Treatment outcomes of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in Africa and Asia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Treatment outcomes of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) is a challenge, especially in resource limited settings. The aim of this study was to compare whether Human Immune Virus (HIV) has influence on the treatment outcomes of MDRTB among patients in Africa and Asia. Methods: Studies were searched from PubMed, Google scholar, African Journals online, EBSCOhost and CENTRAL from year 2000 until January 2021. The participants in the studies were reported of using MDRTB treatment regimen and also included those with HIV. Studies published before 2000 were excluded. Quality of the review was assessed by AMSTEL 2 criteria. The Mantel- Haenszel random effects method was used for the analysis, with risk ratio (RR) as an effect estimate, with 95% confidence interval and using Stata 14 software. Results: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. Treatment success was low in HIV negative participants (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.58-0.67). However, death was higher in the HIV co-infected participants. (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.45). There was no significant difference in treatment failure among patients with or without HIV. (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97-1.20). Consistently, no significant difference was found in lost to follow up (LTF) between the two groups (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.93-1.20). Conclusion: Treatment success was lower for the MDRTB and HIV co-infections. No significant difference has been found on other outcomes like failure and lost to follow up between patients with HIV co-infected and HIV negative group. The study limitations are that we had only 2 studies representing Asia, and this could have affected the outcome of results. There is need for interventions to improve treatment success in the HIV co-infected group. Other: The protocol was registered in International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), ID: CRD42021247883. There was no funding for the review.

Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination in people living with HIV/AIDS from Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Prior research has established some risk factors for an increased risk of severe disease and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the impact of HIV infection on SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity is a significant gap in the literature. In the same way, not many studies across the globe have analyzed the degree of vaccination willingness among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and considerations regarding prioritizing this population during vaccination plans, particularly in developing countries. METHODS: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Self-completed electronic surveys directed to PLWHA were performed via Twitter in February 2021, using accounts of HIV activists. RESULTS: 460 (87.1%) participants were willing to be vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine. The reasons for that were listed as 1) the belief that vaccination prevents both the COVID-19 infection (81.3%) as well as being a spreader (52.2%); 2) having a high occupational risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 (22%); and 3) the belief that they would be at high risk of death because of COVID-19 (21.3%). Only 56 (10.6%) participants expressed hesitancy toward vaccination, and 12 (2.2%) stated they did not want to get vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may support the prioritization of people living with HIV during the implementation of vaccination plans in developing countries. New strategies should be adopted to overcome the hesitancy and unwillingness toward the COVID-19 vaccination, especially in populations with risk factors for severe disease.

Aspectos epidemiológicos de las infecciones de transmisión sexual en mujeres de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba / Epidemiologic aspects of sexually transmitted infections in women from the province of Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual constituyen un relevante problema de salud a nivel mundial; particularmente afectan la salud sexual de las mujeres ocasionando dolencias y efectos muy negativos, como la infertilidad, los embarazos ectópicos y el cáncer cervicouterino. Objetivo: Describir las características epidemiológicas de las infecciones de transmisión sexual relevantes en mujeres de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba de la población femenina que presentó infecciones de transmisión sexual durante el período 2007-2017, detallando cada afección según año, municipio, edad, entre otras variables de interés. Asimismo, se analizaron la frecuencia, las tasas de incidencia, las tendencias y las variaciones temporales. Resultados: Las entidades clínicas predominantes fueron el síndrome de dolor pélvico y la secreción vaginal, en tanto, las menos frecuentes resultaron ser el herpes genital y la blenorragia. En el análisis por cada tipo de infección se observó una mayor afectación en féminas de edades jóvenes. Conclusiones: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual constituyen un serio problema de salud en mujeres de la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, que deviene causa importante de embarazos ectópicos y esterilidad. Sin embargo, se debe mejorar la vigilancia epidemiológica de estas enfermedades, pues existe un marcado subregistro de algunas y, por ende, una inadecuada atención, sobre todo en el sexo femenino.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections constitute an outstanding health problem worldwide; they particularly affect the sexual health of women causing ailments and very negative effects as infertility, ectopic pregnancies and cervical uterine cancer. Objective: To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of the outstanding sexually transmitted infections in women from Santiago de Cuba. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was carried out in the province of Santiago de Cuba in the female population that presented sexually transmitted infections during 2007-2017, with details of each affection according to year, municipality, age, among other variables of interest. Also, frequency, rates of incidence, tendencies and temporary variations were analyzed. Results: The predominant clinical entities were the pelvic pain syndrome and vaginal secretion, as long as, the less frequent were genital herpes and blennorrhagia. In the analysis for each type of infection a higher affectation was observed in young females. Conclusions: Sexually transmitted infections constitute a serious health problem in women from the province of Santiago de Cuba that becomes important cause of ectopic pregnancies and sterility. However, the epidemiologic surveillance of these diseases should be improved, because there is a marked subrecord of some of them and, therefore, an inadequate care, mainly in the female sex.

