Advances in research of multimorbidity among HIV-positive individuals / 上海预防医学

Multimorbidity is the co‑existing of two or more chronic diseases or health problems. Widespread access to antiretroviral therapy has led to a marked improvement in the immune status and life expectancy among HIV-positive individuals. HIV-positive individuals suffer from higher burden of chronic non-communicable diseases and are more likely to show a premature aging and frailty trend compared with the general population. The consequent increase in the prevalence of multimorbidity leads to the increasing in medical and economic burden， and different comorbidity patterns may indicate different risk factors and have different effects on health outcomes， posing challenges to healthcare and comprehensive management for HIV-positive individuals. This review summarizes research advances in prevalence， associated factors and patterns of comorbidities among HIV-positive individuals.

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.

Distribución de virus de papiloma humano de alto riesgo oncogénico y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual en mujeres paraguayas con y sin virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana

El virus de papiloma humano de alto riesgo oncogénico (VPH-AR) es causa necesaria pero no suficiente para la ocurrencia de cáncer de cuello uterino (CCU). Mujeres portadoras del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) presentan mayor riesgo de desarrollar lesiones precursoras del cáncer de cuello de útero, por ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo prospectivo de corte transversal fue determinar la frecuencia de VPH-AR y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual-ITS (condilomas, sífilis, virus del herpes simple, gonorrea, citomegalovirus, hepatitis B) en 218 mujeres con y sin VIH que acudieron al Programa Nacional de Lucha contra el SIDA (PRONASIDA) desde julio 2017 hasta marzo 2021. Se encontró que 16/54 (29,6%) mujeres VIH-positivas presentaron infección por VPH-AR en comparación a 41/164 (25%) mujeres VIH-negativas (p>0,05). En relación a la edad, mujeres VIH positivas presentaron una frecuencia comparable de infección por VPH-AR (30 años 30,2%), a diferencia de mujeres VIH negativas donde hubo una disminución significativa de la infección por VPH-AR luego de los 30 años (30 años 18,8%, p= 0,028). Esto podría explicarse por la inmunosupresión observada en mujeres VIH positivas que podría favorecer infecciones persistentes, sugiriendo que deben ser controladas más cercanamente. Además, se observó mayor frecuencia de otras ITS en mujeres VIH positivas (29,6% vs 15,8%, p=0,026), lo cual sugiere que aparte del monitoreo más cercano, es fundamental fortalecer la educación sobre factores de riesgo para la ITS sobre todo VPH y VIH, así como la realización de prevención primaria por vacunación contra el VPH.

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV-HR) is a necessary but not sufficient cause for cervical cancer (CC). Women carriers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) present an increased risk for the development of cervical cancer precursor lesions, therefore, the objective of the present prospective cross-sectional study was to determine the frequency of HPV-HR and other sexually transmitted infections-STIs (condylomas, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, gonorrhoea, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B) in 218 women with and without HIV who attended the Ministry of Health from July 2017 to March 2021. It was found that 16/54 (29.6%) HIV-positive women had HPV infection compared to 41/164 (25%) HIV-negative women (p>0.05). In relation to age, HIV-positive women had a comparable frequency of HPV infection (30 years 30.2%), unlike HIV-negative women whom above 30 years of age presented a significant decrease in HPV-AR infection (30 years 18.8%, p:0.028). This could be explained by the immunosuppression observed in HIV-positive women which could favour persistent infections, suggesting that they should be controlled more closely. In addition, other STIs were observed to be more frequent in HIV-positive women (29.6% vs 15.8%, p:0.026), which suggests that apart from closer monitoring, it is essential to strengthen education on risk factors for STIs, especially HPV and HIV, as well as the implementation of primary prevention by vaccination against HPV.

Metaanálisis de la validez diagnóstica de las pruebas de tamización del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en bancos de sangre, 2000-2020

Objetivo: Evaluar la validez diagnóstica del ensayo de inmunoabsorción ligado a enzima (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, ELISA) para el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en bancos de sangre, con base en estudios publicados entre 2000 y 2020. Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis de pruebas diagnósticas, mediante un modelo de efectos aleatorios para la sensibilidad, la especificidad, el cociente de probabilidad positivo y negativo, la razón de odds (OR) diagnóstica y la curva ROC, con sus intervalos de confianza del 95 %. La heterogeneidad se evaluó con el estadístico Q(χ2) DerSimonian-Laird y el I2 de inconsistencia, y la incertidumbre, con el porcentaje de peso de cada estudio. Resultados: Se incluyeron 15 investigaciones; la ELISA de tercera generación (detección de anticuerpos) se aplicó en 2992 infectados y 4076 sanos; las de cuarta generación (determinación simultánea de antígeno-anticuerpo), en 967 infectados y 154 264 sanos; ambas presentaron sensibilidad cercana al 100 %, pero la especificidad fue mejor en los ensayos de cuarta generación (98 vs. 100 %). Para ambas tecnologías, los cocientes de probabilidad, OR diagnóstica y curva ROC evidenciaron excelente discriminación de sanos e infectados. Conclusión: Se confirmó que las ELISA de tercera y cuarta generación presentan excelente validez y utilidad diagnóstica en donantes de sangre, lo que es importante para las políticas de sangre segura y control del VIH.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic validity of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in blood banks, based on studies published between 2000 and 2020. Methodology: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic tests, using a random-effects model for the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and ROC curve, with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed with the DerSimonianLaird Q(χ2) statistic and the I2 inconsistency statistic. Uncertainty was assessed using percentage study weights. Results: 15 studies were included. The third-generation ELISA (antibody detection) was applied for 2,992 infected and 4,076 healthy individuals, and the fourth-generation ELISA (simultaneous antigen-antibody detection) was used for 967 infected and 154,264 healthy individuals. Both showed close to 100% sensitivity, but there was an improved specificity in the fourth-generation assays (98% vs. 100%). Both technologies' likelihood ratios, DOR, and ROC curve aptly distinguished between healthy and infected individuals. Conclusion: The third and fourth-generation ELISA were confirmed to have excellent validity and diagnostic utility in blood donors, which is important for HIV control and blood safety policies.

