PREVENTION Impact of the use of antiretroviral medications and hydroxychloroquine on the occurrence and severity of infection by the new Coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2)

In view of the recent SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic and the significant lethality of the disease, called COVID-19, especially in older patients and those with comorbidities, it is imperative to develop treatment and prevention strategies. The strategy of redirecting the use of existing medications can accelerate the identification of effective treatments or preventive interventions against this agent. Candidate medications include hydroxychloroquine and some medications with antiviral effects used in the treatment of HIV infection, which have action against SARS-CoV-2 in experimental models. In this cohort study, we propose to observe the incidence and severity of COVID-19 in patients who continuously use antiretroviral drugs or hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of HIV infection and autoimmune diseases, respectively. Patients using candidate medications will be matched with close contacts who are not using any candidate medications. The identification of potential treatment and prevention strategies against COVID-19 will have a great impact on the control of the epidemic and on the clinical management of severe presentations of the disease.