EFFECT OF CESSATION OF DRUG MISUSE ON THE IMMUNE STATUS OF HIV-INFECTED INJECTING DRUG-USERS

The effects of cessation of i.v. drug use on CD4 lymphocyte count and serum levels of beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)m) and soluble interleuk in-2 receptor (sIL-2R) were prospectively investigated in 41 HIV-posit ive drug users enrolled in a methadone treatment programme. Fifteen HI V-positive matched non-abstainers served as controls. During the follo w-up of 12 months the mean CD4 lymphocyte count remained unchanged in the methadone-treated group but fell significantly in controls. beta(2 )m and sIL-2R values decreased in abstainers at the beginning of the t reatment but rose in non-abstaining group. We conclude that cessation of illicit drug abuse and methadone treatment in HIV-infected injectin g drug users may exert a beneficial effect on the immune status.