Objetivo: Avaliar a validade diagnóstica do ensaio de imunoabsorção ligado à enzima (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, ELISA) para o vírus de imunodeficiência humana (VIH) em bancos de sangue, com base em estudos publicados entre 2000 e 2020. Medotologia: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise de provas diagnósticas, por meio de um modelo de efeitos aleatórios para a sensibilidade, a especificidade, o cociente de probabilidade positivo e negativo, a razão de odds (OR) diagnóstica e a curva de ROC, com seus intervalos de confiança do 95%. A heterogeneidade foi avaliada com o estatístico Q(χ2) DerSimonian-Laird e o I2 de inconsistência, e a incerteza, com a porcentagem de peso de cada estudo. Resultados: Foram incluídas 15 pesquisas; a ELISA de terceira geração (detecção de anticorpos) aplicouse em 2992 infetados e 4076 sadios; as de quarta geração (determinação simultânea de antígeno-anticorpos), em 967 infetados e sadios; ambas as duas apresentaram sensibilidade próxima ao 100%, mas a especificidade foi melhor nos ensaios de quarta geração (98 vs. 100%). Para ambas as tecnologias, os cocientes de probabilidade, OR diagnóstica e curva ROC evidenciaram excelente discriminação de sadios e infetados. Conclusão: Confirmou-se que as ELISA de terceira e quarta geração apresentam excelente validade e utilidade diagnóstica em doadores de sangue, o que é importante para as políticas de sangue seguro e controle do VIH.

Linfadenitis por Mycobacterium en pacientes inmunocompetentes y viviendo con VIH/sida / Lymphodenitis by Mycobacterium in immunocompetent and living with HIV/AIDS patients

Introducción: La coinfección del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y la tuberculosis ha alterado su presentación histológica, esto es particularmente frecuente en las linfadenitis. Objetivos: Realizar la caracterización etiológica de linfadenopatías producidas por el género Mycobacterium, destacar la importancia del diagnóstico precoz de esta enfermedad para evitar diseminación de la infección, tanto en pacientes inmunocompetentes como inmunodeficientes, específicamente con VIH/sida. Método: Se realizó estudio descriptivo-prospectivo entre enero de 2017 y enero de 2019. Durante este período se recibieron 5640 muestras, de estas 81 obtenidas a partir de tejido ganglionar; la toma de muestra mayoritariamente fue quirúrgica 74 (91,35 por ciento) y 7 (8,64 por ciento) por biopsia aspirativa (BAAF). Del total de muestras, 60 (74,07 por ciento) procedían de pacientes con VIH/sida, las muestras se descontaminaron por el método de ácido sulfúrico al 4 por ciento, se cultivaron en medio sólido Löwenstein-Jensen e incubaron a 37°C. Se realizaron lecturas semanalmente. Para identificar Mycobacterium tuberculosis se realizó la prueba rápida comercial inmunocromatográfica SD TB AgMPT64. Resultados: De 81 muestras analizadas se obtuvieron 22 (27,16 por ciento) aislamientos, 16 (72,72 por ciento) de Mycobacterium tuberculosis, y 6 (27,27 por ciento) de especies no tuberculosas. De estas, 18 (81,81 por ciento) procedían de pacientes con VIH/sida. Conclusión: Por todo lo antes expuesto es importante la vigilancia diagnóstica en este tipo de infección extrapulmonar, tanto para M. tuberculosis como para otras especies no tuberculosas y poder comenzar tempranamente el tratamiento específico evitando la diseminación de la infección, pues esta puede tener consecuencias fatales, sobre todo en pacientes con algún tipo de inmunosupresión, como aquellos con VHI/sida. Si un paciente mantiene fiebre prolongada, con linfadenopatías, sin síntomas respiratorios y no responde a los tratamientos con antibióticos, es necesario pensar en este tipo de infección(AU)

