Fascitis necrotizante en puérpera de once días / Necrotizing Fasciitis in Eleven-Day Postpartum

Introducción: La fascitis necrotizante es una infección progresiva poco común, con alta letalidad que puede afectar a cualquier parte del cuerpo, pero es más frecuente en las extremidades, en especial en las piernas, causada en su mayoría por una infección polimicrobiana y se caracteriza por afectar la fascia superficial, tejido subcutáneo, grasa subcutánea con nervios, arterias, venas y fascia profunda. Objetivo: Reportar el caso de una puérpera diagnosticada de fascitis necrotizante. Presentación de caso: Puérpera de 28 años de edad con antecedentes de obesidad e infección por VIH, ingresada en el Servicio de Obstetricia en un hospital de la República Sudafricana, por presentar fiebre, escalofríos y dolor en el abdomen. Se utilizó tratamiento endovenoso con antibióticos y tratamiento quirúrgico. Resultados: Evolución satisfactoria de la paciente sin secuelas. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico oportuno de esta patología permite un accionar temprano, con la consecuente sobrevida de los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Necrotizing fasciitis is a very lethal uncommon progressive infection that can affect any part of the body, however it is more frequent in the limbs, especially the legs, caused mostly by a polymicrobial infection. It affects the superficial fascia, subcutaneous tissue, subcutaneous fat with nerves, arteries, veins and deep fascia. Objective: To report the case of a puerpera diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. Case presentation: A 28-year-old woman with a history of obesity and HIV infection, was admitted to the Obstetrics Service at a hospital in the Republic of South Africa. She had fever, chills and pain in the abdomen. Intravenous treatment with antibiotics and surgical treatment was used. Results: Satisfactory evolution of the patient with no sequelae. Conclusions: The opportune diagnosis of this pathology allows acting early, with the consequent survival of the patients(AU)

Violence and sexually transmitted infections in pregnancy

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the knowledge produced in studies about the association between violence and STI during pregnancy. METHODS: In this systematic review, we conducted basic activities of identification, compilation, and registration of the trials. The instruments of data collection were studies that investigated, explicitly, relationships between violence, gestation, and STI, from July 2012 to July 2017, using PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and LILACS. RESULTS: In all, 26 articles were chosen to form the basis of the analysis of this study. The relationship between violence and STI was observed in 22 of the 26 studies, and in eight of them, the violence was practiced during the gestation period. In two studies, there was no evidence of this relationship. In one study, the lack of care for STI was attributed to the unpreparedness of health professionals. Mental disorders were cited as resulting from STI in three articles and in another as a result of violence. One study found more frequent violence against adolescents, while two others cited gestation as a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: IPV combines characteristics that have a different expression when the woman is in the gestational period. The literature points to a relationship between IPV against women and the presence of STI. The monitoring of pregnancy, whether in the prenatal or postpartum period, offers unique opportunities for the health professional to identify situations of violence and thus provide assistance.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Sintetizar o conhecimento produzido em estudos sobre a associação entre violência e IST na gestação. MÉTODOS: Nesta revisão sistemática, envolvemos as atividades básicas de identificação, compilação e registro dos ensaios. Os instrumentos de coleta de dados foram os estudos que investigaram, explicitamente, as relações entre violência e gestação e IST, no período de julho de 2012 a julho de 2017, utilizando PubMed, Biblioteca Cochrane, SciELO e Lilacs. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, 26 artigos foram escolhidos para formar a base da análise deste estudo. A relação entre violência e IST foi observada em 22 dos 26 estudos, sendo que em oito deles a violência foi praticada durante o período de gestação. Em dois estudos, não houve evidências dessa relação. Em um estudo, a falta de cuidados com a IST foi atribuída ao despreparo dos profissionais de saúde. Transtornos mentais foram citados como resultantes de IST em três artigos e em outro como resultado de violência. Um estudo encontrou violência mais frequente contra adolescentes, enquanto outros dois citaram a gestação como um fator de proteção. CONCLUSÕES: A VPI combina características que possuem uma expressão diferenciada quando a mulher está no período gestacional. A literatura aponta para uma relação entre a VPI contra as mulheres e a presença de IST. O acompanhamento da gravidez, seja no pré-parto, seja no pós-parto, oferece oportunidades únicas para o profissional de saúde identificar situações de violência e, assim, prestar assistência.

