Clinical results with atovaquone as compassionate use therapy in cerebral and ocular toxoplasmosis during AIDS

Toxoplasma gondii is worldwide present. Cerebral toxoplasmosis is one of th e most common cerebral disorders in HIV-infected patients (CD4(+) cells < 1 00 mu l). Atovaquone is administered in patients without answer to conventi onal therapy. In 34 patients age 44 +/- 9 years with CD4 count off 38 +/- 4 1/mu l (mv +/- 1 sd) therapy with Atovaquone was administered for 16 +/- 9 weeks. 22 patients were treated because of allergic reactions to convention al therapy, in six patients clinical deterioration and/or lack of regressio n was the reason for using Atovaquone. Atovaquone was administered with 4 x 750 mg. In 25 patients clinical and neuroradiological investigation proved a significant improvement, or total healing was performed. The positive re sults of this study are square with the results in literature (74%) and und erline the clinical value of Atovaqone in toxoplasmosis therapy in special patients collectives.