HIVNET HIV Network for Prevention Trials

INFECTED PARTICIPANT COHORT (IPC)

(HIVNET Protocols D01.1 and 019)

WHAT DO WE HOPE TO LEARN FROM THIS STUDY?

This is a follow-up study of participants in the HIVNET Vaccine Preparedness Study (VPS) and other non-vaccine HIVNET studies who become infected with HIV. We hope to describe the timing and means of HIV infection as accurately and precisely as possible among these VPS participants: men who have sex with men, intravenous drug users, and women at risk for heterosexual transmission of HIV. We will also study the symptoms and illnesses that occur during early HIV infection, as well as laboratory studies of the virus isolated from the newly infected participants and the participants' immune responses.Another important reason for identifying infected participants early in HIV infection is to refer them for treatment and other services.

WHO IS PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDY?

Anyone who is participating in the HIVNET Vaccine Preparedness Study and becomes infected with HIV is invited to join this study. As of May 1998, 101 participants were enrolled.

WHAT HIVNET SITES ARE INVOLVED IN THE STUDY?

Bronx Lebanon Health Center, Bronx, NY
Denver Department of Public Health, Denver, CO
Fenway Community Health Center, Boston, MA
Health Research Association, Los Angeles, CA
Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago, IL
John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
New York Blood Center, New York, NY
New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
San Francisco AIDS Office/Public Health Foundation Enterprises, Inc., San Francisco, CA
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
University of Washington, Seattle, WA

HOW IS THE STUDY BEING CONDUCTED?

When a person enrolls in the IPC, he or she is interviewed to identify the risk factors for his or her getting HIV. The enrollment visit also includes a medical history, a physical examination, and evaluation of symptoms. The participants return for follow-up visits, including a medical history and physical exam, at one and three months, and then every three months. Biological specimens (blood, saliva, etc.) are collected at each visit, and the participant's medical and treatment history are updated. Referrals are provided for care, services, and clinical trials.

WHAT IS THE TIME LINE FOR THE STUDY?

Participants will be followed for up to two years.