Estigma e discriminação relacionados à identidade de gênero e à vulnerabilidade ao HIV/aids entre mulheres transgênero: revisão sistemática / Estigma y discriminación relacionados con la identidad de género y la vulnerabilidad al VIH/SIDA entre mujeres transgénero: revisión sistemática / Stigma and discrimination related to gender identity and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS among transgender women: a systematic review

Resumo: A prevalência de HIV entre mulheres transgênero é desproporcional quando comparamos com a população geral em vários países. O estigma e a discriminação, por conta da identidade de gênero, têm sido comumente associados à vulnerabilidade ao HIV/aids. O objetivo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura para analisar a relação entre o estigma e a discriminação relacionados à identidade de gênero de mulheres transgênero e à vulnerabilidade ao HIV/aids. Revisão sistemática da literatura, que envolveu as etapas de identificação, fichamento, análise e interpretação de resultados de estudos valendo-se da seleção em cinco bases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct e LILACS. Não houve estabelecimento de período de tempo a priori para essa revisão. Os estudos foram avaliados de acordo com critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Foram incluídos artigos em inglês, português ou espanhol, que relacionavam o estigma e a discriminação com a vulnerabilidade de mulheres transgênero ao HIV. Foram encontrados 41 artigos, majoritariamente qualitativos, publicados no período entre 2004 e 2018, e categorizados em três dimensões do estigma: nível individual, interpessoal e estrutural. Os dados permitem destacar que os efeitos do estigma relacionado à identidade de gênero, como a violência, a discriminação e a transfobia, são elementos estruturantes no processo da vulnerabilidade da população de mulheres transgênero ao HIV/aids. Os trabalhos mostraram relação entre estigma e discriminação com a vulnerabilidade de mulheres transgênero ao HIV/aids e apontaram para a necessidade de políticas públicas que combatam a discriminação na sociedade.

Resumen: La prevalencia de VIH entre mujeres transgénero es desproporcionada cuando la comparamos con la población general en varios países. El estigma y la discriminación, debido a la identidad de género, han sido comúnmente asociados a la vulnerabilidad al VIH/SIDA. El objetivo fue realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura para analizar la relación entre el estigma y la discriminación, relacionados con la identidad de género de mujeres transgénero y su vulnerabilidad al VIH/SIDA. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, que implicó etapas de identificación, registro, análisis e interpretación de resultados de estudios, a partir de una selección en cinco bases de datos: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct y LILACS. No se estableció un período de tiempo a priori para esta revisión. Los estudios se evaluaron según criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se incluyeron artículos en inglés, portugués o español, que relacionaban el estigma y la discriminación con la vulnerabilidad de mujeres transgénero al VIH. Se encontraron 41 artículos, mayoritariamente cualitativos, publicados durante el período entre 2004 a 2018, y categorizados en tres dimensiones del estigma: nivel individual, interpersonal y estructural. Los datos permitieron destacar que los efectos del estigma, relacionado con la identidad de género, como la violencia, la discriminación y la transfobia, son elementos estructuradores en el proceso de la vulnerabilidad de la población de mujeres transgénero al VIH/SIDA. Los estudios mostraron una relación entre estigma y discriminación con la vulnerabilidad de mujeres transgénero al VIH/SIDA y señalan la necesidad de políticas públicas que combatan esta discriminación en la sociedad.

Abstract: HIV prevalence among transgender women is disproportional when compared to the general population in various countries. Stigma and discrimination based on gender identity have frequently been associated with vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The objective was to conduct a systematic literature review to analyze the relationship between stigma and discrimination related to gender identity in transgender women and vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. This systematic literature review involved the stages of identification, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of results of studies found in five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and LILACS. No publication time period was determined in advance for this review. The studies were assessed according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review included articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish that related stigma and discrimination to transgender women's vulnerability to HIV. We found 41 studies, mostly qualitative, published from 2004 to 2018, and categorized in three dimensions of stigma: individual, interpersonal, and structural. The data highlighted that the effects of stigma related to gender identity, such as violence, discrimination, and transphobia, are structuring elements in transgender women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The studies showed a relationship between stigma and discrimination and transgender women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and indicated the need for public policies to fight discrimination in society.

A portrait of risk behavior towards HIV infection among Brazilian Army conscripts by geographic regions, 2016 / Retrato do comportamento de risco dos conscritos do Exército brasileiro à infecção pelo HIV por macrorregiões brasileiras, 2016

ABSTRACT Introduction: Knowledge about risky sexual behavior among young people has been widely acknowledged as a key tool to controlling the spread of HIV. This article aimed at presenting the risk behavior of Brazilian Army conscripts toward HIV infection according to the country's geographic regions. . Method: We collected data from 37,282 conscripts, aged 17 to 22, during enlistment in the Brazilian Army in 2016. The prevalence of HIV infection, both self-reported and measured through laboratory results, and risk behavior factors were estimated by region. Results: 75% of the sample of conscripts reported to have already started sexual activity, and the average age of their sexual initiation was 15. Condom use varied according to the type of sexual relationship, being lower among steady partners and greater among less stable relationships. HIV prevalence assessed by laboratory tests was 0.12% across the country and the highest prevalence was observed in the North region (0.24%). Alcohol and illicit drug usage was higher in the South region. Discussion: The study allowed the observation of risk behavior monitoring for HIV infection among young Brazilians. Lower condom usage among steady partners may be contributing to an increase in the number of HIV-infected individuals. Conclusion: Results suggest the need to intensify prevention campaigns to disseminate safe sex practices among young people, in addition to the expansion of testing offer to this population.

