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OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence, severity and risk factors of anaemia among adult people living with HIV attending an antiretroviral therapy centre in Woreta Primary Hospital, Woreta town, Ethiopia. DESIGN: Hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Public health facility that provides HIV care in Woreta town. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 289 medical records of adults living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy from February 2019 to September 2023 at government hospital were reviewed using a systematic sampling method. The data were entered using Epi-info V.7 and exported to SPSS V.23 for data analysis. The data were analysed using bivariate and then multivariate logistic regression models in order to identify variables associated with anaemia. At the 95% CI level, variables having a p value of <0.05 were deemed to be statistically significant predictors. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Prevalence and severity of anaemia and its predictors among adult patients living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Woreta Primary Hospital. RESULTS: The total prevalence of anaemia was 31.5% (95% CI 28.9 to 33.8). The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anaemia was 20.42%, 10.38% and 0.70%, respectively. Predictors independently linked with anaemia were female sex (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.08), age ≥40 years (AOR 1.21), lived with HIV >10 years (AOR 2.31), CD4 counts <200 cells/µL (AOR 3.81), non-suppressed viral load (AOR 1.28), history of opportunistic infections (AOR 1.54), WHO clinical stages III and IV (AOR 1.37 and 2.23, respectively) and history of parasitic infestation (AOR 2.81). CONCLUSIONS: A sizeable proportion of participants were found anaemic. Female sex, older age, longer periods lived with the virus, lower CD4 count, non-suppressed viral load, history of opportunistic infections, WHO clinical stages III and IV and history of parasitic infestation were the contributing factors. Therefore, to improve the anaemic status and living circumstances of patients living with HIV, immediate action on the linked factors is needed, such as monitoring for maintenance of CD4 counts >200 cells/µL and avoiding progression of HIV to the advanced WHO clinical stages, suppressed viral load, preventing opportunistic infections and parasitic infestation.

Asunto(s)

Anemia , Terapia Antirretroviral Altamente Activa , Infecciones por VIH , Compuestos Heterocíclicos con 3 Anillos , Oxazinas , Piridonas , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Estudios Transversales , Estudios Retrospectivos , Anemia/epidemiología , Etiopía/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Riesgo , Piridonas/uso terapéutico , Compuestos Heterocíclicos con 3 Anillos/uso terapéutico , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Adulto Joven , Inhibidores de Integrasa VIH/uso terapéutico , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Piperazinas

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BACKGROUND: From 2004 onwards, the Chinese government has freely offered complimentary Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) to Chinese HIV/AIDS patients, alongside the prescribed first line therapy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Thus, we aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of CHM for patients with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: The data from the Guangxi pilot database and antiviral treatment sites database have been respectively developed into two datasets in this prospective cohort real-world study, the CHM combined HAART group (the integrated group) and the HAART group. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed and the longitudinal data were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model with an autocorrelation matrix and log link function attached to the Gamma distribution. RESULTS: A final sample of 629 patients, 455 and 174 in the integrated group and HAART group respectively, were obtained from the full dataset. As covariates for PSM, gender, age, baseline CD4+ and CD4+/ CD8+ were assessed based on the results of the logistic regression analyses. Following PSM, 166 pairs from the full dataset were matched successfully, with 98 pairs in the baseline CD4+ > 200 subgroup, and 55 pairs in the baseline CD4+ ≤ 200 subgroup. In the full dataset, HAART group achieved higher CD4+ count (OR = 1.119, 95%CI [1.018, 1.230]) and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (OR = 1.168, 95%CI [1.045, 1.305]) than the integrated group, so did in the CD4+ > 200 subgroup. For the CD4+ ≤ 200 subgroup, the CD4+ (OR = 0.825, 95%CI [0.694, 0.980]) and CD4+/CD8+ (OR = 0.826, 95%CI [0.684, 0.997]) of the integrated group were higher than those of the HAART group. The safety outcomes showed that there were no significant differences in BUN, ALT and AST levels between the groups but Cr showed significantly higher levels in HAART groups of all three datasets. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to HAART alone, CHMs combined with HAART had better effects in improving the immune function of HIV/AIDS in patients with baseline CD4+ count ≤ 200. The results of the two subgroups are in opposite directions, and chance does not explain the apparent subgroup effect. A study with larger sample size and longer follow-up period is warranted in order to increase study credibility.

