Resistencia a los inhibidores de la integrasa en niños con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana por transmisión vertical: primeros casos en Uruguay / Resistance to integrase inhibitors in children with vertically-transmitted human immunodeficiency virus: First cases in Uruguay

La resistencia a los antirretrovirales (ARV) es un problema de salud pública. Con el uso de inhibidores de la integrasa (INSTI) en pediatría, también comienzan a aparecer resistencias. El objetivo de esta comunicación es describir 3 casos con resistencia a los INSTI. Se describen 3 pacientes pediátricos con transmisión vertical del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Iniciaron ARV de lactantes y preescolares, con mala adherencia al tratamiento, cursaron con diferentes planes secundarios a comorbilidades asociadas y fallas virológicas por resistencia. Los 3 casos clínicos describen la rápida aparición de resistencia frente a la falla virológica y el compromiso de los INSTI. La adherencia debe ser supervisada para detectar precozmente el aumento de la viremia. La falla virológica en un paciente tratado con raltegravir obliga a un rápido cambio de esquema ARV, ya que continuar utilizándolo podría favorecer nuevas mutaciones y resistencia a los INSTI de segunda generación.

Antiretroviral (ARV) drug resistance is a public health issue. Resistance has also been observed in the case of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) used in pediatrics. The objective of this article is to describe 3 cases of INSTI resistance. These are the cases of 3 children with vertically-transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They were started on ARVs as infants and preschoolers, with poor treatment adherence, and had different management plans due to associated comorbidities and virological failure due to resistance. In the 3 cases, resistance developed rapidly as a result of virological failure and INSTI involvement. Treatment adherence should be monitored so that any increase in viremia can be detected early. Virological failure in a patient treated with raltegravir forces to a rapid change in ARV therapy because its continued use may favor new mutations and resistance to second-generation INSTIs.

Functions of HIV-1 Tat and its association with diseases / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Acquired immune deficiency syndrome,or AIDS,has been a major infectious disease that troubles the public health in a global scale. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)is the causative reagent responsible for AIDS development. Even though the highly active anti-retroviral therapy(HAART,or the cocktail therapy)that has been widely applied could effectively suppress the infection and replication of HIV-1,the infected people suffer from other related diseases,such as the HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder(HAND). This paper mainly focused on the function of an important regulatory protein of HIV-1,trans-activator of transcription(Tat),and its correlation with HIV-1 replication and HAND development,so as to clarify the importance of developing anti-AIDS drugs targeting Tat protein

Incomplete recovery of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio is associated with the late introduction of antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV infection

ABSTRACT Despite being subject to lower AIDS-related mortality rates and having a higher life expectancy, patients with HIV are more prone to develop non-AIDS events. A low CD4+/CD8+ ratio during antiretroviral therapy identifies people with heightened immune senescence and increased risk of mortality. In clinical practice, finding determinants of a low CD4+/CD8+ ratio may be useful for identifying patients who require close monitoring due to an increased risk of comorbidities and death. We performed a prospective study on the evolution of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in 60 patients infected with HIV (80% males), who were subjected to two different antiretroviral regimens: early and deferred therapy. The initial CD4+/CD8+ ratio was ≤1 for 70% of the patients in both groups. Older age, CD4+ cell count at inclusion, Nadir CD8+T-cell count, and Initial CD4+/CD8+ ratio ≤ 1 were risk factors for lack of ratio recovery. In the multivariate analysis, a CD4+/CD8+ ratio > 1 at the start of the treatment was found to be a determinant factor in maintaining a CD4+/CD8+ ratio > 1. The nadir CD4+T-cell count was lower in the deferred therapy group (p=0.004), and the last CD4+/CD8+ ratio ≤1 was not associated with comorbidities. Ratio recovery was not associated with the duration of HIV infection, time without therapy, or absence of AIDS incidence. A greater improvement was observed in patients treated early (p=0.003). In contrast, the slope of increase was slower in patients who deferred treatment. In conclusion, the increase in the CD4+/CD8+ ratio occurred mostly for patients undergoing early strategy treatment and its extension did not seem to be related to previous HIV-related factors.