RESUMO Introdução: O conhecimento do comportamento sexual de risco entre jovens tem sido amplamente reconhecido como ferramenta-chave para controlar a propagação do HIV. Este artigo tem o objetivo de retratar o comportamento de risco dos conscritos do Exército brasileiro à infecção pelo HIV segundo as macrorregiões brasileiras. Métodos: Foram utilizados dados de 37.282 conscritos, entre 17 e 22 anos, durante apresentação ao Exército em 2016. Estimaram-se as prevalências de HIV autorreferida e medida por exame laboratorial, além de indicadores de comportamento de risco, por macrorregiões geográficas. Resultados: Dos conscritos que compuseram a amostra, 75% relatou já ter iniciado atividade sexual, e a média de idade de início foi de aproximadamente 15 anos. O uso do preservativo variou de acordo com o tipo de parceria sexual, sendo menor na relação com parceiros(as) fixos(as) e maior nas parcerias menos estáveis. A prevalência da infecção pelo HIV medida através do diagnóstico laboratorial foi de 0,12% no Brasil, sendo mais prevalente na região Norte (0,24%). O consumo de álcool e drogas ilícitas foi maior na região Sul. Discussão: O estudo permitiu observar o monitoramento do comportamento de risco à infecção pelo HIV entre os jovens brasileiros. O menor uso de preservativo quando a parceria sexual é considerada estável pode estar contribuindo para aumentar o número de indivíduos infectados pelo HIV. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de campanhas de divulgação para os jovens sobre práticas de sexo seguro, além da ampliação da oferta de testagem nessa população.

Una concepción actualizada de la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral / An updated conception adherence to antiretroviral treatment

RESUMEN Introducción: La adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral es un aspecto importante a tener en cuenta para el mantenimiento de la salud del paciente con VIH/sida. Esta categoría es abordada por diferentes autores, por lo que se hace necesario un análisis valorativo de sus enfoques desde referentes en el contexto internacional y nacional. Objetivo: Sistematizar el término adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral, al considerar su relación en las condiciones actuales con la salud de una población vulnerable como el paciente con sida. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática para desarrollar un análisis crítico reflexivo del contenido de documentos, donde se consideraron tesis de doctorado, de maestría, artículos originales y de revisión. Las palabras clave utilizadas fueron "adherencia", "tratamiento", "antirretrovirales", "adherencia terapéutica", siendo estas identificadas a través de DECs o de MeSH. Los criterios de inclusión para la selección de los artículos fueron: Artículos en español e inglés disponibles en los portales de datos seleccionados que presentaban adherencia a la temática, publicados entre los años 1997 y 2015 que presentaran de manera clara la metodología o referencial teórico seleccionado. Conclusiones: La indagación sobre la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral permitió definir operacionalmente esta categoría, son pocos los autores que la abordan; no obstante, los problemas que desafían la salud del paciente con VIH/sida en el contexto cubano condicionan la necesidad de promover la actualización del conocimiento en correspondencia con la situación internacional(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adherence to antiretroviral treatment is important to keep in mind for maintaining the health of patients with HIV/aids aspect. This category is approached by different authors, so an evaluative analysis of their referents approaches from international and national context is necessary. Objective: To systematize the term adherence to antiretroviral treatment, considering their relationship in the current health conditions of vulnerable populations such as patients with AIDS. Methods: Adherence, treatment, antiretroviral therapy adherence: content analysis of documents, which included original and review articles published from 1997 to 2015 in SciELO, Medisur, medigraphic and redalyc, with the following keywords performed. They were identified and reviewed 40 items, of which 24 were useful and monographs from various magazines that allowed the logical historical analysis of the evolution of the category. Conclusions: The inquiry on adherence to antiretroviral treatment allowed operationally define this category, few authors who addressed; however, problems that challenge the health of patients with HIV/aids in the Cuban context condition the need to promote the updating of knowledge in correspondence with the international situation(AU)

Estudo descritivo da homofobia e vulnerabilidade ao HIV/Aids das travestis da Região Metropolitana do Recife, Brasil / Descriptive study of homophobia and vulnerability to HIV/Aids of the transvestites in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Brazil

