Understanding early HIV infections in Zurich

Characterization of Acute and Recent HIV-1 Infections in Zurich. a Long-term Observational Study: the Zurich Primary HIV Infection Study.

Observational University of Zurich · NCT00537966

This study looks at how early HIV infections affect people's health and how starting treatment right away can change the course of the disease for those newly diagnosed in Zurich.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Drugs / interventionscART
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT00537966 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to characterize factors influencing the course of primary HIV infection (PHI) and how these factors can be affected by PHI. It involves a longitudinal approach, continuously enrolling patients with documented acute or recent HIV-1 infections since 2002. The study focuses on the epidemiology of early HIV infection, the impact of early combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), and aims to inform future research on disease progression, transmission, vaccine development, and new treatment strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with acute or recent HIV-1 infections, defined by specific clinical and laboratory criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with documented HIV infections established more than 180 days after presumed infection will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of early HIV infections, leading to improved treatment and prevention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on early HIV infections have shown promise, indicating that this approach is supported by previous research.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

A) acute HIV-1 infection, defined as:

* negative or evolving immunoblot in the presence of positive p24 Ag and/or detectable plasma HIV-1 RNA and/or
* documented HIV seroconversion within 90 dayswith or with-out symptoms and/or clinical signs of PHI (e.g. acute retro-viral syndrome).

B) recent HIV-1 infection, defined as:

* documented seroconversion of more than 90 days but within 180 days and/or
* evolving immunoblot after unambiguous transmission risk (e.g. iv drug use, sexual contact) within 180 days and/or
* documented HIV infection and unambiguous transmission risk (iv drug use, sexual contact) within 180 days and/or
* documented HIV infection and possible transmission risk (iv drug use, sexual contact) within the last 180 days after infection AND \< 0.5% fraction of ambiguous nucleotides

Exclusion Criteria:

• Documented HIV infection, however, established diagnosis more than 180 days after presumed date of infection.

Where this trial is running

Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HIV InfectionsPrimary HIV Infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.