Human papilloma virus infection of uterine cervix and spectrum of cervical pathology in human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS.

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of sexually transmitted viral diseases worldwide. High-risk HPV types such as HPV16 and 18 are known to cause cervical dysplasia and carcinoma. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individual, chance of HPV coinfection and risk of cervical dysplasia/carcinoma have been found to be significantly more than in HIV-negative individuals. AIM: In this institution-based, cross-sectional, observational study, we aim to find out the relationship of HPV infection of the uterine cervix with cervical dysplasia and neoplasia in HIV-infected/AIDS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional Pap smears were taken from HIV-infected individuals admitted in the department of gynecology and obstetrics and reported by the Bethesda system. A second sample was sent to the virology unit of ICMR for detection and typing of HPV. Control samples were taken from HIV-negative individuals. RESULTS: Fifty HIV-positive patients were included in this study. On cervical Pap smear examination, 32 cases were cytologically benign and 18 cases showed atypical cytomorphology. Twenty-four cases were HPV positive, among which 16 were cytologically atypical and 8 were benign. HPV 16 was the most common subtype (50%) followed by HPV 18 (37.5%) and others (12.5%) in HIV-positive patients. Chance of cervical dysplasia increased with age independent of HIV infection and with progressive lower CD4 count. Koilocytosis was a significant predictor of HPV infection. Majority of patients were asymptomatic. Peak incidence of HPV infection occurred in reproductive age group (20-40 years). The association between HIV and HPV coinfection (P = 0.002) and between HPV infection and cytology atypia (P < 0.0001) was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Present study highlights the necessity of routine cervical Pap smear screening in HIV infected reproductive age-group women. Early detection enables dysplasia to revert or be effectively managed.

Sarcoma de Kaposi oral en paciente seropositivo, fase sintomática avanzada. Presentación de caso / Oral Kaposi Sarcoma, advanced symptomatic phase, in a seropositive patient. Case presentation

RESUMEN Se presentó el caso clínico de un paciente seropositivo, en fase sintomática avanzada. Fue atendido en el Servicio de Medicina Interna del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente "León Cuervo Rubio", de la ciudad de Pinar del Río, por presentar disnea, astenia, anorexia y pérdida de peso. Al examen oral se constató lesión tumoral de la lengua que dificultaba la masticación y deglución. La biopsia mostró sarcoma de Kaposi asociado al VIH/sida. La evolución tórpida y el estadio tan avanzado de la enfermedad, propiciaron el deceso del paciente (AU).

ABSTRACT The authors presented the clinical case of a seropositive patient, in advanced symptomatic phase. The patient attended the Internal Medicine Service of the Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital Leon Cuervo Rubio of Pinar del Rio, presenting dyspnea, asthenia, anorexia and weight loss. On the oral examination, a tumor lesion was found making difficult to chew and swallow. A biopsy showed Kaposi sarcoma associated to HIV/AIDS. The torpid evolution and disease's advanced stage propitiated the patient's death (AU).

HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices amongst patients with severe mental illnesses and chronic medical illnesses in Durban, South Africa

Background: Studies exploring HIV knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have suggested their poorer knowledge about HIV. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa (SA), the epicentre of the country's HIV epidemic, improving KAP is essential for reduce its incidence amongst individuals with SMI. Comparing the KAP related to HIV between those with SMI and chronic medical illnesses (CMI) such as hypertension and diabetes may expose gaps in KAP related to HIV in the mentally ill who are more vulnerable to HIV. Aim: This study aimed to compare the KAP related to HIV between people living with SMI and CMI. Setting: Outpatient clinics in Durban, SA. Methods: A cross-sectional structured questionnaire survey was conducted amongst 214 adult outpatients with SMI and CMI attending two general public sector hospitals in Durban, KZN. The KAP questionnaire consisted of three sections: general information, prevention and transmission of HIV. Results: Interviews were conducted with 124 patients with SMI and 90 with CMI. Most were female (69.5%), single (57.5%) and unemployed (59.4%). The diagnosis of SMI was associated with poorer general information of HIV (p = 0.02), but not with its prevention and transmission compared with those with CMI. Educational level was associated with poorer performance in all three domains: general information of HIV (p = 0.01), prevention (p = 0.01) and transmission (p = 0.02) amongst all the participants. Conclusion: Gaps in the KAP of HIV amongst individuals with SMI compared with those with CMI suggested a need to provide focused health promotion regarding sexual health and HIV to the mentally ill at psychiatric facilities

Sexually transmitted infections and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection: Scenario in Western India.

CONTEXT: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a well-established synergistic relationship with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Coinfection with HIV and STI can increase the probability of HIV transmission to an uninfected partner by increasing HIV concentrations in genital lesions, genital secretions, or both. Concurrent HIV infection alters the natural history of the classic STIs. AIMS: The aim was to study the current scenario of STIs with HIV co-infection, and to recognize different manifestations of STIs than the classical presentation in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was an open, cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out in the setting of state government hospital with attached antiretroviral therapy referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The sample size of the study was duration based (30 months). INCLUSION CRITERIA: All PLHIV presenting to the department of dermatology with STIs were included in the study. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Non-STI causes of genital ulceration were excluded in the study. RESULTS: The study includes total (n = 484) patients living with HIV/AIDS, prevalence of different STIs was in the following order, herpes simplex virus infections 24.17%, human papillomavirus infections 8.88%, molluscum contagiosum 7.43%, secondary syphilis 4.33%, gonorrhea 1.85%, chancroid 1.44%, and granuloma inguinale 0.41%. Of all the patients with herpes simplex virus infections, 45.6% (n = 57) had multiple recurrences (>6/year). The incidence of mixed STI was 17.29% in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: The study represents decreasing trends in bacterial STIs and the rise of viral STIs. Atypical presentations of classic STIs were more frequent than non-HIV-infected individuals.

Gross motor developmental delay in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children under 2 years of age.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has significant effects on child development. We report the outcome of gross motor developmental assessment in HIV-infected children <2 years compared with that of uninfected children. Materials and Methods: Every child <2 years of age presenting for the first time to the pediatric outpatient department of the hospital over 3 months was studied. Each child had a physical examination with gross motor milestone assessment, as well as initial double rapid HIV antibody tests with confirmatory tests for those with positive or discordant results. Children with evidence of motor delay were booked for reassessment after 1 month. The milestone performance criteria of the Multicenter Growth Reference Study of the World Health Organization were used as a standard. Results: One hundred and eight children were studied. Male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Fourteen children (13.0%) were HIV infected. Nine children (8.3%) had delayed development of gross motor milestones, of which five were HIV infected and four were uninfected (P = 0.001). Each motor milestone was attained at a significantly later mean age by the HIV-infected children when compared to the uninfected. Evidence of delay in gross motor milestones was apparent by the first 6 months of life. Conclusions: A tendency to poorer motor development is apparent in young children infected by HIV and can manifest as early as the first 6 months of life. Routine HIV screening as well as early developmental assessment of all children should be encouraged.