O estudo buscou conhecer as vulnerabilidades ao HIV/Aids das travestis da Região Metropolitana do Recife. Optou-se por utilizar o método amostral conduzido pelo entrevistado, conhecido por Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Entre as 110 travestis foram encontrados altos índices de homofobia em locais como: serviços de segurança, locais de trabalho, ambiente familiar e religioso, vizinhança, escola, comércio, locais de lazer e nos serviços de saúde. Entre as situações de violência sofridas destacam-se a agressão verbal (81,8%) e física (68,2%). O teste de HIV realizado alguma vez na vida foi observado em 84,4%. Encontrou-se um alto nível de conhecimento sobre as formas de prevenção e transmissão da infecção pelo HIV. A maioria iniciou a vida sexual antes dos 15 anos e sem o uso do preservativo. No contexto da epidemia do HIV/Aids observa-se que as estratégias de promoção da saúde só poderão ser eficazes se forem considerados fatores que ampliam a compreensão da vulnerabilidade ao HIV/Aids, como a homofobia.

This study sought to ascertain the vulnerabilities to HIV/Aids of transvestites of the Metropolitan Region of Recife. The Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) method was selected for data collection. Among the 110 transvestites, high indices of homophobia were found in locations such as: security services, work facilities, family and religious environments, neighborhood, school, stores, leisure spaces, and healthcare services. Among the situations of violence experienced, the predominant cases involved verbal aggression (81.8%) and physical aggression (68.2%). The HIV test carried out at some stage in their lives was reported by 84.4% of the subjects. A high level of knowledge of the forms of HIV prevention and transmission was detected. The majority of the transvestites began their sexual activity before 15 years of age without condom use. It was seen that in the context of the HIV/Aids epidemic, the strategies for health promotion can only be effective if factors for enhancing the understanding of the vulnerability to HIV/Aids, such as homophobia, are considered.

Frequência de manifestações otorrinolaringológicas em pacientes portadores de tuberculose pulmonar / Frequency of otorhinolaryngologies' manifestations in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Introdução: A tuberculose continua sendo um problema mundial e nos últimos anos teve um aumento na sua incidência principalmente pelo número crescente de pacientes com HIV. A tuberculose possui como agente etiológico o Mycobacterium tuberculosis que possui um período de latência geralmente prolongado entre a infecção inicial e a doença. Essa doença pode afetar diversos órgãos e sistemas. Objetivo: O objetivo principal do estudo era estimar a prevalência de manifestações otorrinolaringológicas em pacientes portadores de tuberculose e descrever as frequências das diferentes manifestações. Método: O estudo em questão é descritivo, transversal e prospectivo. Nele, pacientes diagnosticados com tuberculose pulmonar pelo serviço de pneumologia do ambulatório Araújo Lima da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), em Manaus, entre o período de Julho de 2005 e Maio de 2006 foram submetidos a exame otorrinolaringológico em busca de manifestações da doença. Resultados: Foram analisados 15 casos de tuberculose pulmonar confirmada pela baciloscopia, sendo 7 do sexo feminino e 8 do sexo masculino. A maioria dos pacientes eram adultos jovens entre a terceira e quarta década de vida (46,7%). Apenas um dos pacientes possuía co-infecção com o vírus HIV. Conclusão: O acometimento otorrinolaringológico pela tuberculose foi observado em 2 pacientes correspondendo a 13,33% da amostra, sendo um paciente com otite média tuberculosa e um paciente com linfoadenopatia cervical.

Introduction: The tuberculosis continues being a world problem and in the last years had an increase in his incidence mainly by the growing number of patients with HIV. The tuberculosis has like an etiologic agent the Mycobacterium tuberculosis that possesses a period of latency generally prolonged between the initial infection and the illness. That illness can affect diverse organs and systems. M Method: This study is descriptive, transversal and prospective. Within, patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis by the service of pneumologia of the outpatient clinic Araújo Lima of the Federal University of the Amazon (UFAM), in Manaus, between the period of July of 2005 and May of 2006 were submitted to otorhinolaryngological exam in search of manifestations of the illness. Objectives: The main objective of the study was estimate the predominance of otorhinolaryngological manifestations in patients with tuberculosis and to describe the frequencies of the different manifestations. Results: They were analyzed 15 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis confirmed by the baciloscopia, being 7 of the female sex and 8 of the male sex. The majority of the patients were young adults between the third and fourth decade of life (46,7%). Only one of the patients had co-infection with the HIV virus. Conclusion: The otorhinolaryngological affection by the tuberculosis was observed in 2 patients corresponding to 13.33% of the sample, being a patient with tubercular medium otitis and a patient with linfoadenopatia cervical.