Asunto(s)

Terapia Antirretroviral Altamente Activa , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos , Infecciones por VIH , Puntaje de Propensión , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/uso terapéutico , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Adulto , China/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Estudios Prospectivos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) use during pregnancy is essential to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, but it may also increase the risk of adverse birth outcomes. This study investigated the impact of both maternal HIV infection and the timing of ART initiation on birth outcomes in women living with HIV in South Africa. METHODS: This secondary data analysis examined the dataset from an earlier cohort study involving 1709 pregnant women living with HIV who delivered their babies at three major maternity centres in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa between September 2015 and May 2018. The associations between adverse birth outcomes (stillbirth, preterm birth, very preterm birth, and low birth weight) and the timing of maternal ART initiation, peripartum CD4 count, and HIV viral load were examined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The observed rates of stillbirth, preterm birth, very preterm birth, and low birth weight were 1.4%, 33.5%, 5.4% and 18.0%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, low birth weight was associated with ART initiated during the second trimester (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.85), low-level viraemia (21-999 copies/ml) (aOR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.17-2.22), and high-level viraemia (≥1000 copies/ml) (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.66-2.38) during the peripartum period. Preterm birth was associated with low-level viraemia (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.16-1.79) and a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3 (aOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.01-1.82). Very preterm birth was associated with detectable maternal viraemia. CONCLUSION: Adverse birth outcomes are common among pregnant women living with HIV, especially those with unsuppressed viraemia. Clinicians and programme managers should prioritise timeous ART initiation and virological suppression in all pregnant women living with HIV.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por VIH , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo , Resultado del Embarazo , Carga Viral , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Sudáfrica/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Adulto , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Recién Nacido , Nacimiento Prematuro/epidemiología , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Adulto Joven , Recién Nacido de Bajo Peso , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Mortinato/epidemiología , Análisis de Datos Secundarios

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OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify COVID-19 breakthrough infections among people with HIV (PWH) across different phases of the pandemic and explore whether differential immune dysfunctions are associated with breakthrough infections. DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective population-based cohort study used data from an integrated electronic health record (EHR) database in South Carolina (SC). Breakthrough infection was defined as the first COVID-19 diagnosis documented in the state agency after the date an individual was fully vaccinated (ie, 2 doses of Pfizer/BNT162b2 or Moderna/mRNA-1273, or 1 dose of Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S) through June 14, 2022. We analyzed the risk and associated factors of the outcome using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Among 7596 fully vaccinated PWH, the overall rate of breakthrough infections was 118.95 cases per 1000 person-years. When compared with the alpha-dominant period, the breakthrough infection rate was higher during both delta-dominant (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.25 to 1.81) and omicron-dominant (HR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.73 to 4.73) periods. Individuals who received a booster dose had a lower likelihood of breakthrough infections (HR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.24). There was no association of breakthrough infections with degree of HIV viral suppression, but a higher CD4 count was significantly associated with fewer breakthroughs among PWH (>500 vs <200 cells/mm3: HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.94). CONCLUSIONS: In our PWH population, the incidence of breakthrough infections was high (during both delta-dominant and omicron-dominant periods) and mainly associated with the absence of a booster dose in patients older than 50 years, with comorbidities and low CD4 count.

Asunto(s)

COVID-19 , Infecciones por VIH , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Masculino , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/inmunología , COVID-19/complicaciones , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Estudios Retrospectivos , SARS-CoV-2/inmunología , South Carolina/epidemiología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/inmunología , Vacunas contra la COVID-19/administración & dosificación , Estudios de Cohortes , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Infección Irruptiva

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BACKGROUND: Coinfection with two phylogenetically distinct Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) variants might provide an opportunity for rapid viral expansion and the emergence of fit variants that drive disease progression. However, autologous neutralising immune responses are known to drive Envelope (Env) diversity which can either enhance replicative capacity, have no effect, or reduce viral fitness. This study investigated whether in vivo outgrowth of coinfecting variants was linked to pseudovirus and infectious molecular clones' infectivity to determine whether diversification resulted in more fit virus with the potential to increase disease progression. RESULTS: For most participants, emergent recombinants displaced the co-transmitted variants and comprised the major population at 52 weeks postinfection with significantly higher entry efficiency than other co-circulating viruses. Our findings suggest that recombination within gp41 might have enhanced Env fusogenicity which contributed to the increase in pseudovirus entry efficiency. Finally, there was a significant correlation between pseudovirus entry efficiency and CD4 + T cell count, suggesting that the enhanced replicative capacity of recombinant variants could result in more virulent viruses. CONCLUSION: Coinfection provides variants with the opportunity to undergo rapid recombination that results in more infectious virus. This highlights the importance of monitoring the replicative fitness of emergent viruses.

