Human Immunodeficiency virus causes depletion of CD4 cells. The depletion of CD4 cells results in decrease in immunity of an infected individual. Due to decrease immunity various opportunistic infections occur. These infections are cause for morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals. The treatment of HIV these includes antiretroviral drugs. These drugs have their own side effects and immune reconstitution achieved is delayed and slow. Various attempts have been made to improve CD4 count, use of IL-2 is one of them. It is associated with systemic side effects during the period of its administration. The present invention provides method of using mycobacterium w for the management of HIV. According to present invention mycobacterium w when given intradermally is effective in prophylaxis and treatment of AIDS or AIDS related complex (ARC). It is found to improve immunity as well as CD4 count. It is found to eliminate symptoms like fever, diarrhea. The effect is seen even when no antiretrovirals are used.