HIV with initial ocular Kaposi sarcoma / HIV com sarcoma de Kaposi ocular inicial

ABSTRACT We present an interesting case of a 62-year-old black female, presented to the ophthalmological hospital with a little "nevus" on the left eye previously visualized at the mirror, with one month of development. Physical examination with slit lamp (biomicroscopy) showed a group of painless veins, with vascular redness, and a mass nodular aspect in the mid temporal bulbar conjunctiva, of approximately 2mmx4mm.

RESUMO Apresentamos o interessante caso de uma mulher negra de 62 anos, que deu entrada no hospital oftalmológico com um pequeno nevo no olho esquerdo previamente visualizado ao espelho, com 1 mês de evolução. O exame físico com lâmpada de fenda (biomicroscopia) mostrou um grupo de veias indolor e vermelhidão vascular, com uma massa de aspecto nodular na conjuntiva bulbar temporal média, de aproximadamente 2mmx4mm.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de casos de viruela símica en personas que viven con VIH: análisis observacional

Antecedentes: La viruela del mono (mpox) es una zoonosis que se ha extendido rápida y globalmente desde mediados de 2022 y ha afectado mayoritariamente a hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). Objetivos: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente la infección por el virus mpox en personas que viven con VIH (PVVIH). Pacientes y Método: Se realizó un análisis clínico y epidemiológico a PVVIH que consultaron por sospecha de mpox en el Policlínico de Infectología del Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán. Se reportan los casos confirmados por reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) entre el 11/07/2022 y 21/10/2022. Resultados: Se confirmó mpox en 35 pacientes, todos HSH y, la mayoría, en terapia antirretroviral. La mediana de edad fue 37 años. El promedio de días entre fase inicial sistémica inespecífica y eruptiva fue 1,7. Las lesiones fueron de tipo maculopapulares, costrosas y umbilicadas en las zonas genital, perianal, dorso y extremidades, mayoritariamente. Trece individuos presentaron complicaciones y dos requirieron hospitalización. De los con examen de VDRL solicitado, el 46,4% fue reactivo en títulos no residuales. Conclusiones: Se detectó llegada de mpox en un centro de atención de VIH en HSH en todos los niveles de estado inmune. Mayormente, los casos fueron leves a moderados y autolimitados. El cuadro clínico ha sido similar a lo descrito globalmente.

Background. Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonosis that has spread rapidly and globally since mid-2022 and has mainly affected men who have sex with men (MSM). Aim: To characterize mpox clinically and epidemiologically in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Method: A clinical and epidemiological analysis was carried out on PLHIV who consulted for suspected mpox in the Infectious Disease clinic of the San Borja Arriarán Clinical Hospital. Cases confirmed by PCR are reported between 07/11/2022 and 10/21/2022. Results: Mpox was confirmed in 35 patients, all MSM and on antiretroviral therapy. The median age was 37 years. The average number of days between the initial non-specific systemic and eruptive phase was 1.7. The lesions were maculopapular, crusted, and umbilicated, mainly in the genital, perianal, back, and extremity areas. Thirteen patients presented complications and two required hospitalizations. Of those with a requested VDRL test, 46.4% were reactive in non-residual titers. Conclusions: Arrival of mpox was detected at the HIV care center in MSM at all levels of immune status. Mostly, the cases were mild to moderate and self-limiting. The clinical picture has been similar to that described globally.

Enfermedad de Hansen en un adulto con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Hansen's disease in an adult infected with human immunodeficiency virus i: en

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente infectado por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en fase sintomática precoz, quien fue asistido en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. León Cuervo Rubio en Pinar del Río por presentar lesiones eritematosas infiltradas de tres meses de evolución en el miembro inferior derecho, con alteración de la sensibilidad térmica y dolorosa. Se le indicó baciloscopia y estudio histopatológico que confirmaron el diagnóstico de sospecha de lepra dimorfa tuberculoide, por lo que se comenzó a aplicar poliquimioterapia combinada con terapia antirretroviral, lo cual favoreció la evolución del paciente.

The case report of a patient infected by the human immunodeficiency virus in early symptomatic phase is described, who was seen at the Dermatology Service of the Dr. León Cuervo Rubio Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital of Pinar del Río for presenting infiltrated erythematous lesions of three months of evolution in the right lower limb, with altered pain and thermal sensation. A basiloscopic and histopathologic study was indicated, which confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of borderline tuberculoid leprosy, and therefore polychemotherapy combined with antiretroviral therapy was started, which favored the patient's evolution.