Introduction: The coinfection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis has altered its histological presentation; this is particularly frequent in lymphadenitis. Objective: To carry out the etiological characterization of lymphadenopathies produced by the genus Mycobacterium, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis of this disease to avoid dissemination of the infection, both in immunocompetent and immunodeficient patients, specifically HIV / AIDS. Methods: A descriptive-prospective study was carried out between January 2017 - January 2019. During this period, 5640 samples were received, of these 81 obtained from lymph node tissue, the sample collection was mostly surgical 74 (91.35 percent) and 7 (8.64 percent) by aspiration biopsy (BAAF). Of the total samples, 60 (74.07 percent) were from HIV / AIDS patients, the samples were decontaminated by the 4 percent sulfuric acid method and cultured in solid Löwenstein-Jensen medium and incubated at 370C, the readings were made weekly. For the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the commercial SD TB AgMPT64 immunochromatographic rapid test was performed. Results: Of 81 samples analyzed, 22 (27.16 percent) isolates were obtained, 16 (72.72 percent) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), and 6 (27.27 percent) of non-tuberculous species, of these 18 (81.81%) were from HIV / AIDS patients. Conclusion: For all the above, diagnostic surveillance is important in this type of extrapulmonary infection, both for M tuberculosis and for other non-tuberculous species and to be able to start specific treatment early, avoiding the spread of the infection, since it can have fatal consequences on all in patients with some type of immunosuppression, such as HIV/AIDS. If a patient maintains a prolonged fever, with lymphadenopathy, without respiratory symptoms and does not respond to antibiotic treatment, it is necessary to consider this type of infection(AU)

Advances in pathogenesis and clinical features of HIV-associated neuroretinal disorder / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Ocular diseases in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infected patients have attracted increasing attention due to their impact on quality of life. As HIV treatment continues to improve, opportunistic eye infections are decreasing, while HIV-associated retinopathy is becoming a growing concern. HIV-associated retinopathy, including a series of structural changes in the retina and optic nerves(thinning of the nerve fiber layer, changing in blood vessels), has been found to cause decreased visual sensitivity, visual field defect, color vision disorder. However, the pathogenesis of HIV-associated neuroretinal disorder has not been fully clarified, and the existing findings may be related to direct destruction of retinal optic nerve tissue by HIV virus, chronic inflammation, and destruction of the blood-retina barrier. Understanding the pathological characteristics and possible mechanisms of HIV-associated neuroretinal disorder is expected to provide new ideas and approaches for the treatment of the disease and improve the quality of life of HIV-infected patients.

Virus de la hepatitis E

Resumen El virus de la hepatitis E (VHE) es uno de los principales agentes etiológicos de hepatitis entérica en el mundo. En países en vía de desarrollo, la seroprevalencia oscila entre 20 y 50% y en países desarrollados entre 4,4 y 21%. Clínicamente los casos de infección por VHE en individuos inmunocompetentes cursan como una hepatitis viral aguda auto limitada; por el contrario, en mujeres embarazadas, individuos receptores de trasplantes de órganos e individuos que conviven con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), la infección puede manifestarse como una hepatitis crónica y grave. En América Latina, sólo Brasil y Argentina reportan cifras en individuos que conviven con el VIH. Se requieren más estudios en nuestra región que permitan determinar la prevalencia del VHE en individuos inmunosuprimidos, donantes de sangre y población general para adoptar medidas que garanticen un diagnóstico oportuno, acceso a la atención y el control de la transmisión.

Abstract The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the main etiological agents of enteric hepatitis in the world. In developing countries its sero-prevalence ranges from 20 to 50% and in developed countries from 4.4% to 21%. Clinically, cases of HEV infection in immunocompetent individuals present as self-limited acute viral hepatitis; conversely, in pregnant women, transplanted individuals, and individuals living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the infection can manifest as chronic and severe hepatitis. In Latin America, only Brazil and Argentina report figures for individuals living with HIV. More studies are required in our region to determine the prevalence of HEV in immunosuppressed individuals, blood donors, and the general population to adopt measures that guarantee timely diagnosis, access to care, and control of transmission.

Research progress on kidney transplantation in HIV-positive patients / 器官移植

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are prone to renal insufficiency, which may progress into end-stage renal disease (ESRD). HIV infection has been previously considered as an absolute contraindication of transplantation. The lives of HIV-positive ESRD patients can only maintained through dialysis. With the development of medicine, transplantation practitioners at home and abroad attempt to perform kidney transplantation in HIV-positive patients. Whether kidney transplantation is feasible for HIV-positive patients, whether HIV-positive donor kidneys can be used for transplantation, and the efficacy of kidney transplantation for HIV-positive patients has always been hot topics in the field of transplantation. In this article, HIV-associated nephropathy, the conditions of kidney transplantation for HIV-positive patients, the efficacy of kidney transplantation for HIV-positive patients, use of HIV-positive donor kidneys, use of immune-inducing drugs and postoperative use of immunosuppressants for HIV-positive patients were illustrated, aiming to provide reference for kidney transplantation for HIV-positive patients in clinical practice, application of HIV-positive donor kidneys and postoperative management of HIV-positive patients.

