GAMMA-INTERFERON - TREATMENT OF RECURRENT FURUNCLES IN THE PRESENCE OF HIV-INFECTION

Four HIV-antibody-positive patients in stages CDC II to CDC IV C2 with furuncles that had so far proved refractory to treatment were successfully treated with systemic application of recombined gamma-interferon, 50 mug s.c. on days 1, 2 and 3 of the first week with a new cycle after 3 weeks. A significant clinical improvement was seen in all patients after three to five cycles. Side-effects of therapy with gamma-interferon were similar to the symptoms of influenza and improved during therapy. No changes in immunological parameters and white blood cells counts were observed. The general condition of the patients improved or remained unchanged. A few weeks after discontinuation of therapy two patients relapsed, but they were again successfully treated with gamma-interferon.