Challenges of managing HIV cytomegalovirus co-infection in the presence of pancytopenia

A 60-year-old male patient who presented with generalized weakness and low-grade fever was diagnosed to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive with a CD4 count of 17. Routine laboratory investigations revealed pancytopenia. Serum cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive and fundoscopy showed CMV retinitis in the right eye. The patient was started on tablet valganciclovir. After 2 weeks, the patient was brought back in an altered sensorium. He was found to have hyponatremia which was corrected. He was started on antiretroviral therapy and tablet valganciclovir was continued. The patient came back again after one and a half months with a urinary tract infection and fissure-in-ano. He was found to have severe neutropenia. Valganciclovir was stopped. He was started on injection granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The patient clinically improved and his hematological parameters became normal. Patients having HIV and CMV co-infection with pre-existing pancytopenia have to be closely monitored as the medicines used for treatment can exacerbate the existing conditions.

Health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral treatment: A questionnaire-based study

Introduction: The knowledge of the effect of sociodemographic and disease-related factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is important for planning comprehensive health-care services for them. Material and Methods: Two hundred PLWHA on antiretroviral therapy (ART) volunteered to complete a self-reported World Health Organization’s Quality of Life?HIV brief questionnaire (WHOQoL-HIV-BREF) that examines six domains each with four items (physical, psychological, level of independence, social, environmental, and spiritual) with 25 facets and additional 5 facets specific to PLWHA (symptoms of HIV, social inclusion, forgiveness, worries about the future, and death and dying). Results: Only 135 questionnaires from 73 (53.3%) men and 63 (46.7%) women (male: female – 1.14:1) aged 20–82 years(mean ± standard deviation: 42.9 ± 10.5 years) were found complete. Eighty-five (63%) individuals were aged 41–60 years, 78 (57.8%) individuals were matriculates, graduates, or postgraduates, 76 (56.3%) respondents were married, and 38 (28.1%) were widows/widowers. Staying-alone workers comprised 43 (31.8%) individuals. Overall health and HRQoL were rated satisfactory (n = 85.2%) and good/very good (n = 74.8%) by a significantly greater number of individuals (P = 0.001). Pearson’s Chi-squared test showed no statistically significant (P > ?) associations between good HRQoL and variables such as age >40 years, gender, education, marital status, duration of disease, disclosure of serostatus to family, ART for >3 years, and CD4 >200 cells/mL. Conclusion: Regular ART can result in adequate control of immunosuppression and no comorbidities in a majority of PLWHA, family and social acceptance, and financial security can result in overall good HRQoL in all six domains within the WHOQoL-HIV-BREF. The study is limited by its cross-sectional study design and small sample size.

Síndrome de linfocitosis infiltrativa difusa con neumonía intersticial en un paciente con VIH / Diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome with interstitial pneumonia in a patient with HIV

El síndrome de linfocitosis infiltrativa difusa se produce en asociación con la infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana; requiere cumplir con los criterios diagnósticos y descartar otras patologías infecciosas y autoinmunes. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 47 años que consultó por edema parotídeo bilateral, síndrome sicca, tos y síndrome de impregnación. Se observó en la tomografía de tórax infiltrado en «vidrio esmerilado¼, parcheado y bilateral. Se realizó diagnóstico de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana positivo y fibrobroncoscopia con lavado broncoalveolar sin desarrollo de patógenos. Se interpreta como neumonía intersticial linfoidea asociada a síndrome de linfocitosis infiltrativa difusa. Se inició terapia antirretroviral con buena evolución y desaparición de los síntomas y de los infiltrados pulmonares.

Diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome occurs in association with HIV infection; it requires meeting the diagnostic criteria and ruling out other infectious and autoimmune pathologies. We present the case of a 47-year-old woman who consulted for bilateral parotid edema, sicca syndrome, cough and impregnation syndrome, which was observed in the chest tomography infiltrated in ground glass, patched and bilateral. A diagnosis of HIV positive and fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was made without the development of pathogens. It is interpreted as lymphoid interstitial pneu monia associated with DILS. Antiretroviral therapy was started with good evolution and disappearance of symptoms and pulmonary infiltrates.