HIV em mulheres de meia-idade: fatores associados / HIV in middle-aged women: associated factors

A infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) tem aumentado significativamente entre mulheres de meia-idade. Nesta revisão foi feito um levantamento de estudos recentes que buscam identificar possíveis fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo HIV em mulheres climatéricas. São abordados diversos fatores associados, como: sintomas climatéricos, mudança de comportamento do parceiro sexual frente a novos medicamentos, negociação sobre o uso de preservativos em relações sexuais, comportamento de risco para HIV, autoestima global e autoestima sexual, história pregressa de abuso sexual, uso de drogas, estereótipo da vida sexual na maturidade, uso de terapia antirretroviral e abordagem da função sexual.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has increased considerably among middle-aged women. In this work we reviewed recent studies aimed at identifying possible factors related to HIV infection in climacteric women. Several associated factors are considered, such as: climacteric symptoms, partner's change in sexual behavior in face of new drugs, negotiation for use of condoms in sexual intercourse, risk behavior for HIV, global self-esteem and sexual self-esteem, history of sexual abuse, use of drugs, stereotypes of sex life in maturity, use of antiretroviral therapy and approach to sexual function.

Conhecimento sobre HIV/Aids entre usuários de drogas / Knowledge about HIV / AIDS among drug users

Introdução: O conhecimento adequado sobre as formas de transmissão do HIV não é suficiente para a adoção de comportamentos de proteção, mas a falta dessas informações contribui para aumentar a vulnerabilidade ao HIV/AIDS. Indivíduos com menor nível sócio-econômico e comportamentos de risco, geralmente, apresentam níveis mais baixos de informação. Objetivo: Descrever o conhecimento dos usuários de drogas acerca do HIV/AIDS, utilizando metodologias distintas, de forma comparativa, e verificar a possível associação entre conhecimento e testagem para HIV. Descrever o conhecimento dos usuários de drogas acerca do HIV/AIDS, utilizando metodologias distintas, de forma comparativa, e verificar a possível associação entre conhecimento e testagem para HIV. Métodos: Os dados referem-se à linha-de-base de um estudo seccional realizado em 2006/2007, com uma amostra não-probabilística de 295 usuários de drogas ilícitas do Rio de Janeiro. Após análise exploratória, o conhecimento sobre a AIDS e formas de transmissão do HIV foi avaliado a partir de respostas a uma série de afirmações, classificadas como corretas vs. incorretas. As respostas de usuários que haviam sido ou não testados para o HIV foram comparadas com teste. Informações provenientes de 108 indivíduos, selecionados de forma aleatória, que receberam intervenção educativa com o uso de cartões ilustrando situações potencialmente associadas à transmissão do HIV foram avaliadas utilizando-se o Escalonamento Multidimensional (MDS). Verificou-se, ainda, a concordância entre as respostas obtidas através do questionário e da intervenção com cartões. Resultados: A maioria dos entrevistados era do sexo masculino (77%), com idade mediana de 29 anos e metade deles teve renda inferior a um salário mínimo no último mês. As drogas mais frequentemente consumidas foram: maconha, cocaína inalada, inalantes e ecstasy (91,5%, 67,5%, 61,0% e 15,9%, respectivamente)...

Proper knowledge on HIV transmission is not enough for people to adoptprotective behaviors, however, lack of these information may increase HIV/AIDS vulnerability. Individuals with a lower socioeconomic status and who present risky behaviors, usually have lower levels of information. Objective: To describe drug users’ knowledge on HIV/AIDS usingdifferent methodologies, in a comparative way, and assess possible association between knowledge and HIV testing. Methods: Data refers to a cross-sectional baseline studyundertaken in 2006/2007 with a non-probabilistic sample of 295 illicit drug users in Rio de Janeiro. After exploratory analysis, knowledge on AIDS and HIV transmission modes wasevaluated based on responses to a series of statements classified as “correct” vs. “incorrect”. Responses of users who have been or have not been tested for HIV were compared using χ²tests. Information from 108 drug users selected at random, who received an educational intervention using cards illustrating situations potentially associated with HIV transmission,were assessed using Multidimensional Scaling (MDS). Agreement between questionnaire and cards responses was also assessed. Results: Most of respondents were male (77%), with amedian age of 29 years, and half of them had an income lower than the Brazilian minimum wage in the last month. Drugs most frequently used were: marijuana, snorted cocaine, inhalants, and ecstasy (91.5%, 67.5%, 61.0% and 15.9%, respectively)...