Asunto(s)

Coinfección , Infecciones por VIH , VIH-1 , Filogenia , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , VIH-1/genética , VIH-1/fisiología , Coinfección/virología , Evolución Molecular , Productos del Gen env del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/genética , Proteína gp41 de Envoltorio del VIH/genética , Masculino , Femenino , Recombinación Genética , Internalización del Virus , Adulto , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Replicación Viral

RESUMEN

There are high rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum coinfection, HIV can increase the incidence and disability rate of neurosyphilis. However, there is a lack of data about the risk factors associated with the development of symptomatic neurosyphilis (SNS). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of inpatients with concurrent syphilis and HIV infection who underwent a lumbar puncture and completed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. Sixty inpatients were consecutively enrolled from Beijing Ditan Hospital between January 2015 and March 2023. The clinical and laboratory features were evaluated between the SNS and asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) groups. All patients were male, 25% (15/60) patients were diagnosed with ANS, and 75% (45/60) patients were diagnosed with SNS. Meningovascular neurosyphilis was the most prevalent clinical form in this study. Age, CD4 cell count, highly active antiretroviral therapy use, and serum HIV viral load showed no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. The SNS group lacked early detection of syphilis (P < .001) and did not get previous adequate therapy for syphilis (P < .001) than the ANS group, as well as a higher initial serum toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) titer, current serum TRUST titer, CSF white blood cell count (WBC), protein concentration, and CSF TRUST titer (P = .014, P = .042, P = .01, P = .007, and P = .007, respectively). In multivariable logistic regression, high CSF WBC count (odds ratio = 1.08; P = .032) and previous treatment of syphilis (odds ratio = 0.01; P = .049) related to the SNS. Lack of antisyphilis treatment in the early stage of syphilis and a higher CSF WBC count are related risk factors for SNS in HIV-infected patients. Meningovascular neurosyphilis should get more attention in young patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por VIH , Neurosífilis , Humanos , Masculino , Neurosífilis/diagnóstico , Neurosífilis/líquido cefalorraquídeo , Neurosífilis/complicaciones , Neurosífilis/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Adulto , China/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Riesgo , Coinfección , Recuento de Linfocito CD4

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The study aimed to analyze changes in the clinical and epidemiological aspects of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients and to identify factors influencing their prognosis. Clinical data of patients with HIV-associated CM treated in Shanghai, China between 2013 and 2023 were collected. This study included 279 cases, 2.89% of AIDS patients, showing a yearly decrease in CM prevalence among AIDS patients (p < 0.001). Overall mortality was 10.39% with rates declining from a 2013 peak of 15.38% to 0% in 2023 despite no significant temporal pattern (p = 0.265). Diagnosis took an average of 18 ± 1 days post-symptoms, and admission CD4 counts averaged 29.2 ± 2.5 cells/µL, hinting at a non-significant decline. Frequent symptoms included fever (62.4%), headache (61.6%), fatigue (44.1%), and appetite loss (39.8%), with younger patients more likely to initially show signs of meningeal irritation. Logistic regression analysis underscored the prognostic importance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count and procalcitonin levels. Over the decade spanning from 2013 to 2023, the incidence and mortality rates of CM among AIDS patients exhibited a downward trend. The average duration from the onset of CM to confirmation of diagnosis remained prolonged. CSF WBC count and procalcitonin levels were associated with unfavorable outcomes.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA , Infecciones por VIH , Meningitis Criptocócica , Humanos , Meningitis Criptocócica/epidemiología , Meningitis Criptocócica/mortalidad , China/epidemiología , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/epidemiología , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/mortalidad , Pronóstico , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Prevalencia , Incidencia , Adulto Joven

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ABSTRACT: The desires for marriage and fertility among people living with HIV (PLWH) are increasing worldwide because of improved treatment and prognosis; yet they remain understudied in China, which has a family-oriented culture. This study aimed to investigate these desires for marriage and fertility among Chinese PLWH and explore their correlates. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,504 Chinese PLWH to assess their desires for marriage, fertility, and other variables through an online questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to analyze factors associated with desires for marriage and fertility. Among the 1,504 participants, 53.9% aspired to marry at 34.76 ± 5.26 years old, whereas 62.0% desired parenthood at 36.43 ± 5.11 years old. Factors associated with these desires included age, gender, residence, education level, HIV transmission route, CD4 + T-cell count, time since HIV diagnosis, disclosure of HIV status, social support, and mental health indicators.