RésuméContexte: L'infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine a des effets importants sur le développement de l'enfant. Nous rapportons les résultats de l'évaluation du développement moteur global chez les enfants infectés par le VIH âgés de moins de deux ans par rapport à ceux d'enfants non infectés. Matériels et Méthodes: Tous les enfants de moins de deux ans se présentant pour la première fois au service de consultations externes pédiatriques de l'hôpital pendant une période de trois mois ont été étudiés. Chaque enfant a subi un examen physique avec une évaluation des étapes motrices globales, ainsi que des tests initiaux de double anticorps anti-VIH rapides avec des tests de confirmation pour les enfants présentant des résultats positifs ou discordants. Les enfants présentant des signes de retard moteur ont été réservés pour une réévaluation après un mois. Les critères de performance repères de l'étude de référence sur la croissance multicentrique de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé ont été utilisés comme norme. Résultats: Cent huit enfants ont été étudiés. Le ratio hommes / femmes était de 1: 1. Quatorze enfants (13,0%) étaient infectés par le VIH. Neuf enfants (8,3%) présentaient un retard dans le développement des jalons moteurs, dont cinq étaient infectés par le VIH et quatre non infectés (p = 0,001). Chaque jalon moteur a été atteint à un âge significativement plus tardif par les enfants infectés par le VIH par rapport aux enfants non infectés. La preuve d'un retard dans les jalons moteurs bruts était apparente dès les six premiers mois de la vie. Conclusions: Une tendance à un développement moteur plus faible est apparente chez les jeunes enfants infectés par le VIH et peut se manifester dès les six premiers mois de la vie. Le dépistage systématique du VIH ainsi que l'évaluation précoce du développement de tous les enfants devraient être encouragés.

Cutaneous Manifestations of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS Patients in Albania.

CONTEXT: Dermatologic diseases are common in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population. Cutaneous manifestations of HIV disease may result from HIV infection itself or from opportunistic disorders secondary to the declined immunocompetence due to the disease. AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of c0utaneous manifestations in HIV in an adult HIV Clinic in Tirana. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 355 HIV-positive patients with cutaneous manifestations who referred to the Ambulatory Clinic for HIV/AIDS, at the Infective Service and Dermatology Service of University Hospital Centre "Mother Theresa," Tirana, Albania over the period 2008-2015. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 43.08 (±11.8) years, with a range 15-79 years. Two hundred and forty-seven (69.6%) of patients were male and 108 (30.4%) female. Male-to-female ratio is 2.3:1. The study found a significant trend of increasing incidence of dermatological pathologies with increasing stage of the disease. Fifty-five (15.5%) of patients with cutaneous lesions were in Stage 1, 132 (37.2%) in Stage 2, and 168 (47.4%) in Stage 3 (P < 0.001). As for the HIV transmission method, the majority of patients (71%) were infected through heterosexual contact, followed by homosexual contact (16.3%), blood transfusion (3.4%), injecting drug user (2.3%), while for 7% of patients the mode of transmission was unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Early recognition of the cutaneous manifestation can help in better management of HIV infection in resource-poor setting, as it can indicate the progression of the disease and underlying immune status.

Quantification of micronuclei in exfoliated cells of human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS-infected female patients.

BACKGROUND: Micronucleus (MN) is a biomarker for cytotoxicity, which is formed during cell division. Increased MN scoring has been successfully used to recognize population groups at risk for cancers of oral cavity, cervix, urinary bladder and esophagus. Incorporating MN score along with cytological smear testing gives a better and cost-effective screening for high-risk patients. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of using MN score assessed from Papanicolaou (PAP) smears, as a biomarker for chromosomal damage in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral smears of 25 female HIV/AIDS patients, without habits such as chewing or smoking tobacco, and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) at ART center, were recruited for the study. After careful oral examination and oral rinsing with normal saline, smears were prepared on slides by scraping the buccal mucosa with a wooden spatula. All the slides were fixed in 95% ethyl alcohol and stained with PAP stain, and 1000 cells were counted per patient. Based on Tolbert et al.'s criteria, MNs were identified, and quantitative scoring of MN was done on the basis of morphological assay. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation values of frequency of MNs in HIV-infected females were 73.40 ± 19.70 and in normal females were 38.08 ± 8.56. CONCLUSION: MN scoring on the epithelial cells of buccal mucosa can be used as a biomarker in screening procedures for HIV patients.