Crack cocaine use and its relationship with violence and HIV

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate crack cocaine use practices, risk behaviors associated with HIV infection among drug users, and their involvement with violence. INTRODUCTION: HIV infections are frequent among drug users due to risky sexual behavior. It is generally accepted that crack cocaine use is related to increased levels of violence. Several reports point to an increase in violence from those involved in drug trafficking. Although HIV infections and risky sexual behavior among drug users have been quite well studied, there are few studies that evaluate violence as it relates to drugs, particularly crack. METHODS: A total of 350 drug users attending drug abuse treatment clinics in São Paulo, Brazil were interviewed about their risky behaviors. Each patient had a serological HIV test done. RESULTS: HIV prevalence was 6.6 percent (4.0 to 10.2). Violence was reported by 97 percent (94.7 to 99.1) of the subjects (including cases without personal involvement). Acts of violence such as verbal arguments, physical fights, threats, death threats, theft, and drug trafficking were significantly higher among crack users. A decrease in frequency of sexual intercourse was observed among users of injected drugs, though prostitution was observed as a means of obtaining drugs. A high number of crack cocaine users had a history of previous imprisonment, many for drug-related infractions. DISCUSSION: The data presented are in accordance with other reports in the literature, and they show a correlation between drug use, imprisonment, violence, and drug trafficking. CONCLUSION: A high HIV prevalence and associated risky sexual behaviors were observed among crack cocaine users. The society and the authorities that deal with violence related to crack users and drug trafficking should be aware of these problems.

A 27 años del descubrimiento del VIH: breve historia de una nueva enfermedad del siglo XX / 27 years from the discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: short history of a new disease of the XX Century

Se trata de abordar de manera breve la historia del descubrimiento del virus VIH productor del Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida (SIDA). Se exponen las teorías que tratan de explicar su surgimiento así como las más aceptadas en estos momentos. Se reconoce el surgimiento en África del virus, así como su presencia anterior a la década de los 80 del pasado siglo. También se hace una breve reseña del estado actual de las investigaciones acerca de la terapéutica y la búsqueda de una vacuna, que se dificulta por las trasformaciones génicas del propio virus teniendo una variabilidad de recombinación elevada, por lo que lo más eficaz en estos momentos constituye aún la prevención.

In a short way we approached the history of the discovery of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus causing the Adult's Immunodeficiency Syndrome. We expose all the theories that try to explain its beggining and also those wich are more accepted at this moment. We recognize the emergency of the virus in Africa, and also its precense before the 80 es of the last century. We also make a short review on the current status of the investigations on its therapeutics and on the searchs for a vaccine, difficulted by genic transformations of the proper virus, which shows an elevated recombination variability. That is why, prevention is the most eficaceous way of avoiding it.

Gender differences in KAP related to HIV/AIDS among freshmen in Afghan universities.

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the level of knowledge, perception/ attitude, and practices related to HIV among 1,054 freshmen students in four Afghan universities differences between genders. A probability, two stage sampling method was used. Data were collected by a self administered structured questionnaire. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Most of respondents were male (72.1%), their average age was 20.1 +/- 2 years, and most were unmarried (93.4%). The majority (90.8%) were aware of HIV but only 28.3% had a good level of knowledge. Around one-third (35.6%) had a positive level of attitude toward HIV. Approximately 30% had at least one risk practice; therefore, they were counted as high-risk behavior group members. Females were statistically more knowledgeable than males, and high-risk behaviors were significantly more prevalent among males; p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively. However, general awareness, and attitude were not statistically different between genders. A considerable proportion of students (14.6%), as compared to peer-countries, were sexually active. A very high level of sharing injecting needles (4.5%) and shaving sets (20.8%) were also reported among informants.

Asociación entre el consumo de alcohol y la infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Association between alcohol consumption and human immunodeficiency virus infection

Several factors have been associated with HIV infection, but alcohol consumption has not been studied completely. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and HIV infection. A case-control study was undertaken with HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, matched by sex and age (± 2 years). Latin-American Alcoholism Test (long version) was used to evaluate alcoholism diagnosis. A total of 198 cases were matched with 198 controls: 38.9 percent of cases were diagnosed as alcoholics, and only 22.7 percent> of controls (p < 0.001). The multivariate model showed that economic income (p < 0.001), sexual orientation (p < 0.001), and alcoholism diagnosis (p < 0.001) were associated with HIV infection. This study demonstrates an association between alcohol consumption, homosexual practices between men and economic income with the prevalence of HIV infection.

Se conocen diversos factores asociados a la infección por VIH, siendo uno de los menos estudiados el consumo de alcohol. El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar la asociación entre el consumo de alcohol y la infección por VIH. Se realizó un estudio caso-control, pacientes con y sin infección por VIH, apareados por sexo y edad (± 2 años). Se utilizó la Prueba de Alcoholismo Latinoamericano Versión Larga para el diagnóstico de alcoholismo. Se evaluaron 198 casos y 198 controles: 38,9 por ciento de los casos fueron diagnosticados de alcoholismo y sólo 22,7 por ciento de los controles (p < 0,001). El modelo multivariado mostró que el ingreso económico (p < 0,001), la orientación sexual (p < 0,001), así como el diagnóstico de alcoholismo (p < 0,001) se asociaron a la infección. Este estudio demuestra una asociación entre el consumo de alcohol, las prácticas homosexuales entre hombres y el ingreso económico con la prevalencia de infección por VIH.