Asunto(s)

Fertilidad , Infecciones por VIH , Matrimonio , Persona Soltera , Humanos , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , China/epidemiología , Matrimonio/psicología , Persona Soltera/psicología , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Persona de Mediana Edad , Apoyo Social , Recuento de Linfocito CD4

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BACKGROUND: In September 2016, South Africa introduced the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) programme to manage HIV infection. However, the development of drug resistance and sustaining viral suppression are challenges to the success of treatment programmes. This prospective observational study describes virologic, immunologic, and drug resistance profiles in a test and treat cohort in north-eastern South Africa. METHODS: Five hundred and thirty-four HIV-1 positive antiretroviral naïve adults entering treatment programmes were enrolled between January 2016 and February 2018. Trends in CD4+ cell count, viral load, and drug resistance by examination of deep sequences were assessed at baseline and every three months, for 24 months. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent were late initiators into ART (that is baseline CD4+ cell counts < 500 cells/microliter) and 16% were early initiators into ART and baseline CD4 was not available for 9%. Eleven percent (12/104) achieved immunological response after 6 months, 39.4% (41 /104) after 12 months, and 97.5% (101/104) after 24 months. Seventy-one percent (381/534) had baseline viral loads >1000 RNA copies/ml. Nine percent (22/246) achieved viral suppression after 3 months, 50% (122/246) after 6 months and 73.6% (181/246) after 12 months. A slower viral suppression was observed for males than females (p value = 0.012). A total of 45.6% (52/114) individuals had at least one drug resistance mutation (DRM) detected at >20% threshold in any of the time points, and the number increased to 55% (63/114) when minor variants were accounted for. Forty-eight percent (14/29) had drug resistance mutations at >5% threshold as early as 3 months into treatment. CONCLUSION: The UNAIDS target of 95% viral suppression in individuals under treatment was not observed after 12 months of treatment, and this was less successful for males. Adherence and drug resistance monitoring could be beneficial for individuals harbouring resistant viruses early into treatment.

Asunto(s)

Fármacos Anti-VIH , Farmacorresistencia Viral , Infecciones por VIH , VIH-1 , Carga Viral , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Masculino , Femenino , Sudáfrica/epidemiología , Farmacorresistencia Viral/genética , Adulto , Carga Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Estudios Prospectivos , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , VIH-1/efectos de los fármacos , VIH-1/genética , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Fármacos Anti-VIH/farmacología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Resultado del Tratamiento

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BACKGROUND: Anemia is common and associated with increased morbidity among people with HIV (PWH). Classification of anemia using the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) can help investigate the underlying causative factors of anemia. We characterize anemia using MCV among PWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and identify the risk factors for normocytic, macrocytic, and microcytic anemias. METHODS: Including PWH with anemia (hemoglobin measure < 12.9 g/dL among men and < 11.9 g/dL among women) in the NA-ACCORD from 01/01/2007 to 12/31/2017, we estimated the annual distribution of normocytic (80-100 femtolitre (fL)), macrocytic (> 100 fL) or microcytic (< 80 fL) anemia based on the lowest hemoglobin within each year. Poisson regression models with robust variance and general estimating equations were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk factors for macrocytic (vs. normocytic) and microcytic (vs. normocytic) anemia stratified by sex. RESULTS: Among 37,984 hemoglobin measurements that identified anemia in 14,590 PWH, 27,909 (74%) were normocytic, 4257 (11%) were microcytic, and 5818 (15%) were macrocytic. Of the anemic PWH included over the study period, 1910 (13%) experienced at least one measure of microcytic anemia and 3208 (22%) at least one measure of macrocytic anemia. Normocytic anemia was most common among both males and females, followed by microcytic among females and macrocytic among males. Over time, the proportion of anemic PWH who have macrocytosis decreased while microcytosis increased. Macrocytic (vs. normocytic) anemia is associated with increasing age and comorbidities. With increasing age, microcytic anemia decreased among females but not males. A greater proportion of PWH with normocytic anemia had CD4 counts ≤ 200 cells/mm3 and had recently initiated ART. CONCLUSION: In anemic PWH, normocytic anemia was most common. Over time macrocytic anemia decreased, and microcytic anemia increased irrespective of sex. Normocytic anemia is often due to chronic disease and may explain the greater risk for normocytic anemia among those with lower CD4 counts or recent ART initiation. Identified risk factors for type-specific anemias including sex, age, comorbidities, and HIV factors, can help inform targeted investigation into the underlying causes.