Sex hormone Profile in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men and It's Correlation with CD4 Cell Counts.

BACKGROUND: In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men, hypogonadism is the most common endocrinological disorder, and most cases of hypogonadism are secondary. The aim of this study was to find out the hormonal abnormalities in HIV-infected males and it's correlation with CD4 cell counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred HIV-infected male patients were evaluated in the Department of Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India, over a period of 12 months from September 2014 to August 2015 using history, physical examination, routine baseline investigations, and CD4 counts. Free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin were measured using an overnight fasting sample. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of CD4 counts (Group A: CD4 counts ≥350/mm3, Group B: CD4 counts between 200 and 349/mm3, and Group C: CD4 counts <200/mm3). Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, ANOVA test, Chi-square test, and Pearson's test and P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In 100 HIV-infected males, overall prevalence of hypogonadism was found to be 66%, and 30%-35% patients had symptoms of hypoandrogenemia. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was found in 42% of patients. A significant association (P = 0.027) was found between prevalence of hypogonadism and the level of immunodeficiency with an increase in the prevalence of hypogonadism as CD4 counts decreased. Lower levels of free testosterone and DHEAS were found in cases of severe immunosuppression with a statistically significant correlation with CD4 counts. Correlation of other sex hormones (LH, FSH, and prolactin) with CD4 counts not statistically significant. Mean free testosterone and FSH were found to be significantly higher in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) than in those not on ART (P = 0.028 and P = 0.045, respectively), but no specific ART drug or their drug combination was found to have a significant correlation with levels of any sex hormone. CONCLUSION: Hypogonadism (hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) was found to be a common endocrinological disorder in HIV-infected male population, seen more commonly in association with low CD4 counts.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Infection Prevention Following Occupational Exposure among Staff at a Regional Referral Hospital in Western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) aides in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and HBV, respectively, from accidental or occupational exposure. We assessed compliance to guidelines for HIV and HBV prevention after occupational exposure among hospital staff at a referral Kenyan hospital. METHODS: We reviewed PEP registers for hospital staff reporting an occupational injury at a referral hospital in Western Kenya between January 2011 and December 2012. Proportions were used to summarize number of participants receiving the recommended services, Kaplan-Meier curves were used to describe time to ART initiation, and Chi-square statistics was used to describe the association between participant characteristics and PEP completion rates. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Majority of documented hospital staff (n = 52) were health workers (63%) and students (27%) and had high HIV risk exposures (97%). All had timely PEP initiation with 50% completing PEP. Completion rates did not vary by gender (P = 0.78), exposure type (P = 1.0), or department of exposure (P = 0.75). Retesting for HIV and negativity rates at months 1.5, 3, and 6 were 96%, 25%, and 17% and 100%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. At the time of exposure, 17% (9) of staff were HBV vaccinated and HBV status of sources was unknown; no intervention was provided for HBV prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Low rates of completion and follow-up negate intended benefits of PEP. Efforts should be directed to enforce universal precaution practices and completion of PEP. Low rates of HBV testing and vaccination illustrate the need for support for the implementation of HBV prevention guidelines.

Algunas consideraciones sobre las afecciones dermatológicas en pacientes con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana/sida / Some considerations on dermatological disorders in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS

La infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana/sida es uno de los problemas de salud pública más importante en todo el mundo. Se estima que hasta 95 por ciento de los afectados presentan manifestaciones cutáneas durante el curso de la infección, entre las cuales se encuentran las producidas por hongos. A tales efectos, se describen algunas de ellas, las cuales deben ser reconocidas por los médicos y el personal de salud a cargo del tratamiento y control de los pacientes con esta enfermedad.

