Studies on HIV Resistance to Multiple Drug Therapy (Lamivudine, Zidovudine and Nevirapine) in Benin Metropolis, Nigeria

Resistance to anti-retroviral drugs has long been recognized as a possible occurrence which may further complicate the management and control of microbial infections including the dreaded Human Immuno Deficiency Virus (HIV) infection. The present study evaluates cases of suspected unresponsiveness to Lamivudine, Zidovudine and Nevirapine (HAART) in Benin City Nigeria. Five adult males and females (3m, 2f) between the ages of 35 - 50 years who had been on triple drug therapy (LZN) for a minimum of five years and were terminally ill in hospitals were recruited for this study. Venous blood (5.0mls) was collected from the subjects for analysis for viral antibodies, CD4 + T cells and viral load determination. The subjects were then placed on 10.0g of Manna and 20.0mls of Bioclean II daily and observed for 120 days. Venous blood samples were collected again at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after commencement of treatment for analysis. Skin rashes disappeared after 60days. There were increases in Body weight from 47.4(Kg) to 62.4kg, CD4+ T cells from 47.3 cells/μl to 327.8 and a reduction of viral load from 253,671.5 copies/ml to 23, 240.3 copies.ml after 90 days. This finding suggests that the viruses carried by the individuals investigated in this study were not responding to Lamivudine + Zidevudine + Nevirapine. The implication is that resistance to HAART may be developing challenges to the management of HIV/AIDS in this community. Keywords: Manna; Bioclean II; Lamivudine, Zidovudine; Nevirapine; HIV; AIDS; Nigerian