. Meshnick, James S. McCarthy

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034399

Abstract Summary

HIV protease inhibitors showed promise against malaria in lab and animal studies, but a clinical trial of 444 HIV-infected women in malaria-endemic areas found no protective benefit. Women receiving PI-containing antiretroviral therapy had similar malaria rates as those on PI-sparing regimens, despite theoretical antimalarial effects.

Why Brain? 🧠

Study finds HIV protease inhibitor drugs don’t reduce malaria risk in African women despite lab promise, important for treatment decisions in malaria-endemic regions where HIV is prevalent.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.