Active clinical trials for "Communicable Diseases"

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of 3 anti-HIV combination treatments that do not use protease inhibitors (PIs). The current rule for starting treatment of HIV infection is to combine members from different classes of anti-HIV drugs, such as 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and either a PI or a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). However, these combinations can be complicated and difficult to take, can cause a number of side effects, and may become ineffective. Combinations that are simpler, better tolerated, and more effective are needed. Because PIs can cause long-term side effects and because HIV can become resistant to many of them at the same time, anti-HIV combination treatments that do not use PIs are being tested.

To compare the safety, tolerance and efficacy of fluconazole and amphotericin B as treatment for biopsy proven fungal infections in major organs, disseminated infection, suspected fungal infection and fungemia in adult neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients without AIDS, AIDS related complex (ARC), or extensive burns. HIV seropositive patients are allowed only if they also have a malignancy.

To determine whether zidovudine (AZT) in conjunction with bone marrow transplantation prevents the reinfection of donor hematopoietic/lymphoid cells in patients with positive HTLV III antibody and large cell/diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. Patients who are candidates will be evaluated for HTLV III activity and drug levels.

This study will test the safety and effectiveness of a drug called interleukin-12 (IL-12) in fighting severe infectious (other than tuberculosis) caused by a group of bacteria called mycobacteria. IL-12 is similar to a substance the body produces naturally to strengthen immune function (infection-fighting ability). It works by stimulating white blood cells to increase production of a chemical called interferon gamma, which can improve or cure mycobacterial infections in some patients. In previous studies, IL-12 has improved immune function against mycobacteria in test tube experiments and in mice. A recent study of three patients with mycobacterial infections treated with the drug showed encouraging results. The drug has also been studied more extensively in patients with cancer, HIV infection and hepatitis C. Patients in this study will receive IL-12 injections under the skin twice a week for one year. They will be taught how to self-administer the drug, but a home care nurse or a physician may also give the injections. The drug dosage will be increased each week to determine the safest and most effective dose for fighting this infection. If intolerable side effects develop at a certain dose, the previous dose level will be used for the next injection. That dose will then be used for the rest of the study, unless unacceptable side effects develop at that level, in which case the dose will again be lowered. Patients will receive an antibiotic against mycobacteria. Physical examinations and blood and urine tests will be done once a month for at least the first year and then every 3 months the following year to evaluate kidney, liver, and immune function. The first evaluation-at the start of the study-is done on an inpatient basis.

To assess the safety and efficacy of subcutaneously administered sargramostim ( granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; GM-CSF ) in increasing and maintaining the neutrophil count in HIV-infected adults who have developed neutropenia as a result of receiving the antiretroviral agent, zidovudine ( AZT ). To assess the safety and efficacy of subcutaneously administered GM-CSF in increasing and maintaining the neutrophil count in HIV-infected adults with pre-existing neutropenia who are at high risk of developing hematologic intolerance while receiving the antiretroviral agent, AZT, for the first time. To assess the potential therapeutic benefit of concomitant GM-CSF and AZT on the natural history of HIV infection and associated infectious complications.

To evaluate the safety of repeated courses of sargramostim ( recombinant granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor; GM-CSF ) administered subcutaneously to patients with HIV infection and leukopenia. To determine if administration of GM-CSF will prevent some or all of the hematologic toxicity associated with zidovudine ( AZT ) treatment in patients with pre-existing leukopenia. To assess any clinical and/or virologic benefits from administering alternating weeks of GM-CSF and AZT to patients with symptomatic HIV infection who have a history of cytologically confirmed Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia ( PCP ) or a circulating absolute CD4 lymphocyte count less than 200 cells/mm3.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different doses of azithromycin in combination with ethambutol for the treatment of patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection, and to determine whether an azithromycin-containing regimen is at least as safe and effective as the same regimen containing clarithromycin..

To evaluate the safety of topically applied SP-303 gel and to compare the efficacy of SP-303 gel in combination with acyclovir, relative to acyclovir alone, for the treatment of recurrent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 and 2 infections, affecting the genital, perianal and neighboring areas, in patients with AIDS.

To determine the safety and tolerance of subcutaneous injections of natural interferon alpha (IFN) in asymptomatic HIV-positive persons and record its effects on the HIV virus in these individuals.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of azithromycin given chronically for the treatment of Mycobacterium avium (MAC) bacteremia in patients failing or intolerant of current available MAC therapy.