Asunto(s)

Anemia , Índices de Eritrocitos , Infecciones por VIH , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/sangre , Masculino , Femenino , Anemia/epidemiología , Anemia/sangre , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Factores de Riesgo , América del Norte/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Hemoglobinas/análisis , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Recuento de Linfocito CD4

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INTRODUCTION: The presence of hypertension could reduce the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people with HIV (PWH). Yet, literature describing the HRQoL of PWH who have hypertension in Uganda is scarce making the design of locally adapted interventions cumbersome. In our study, we compared HRQoL scores of people with HIV with and without hypertension on long term antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Uganda. METHODS: We recruited 149 PWH with hypertension and 159 PWH without hypertension in the long-term ART cohort at an urban clinic in Kampala, Uganda. Data on socio-demographics were collected using an interviewer designed questionnaire while data on the World Health Organisation clinical stage viral load and CD4 count as well as ART duration were extracted from clinic electronic database and a generic EuroQol -5D- 5L (EQ-5D- 5L) and Medical Outcome Study (MOS-HIV) questionnaire used to collect HRQoL data. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics while inferential statistics were used to determine associations between key variables and HRQoL. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare HRQoL between groups of interest. RESULTS: One hundred ninety (61.7%) participants were female. PWH who had hypertension were older (Mean ± SD: 53.7 ± 8.3 vs 49.9 ± 8.6, p value <0.001) than those without hypertension. Participants with hypertension had lower overall median health utility scores (0.71 (0.33-0.80) vs 0.80 (0.44-0.80), p value = 0.029) and mean physical health score (48.44 ± 10.17 vs 51.44 ± 9.65, p value < 0.001) as opposed to those without hypertension. Hypertension (p value = 0.023), high income status, >70,000 UGX, (p value = 0.044), disclosure of the HIV status of the participants to their partner (p value = 0.026), and current history of smoking (p value = 0.029) were associated with low HRQoL scores. CONCLUSION: Among people with HIV, those with hypertension had lower HRQoL compared to those without. This calls for inclusion of quality-of-life assessment in the management of PWH who have been diagnosed with hypertension to identify those at risk and plan early interventions.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por VIH , Hipertensión , Calidad de Vida , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Uganda/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/psicología , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Hipertensión/tratamiento farmacológico , Hipertensión/epidemiología , Hipertensión/psicología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Carga Viral

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) has been historically associated with HIV, especially in people with advanced immunosuppression. Its prevalence decreased over time, but management remains difficult especially when the diagnosis is late and there is a visceral involvement. Bone localization, and particularly the vertebral one, is rare. We herein present a case of vertebral localizations of KS and performed a review literature to assess demographic, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes in people with HIV. METHODS: The systematic review was carried out by following the PRISMA guidelines and registering the protocol in PROSPERO database (n. registration: CRD42024548626). We included all cases of vertebral localizations of KS from January 1rst 1981 to December 31rst, 2023. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases, including ours, were ever reported in people with HIV, mostly males (95.4%), with a median age of 35 years (IQR: 32-44), median CD4+ T cell count of 80 cell/mm3 (IQR 13-111), 31.8% with high HIV viral load. Five people received HIV and KS diagnosis simultaneously. In all cases, but one, there were multiple sites involved. Most spine lesions were localized at thoracic and lumbar levels (59.1%), causing pathological fractures in 2 cases. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were performed in 50% and 18.2% cases, respectively. 22.7% persons died, stability and improvement/disease regression were reported for 13.6% and 22.7% persons, respectively, while 9.9% had a significant disease progression and a person was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Despite progresses in treatment, late presentation of KS, especially with spine involvement may have a poor prognosis. More efforts are needed to promote access to HIV testing, especially when indicating conditions are present.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por VIH , Sarcoma de Kaposi , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Adulto , Neoplasias de la Columna Vertebral/complicaciones , Femenino , Carga Viral , Recuento de Linfocito CD4

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BACKGROUND: Since the HIV epidemic in the 1980s, CMV retinitis has been mainly reported in this context. CMV retinitis in persons living with HIV is usually observed when CD4 + cells are below 50 cells/mm3. This study aims to describe the immune markers of non-HIV-related CMV retinitis as well as to describe its clinical manifestations and outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with CMV retinitis not related to HIV seen at the uveitis clinic of Jules Gonin Eye Hospital between 2000 and 2023. We reported the clinical manifestations and outcomes of the patients. We additionally assessed immune markers during CMV retinitis (leukocyte, lymphocyte, CD4 + cell and CD8 + cell counts as well as immunoglobulin levels). RESULTS: Fifteen patients (22 eyes) were included. Underlying disease was hematologic malignancy in 9 patients, solid organ transplant in 3 patients, rheumatic disease in 2 patients and thymoma in one patient. The median time between the onset of underlying disease and the diagnosis of retinitis was 4.8 years. Lymphopenia was observed in 8/15 patients (mild = 3, moderate = 4, severe = 1), and low CD4 counts were observed in 9/12 patients, with less than 100 cells/mm3 in 4 patients. Hypogammaglobulinemia was detected in 7/11 patients. Retinitis was bilateral in 7/15 patients, and severe visual loss was frequent (5/19 eyes). Disease recurrence was seen in 7/13 patients at a median time of 6 months after initial diagnosis. No differences in immune markers were observed in patients with vs. without recurrence. CONCLUSION: CMV retinitis is a rare disorder that can affect patients suffering any kind of immunodeficiency. It is associated with a high visual morbidity despite adequate treatment. CD4 + cell counts are usually higher than those in HIV patients, but B-cell dysfunction is common.