Polimorfismo genético del correceptor CCR5 en pacientes cubanos VIH/sida de la tercera edad / Genetic polymorphism of the CCR5 coreceptor in Cuban elderly HIV/AIDS patients

Introducción: El polimorfismo en algunos genes de quimiocinas se asocia con resistencia a la infección por VIH-1, en este sentido la presencia de la mutación Δ32 del correceptor CCR5 en homocigosis, se relaciona con resistencia a la infección y la mutación heterocigótica con un retraso en la progresión de la enfermedad. Objetivos: Identificar la frecuencia del polimorfismo genético del correceptor CCR5 en los pacientes bajo estudio, así como su relación con los niveles de linfocitos T CD4+, la carga viral y las enfermedades oportunistas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en 45 pacientes VIH/sida de la tercera edad, cubanos atendidos en el Centro Hospitalario Universitario del IPK durante los meses de enero a mayo de 2019 en el servicio de Medicina del Centro Hospitalario Universitario del IPK, a los que se les realizó la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para determinar el polimorfismo genético del correceptor CCR5. Resultados: El polimorfismo genético del correceptor CCR5 que predominó fue el homocigótico salvaje con 87 por ciento seguido del heterocigótico Δ32 con 13 por ciento. El 80 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron carga viral no detectable y el 56 por ciento niveles de linfocitos T CD4+ por encima de 350 cél/µL. La enfermedad oportunista que predominó fue la neumonía por Pneumocystis jirovecii en 32 por ciento de los sujetos estudiados. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el polimorfismo genético del correceptor CCR5 y los niveles de linfocitos T CD4+, la carga viral y las enfermedades oportunistas presentes en los pacientes estudiados. Conclusiones: Los polimorfismos genéticos del correceptor CCR5 hallados fueron el homocigótico salvaje y el heterocigótico-∆32. Fue limitado el polimorfismo del gen en los pacientes estudiados(AU)

Introduction: Polymorphism in some chemokine genes is associated to resistance to HIV-1 infection. Homozygous Δ32 mutation of the CCR5 coreceptor is related to resistance to infection, whereas heterozygous mutation is related to a delay in the progress of the disease. Objectives: Identify the frequency of genetic polymorphism of the CCR5 coreceptor in the patients studied, as well as its relationship to CD4+ T lymphocyte levels, viral load and opportunistic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 45 Cuban elderly HIV/AIDS patients attending the Medicine Service of the University Hospital Center at IPK from January to May 2019. These patients underwent polymerase chain reaction testing (PCR) to determine genetic polymorphism of the CCR5 coreceptor. Results: A predominance was found of wild homozygotous genetic polymorphism of the CCR5 coreceptor with 87 percent, followed by heterozygotous Δ32 genetic polymorphism with 13 percent. In 80 percent of the patients studied the viral load was undetectable, whereas in 56 percent CD4+ T lymphocyte levels were above 350 cel/µl. The prevailing opportunistic disease was Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in 32 percent of the subjects. Statistically significant differences were not found between genetic polymorphism of the CCR5 coreceptor and CD4+ T lymphocyte levels, viral load and the opportunistic diseases present in the patients studied. Conclusions: The genetic polymorphisms of the CCR5 coreceptor found in the study were of the wild homozygotous and heterozygotous Δ32 types. Gene polymorphism was limited in the patients studied(AU)

Sexually transmitted infections among women living with HIV in a Brazilian city

ABSTRACT Background: Clinical improvements following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may increase high-risk behaviors resulting in sexually transmitted infections (STI). Optimism related to the success of HAART in slowing disease progression, reducing viral load, and improving health status might be important factors for increasing sexual risk behaviors such as less use of condoms. Objective: To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, high-risk HPV, and cervical cytological abnormalities among women living with HIV (WLHIV) who attended a Reference Center for STI/AIDS in Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 151 WLHIV attending an STI Clinic in Vitória city, Brazil. A structured questionnaire, including demographic, behavioral, and clinical information, was used for data collection. Serological tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C and B, CD4 counts, and viral load determination were performed. Cervical samples were collected for cytology and real-time PCR for HPV, Chlamydia, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Results: In this study, 59% of women had at least one diagnosed STI at the time of the first clinic visit; 31% had clinical forms of anogenital HPV, 10% syphilis, 8%Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 5.0% trichomoniasis, 3% Chlamydia trachomatis, 1% hepatitis B, and 1% hepatitis C; 6.7% of the women presented with cervical cytological abnormalities. Furthermore, 46.3% of women had HR-HPV, and 17.6% had HPV 16/18. Only 5% of the women had a CD4 count <200 cells/mm3, 61.6% had undetectable HIV viral load, and 81.3% were currently on HAART. Conclusion: A high prevalence of STI and HR-HPV infections were observed among HIV-infected women in this investigation. Prevention programs need to focus on counseling WLHIV and their regular partners with focused interventions such as couples counseling and education programs.

Influencing factors of unprotected anal intercourse among Tianjin male homosexuals who used recreational drugs / 上海预防医学

Objective:To explore the demographic characteristics and sexual behavior of men who have sex with men （MSM） in Tianjin， and to compare these aspects between recreational drug users and non-users. Methods:This research was conducted by Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From July to September 2015， various methods such as simple random sampling and snowball sampling were used to recruit MSM. Information was collected through on-site questionnaire surveys， and laboratory tests were conducted to detect human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） infection status in the research subjects. Statistical description and frequency distribution tests on demographic information and behavioral variables were performed. Results:A total of 410 qualified participants， ranged from 17 to 70 years old， were included. A total of 297 （72.4%） MSM were unmarried， 194 （47.3%） had monthly income over 3 000 yuan， 182 （44.4%） MSM had high school education， and 366 （89.3%） were working full-time. Among all 410 participants， 208 MSM self-reported using recreational drugs. Among them， 140 MSM had used Rush Popper. Influencing factors of unprotected anal intercourse （UAI） among Rush Popper users include： more than 30 years old， average monthly income less than 5 000 yuan， and sex with temporary partners （all P<0.05）. Conclusion:Among MSM in Tianjin， the use of recreational drugs is quite common， and Rush Popper is the most commonly used recreational drug. Therefore， it is necessary to establish and strengthen the relevant laws and regulations for the reduction of Rush Popper circulation among the MSM population.

