Do Δ32 CCR-5 deletions protect intravenous drug users (IDUs) against HIV infection?
OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency of Δ32 CCR-5 deletions in a cohort HIV-negative IDUs enrolled in the heroin maintenance prescription research program (HMPRP) in Bern, and to compare it with a cohort of HIV-positive IDUs. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of two cohorts. METHODS: HIV-negative IDUs were recruited from HMPRP in Bern. Only IDUs with long term, ongoing and heavy intravenous drug use who have failed other treatment attempts are eligible for this program (irrespective of HIV-status). HIV-seropositive control IDUs were recruited from our HIV outpatient clinic. All subjects were tested for serum antibody against HIV (Genscreen), hepatitis C virus, HBsAg and anti HBc (AxSYM). CCR-5 genotype was determined by PCR using primers based on the published CCR-5 sequence. RESULTS: Preliminary analysis involved 99 HIV-negative and 53 HIV-positive IDUs. Mean age was 34 and 35 years in the HIV+ and HIV-cohort respectively. Mean duration of intravenous drug use before enrolment in this s