Asunto(s)

Biomarcadores , Retinitis por Citomegalovirus , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Retinitis por Citomegalovirus/inmunología , Retinitis por Citomegalovirus/complicaciones , Estudios Retrospectivos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Anciano , Biomarcadores/sangre , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología

RESUMEN

While research involving pregnant women with HIV has largely focused on the antepartum and intrapartum periods, few studies in Nigeria have examined the clinical outcomes of these women postpartum. This study aimed to evaluate antiretroviral therapy retention, adherence, and viral suppression among postpartum women in Nigeria. This retrospective clinical data analysis included women with a delivery record at the antenatal HIV clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital between 2013 and 2017. Descriptive statistics quantified proportions retained, adherent (≥95% medication possession ratio), and virally suppressed up to 24 months postpartum. Among 1535 included women, 1497 met the triple antiretroviral therapy eligibility criteria. At 24 months, 1342 (89.6%) women remained in care, 51 (3.4%) reported transferring, and 104 (7.0%) were lost to follow-up. The proportion of patients with ≥95% medication possession ratio decreased from 79.0% to 69.1% over the 24 months. Viral suppression among those with results was 88.7% at 24 months, but <62% of those retained had viral load results at each time point. In multiple logistic regression, predictors of loss to follow-up included having a more recent HIV diagnosis, higher gravidity, fewer antenatal care visits, and a non-hospital delivery. Predictors of viral non-suppression included poorer adherence, unsuppressed/missing baseline viral load, lower baseline CD4+ T-cell count, and higher gravidity. Loss to follow-up rates were lower and antiretroviral therapy adherence rates similar among postpartum women at our study hospital compared with other sub-Saharan countries. Longer follow-up time and inclusion of multiple facilities for a nationally representative sample would be beneficial in future studies.

Asunto(s)

Fármacos Anti-VIH , Infecciones por VIH , Cumplimiento de la Medicación , Periodo Posparto , Carga Viral , Humanos , Femenino , Nigeria/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Adulto , Cumplimiento de la Medicación/estadística & datos numéricos , Embarazo , Estudios Retrospectivos , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/tratamiento farmacológico , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Adulto Joven , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Transgender women are at increased risk of acquiring HIV. Earlier studies reported lower retention in HIV care, antiretroviral therapy uptake, adherence and viral suppression. We assessed the stages of the HIV care continuum of transgender women in the Netherlands over an 11-year period. In addition, we assessed new HIV diagnoses and late presentation, as well as disengagement from care, between 2011 and 2021. METHODS: Using data from the Dutch national ATHENA cohort, we separately assessed viral suppression, as well as time to achieving viral suppression, among transgender women for each year between 2011 and 2021. We also assessed trends in new HIV diagnoses and late presentation (CD4 count of <350 cells/µl and/or AIDS at diagnosis), and disengagement from care. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2021, a total of 260 transgender women attended at least one HIV clinical visit. Across all years, <90% of transgender women were virally suppressed (207/239 [87%] in 2021). The number of new HIV diagnoses fluctuated for transgender women (ptrend = 0.053) and late presentation was common (ranging between 10% and 67% of new HIV diagnoses). Of the 260 transgender women, 26 (10%) disengaged from care between 2011 and 2021 (incidence rate = 1.10 per 100 person-years, 95% confidence interval = 0.75-1.61). CONCLUSIONS: Between 2011 and 2021, less than 90% of transgender women linked to HIV care were virally suppressed. Late presentation at the time of diagnosis and disengagement from care were common. Efforts are needed to identify barriers to early HIV diagnosis and to optimize the different steps across the care continuum for transgender women.