Social harms in injecting drug users participating in the first phase III HIV vaccine trial in Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To study related social harms due to identification with a group of participants in an HIV-1 vaccine trial who are potentially high risk for HIV/AIDS. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two thousand five hundred forty six injecting drug users (IDU) were enrolled in a 36-month vaccine trial. Volunteers received education and risk reduction counseling at every six-month study visit. Social harms were not actively solicited, but volunteers were encouraged to report any during the process of counseling at every six-month visit. If a social harm was reported, a questionnaire was administered and the harm was tracked If necessary, clinic staff assisted in resolving the social harm. RESULTS: Thirty-nine social harms were reported by 37 participants; 33 (84.6%) were disturbances in personal relationships, three (7.7%) in employment, one (2.6%) was medically related, one (2.6%) was related to admission in the military and one (2.6%) was related with misbelieve about the vaccine. The most common reason for disturbances in personal relationships was suspicion of HIV infection (n=20). The impact of these harms on quality of life was characterized as minimal by 31 (79.5%) participants, as moderate by seven (17.9%), and as major by one (2.6%). All social harms were documented to be resolved by the end of the study. CONCLUSION: A few participants reported study-related social harms during the course of the trial. Most harm had minimal impact and all could be resolved by the end of the present study.

Sexuality, vulnerability to HIV, and mental health: an ethnographic study of psychiatric institutions

Este artigo apresenta dados da fase formativa, de base etnográfica, do Projeto Interdisciplinar em Sexualidade, Saúde Mental e AIDS (PRISSMA) patrocinado pelo National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) e desenvolvido em duas instituições psiquiátricas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. São descritos e discutidos os resultados obtidos nas observações etnográficas, grupos focais e entrevistas com informantes-chave realizados com diferentes grupos de profissionais de saúde mental e usuários de saúde mental do hospital-dia e/ou em tratamento ambulatorial, relativos às concepções de sexualidade e vulnerabilidade para o HIV. Os resultados sugerem uma diversidade de relatos e noções sobre o exercício da sexualidade por ambos os grupos e aponta para o alto risco sexual para o HIV nessa população psiquiátrica. Esta fase formativa embasou a adaptação cultural e a criação de uma intervenção brasileira para prevenção desse vírus em portadores de transtornos mentais graves cuja viabilidade foi avaliada com sucesso na fase piloto.

This paper presents data from the ethnographic based formative phase of the Interdisciplinary Project on Sexuality, Mental Health, and AIDS (PRISSMA), sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and carried out in two psychiatric institutions in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Results from ethnographic observations, focus groups, and key informant interviews with different groups of mental health care providers and day hospital and outpatient mental health clients regarding conceptions of sexuality and HIV vulnerability are described. The results suggest a diversity of notions about sexuality by both groups and point out the high HIV sexual risk in this psychiatric population. This formative phase has served as the basis for the cultural adaptation and creation of a Brazilian intervention for HIV prevention in the severely mentally ill, the feasibility of which has been successfully evaluated in the pilot phase.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus and HIV infection among injection drug users in two Mexican cities bordering the U. S

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection and associated risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) in two northern Mexican cities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February and April 2005, IDUs were recruited in Tijuana (N=222) and Ciudad Juarez (N=206) using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), a chain referral sampling approach. Interviewer-administered questionnaires assessed drug-using behaviors during the prior six months. Venous blood was collected for immunoassays to detect HIV and HCV antibodies. For HIV, Western blot or immunofluorescence assay was used for confirmatory testing. Final HCV antibody prevalence was estimated using RDS adjustments. RESULTS: Overall, HCV and HIV prevalence was 96.0 percent and 2.8 percent, respectively, and was similar in both cities. Most IDUs (87.5 percent) reported passing on their used injection equipment to others, and 85.9 percent had received used equipment from others. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence was relatively high given the prevalence of HIV in the general population, and HCV prevalence was extremely high among IDUs in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Frequent sharing practices indicate a high potential for continued transmission for both infections. HCV counseling and testing for IDUs in Mexico and interventions to reduce sharing of injection equipment are needed.

