Only two factors
Schroeter discovered that the time it takes a child to suppress the virus can be predicted based on only two factors: the amount of virus particles in the blood and the state of the immune system at the start of treatment. The condition is that there are no complications during the treatment. The PhD student also developed models that show how the number of immune cells recovers in the first year of life, when the immune system is still developing. Eventually, the number of immune cells returned to healthy values.
First step
In her research, Schroeter shows that it is very important to start early with the treatment of children who are infected with HIV. The damage to the immune system is thus reduced to a minimum. The time it then takes to suppress the virus is shorter. With her research, Schroeter is taking a first step to better inform doctors about the timing and choice of other treatments for young HIV patients. The treatment is therefore more efficient, has fewer side effects and can ultimately lead to functional healing.
This research is part of EPIICAL, a collaboration that aims to improve the lives of children with HIV.