The analysis of HIV incidence between 2007 and 2011 showed that WB-infected persons (1.72 cases per 100 person-years/PY) were more than twice as likely to become infected with HIV compared to WB-negative persons (0.69 per 100 PY). In contrast, the HIV incidence examined in the period 2011-2019 in people who had been cured of WB (0.73 cases per 100 PY) differed only insignificantly and not statistically significantly from people who had never been infected with WB (0.68 cases per 100 PY).
In the group of test participants who were cured of W. bancrofti, a comparison of the two study periods showed a reduction in HIV incidence of around 60 percent, which was also statistically significant after adjustment for age and gender (measured odds ratio: 0.41, p=0.012). In the comparison group of people who were not infected with W. bancrofti in either of the two periods, on the other hand, there was no change in HIV incidence.
DZIF researcher Prof. Inge Kroidl from the Tropical Institute at the LMU University Hospital Munich concludes: “This confirms the earlier hypothesis that it is indeed the worm W. bancrofti that has an influence on the level of HIV incidence, and that combating W. bancrofti can help to reduce the rate of new HIV infections.”
“Helminth infections can demonstrably increase the risk of HIV infections. We are continuing to investigate which immunological processes could explain this increased susceptibility to HIV transmission by Wuchereria bancrofti”, says Prof. Michael Hoelscher, Director of the Munich Tropical Institute.
Dr Mkunde Chachage from NIMR-MMRC emphasizes that “This research has highlighted the power of including communities in identifying additional interventions needed to strengthen our regional HIV control strategies. This groundbreaking research underscores the vital role local communities play in shaping effective health initiatives.”
In a related statement, Prof. Said Aboud, Director General of NIMR commented on the results, stating, “These results demonstrate NIMR’s commitment to being at the forefront of efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis and HIV in Tanzania”. He further acknowledges the unwavering support of the Government of United Republic of Tanzania through the Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme (NTDCP) which has dedicated nearly two decades of fighting against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD); of which has paved way for this research that has proven beneficial to our ongoing battle against HIV.
Co-author of the study, Prof. Achim Hörauf, Director of the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology at the University Hospital Bonn, adds: "Our findings open up new possibilities for the prevention of HIV in affected regions. The therapy to combat lymphatic filariasis is still not optimal. We are therefore continuing to research this topic and hope to bring at least a few of the drugs developed also with DZIF funding, to registration.”
Text: Press release, LMU University Hospital Munich, 10.04.2025
