A Comparison between the Efficiency of Vonavir (Tenofovir-EmtricitabineEfavirenz) and Cobavir (Lamivudine-Zidovudine) with Efavirenz used for HIV Patients in Fasa, Iran

Background & Objective: Many different combination regimens have been used for the treatment of patients infected with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two antiviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-infected patients. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on HIV-positive patients in Fasa, Southwest Iran. Eighty patients were enrolled in the investigation who were then randomly divided into two groups and treated plus vonavir (tenofovir-emtricitabine-efavirenz) and cobavir (lamivudine-zidovudine) with efavirenz for six months. Blood samples collected from all patients were examined for viral load every six months using Real-time PCR and CD4 changes by flow cytometry. Result: During the six months of treatment, the CD4 response was not significantly increased in group one, treated with vonavir. In contrast, the CD4 value showed a significant increasing trend during the treatment course in group two treated with cobavir-efavirenz (P=0.003). However, overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the CD4 responses of the two groups (P=0.361). In addition, the plasma viral load was significantly suppressed in both regimens (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Hence, the two regimens (cobavir-efavirenz, and vobavir) showed the same efficacy on HIV patients according to the same suppression of viral load, and CD4 response in this region. However, inclusion of more samples is needed and more studies are suggested in order to confirm our results as well.