Asunto(s)

Continuidad de la Atención al Paciente , Infecciones por VIH , Personas Transgénero , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/diagnóstico , Femenino , Personas Transgénero/estadística & datos numéricos , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Adulto , Continuidad de la Atención al Paciente/estadística & datos numéricos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios de Seguimiento , Masculino , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Adulto Joven , Estudios de Cohortes , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Carga Viral

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is an atypical, immoderate immune response mounted by the refurbishing immune system against the mycobacterium tuberculosis, commonly seen in HIV-infected individuals. ART significantly enhances one's immunity. However, this enhancement in immunity also sets off a number of inflammatory processes termed as Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS). METHODS: This observational study was conducted with the aim of assessing the incidence and pattern of TB-IRIS in people living with HIV/AIDS on ART registered at the ART Centre of S.C.B. Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. They were evaluated for their plasma viral load and CD4 count at baseline. Thereafter, the plasma viral load was assessed every week and the CD4 count was assessed fortnightly. Each study participant was followed-up for a period of three months to look for any onset of TB-IRIS. RESULTS: A total of 286 patients were included the study. The overall incidence of TB-IRIS was 7.7%. The occurrence of paradoxical TB-IRIS was nearly double than ART-associated TB-IRIS. There was a significant rise in the CD4 cell count in the patients of both paradoxical (p = 0.001) and ART-associated (p = 0.017) TB-IRIS. The plasma viral load at baseline also showed significant differences from the levels documented at the appearance of the TB-IRIS both in both the types i.e. paradoxical (p = 0.001) and ART-associated (p = 0.012) TB-IRIS. CONCLUSION: People with HIV/TB coinfection experience high morbidity and death from all kinds of TB-IRIS, necessitating specific attention. As HIV-positive cases and implementation of ART continue to rise, it's vital to quickly rule out TB coinfection.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por VIH , Síndrome Inflamatorio de Reconstitución Inmune , Tuberculosis , Carga Viral , Humanos , Síndrome Inflamatorio de Reconstitución Inmune/epidemiología , Masculino , Adulto , Femenino , Incidencia , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Tuberculosis/epidemiología , Tuberculosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis/inmunología , India/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Antirretrovirales/uso terapéutico , Antirretrovirales/efectos adversos , Fármacos Anti-VIH/uso terapéutico , Fármacos Anti-VIH/efectos adversos , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/epidemiología , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/inmunología , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated the impact of immune recovery and the duration of antifungal adherence in the consolidation phase of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients living in a hyperendemic area in northeastern Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with DH/AIDS, admitted to the São José Hospital between 2010 and 2015, who continued histoplasmosis consolidation therapy at the outpatient clinic were studied. The follow-up duration was at least 24 months. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients used itraconazole 200-400 mg/day or amphotericin B deoxycholate weekly during the consolidation phase, and six patients relapsed during follow-up. The overall median duration of consolidation antifungal use was 250 days [IQR 101 - 372]. Antifungal withdrawal by medical decision occurred in 41 patients (70.7 %) after a median of 293 days [IQR 128 - 372] of use; 16 patients discontinued by their own decision, with a median of 106 days [IQR 37 - 244] of therapy; three patients had no information available, and nine continued on AF therapy. The median CD4+ T-cell count in the group without relapse was 248 cells/µL [IQR 115-355] within 6 months after admission; conversely, in the relapse group, the median cell count remained below 100 cells/µL. Irregular adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was the leading risk factor associated with relapse and death (p< 0.01). DISCUSSION: The regular use of HAART, combined with immune recovery, proved to be highly effective in preventing relapses in DH/AIDS patients, suggesting that long-term antifungal therapy may not be necessary.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida , Anfotericina B , Antifúngicos , Ácido Desoxicólico , Histoplasmosis , Humanos , Histoplasmosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Histoplasmosis/inmunología , Masculino , Femenino , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Antifúngicos/administración & dosificación , Adulto , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/complicaciones , Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida/inmunología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ácido Desoxicólico/uso terapéutico , Ácido Desoxicólico/administración & dosificación , Anfotericina B/uso terapéutico , Anfotericina B/administración & dosificación , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/inmunología , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/microbiología , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Brasil/epidemiología , Itraconazol/uso terapéutico , Itraconazol/administración & dosificación , Reconstitución Inmune , Combinación de Medicamentos , Quimioterapia de Consolidación , Estudios Retrospectivos , Cumplimiento de la Medicación/estadística & datos numéricos , Recurrencia , Duración de la Terapia , Resultado del Tratamiento , Estudios de Seguimiento , Terapia Antirretroviral Altamente Activa

RESUMEN

Granuloma is a crucial pathological feature of tuberculosis (TB). The relationship between CD4+ T cells in both peripheral blood and granulomatous tissue, and the integrity of granulomas in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-MTB co-infection, remains unexplored. This study collected biopsy specimens from 102 TB patients (53 with HIV-MTB co-infection and 49 only with TB). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed, followed by microscopic examination of the integrity of tuberculous granulomas. Through statistical analysis of peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts, tissue CD4+ T cell proportion, and the integrity of granulomas, it was observed that HIV infection leads to poor formation of tuberculous granulomas. Peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts were positively correlated with granuloma integrity, and there was a similar positive correlation between tissue CD4+ T cell proportions and granuloma integrity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between peripheral blood CD4+ T cell counts and the proportion of CD4+ T cells in granuloma tissues. Therefore, HIV infection could impact the morphology and structure of tuberculous granulomas, with a reduced proportion of both peripheral blood and tissue CD4+ T lymphocytes.

