Therapeutic genome engineering: Implications for South Africa

South Africa encompasses extraordinary genetic diversity, frequently revealing unique mutations and variations associated with disease. Despite the advances of traditional gene therapy, our understanding of causative mutations in the South African population has, for the most part, contributed to diagnostic rather than therapeutic interventions. Recent developments in genome engineering and its ease of use have released a powerful tool with which to intervene in otherwise untreatable disease. In addition, harnessing this tool for discrete genetic edits provides a mechanism by which screening of new drugs specific to our population's diversity can be accomplished. Here, we use examples of some of the most advanced genome engineering approaches to develop therapeutic strategies that would specifically affect South African individuals

Kwazulu-Natal Minibus Taxi Drivers' Perceptions on HIV and AIDS: Transmission; Prevention; Support and Effects on the Industry

In South Africa; the minibus taxi drivers are largely becoming another high-risk category in the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Although previous studies have shown that knowledge of HIV and AIDS is relatively high among the taxi drivers it is still not clear how this sub-population perceive the support rendered to them with regard to HIV and AIDS prevention strategies. This study aimed to focus on this atypical workplace and explore the KwaZulu-Natal; minibus taxi drivers' perceptions on HIV and AIDS. In this study; qualitative methods were utilized to determine the minibus taxi drivers' understanding of HIV and AIDS infection; HIV prevention strategies; existing support strategies and effects of HIV and AIDS on the taxi industry. Focus-group discussions were conducted; to collect data. The results showed that even though the taxi drivers had some understanding on HIV and AIDS there was still a dire need for interventions that were geared towards addressing HIV-related needs of the drivers in this industry

Measuring HIV Stigma for PLHAs and Nurses Over Time in Five African Countries

The aim of this article is to document the levels of HIV stigma reported by persons living with HIV infections and nurses in Lesotho; Malawi; South Africa; Swaziland and Tanzania over a 1-year period. HIV stigma has been shown to negatively affect the quality of life for people living with HIV infection; their adherence to medication; and their access to care. Few studies have documented HIV stigma by association as experienced by nurses or other health care workers who care for people living with HIV infection. This study used standardised scales to measure the level of HIV stigma over time. A repeated measures cohort design was used to follow persons living with HIV infection and nurses involved in their care from five countries over a 1-year period in a three-wave longitudinal design. The average age of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) (N=948) was 36.15 years (SD=8.69); and 67.1(N=617) were female. The average age of nurses (N=887) was 38.44 years (SD=9.63); and 88.6(N=784) were females. Eighty-four per cent PLHAs reported one or more HIV-stigma events at baseline. This declined; but was still significant 1 year later; when 64.9reported experiencing at least one HIV-stigma event. At baseline; 80.3of the nurses reported experiencing one or more HIV-stigma events and this increased to 83.71 year later. The study documented high levels of HIV stigma as reported by both PLHAs and nurses in all five of these African countries. These results have implications for stigma reduction interventions; particularly focused at healthcare providers who experience HIV stigma by association

Social Support and Health Behaviour in Women Living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal

The article explores the relationship between social support and health behaviour of rural and urban women who are living with HIV in South Africa. Our study was a descriptive survey of a group of pregnant and non-pregnant women living with HIV. The sample size was 262 women; 165 from urban area and 97 from rural area. Data were collected using 3 instruments; namely a demographic questionnaire; the health behaviour schedule and the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey. Significant findings indicate that in the urban area 71 of women had disclosed their HIV status to someone; while in the rural area 49 had done so.A total of 77 of the women indicated that they were sexually active - 21 had 2 partners and 20 indicated that they had at least one episode of a sexually transmitted disease since finding out their HIV status. A total of 16 said that they currently received counselling; which was significantly more frequent in the rural sample (27) than the urban (11).The membership of support groups is at 12 among the participating women; and social support as well as membership of a support group was higher in the rural group than the urban group. Good social support showed an association with condom use; support group attendance and taking vitamins. However; receiving counselling as well as membership of a support group showed stronger association with positive health behaviour than social support on its own. The higher social support was not associated with increased disclosure