Accelerated Suppression of Primary Epstein-Barr Virus Infection in HIV-Infected Infants Initiating Lopinavir/Ritonavir-Based Versus Nevirapine-Based Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

We compared primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and suppression between Kenyan human immunodeficiency virus–infected infants starting nevirapine-based vs lopinavir/ritonavir-based antiretroviral regimens. Although the rate of EBV infection was similar between groups, infants receiving lopinavir/ritonavir suppressed EBV more rapidly. Our findings suggest that specific antiretrovirals may potentially impact the risk of future EBV-associated malignancies.