HIV and Antiretroviral Research

At the Institute Of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, clinical research in HIV infections focuses on improving treatment options and strengthening viral control for people living with HIV. Studies in this therapeutic area are evaluating new and existing antiretroviral strategies to support better long-term care.

  • Testing simpler and more effective antiretroviral therapy approaches for adults with HIV
  • Assessing long-acting treatment options for people with an incomplete response to oral therapy
  • Evaluating new oral regimens for treatment-naïve adults living with HIV-1

This work aims to improve treatment effectiveness, support viral suppression, and expand options for different patient needs.

Bacterial Infections and Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention

Research in bacterial infections at this site includes major efforts in sexually transmitted infections, especially among populations at higher risk. The studies are designed to reduce infection rates and better understand prevention strategies for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

  • Evaluating doxycycline-based prevention for bacterial STIs in people living with HIV and in those using HIV-PrEP
  • Studying whether different prevention schedules can lower infection risk more effectively
  • Exploring the impact of post-exposure prevention on antimicrobial resistance

The goal is to improve STI prevention while also monitoring how prevention approaches may affect antibiotic resistance.

Viral Vaccines and Immunology

A strong part of the clinical research portfolio at the Department of Clinical Sciences involves virus diseases and vaccine research. These studies examine immune responses, safety, and real-world protection against infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, yellow fever, rabies, herpes simplex, and mpox.

  • Testing vaccines to prevent influenza and improve protection in healthy volunteers
  • Comparing immune responses to rabies and yellow fever vaccination by route of administration
  • Assessing vaccine safety and immune response for RSV, mpox, and herpes simplex prevention

These trials aim to strengthen vaccine protection, refine vaccination strategies, and better understand immune responses across different viral infections.

Behavior, Chemsex-Related Drug Use, and Prevention Support

The site also conducts research in psychiatry and psychology, with a focus on behavior and behavior mechanisms linked to sexual health. Current studies examine craving and the use of chemsex-related drugs, looking at ways to support healthier behavior and reduce risk.

  • Evaluating whether a medication plus counselling can reduce craving for chemsex-associated drugs
  • Studying behavior-related factors that may influence prevention and treatment outcomes
  • Supporting harm-reduction approaches for people affected by substance use in sexual health settings

This research is intended to improve behavioral support, inform prevention services, and help address substance use challenges connected to sexual health.