Lumbar puncture for neurosyphilis investigation in asymptomatic patients with HIV-syphilis coinfection: a cross-sectional study among infectious disease specialists

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a major public health issue worldwide. In people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), there are higher incidences of both syphilis and neurosyphilis. The criteria for referring PLHIV with syphilis for lumbar puncture is controversial, and the diagnosis of neurosyphilis is challenging. OBJECTIVE: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infectious disease specialists and residents in the context of care for asymptomatic HIV-syphilis coinfection using close-ended questions and case vignettes. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in three public health institutions in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we invited infectious disease specialists and residents at three academic healthcare institutions to answer a self-completion questionnaire available online or in paper form. RESULTS: Of 98 participants, only 23.5% provided answers that were in line with the current Brazilian recommendation. Most participants believed that the criteria for lumbar puncture should be extended for people living with HIV with low CD4+ cell counts (52.0%); in addition, participants also believed that late latent syphilis (29.6%) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) titers ≥ 1:32 (22.4%) should be conditions for lumbar puncture in PLHIV with no neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study highlights heterogeneities in the clinical management of HIV-syphilis coinfection. Most infectious disease specialists still consider syphilis stage, VDRL titers and CD4+ cell counts as important parameters when deciding which patients need lumbar puncture for investigating neurosyphilis.

Midwives' perceptions of and attitudes towards prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV

Background: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services has become an integral part of antenatal services. Prevention of mother-to-child transmission was introduced in all the regions of Ghana, but mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) continued to increase. Objectives: To explore and describe midwives' perceptions and attitudes towards PMTCT of HIV services. Method: Quantitative research approach and descriptive cross-sectional design were used. The population includes all midwives between the ages of 21 and 60 years who work in antenatal care (ANC) clinics in 11 district hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana where the study was conducted. Forty-eight midwives were interviewed using a census sample process. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Correlation analysis was performed to find the relationships between the attitudes and the perceptions of the midwives on PMTCT of HIV services. Results: Seventy percent of midwives had positive perceptions of PMTCT of HIV services and 85% had positive attitudes towards the provision of PMTCT of HIV services. Midwives were screening all pregnant women who visited the ANCs and referring those who tested positive to other institutions where they can be monitored. Some of the concerns considered were views on retesting HIV-infected pregnant women throughout their pregnancy. There was a positive correlation between attitudes and perceptions of midwives on PMTCT of HIV services. Conclusion: Midwives had positive perceptions and positive attitudes towards the PMTCT of HIV services that they were providing to antenatal attendees. Also, as the attitudes of the midwives towards PMTCT of HIV services improved, their perceptions of PMTCT services also improved. Contribution: Decentralisation of PMTCT of HIV services to community-based health facilities is appropriate to enable sub-district health facilities to test for HIV and provide counselling services to pregnant women.

Audit of emergency obstetric referrals at a Tertiary Center in Kano

Introduction: Maternal and perinatal deaths could be prevented if functional referral systems are in place to allow pregnant women to get appropriate services when complications occur. Methodology: The study was a 1-year retrospective study of obstetric referrals in Aminu Kano Teaching hospital, from 1st January to 31st December 2019. Records of all emergency obstetrics patients referred to the hospital for 1 year were reviewed. A structured proforma was used to extract information such as sociodemographic characteristics of the patients, indications for referral, and pre-referral treatment. The care given at the receiving hospital was extracted from the patients' folders. An Audit standard was developed and the findings were compared with the standards in order to determine how the referral system in the study area perform in relation to the standard. Results: There were total of 180 referrals, the mean age of the women was 28.5 ± 6.3 years. Majority (52%) of the patients were referred from Secondary Centres and only 10% were transported with an ambulance. The most common diagnosis at the time of referral was severe preeclampsia. More than half of the patients (63%) had to wait for 30 to 60 minutes before they see a doctor. All the patients were offered high quality care and majority (70%) were delivered via caesarean section. Conclusion: There were lapses in the management of patients before referral; failure to identify high risk conditions, delay in referral, and lack of treatment during transit to the referral centre.

Research progress of broadly neutralizing antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS)is a global public health issue,which has a major impact on human life and health.As the main pathogen of AIDS,human immunodeficiency virus type 1(HIV-1)has high variability and latent characteristics,there are no available vaccines and drugs to prevent and cure AIDS.The broadly neutralizing antibodies(bNAbs)against HIV-1 can induce effective immune response to HIV-1 infection in vivo,and neutralize different types of strains at the same time,which have great application potential in preventing HIV-1 infection and controlling the process of AIDS.In this paper,the production and acquisition,classification and characteristics as well as application of HIV-1bNAbs are reviewed so as to provide a reference for the subsequent research on HIV-1 vaccine and development of antibody drugs.