Análisis de la mortalidad por tuberculosis, en Costa Rica / Tuberculosis Mortality Analysis in Costa Rica

Resumen Justificación: La mortalidad por tuberculosis reúne características para ser estudiada con un enfoque de causa básica y de causa múltiple, debido a que compite frecuentemente con otras patologías como causa básica de muerte. Los objetivos de este estudio son caracterizar las defunciones por tuberculosis en ambas formas, utilizando las variables: tiempo, lugar y persona; cuantificar la concordancia entre las defunciones por tuberculosis registradas por el Programa Institucional, y el certificado de defunción, e identificar la contribución de esta enfermedad en la mortalidad con un enfoque multicausal, en Costa Rica, durante el periodo 2016-2019. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo. La población de estudio correspondió a todas las defunciones por tuberculosis y con tuberculosis registradas en el libro de registro del programa de de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, ocurridas en 2016 - 2019. Por medio del expediente de salud se depuraron las defunciones registradas y se categorizaron de acuerdo con la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades 10 en defunciones por tuberculosis (A15 al A19), tuberculosis / virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (A15 al A19-B24 ), tuberculosis / diabetes mellitus (A15 al A19-E10,E11), tuberculosis / cáncer (A15 al A19-C34,22,18) y tuberculosis / otras (A15 al A19- J44,J45). En el certificado de defunción se revisó la secuencia informada de las causas de muerte y la causa contribuyente, para identificar la tuberculosis como causa básica o múltiple. Se agruparon los resultados por edad y se calculó: porcentajes, tasas, proporción de concordancia observada, proporción de concordancia esperada y el índice de Kappa (va de 0 a 1, y el 1 representa la máxima concordancia). Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio (4 años), se registró un total de 113 defunciones, lo que corresponde a una tasa de mortalidad de 0,57 / 100 000 hab.; de éstas, el 73% (83) correspondió a personas del sexo masculino y el 27 %, al sexo femenino. El mayor número de defunciones ocurrió principalmente en el grupo de mayores de 65 años, tanto para los hombres como para las mujeres. La proporción de concordancia observada correspondió a un 0,77 %, y la proporción de concordancia esperada a un 26%. Al ser la proporción de concordancia observada mayor que la esperada, y con un índice de Kappa de 0,70, concluimos que la concordancia existente es considerable y se atribuye más a ser causal que al azar. El análisis de mortalidad de tubercolosis por causa múltiple no mostró cambios en la tasa de mortalidad, tomando en cuenta este evento como causa básica de defunción o como causa múltiple. Conclusiones: Con base en los resultados del estudio, se evidencia que existe una concordancia considerable entre el registro de las defunciones por tuberculosis anotadas en el libro del programa institucional y el certificado de defunción.

Abstract Background: Tuberculosis mortality has the characteristics to be studied as a basic and multiple cause of death, because it can be compared with other pathologies as a basic cause of death. The goals of this study are to characterize deaths from tuberculosis including basic and multiple cause of death using time, place and person as variables, to measure the concordance of deaths from tuberculosis recorded in the Institutional Program Record Book and death certificate; and to identify the contribution of this disease in mortality with a multicausal approach, in Costa Rica during the period 2016-2019. Methods: Descriptive study. The study population corresponded to all deaths from tuberculosis and tuberculosis recorded in the Program Registration Book of the Social Security Costa Rican entity, that occurred in the period between 2016 and 2019. Using the health files, the deaths registered in the Program Registration Book were purified and categorized according to International Classification of Diseases 10 in deaths due to tuberculosis (A15 through A19), tuberculosis/human immunodeficiency virus (A15 through A19-B24), tuberculosis/diabetes mellitus (A15 through A19-E10, E11), tuberculosis/cancer (A15 through A19 -C34,22,18) and tuberculosis/others (A15 through A19-J44, J45). In the death certificate, the reported sequence of the causes of death and the contributing cause to identify tuberculosis as a basic or multiple cause were reviewed. Percentages, rates, observed concordance ratio, expected concordance ratio and Kappa index were calculated (value from 0 to 1, 1 representing the maximum concordance). Results: During the study period (4 years), a total of 113 deaths were registered, with a mortality rate of 0.57/100,000 inhabitants. Of these, 73% (83) corresponded to the male sex and 27% (30) to the female sex. The highest number of deaths occurred mainly in the group of people over 65 years, for both men and women. The observed concordance ratio corresponded to 0.77% and the expected concordance ratio to 26%. Since the observed concordance ratio is greater than expected concordance ratio and when obtaining a Kappa index of 0.70, it is concluded that the existing concordance is attributed more causally than by chance. The multiple cause tuberculosis mortality analysis did not show changes in the mortality rate, taking this event into account only as a basic cause of death or as a multiple cause. Conclusions: The study made it possible to show that there is a considerable concordance between the register of deaths from tuberculosis recorded in the register of the Institutional Program and the death certificate.

