Crack cocaine: effect modifier of RNA viral load and CD4 count in HIV infected African American women

Date Published:
2007

Publication Type:
Journal Article

Authors:

Secondary:
Frontiers in Bioscience: A Journal and Virtual Library

Volume:
12

Pagination:
1488-95

URL:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

Keywords:
Adult;African Americans;CD4 Lymphocyte Count;Crack Cocaine;Disease Progression;External;Female;HIV Infections;HIV-1;Humans;RNA;Viral;Viral Load

Abstract:
<p>This study reports on the role of cocaine as effect modifier of the association of CD4+ cell counts and RNA viral load. HIV-1 seropositive (n = 80) and seronegative (n = 42) African American women (AAW) crack cocaine smokers were recruited. Increasing cocaine use, based on self-reports and laboratory values, significantly exacerbates the immunopathology of HIV-1 in a dose-response manner, confirmed by a non-linear drop in CD4+ cell number for a given viral load in HIV+ AAW. This report supports a view of deleterious effects due to cocaine use in humans.</p>