Problems With Immune Recovery in the Gut Tissue

A Compartmental Analysis of HIV Reservoirs and Immune Reconstitution (C)

The aim of this study is to find out if the process of HIV replication in the lymph tissue and gut tissue of people taking HIV drugs causes long-term damage to the ability of the gut to protect you from other infections and health problems.

Inclusion Criteria:

HIV+ individuals

• Seropositive for HIV
• On ART for at least 12 months
• Seropositive for Herpes Simplex Type 2 and Cytomegalovirus
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Negative pregnancy test for eligible women of childbearing potential

HIV- individuals

• Seronegative for HIV
• Seropositive for Herpes Simplex Type 2 and Cytomegalovirus
• Age ≥ 18 years
• Negative pregnancy test for eligible women of childbearing potential

Exclusion Criteria:

• Taking daily suppressive therapy for Herpes Simplex Type 2
• Contraindication to surgical & endoscopic procedures (as judged by PI)
• Psychiatric or psychological illness that would make adherence to protocol procedures unlikely
• Pregnancy