NIAID HIV and Emerging Infectious Diseases Program

RPHI Study

Study name

Leukapheresis Procedures to Obtain Plasma and Lymphocytes for Research Studies on Antiretroviral Naïve HIV-Infected Patients

Study number

02-I-0202

Goal of Study

The NIH is conducting a research study to evaluate volunteers either at the acute (early signs and symptoms of HIV infection and/or less than 4 months of known HIV exposure) and chronic stage (greater than 6 months or determinate positive result) of HIV-infection, who have elected to begin antiretroviral therapy (ART). The ART is to be provided by participant's Primary Care Provider. The study will require that patients consent to leukapheresis once before antiretroviral therapy and several times after suppression of plasma viremia (when the viral load is <50). We hope to further understand the mechanism(s) involved in maintenance of immune function following early intervention with ART.

Study Regimen

We will collect white blood cells by a process called leukapheresis, a standard blood collection procedure. Leukapheresis will remove white cells first, and then replace the red cells, through the same needle, or through a needled in your other arm. Volunteers will be compensated.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are age 18 and older, with documented HIV-infection
• You have adequate veins for blood draws and apheresis
• Your viral load >10,000 (if infection is primary)
• Your platelets are >50,000
• You are not pregnant
• You are not currently abusing alcohol or drugs

back to top