Documenting the baseline in South India

Understanding the impact of the initiation of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) on the nutritional and metabolic status of HIV-positive individuals in developing countries is essential to providing the greatest therapeutic benefit with the fewest complications for the longest possible time. In South India, where the burden of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is already high regardless of HIV status, there is particular concern about the metabolic consequences for HIV-infected patients beginning HAART therapy, which can increase the risk of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Christine Wanke, director of the Nutrition/Infection Unit, has been collaborating with colleagues at YRGCare in Chennai, India, to establish a baseline survey of the nutritional and metabolic status of patients before the commencement of HAART. Once HAART treatment studies are underway, having this firm foundation will hopefully enable researchers to both document treatment benefits as well as pinpoint any complications without delay.

United States
Research Studies at
Tufts Medical Center

Observational and intervention studies on HIV and Nutrition are underway at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. Find out more about our U.S. studies.

Research Support From
Center for AIDS Research

Many of our research services have been facilitated by the infrastructure and resources provided by the LIfespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), an NIH-funded program #P30 AI42853. Its purpose is to encourage HIV-related collaboration between the institutions, to fund and engage investigators beginning HIV research, to provide HIV research forums and education, and to make available services which assist HIV research efforts.

International Research
India

While the widespread rollout of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is awaited in India, HIV-infected patients continue to experience a high burden of wasting, respiratory disease, and diarrheal diseases. Nutritional interventions may be an effective way to help delay progression of disease. Learn more about our research in India.

International Research
Kenya

Kenya is receiving funding to expand HIV treatment under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which aims to provide highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) medication on a large scale. Early reports suggest that refusal of HIV treatment and poor adherence may become major long-term problems. Learn more about our research in Kenya.

International Research
Pakistan

Growth faltering, diarrhea and nutrient deficiencies that occur at the time of weaning are important public health problems. In a joint project with the Department of Pediatrics and Research of Aga Khan University Hospital, we are investigating the feasibility of using probiotics in the form of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) to reduce these weaning problems. Learn more about our research in Pakistan.