The effect of Plasmodium falciparum malaria on HIV-1 RNA blood plasma concentration

Abstract

Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the relative effect of malaria infection on HIV concentration in blood plasma, and prospectively to monitor viral concentrations after antimalarial therapy. Design: A prospective, double cohort study was designed to compare the blood HIV-1 RNA concentrations of HIV-positive individuals with and without acute malaria illness. Subjects were followed for 4 weeks after successful malaria therapy, or for 4 weeks from enrollment (controls). Methods: Malawian adults with symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia (malaria group) and asymptomatic, aparasitemic blood donors (control group) were tested for HIV-1 antibodies to identify appropriate s..