Alteraciones bioquímicas y ecográficas a nivel hepático en pacientes que viven con VIH/Sida

Los pacientes con Virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) pueden presentar alteraciones del funcionalismo y estructura hepática como consecuencia de la terapia antirretroviral (TARV), de otras coinfecciones o de patologías metabólicas o neoplásicas que pueden presentarse en cualquier estadio de la enfermedad. La realización de las pruebas de laboratorio y el ultrasonido abdominal son herramientas fundamentales para la detección y seguimiento de estos casos. Objetivo: Describir las alteraciones bioquímicas y ecográficas a nivel hepático en pacientes que viven con condición de VIH/Sida que reciben TARV. Metodología: Investigación clínica, descriptiva, de campo, de corte transversal, donde se incluyeron pacientes con VIH mayores de 18 años que acudieron a la consulta de Infectología del Hospital Central de Maracay en el período marzo-junio de 2017. Se excluyeron pacientes con coinfecciones y patologías metabólicas. Se registraron datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y paraclínicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 23 pacientes que recibían TARV, predominando el sexo masculino y el rango etario de 20-29 años. 60,87 % tenían entre 1 y 3 años en TARV regular. 21,73 % de los pacientes mostraron elevación de las transaminasas tanto glutámico-pirúvica (TGP) como glutámico-oxalacética (TGO), destacándose que todos los pacientes de este grupo recibían terapia con inhibidores de la transcriptasa reversa análogo de nucleósido más inhibidores de la transcriptasa reversa no análogo de nucleósido (ITRN/ ITRNN); en cuanto a los valores de bilirrubina se evidenció que quienes recibían la combinación ITRN/Inhibidores de la proteasa (IP) presentaron elevación de los niveles de bilirrubina a predominio de la indirecta (21,7 %). Para la GGT solo un paciente presentó alteración. El hallazgo ecográfico más frecuente fue la esteatosis hepática (69,56 %), predominando la esteatosis hepática grado II. Conclusión: Es necesario en los pacientes con condición VIH la evaluación regular e integral de parámetros hepáticos, en búsqueda de efectos adversos de la terapéutica, u otras condiciones médicas y nutricionales que puedan incrementar el riesgo de patología hepática

Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may have alterations in liver function and structure because of antiretroviral therapy (ART), other coinfections or metabolic or neoplastic diseases that can occur at any stage of the disease. The performance of laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound are essential tools for the detection and monitoring of these cases. Objective: Describe the biochemical and ultrasound alterations at a hepatic level in patients living with HIV/ AIDS who receive ART. Methodology: Clinical research, descriptive, field, cross-sectional, which included patients with HIV over 18 years who attended the consultation of Infectious Diseases at the Central Hospital of Maracay in the period March-June 2017. Patients with coinfections and metabolic pathologies were excluded. Epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical data were recorded. Results: Twenty-three patients receiving ART were included, predominantly male and with an age range of 20-29 years. 60.87 % were between 1 and 3 years on regular ART. 21.73 % of the patients showed elevation of both glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), highlighting that all patients in this group received therapy with nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors plus non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs/NNRTIs). In terms of bilirubin values, it was shown that those receiving the combination of NRTIs/Protease Inhibitors (PI) showed an increase in bilirubin levels with a predominance of hint (21.7 %). About GGT only one patient presented alteration. The most frequent ultrasound finding was Hepatic Steatosis (69.56 %), with predominance of hepatic steatosis grade II. Conclusion: It is necessary in patients with HIV condition regular and comprehensive assessment of liver parameters, in search of adverse effects of therapy, or other medical and nutritional conditions that may increase the risk of liver disease.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of cryptococcosis at an university hospital in China from 2013 to 2017

ABSTRACT Background: This study aims to explore the epidemiology, clinical profile and strain characteristics of cryptococcosis from 2013 to 2017 in a major teaching hospital in China. Methods: Trends in antifungal drug susceptibility of 217 consecutive non-repetitive cryptococcal isolates collected from patients of an university hospital in China were analyzed between 2013 and 2017. Of those, 98 isolates were conserved for identification by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to designate molecular types. Clinical characteristics of the 98 patients with cryptococcosis during the period of 2013-2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Results: There was a trend for gradual increase in the MIC range of fluconazole was from 2013 to 2017. The conserved 98 clinical cryptococcal isolates included 97 C. neoformans and one C. gattii, and 90 (91.8%) isolates belonged to ST5 genotype VNI. Out of the 98 patients with cryptococcosis, 28 (28.6%) were HIV-infected and 32 (32.7%) had no underlying diseases. HIV-infected patients had higher mortality than HIV-uninfected patients (28.6% vs 14.3%, p = 0.147). Conclusions: Most of the patients with cryptococcosis were not HIV-infected in this study, while patients with HIV had a higher mortality. Reduced susceptibility to fluconazole was observed among C. neoformans isolates, most of them belonged to ST5 genotype VNI having an impact on the effective dose of fluconazole.

