Risk behaviours and comprehension among intravenous drug users volunteered for HIV vaccine trial
Pitisuttithum, P.; Migasena, S.; Laothai, A.; Suntharasamai, P.; Kumpong, C.; Vanichseni, S.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 80(1): 47-50
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 9078816 Document Number: 1190
With HIV seroprevalence rates of 35-40%, Thai intravenous drug users are an obvious target group for anti-HIV vaccine trials. The Ministry of Public Health of Thailand recently approved clinical trials of the Genentech MN rgp 120/HIV-1 candidate vaccine among recovering intravenous drug users enrolled in a methadone treatment center in Bangkok. To evaluate safety and immunogenicity factors and assemble a relatively low-risk group, 91 potential volunteers from this center were screened (history, physical examination, and blood and urine analysis). Only 33 passed all of the screening procedures; the major causes of ineligibility were HIV seropositivity (14 cases) and impaired liver function test (10 cases). The 33 eligibles had a median duration of drug addiction of 15 years. The majority had a secondary education or above and a monthly income exceeding 5000 Baht (US$200). Never-use of condoms was acknowledged by 14 of the eligible volunteers, but all 33 denied relationships with commercial sex workers. Among those selected for the trial, 23 believed a successful vaccine against AIDS is likely and 30 thought the vaccine they received was effective; however, 12 were concerned the vaccine would enhance disease progression. After 12 months of counseling and participation in the vaccine trial, nine volunteers were drug and methadone-free. Overall, these findings indicate that intravenous drug users can successfully participate in vaccine trials if there is adequate pre-screening.
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