Analysis of the occurrence time and risk factors of anemia in AIDS patients caused by HAART regimen containing zidovudine / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the occurrence time and risk factors of anemia in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome （AIDS） after taking highly active antiretroviral therapy （HAART） containing zidovudine. METHODS The clinical data of 2 150 AIDS patients who were followed up in the care clinic of Liuzhou People’s Hospital from January 1， 2010 to December 31， 2022 were collected. The occurrence time of anemia was analyzed retrospectively， and the risk factors of anemia were analyzed by univariate analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 854 AIDS patients receiving HAART containing zidovudine were collected， and 107 patients （12.53%） developed anemia. Most of them （63.55%） developed anemia within 3 months after treatment. Baseline hemoglobin [OR＝2.944， 95%CI （1.195， 7.501）， P＝0.019]， baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte count [OR＝2.472， 95%CI （1.117， 5.469）， P＝0.026] and baseline human immunodeficiency virus-ribonucleic acid （HIV-RNA） [OR＝4.299， 95%CI （1.905， 9.705）， P＜0.001] was associated with anemia. CONCLUSIONS The median time of anemia in AIDS patients receiving HAART containing zidovudine is the second month after initiation of treatment. Baseline hemoglobin≤110 g/L， baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte E-mail：1315775863@qq.com count≤100 /mm3， and baseline HIV-RNA≥100 000 copies/mL are independent risk factors for anemia in these patients.

Emergency department approach to monkeypox / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Monkeypox (mpox) is a viral infection that is primarily endemic to countries in Africa, but large outbreaks outside of Africa have been historically rare. In June 2022, mpox began to spread across Europe and North America, causing the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare mpox a public health emergency of international concern. This article aims to review clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prevention and treatment strategies on mpox, providing the basic knowledge for prevention and control for emergency providers. METHODS: We conducted a review of the literature using PubMed and SCOPUS databases from their beginnings to the end of July 2023. The inclusion criteria were studies on adult patients focusing on emerging infections that described an approach to a public health emergency of international concern, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and retrospective studies. Studies that were not published in English were excluded. RESULTS: We included 50 studies in this review. The initial symptoms of mpox are non-specific: fever, malaise, myalgias, and sore throat. Rash, a common presentation of mpox, usually occurs 2-4 weeks after the prodrome, but the presence of lymphadenopathy may distinguish mpox from other infections from the Poxviridae family. Life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, myocarditis, and death can occur. There are documented co-occurrences of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections that can worsen morbidity. CONCLUSION: The initial presentation of mpox is non-specific. The preferred treatment included tecovirimat in patients with severe illness or at high risk of developing severe disease and vaccination with two doses of JYNNEOS. However, careful history and physical examination can raise the clinicians’ suspicion and point toward a prompt diagnosis. There are different modalities to prevent and treat mpox infection.