Prevalence, Clinical Manifestations and Predictors of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome among HIV-Infected Patients in Malaysia Infectious Disease Centre: A Retrospective Study

@#Introduction: Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is paradoxical clinical deterioration experienced by some HIV-infected patients in response to antiretroviral therapy (ART). There is still limited published data on IRIS from this region including Malaysia. This study aimed to determine IRIS prevalence, clinical manifestations and possible predictors among HIV-infected patients in an infectious disease centre in Peninsular Malaysia. Method: This retrospective study was conducted in Hospital Sungai Buloh involving secondary data of 256 HIV-infected patients who were initiated on ART in the year 2017. Medical record of each patient was reviewed for up to 12 months following ART initiation to identify IRIS diagnosis which was made by the treating physician. Relevant clinical and laboratory information were retrieved from hospital electronic database. Results: IRIS has occurred in 17.6% of patients. Infections by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (53.3%), Pneumocystis jirovecii (11.1%) and Talaromyces marneffei (6.6%) were the commonest three aetiologies of IRIS. Subacute lupus erythematosus was the only non-infectious IRIS identified. Baseline HIV viral load, CD4+ T-cell count and haemoglobin level between IRIS and non-IRIS patients were significantly different. Risk of developing IRIS was increased seven times in patients with CD4+ T-cell count < 100 cells/µL and four times in patients with HIV RNA viral load > 5.5 log10 copies/ml prior to ART initiation. Conclusion: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections were the highest IRIS manifestation. Although rare, non-infectious IRIS does occur and should be part of the differential diagnosis. Patients with positive predictors should be appropriately monitored for possible IRIS development once initiated on ART.

Trastornos neurocognitivos asociados al VIH (TNAV): visión general y sus futuros retos / HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND): a general vision and their future challenges

El Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) a lo largo de su estudio y comprensión ha creado nuevas líneas de investigación, entre ellas, la correlación entre el virus y un deterioro cognitivo que produce al replicarse en el Sistema Nervioso Central (SNC). En inicio se conoció como Demencia asociada al VIH (DAV) entre otras variaciones. Sin embargo, el nombre del diagnóstico junto con sus criterios diagnósticos fue modificado. En la actualidad, la pérdida de las funciones cognitivos en pacientes con VIH se conoce como Trastornos Neurocognitivos asociadas al VIH (TNAV). No obstante, su presencia recae de otros factores que las guías clínicas y los métodos de investigación más rigurosos no pueden controlar. El objetivo de la presente revisión es, esbozar brevemente el entendimiento y la importancia del estudio de los TNAV y algunas de las dificultades que presentan las investigaciones actuales, principalmente por la variada representatividad de los instrumentos, neuropsicológicos por naturaleza, utilizados para evaluarlos.

The acknowledgment of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through many investigations has to lead to new researchers, like the correlation between the virus and the cognitive impairment due to the replication at the Central Nervous System (CNS). In the beginning, it was known as Dementia associated HIV. The diagnosis and its diagnostic criteria have been modified over the years. Nowadays, it is known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) and their presence is influence by many factors that cannot contemplate either by the clinical guides nor the most rigorous methodology. The present bibliographic review aims to expose briefly the progress in the studies and the difficulties they present due to multiple variables of their treatment and some methodology aspects within the neuropsychology assessment.

Research progress on the application of liver transplantation in HIV combined with HCV positive patients / 器官移植

With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has gradually evolved from an incurable terminal disease to a controllable chronic disease. Due to the extended survival of AIDS patients, chronic renal failure and (or) chronic liver failure have become the main cause of death, and AIDS patients with chronic liver failure are constantly complicated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was previously considered as a contraindication for liver transplantation. With the deepening of medical cognition and improvement of surgical management experience, the quantity of HIV positive liver transplantation recipients has been steadily elevated and high long-term survival rate has been achieved. Nevertheless, the 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates after liver transplantation of HIV combined with HCV positive patients remain extremely low. In this article, the development of liver transplantation in HIV positive patients, the disease progression of HIV combined with HCV positive patients, and the treatment for the recurrence of viral hepatitis C after the operation were summarized.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected men who have sex with men with syphilis: A 5-year multicentre study in Malaysia

@#Objectives: High rates of syphilis have been reported worldwide among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aims to describe the clinical pattern and treatment response of syphilis among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected MSM in Malaysia. Methods: This is a retrospective study on all HIV-infected MSM with syphilis between 2011 and 2015. Data was collected from case notes in five centres namely Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Hospital Umum Sarawak, University of Malaya Medical Centre and Hospital Sungai Buloh. Results: A total of 294 HIV seropositive MSM with the median age of 29 years (range 16-66) were confirmed to have syphilis. Nearly half (47.6%) were in the age group of 20-29 years. About a quarter (24.1%) was previously infected with syphilis. Eighty-three patients (28.2%) had other concomitant sexually transmitted infection with genital warts being the most frequently reported (17%). The number of patients with early and late syphilis in our cohort were almost equal. The median pre-treatment non-treponemal antibody titre (VDRL or RPR) for early syphilis (1:64) was significantly higher than for late syphilis (1:8) (p<0.0001). The median CD4 count and the number of patients with CD4 <200/μl in early syphilis were comparable to late syphilis. Nearly four-fifth (78.9%) received benzathine-penicillin only, 5.8% doxycycline, 1.4% Cpenicillin, 1% procaine penicillin, and 12.4% a combination of the above medications. About 44% received treatment and were lost to follow-up. Among those who completed 1 -year follow-up after treatment, 72.3% responded to treatment (serological non-reactive – 18.2%, four-fold drop in titre – 10.9%; serofast – 43.6%), 8.5% failed treatment and 17% had re-infection. Excluding those who were re-infected, lost to follow-up and died, the rates of treatment failure were 12.1% and 8.8% for early and late syphilis respectively (p=0.582) Conclusion: The most common stage of syphilis among MSM with HIV was latent syphilis. Overall, about 8.5% failed treatment at 1-year follow-up.