Asunto(s)

Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos , Coinfección , Granuloma , Infecciones por VIH , Tuberculosis , Humanos , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Linfocitos T CD4-Positivos/inmunología , Granuloma/inmunología , Granuloma/patología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Coinfección/inmunología , Coinfección/microbiología , Coinfección/virología , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Persona de Mediana Edad , Tuberculosis/inmunología , Tuberculosis/patología , Tuberculosis/microbiología , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/inmunología

RESUMEN

The risk of HIV-1 infection and the rate of disease progression vary considerably among individuals and the genetic makeup of the host may be one of the possible reasons for this. We aimed to determine association of functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), -1082A/G (rs1800896), -819C/T (rs1800871), and -592C/A (rs1800872) in IL-10 gene, with the susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and clinical parameters expressed as a baseline CD4+ T cell count, CD8+ T cell count, and viral load. Therapy naïve HIV-1 infected individuals and HIV-1 seronegative controls from Poland were recruited for this study. Genotyping results revealed significantly higher frequency of -1082G/G genotype (28.1 % vs 16.1 %; p = 0.0019, OR=0.49) and -1082G allele (47.6 % vs 38.8 %; p = 0.0028, OR = 0.70) as well as lower frequency of -592 and -819 heterozygosity (45.0 % vs 34.4 %; p = 0.0266, OR = 1.47) in controls compared to seropositive subjects. High producing haplotype GCC was associated with increased risk of HIV-1 infection (p = 0.0018, OR = 1.52). Individuals possessing -592 and -819 minor allele had significantly higher CD8+ T cell count compared to the wild type allele carriers (p = 0.0303). Moreover, presence of -1082G allele was related with lower viral load as well as CD4+ and CD8+ T cells counts among patients infected with R5 HIV-1 variant. Thus, IL-10 gene promoter variants may be a risk factor for HIV-1 transmission and may modulate disease progression in the Polish population.

Asunto(s)

Progresión de la Enfermedad , Frecuencia de los Genes , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Genotipo , Infecciones por VIH , VIH-1 , Interleucina-10 , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Regiones Promotoras Genéticas , Carga Viral , Humanos , Interleucina-10/genética , VIH-1/fisiología , Polonia/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/genética , Infecciones por VIH/inmunología , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Regiones Promotoras Genéticas/genética , Persona de Mediana Edad , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Alelos , Linfocitos T CD8-positivos/inmunología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Adulto Joven , Estudios de Asociación Genética

RESUMEN

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a neoplasm of vascular origin that promotes angiogenesis and the growth of endothelial cells triggered by the Kaposi Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus (KSHV). When associated with HIV, KSHV becomes more aggressive and rapidly evolves. The HIV-1 TAT protein can be essential in developing AIDS-associated KS by promoting angiogenesis and increasing KSHV replication. Therefore, we evaluated the genetic profile of the first exon of tat gene among groups of people living with HIV (PLHIV) with (case group, n = 36) or without KS, this later with (positive control group, n = 46) and without KSHV infection (negative control group, n = 24); all individuals under antiretroviral therapy. The genetic diversity, the DN/DS ratio, and the genetic entropy of the first exon of tat were higher in the case group, followed by the positive control group, which was higher than the negative control group. The number of tat codons under positive selection was seven in the case group, six in the positive control group, and one in the negative control group. The prevalence of HIV viral loads below the detection limit was equal in the case and positive control groups, which were lower than in the negative control group. The mean CD4+ T cell counts were higher in the negative control group, followed by the positive control group, and followed by the case group. These results emphasize the negative influence of KSHV in antiretroviral treatment, as well as the HIV-specific TAT profile among PLHIV who developed KS.

Asunto(s)

Coinfección , Infecciones por VIH , Herpesvirus Humano 8 , Sarcoma de Kaposi , Productos del Gen tat del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana , Humanos , Sarcoma de Kaposi/virología , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/virología , Masculino , Herpesvirus Humano 8/genética , Femenino , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Productos del Gen tat del Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana/genética , Coinfección/virología , Coinfección/tratamiento farmacológico , VIH-1/genética , VIH-1/efectos de los fármacos , Variación Genética , Carga Viral , Antirretrovirales/uso terapéutico , Recuento de Linfocito CD4