EFFECTS OF CHRONIC ZIDOVUDINE ADMINISTRATION ON CNS FUNCTION AND VIRUS BURDEN AFTER PERINATAL SIV INFECTION IN RHESUS-MONKEYS

Continuous intravenous administration of zidovudine (AZT) has been rep orted to improve cognitive function in HIV-infected pediatric patients (Pizzo et al., 1988). The effects of long-term zidovudine treatment i n the perinatally infected pediatric population, including antiviral e fficacy and effects on cognitive and motor function has not been syste matically examined. These questions were addressed in rhesus macaque i nfants infected at birth with SIVSMM/B670, a primate model for infanti le HIV infection and disease (Eiden et al., 1993a). Continuous or inte rmittent administration of AZT during the first 6 months following inf ection resulted in about a doubling of lifespan, a delay in the occurr ence of motor impairment, and lower virus burden and quinolinic acid l evels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following administration of the ant iviral drug.