Establishment of a membrane metalloproteinase TRABD2A blocking method for HIV reservoir detection / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of humanized TRAB domain-containing protein 2A (TRABD2A) monoclonal blocking antibody to HIV-1 reservoir cells, and to explore novel methods for measuring the sizes/capacities of HIV-1 infected reservoirs in HIV-1 infected individuals on receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART).Methods:A total number of 51 subjects were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from May 2021 to December 2021. Among them, there were 2 healthy persons, 41 HIV-1 infected persons receiving cART (cART group) and 8 HIV-1 infected persons not receiving cART (no cART group). Humanized TRABD2A monoclonal antibody was constructed based on the phage display technology, the PBMCs and CD4+T cells separated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+T cells of HIV-1 infected patients treated with receiving cART, or the HIV-1 infected patients without cART treatment and healthy controls were treated with TRABD2A monoclonal antibodies. The luciferase reporter system, single molecule immune array detection technology and other methods were used to detect the virus content in the supernatant of cell culture. At the same time, flow cytometry and fluorescence real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the activation of the treated cells and the expression of virus genes. The statistical differences between different treatment the amount of virus release and the level of surface activation markers CD25, CD69, human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR) of different groups in the amount of virus release and the expression of surface activation markers CD25, CD69, HLA-DR were compared.Results:The PBMCs of HIV-1 infected persons receiving cART were tested for HIV-1 production after being treated with humanized TRABD2A monoclonal antibody. The amount of virus released by the untreated group was 0 (0, 440), and the amount of virus released by the use of negative antibody was 0 (0, 390). There was no significant difference between the two ( P>0.05). The amount of virus released by the use of positive antibody was 1 259 (0, 4 269), 3 142 (1 292, 5 060), compared with the amount of virus released by the use of negative antibody, The difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The healthy control PBMC was used to conduct multiple dilutions to the infected PBMC. After positive antibody treatment, the amount of virus release decreased in equal proportions [the HIV-1 production corresponding to 5, 25, 125, 625 times of undiluted, diluted PBMC was 4 670 (3 339, 7 697), 1 860 (1 509, 4 615), 1 550 (1 150, 2 680), 602 (255, 1 441), 2 (0, 37), respectively].In addition, there was no significant difference in the resting state of cells treated with TRABD2A antibodies compared with the untreated group (The percentage of CD25 positive cells in the untreated group and positive antibody 1 treated group were 3.89±1.31 and 4.60±1.74, the percentage of CD69 positive cells were 2.50±1.27 and 2.18±0.51, and the percentage of HLA-DR positive cells were 7.66±3.78 and 8.79±3.42, respectively, P>0.05). The viral gag expression levels of untreated and positive antibody 1 were 1 and 0.82±0.55, respectively, with no significant difference. Conclusions:The humanized TRABD2A monoclonal antibody can effectively block the protein activity of TRABD2A, and can significantly promote the release of progeny viruses from viral reservoir in the peripheral blood of HIV-1 infected persons without changing the cell resting state and the whole genome transcription level. The amount of virus released in this way is positively related to the number of reservoir cells.

Clinical characteristics and survival of patients with HIV/AIDS and pulmonary tuberculosis / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and pulmonary tuberculosis, and investigate their survival and influencing factors of survival. Methods A total of 107 patients with HIV/AIDS and pulmonary tuberculosis were selected. The relationships of clinical symptoms, CT findings and CD4 cell count with positive laboratory tests were analyzed. Th survival of patients was investigated, and independent risk factors for death were analyzed. Results Most the 107 patients had symptoms such as cough, chest pain and fatigue. CT findings mainly included patchy shadow (75.70%), tree-in-bud sign (46.73%), nodular shadow (35.51%) and pulmonary hilar or mediastinal lymph node enlargement (86.92%). The proportion of lesions ≥ 3 pulmonary fields (47.66%) was higher. The positive rates of purified protein derivative (PPD), acid-fast bacilli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis were significantly higher in the CD4 cell count > 200/µL group than in the ≤200/µL group (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in body mass index (BMI), baseline CD4 cell count, multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and standard anti-tuberculosis treatment between the survival group and the death group (P<0.05). Baseline CD4 cell count ≤200/µL, MDR-TB, and no standard anti-tuberculosis treatment were independent risk factors for death of patients with HIV/AIDS and pulmonary tuberculosis (P<0.05). Conclusion The clinical symptoms and imaging manifestations of patients with HIV/AIDS and pulmonary tuberculosis are complex and diverse, but characteristic. Baseline CD4 cell count ≤200/µL, MDR-TB and no standard anti-tuberculosis treatment are main risk factors for death of the patients.