OBJETIVO: Estimar las prevalencias de los virus de hepatitis C (VHC) y de VIH y los comportamientos de riesgo asociados con ellos, entre usuarios de drogas inyectables (UDI) en dos ciudades del norte de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Entre febrero y abril de 2005, se reclutaron UDIs en Tijuana (N=222) y en Ciudad Juárez (N=206), mediante un método de muestreo llamado en inglés "respondent-driven sampling" (RDS), lo cual es un sistema basado en cadenas de referencia. Los participantes contestaron una encuesta aplicada por entrevista, la cual indagó acerca de los comportamientos en el uso de drogas durante los seis meses previos. Una muestra de sangre venosa fue colectada de cada individuo, para determinar la presencia de anticuerpos contra VIH y VHC mediante técnicas inmunoenzimáticas. En el caso del VIH la técnica de "Western blot" se aplicó con fines de confirmación. La prevalencia final de anticuerpos contra VHC se hizo mediante un cálculo ajustado, que empleó un estimador poblacional del RDS. RESULTADOS: Las seroprevalencias globales de VHC y VIH, fueron 96 por ciento y 2.8 por ciento, respectivamente. Estas frecuencias fueron similares entre las muestras de ambas ciudades. La gran mayoría de los UDI (87.5 por ciento) manifestó haber transferido a otros sus equipos de inyección usados y a su vez 85.9 por ciento de los participantes declaró haber recibido equipos usados de otros. CONCLUSIONES: La seroprevalencia encontrada de VIH fue relativamente alta dada la prevalencia de VIH en la población general y la de VHC fue extremadamente alta entre los UDI estudiados en Tijuana y en Ciudad Juárez. Las prácticas frecuentes de compartimiento de equipo señalan hacia un alto potencial que favorece la transmisión de ambas infecciones investigadas. Por tanto, son necesarias actividades de consejería y pruebas de laboratorio para VHC dirigidas a UDI en México y asimismo intervenciones para reducir el uso compartido de equipos de inyección.

Variación de la incidencia de tumores asociados o no al sida en un centro ambulatorio, 1997-2005 / Incidence variation in malignancies associated or not with AIDS at an outpatient care center, 1997-2005

En Argentina no existe información publicada sobre la incidencia de tumores asociados (TAS) y no asociados al sida (TnoAS) en pacientes con infección por HIV. Nuestro objetivo fue establecer la incidencia de estos tumores en un centro de atención ambulatoria entre 1997 y 2005. Se reconocieron 103 tumores malignos, de los cuales 73 eran TAS y 30 TnoAS. No hubo diferencias en edad, distribución por sexo y porcentaje de pacientes bajo tratamiento antirretroviral de gran eficacia (TARGA) en ambos grupos. Entre los pacientes con TAS fue más frecuente el diagnóstico simultáneo de tumor e infección HIV (p <0.001), así como el diagnóstico de SIDA (p = 0.015). Entre los TnoAS, fue mayor la antigüedad de la infección HIV y la duración promedio del TARGA (p = 0.038 y 0.002 respectivamente); también en este grupo fue más alto el recuento de linfocitos CD4 nadir (p = 0.009) y al diagnóstico del tumor (p <0.001). La incidencia de los TAS fue 18 casos/ 1000 pacientes-año en 1997 y descendió hasta 3.1 casos/1000 pacientes-año en 2005 (p = 0.001). La incidencia de los TnoAS fue siempre más baja y similar en todos períodos anuales. En conclusión, los TAS fueron más frecuentes que los TnoAS, no obstante los primeros disminuyeron su incidencia en relación a la utilización masiva del TARGA, mientras que los últimos se mantuvieron estables. El alto porcentaje de diagnóstico simultáneo de infección por HIV y TAS debería ser un alerta para llegar a un diagnóstico más precoz del HIV.

In Argentina there are no published data on the incidence of AIDS (ARM) and non-AIDS related malignancies (non-ARM) in the HIV positive population. Our aim was to establish the incidence of these malignancies at an ambulatory care center between 1997 and 2005. We describe 103 cases of malignancies, 73 out of them were ARM and 30 were non-ARM. There were no differences in terms of age, gender and proportion of patients on highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). Among those patients with ARM, simultaneous diagnosis of malignancy and HIV infection was more frequently seen (p <0.001) and the proportion of patients with AIDS was higher (p = 0.015). Among those patients with non-ARM the mean duration of HIV infection and HAART was higher (p = 0.038 and 0.002 respectively); also was higher the mean CD4 count nadir (p = 0.009), and CD4 count at the time of malignancy diagnosis (p <0.001). The incidence of ARM was 18 cases/1000 patients- year in 1997 and dropped to 3.1 cases/1000 patients-year in 2005 (p = 0.001). The incidence of non-ARM was always lower than ARM, and similar in each year. In conclusion, ARM were more frequent than non-ARM, but their incidence dropped significantly because of massive use of HAART, while non-ARM remained stable. The high proportion of simultaneous diagnosis of ARM and HIV infection should enable much earlier HIV diagnosis.