Alteración del metabolismo de glucosa y lípidos en los pacientes con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana

Introducción: El virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es un retrovirus, de la subfamilia Lentiviridae, asociada con la dislipidemia y la resistencia a la insulina. Asimismo con el tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) se ha logrado una reducción de la morbimortalidad y como efecto secundario se ha presentado desbalance metabólico en cuanto a la glicemia y perfil lipídico. Objetivo: Relacionar los niveles de glucosa y lípidos en los pacientes con VIH con TARGA en la consulta de infectología del Servicio Autónomo del Hospital Central de Maracay (SAHCM) período mayo ­ julio 2016. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio clínico, diagnóstico, analítico, transversal, correlacional, no experimental. Se incluyeron pacientes con VIH mayores de 18 años que acudieron a la consulta de infectología en el SAHCM mayo ­ julio de 2016. Resultados: Se analizaron 30 pacientes con predominio de sexo masculino (66,7 %) y edad promedio de 41,13 años. El índice de masa corporal <25 Kg/m2 prevaleció (66,67 %), la circunferencia abdominal tuvo una media de 80,53 cm. Las personas con inhibidores de la transcriptasa reversa análogo de nucleósido más inhibidores de la transcriptasa reversa no análogo de nucleósido (ITRN/ITRNN) demostraron mayor proporción de sobrepeso (13 %). El 10 % presentaron hipercolesterolemia, la mayoría con ITRNN/ITRN; el 10 % tuvo hipertrigliceridemia y VLDL >100 mg/dL en tratamiento con ITRN/IP (Inhibidores de proteasa). El 63,3 % presentó LDL elevado asociado a ITRNN/ITRN; solo el 3,3 % presentó el HDL <50 mg/ dL y glicemias >100 mg/dL en 13,3 % de los pacientes. Conclusión: El VIH y los TARGA producen alteración metabólica.

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus, Lentiviridae subfamily, associated with dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has achieved a reduction in morbidity and mortality as a result, it has been presented metabolic imbalance related to glycemia and lipid profile. Objetive: Relate glucose and lipid levels in HIV patients on HAART in infectology's consultation the Autonomous Service of the Central Hospital of Maracay (SAHCM) period from May to July 2016. Materials and Methods: Clinical, diagnostic, analytical, transversal, co-relational, not experimental study. HIV patients over 18 years old, attended in the Infectology's consultation in May SAHCM, were included Results: 30 patients predominantly male (66.7 %) and average age of 41.13 years were analyzed. The body mass index <25 kg / m2 prevailed (66.67 %), abdominal circumference had an average of 80,53 cm. People treated with nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor plus non nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTIS/ ITRNA) showed higher proportion of overweight (13 %). Hypercholesterolemia was founded in 10 %, almost patients with ITRNN / ITRN; 10 % had hypertriglyceridemia and VLDL> 100 mg/dL treated with NRTIS /ITRNN / PI (protease inhibitors) with P = 0.00. The 63.3 % had elevated LDL associated with ITRNN / ITRN; only 3.3 % had HDL <50 mg/dL; the blood glucose> 100 mg/dL (13.3 %) was evident in most of HAART. Conclusion: HIV and HAART produce metabolic disorder.

Necrosis retiniana por citomegalovirus: como presentación inicial de un caso de SIDA / Cytomegalovirus retinal necrosis: as initial presentation of AIDS

La retinitis por CMV es la infección ocular oportunista más frecuente en los pacientes con SIDA. La necrosis retiniana aguda suele corresponder a infecciones por VVZ o VHS, y sólo en un pequeño porcentaje de casos es secundaria a infección por CMV. El tratamiento (dosis de mantenimiento) con valganciclovir no descarta completamente la posibilidad de desarrollo de enfermedad por CMV, además que se asocia a otras infecciones oportunistas, en este caso asociado a herpes zoster y molusco contagioso. Presentamos un Caso Clínico de un paciente VIH positivo, sin tratamiento, con necrosis retiniana aguda por CMV del ojo izquierdo como forma inicial de presentación de la etapa de SIDA y retinitis por CMV de su ojo derecho varios meses después, a pesar de estar en tratamiento con valganciclovir a dosis de mantenimiento.(AU)

The CMV retinitis is the most frequent opportunistic eye infection in AIDS patients. Acute retinal necrosis usually corresponds to VZV or HSV infections, and only in a small cases is it secondary to CMV infection. The treatment (maintenance dose) with valganciclovir does not completely rule out the possibility of developing CMV disease, in addition to being associated with other opportunistic infections, in this case associated with herpes zoster and molluscum contagiosum. We present a Clinical Case of an HIV positive patient, without treatment, with acute retinal necrosis due to CMV of the left eye as an initial form of the presentation of the AIDS stage and CMV retinitis of his right eye several months later, despite being treated with valganciclovir at maintenance dose.(AU)