HIV infected cocaine users have uncontrolled viral levels and impaired immunity to control infection compared to HIV infected non-drug users. We ask the questions why cocaine use makes HIV infected cocaine users more sick than other patients. The goal is to improve immunity to control HIV infection in cocaine users. Both uninfected cocaine users and HIV-infected cocaine users are especially needed in this study.

This study is to understand HIV-infected cocaine users have poor immunity after anti-HIV treatment, but HIV-infected cannabis users are likely different. Cocaine use always is associated high inflammation and cannabis use is associated with low inflammation. We study how inflammation cannot be controlled in cocaine users; our goal is to develop new therapies to help cocaine users to have a better health and immunity.