Molecular epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases in Fujian Province in 2020 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the HIV-1 genotype and distribution of newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases in Fujian Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into formulation of the precise AIDS control strategy in the province. Methods Newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases without antiretroviral therapy (excluding AIDS patients) were randomly sampled from each city of Fujian Province in 2020 at a proportion of 50% of the mean number of HIV-infected cases reported across 9 cities of Fujian Province during the past three years. Subjects’ demographic and epidemiological data were collected and blood samples were collected. The HIV-1 pol gene was amplified using nested reverse-transcription PCR assay, and the gene sequences were used for HIV-1 genotyping and phylogenetic analysis. The gene sequences were uploaded to the HIV Drug Resistance Database (http://hivdb.stanford.edu) for genotypic drug resistance assays, and the scores and level of HIV drug resistance were estimated using the HIVDB Algorithm version 9.5. Results A total of 1 043 newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases were reported in Fujian Province in 2020, and 936 gene sequences were successfully obtained following sequencing of blood samples. There were 9 HIV-1 genotypes characterized in blood samples from 936 newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases, with CRF07_BC (52.1%) and CRF01_AE (30.4%) as predominant subtypes, followed by CRF08_BC (4.9%), CRF55_01B (3.0%), subtype C (2.5%), subtype B (2.1%), CRF85_BC (1.7%), CRF59_01B (0.3%) and CRF65_CPX (0.1%), and unidentified subtypes were found in 26 blood samples. HIV-1 drug resistance was detected in 43 out of the 936 newly diagnosed HIV-1 cases, with 4.6% prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance prior to therapy, and the highest drug resistance was found in the HIV CRF59_01B subtype, followed by in CRF08_BC, B, C, CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC and other subtypes, with a significant difference in the genotype-specific prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance (χ2 = 45.002, P < 0.05). Conclusions There was a HIV-1 genotype diversity in Fujian Province in 2020, and emerging recombinant and drug-resistant HIV-1 strains were detected and spread across patients and regions. Monitoring of HIV-1 genotypes is recommended to be reinforced for timely understanding of the transmission and spread of novel recombinant and drug-resistant HIV-1 strains.

A Prediction Model for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Mother-to-Child Transmission Based on the Expression Levels of Selenoprotein Genes / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To study the expression of selenoprotein genes in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection and its mother-to-child transmission,so as to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.Methods The dataset GSE4124 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO).Two groups of HIV-positive mothers(n=25)and HIV-negative mothers(n=20)were designed.HIV-positive mothers included a subset of transmitter(TR)mothers(n=11)and non-transmitter(NTR)mothers(n=14).Then,t-test was carried out to compare the expression levels of selenoprotein genes between the four groups(HIV-positive vs. HIV-negative,NTR vs. HIV-negative,TR vs. HIV-negative,TR vs. NTR).Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were adopted to analyze the effects of differentially expressed genes on HIV infection and mother-to-child transmission.R software was used to establish a nomogram prediction model and evaluate the model performance.Results Compared with the HIV-negative group,HIV-positive,NTR,and TR groups had 8,5 and 8 down-regulated selenoprotein genes,respectively.Compared with the NTR group,the TR group had 4 down-regulated selenoprotein genes.Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that abnormally high expression of GPX1,GPX3,GPX4,TXNRD1,TXNRD3,and SEPHS2 affected HIV infection and had no effect on mother-to-child transmission.The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the abnormally high expression of TXNRD3(OR=0.032,95%CI=0.002-0.607,P=0.022)was positively correlated with HIV infection.As for the nomogram prediction model,the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for 1-year survival of HIV-infected patients was 0.840(95%CI=0.690-1.000),and that for 3-year survival of HIV-infected patients was 0.870(95%CI=0.730-1.000).Conclusions Multiple selenoprotein genes with down-regulated expression levels were involved in the regulation of HIV infection and mother-to-child transmission.The abnormal high expression of TXNRD3 was positively correlated with HIV infection.The findings provide new ideas for the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Uptake and impact of COVID-19 vaccination among HIV key populations: a cohort study from Tamil Nadu, India / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Key Populations (KPs) include Female Sex Workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender (TG), and transsexual (TS) persons. This study assessed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine uptake among KPs for HIV in India, adverse events following immunization (AEFI), and breakthrough infections among the vaccinated.Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted among 421 KPs enrolled in 41 Targeted Intervention (TI) clusters in 31 districts of the Tamil Nadu State Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Control Society (TANSACS), India, from June to September 2022. A semi-structured, bilingual (English and Tamil), interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, vaccination status, AEFIs, and breakthrough infections among the KPs under the TIs.Results: Among the KPs, 45.4% were FSWs, 37.1% were MSM, 16.2% were TG, and 1.4% were TS persons. Among them, 4.3% had HIV, and 2.9% had syphilis or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The COVID-19 vaccine uptake rate was 96%. Among the KPs, TG/TS persons had the highest vaccine uptake (98.6%), followed by FSWs (96.3%) and MSM (94.2%). AEFIs were reported by 85.4% of the participants. HIV positive status was significantly associated with the incidence of AEFI. The breakthrough infection rate was 5.4% among the vaccinated participants.Conclusion: The COVID-19 vaccine uptake among HIV KPs was high in Tamil Nadu. AEFIs and breakthrough infections among COVID-19 vaccinated HIV KPs may be low, with mild AEFIs.