ORIGINAL ARTICLE GREATER SURVIVAL AMONG PATIENTS WITH IMMUNOGENETIC MARKERS ASSOCIATED WITH RAPID PROGRESSION TO AIDS: IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING CAREI

Objective: This study sought to verify the influence of changes in sexual behavior after HIV-infection diagnosis, including the adoption of safe sex practices, among AIDS patients with immunogenetic markers of rapid disease progression. Methods: Twenty-seven AIDS patients, genetically predisposed to rapid AIDS progression, were interviewed. DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were characterized using PCR-amplified DNA hybridized with sequence specific oligonucleotide probes or by sequence-specific primer analyzis. HLA class I antigens were typed using a microlymphocytotoxity assay. Results: In spite of the presence of immunogenetic factors associated with individual predisposition to a rapid evolution of the disease, changes in sexual behavior combined with the use of antiretroviral therapy, may result in greater survival. Conclusion: This suggests that counseling, detection of unsafe sexual practices and health education focusing on positive healthy behavior are tools nursing must use with HIV-positive patients. These tools may help to lead to a greater survival among these individuals, even among those with genetic predisposition to rapid disease progression, with implications for improvement of nursing care programs for HIV-infected patients