1. Eligibility screening

A social worker in each of the accredited centers collects sociodemographic information upon presentation of each patient. Then, a physician assesses the patient's past medical history including prior and current ARV drug use, and a physical exam is performed. To determine biologic eligibility, a blood sample is then drawn. The specimen is sent to Projet RETRO-CI laboratory for serum chemistry, hematology, CD4 count and viral load. CD4 count was performed by flow cytometry (Facscan, Becton Dickinson, Aalst-Erembodegem, Belgium). HIV-1 RNA viral load was quantified in the plasma by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) Amplicor HIV-1 Monitor Assay, version 1.5 (Roche Diagnostics Systems, Branchburg, NJ). This assay accurately quantifies HIV-1 subtype A/G recombinant viruses which are the predominant subtypes in Cd'Ivoire. The limit of viral detection was 200 copies/ml.

Upon request of the physician, Projet RETRO-CI submits a standardized anonymous summary report to the national committee for application and deliberation regarding the subsidy.