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NIH launches trial evaluating Zika/HIV coinfection during pregnancy

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Catherine Y. Spong

The NIH recently announced the launch of a clinical trial that will assess how coinfection with Zika virus may affect pregnant women with HIV and their infants.

According to the NIH, little is known about the impact of Zika virus infection on pregnancies that are already complicated by HIV. Researchers hope the trial, sponsored by NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, will provide information on whether infection with Zika virus increases the risk for HIV, or vise versa. Other concerns include whether coinfection with Zika and HIV can affect medication that prevents mother-to-child HIV transmission or increase the risk for neurological complications in infants.

“This study aims to provide important information about the potential added risks to infant and maternal health when a pregnant mother has both Zika and HIV infections,” Catherine Y. Spong, MD, deputy director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, told Infectious Disease News. “We know from previous studies that other coinfections, such as HIV and hepatitis B, or syphilis and type 2 herpes simplex virus, can influence mother-to-child HIV transmission. Given the neurological complications in infants born to mothers with the Zika virus, we are particularly interested in learning more about the impact of these coinfections.”

The study will be conducted at sites in Puerto Rico, the continental United States and Brazil. Researchers aim to enroll pregnant women who are infected with HIV only, infected with Zika only, and coinfected with HIV and Zika along with those who are not infected with either virus. They will monitor the women throughout their pregnancies and for 6 months after giving birth. Infants will be monitored during their first year of life.

During the initial phase, researchers plan to recruit approximately 200 pregnant women. If successful, they will attempt to enroll 1,800 additional pregnant women. The NIH expects the study will conclude in 4 to 6 years. – by Stephanie Viguers

Disclosure: Spong reports no relevant financial disclosures.