Human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS infection is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. It is considered that up to 95 percent of the affected patients present cutaneous manifestations during the course of the infection, among which we can mention those caused by fungus. To such effects, some of these are described, which should be recognized by doctors and health staff in charge of the treatment and control of patients with this disease

Linfoma primario de ano en un paciente con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana/sida / Primary lymphoma of anus in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS

Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 47 años de edad con seropositividad del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana/sida desde hacía 5 años, quien acudió a la consulta de Cirugía en el Hospital Gubernamental de Mbabane en Suazilandia, por presentar un tumor anal; se diagnosticó hemorroides, pero el tumor continuó aumentando de tamaño, unido a sangrado e intenso dolor. Se realizó una biopsia por incisión que indicó la presencia de un linfoma de alto grado de malignidad. Posteriormente el paciente fue evaluado en la consulta de Oncología, donde se le indicaron los exámenes complementarios necesarios, los que revelaron que la neoplasia se encontraba en estadio IE; de manera que fue remitido a Sudáfrica para recibir quimioterapia combinada, con la cual desapareció la lesión maligna y se controló la enfermedad

The case report of a 47 years patient with the human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS for 5 years is presented. He went to the Surgery Service in the Government Hospital of Mbabane in Swaziland, due to an anus malignancy; hemorrhoids was diagnosed, but its size continued increasing, along with bleeding and acute pain. An incision biopsy that indicated the presence of a high grade lymphoma malignancy was carried out. Later on the patient was evaluated in the Oncology Service, where the necessary complementary exams were indicated, revealing that neoplasm was in IE stage; so he was referred to South Africa to receive combined chemotherapy, with which the malignant lesion disappeared and the disease was controlled

Corrigendum: Relationship between Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Knowledge, HIV-Related Stigma, and HIV Testing among Young Black Adults in a Southeastern City.

[This corrects the article on p. 47 in vol. 5, PMID: 28349049.].

Effect of Korean Red Ginseng intake on the survival duration of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 patients.

BACKGROUND: Long-term ginseng intake can increase longevity in healthy individuals. Here, we examined if long-term treatment with Panax ginseng Meyer (Korean Red Ginseng, KRG) can also enhance survival duration (SD) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 252 HIV-1 patients diagnosed from 1986 to 2013 prior to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Overall, 162 patients were treated with KRG (3,947 ± 4,943 g) for 86 ± 63 mo. The effects of KRG on SD were analyzed according to the KRG intake level and the length of the follow-up period. RESULTS: There were significant correlations between the total amount of KRG and SD in the KRG intake group (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001) as well as between total amount of KRG and mean annual decrease in CD4+ T-cell count in all 252 patients (r = -0.17, p < 0.01). The annual decrease in CD4+ T-cell count (change in cells/µL) was significantly slower in KRG-treated patients than in patients receiving no KRG (48 ± 40 vs. 106 ± 162; p < 0.001). The SD (in months) was also significantly longer in the KRG group than in the no-KRG group (101 ± 64 vs. 59 ± 40, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: KRG prolongs survival in HIV-1 patients, possibly by slowing the decrease in CD4+ T-cell count.

Risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma in human immunodeficiency virus patients after initiation of antiretroviral therapy: A nested case-control study in Kenya.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence and development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study of 165 participants (33 cases and 132 controls) receiving HAART care at Maseno Hospital, Kenya, from January 2005 to October 2013. Cases were HIV-positive adults with KS, who were matched with controls in a ratio of 1:4 based on age (±5 years of each case), sex, and KS diagnosis date. Perfect adherence to HAART was assessed on every clinic visit by patients' self-reporting and pill counts. Chi-square tests were performed to compare socioeconomic and clinical statuses between cases and controls. A conditional logistic regression was used to assess the effects of perfect adherence to HAART, the latest CD4 count, education level, distance to health-care facility, initial World Health Organization stage, and number of regular sexual partners on the development of KS. RESULTS: Only 63.6% participants reported perfect adherence, and the control group had a significantly higher percentage of perfect adherence (75.0%) than did cases (18.2%). After adjustment for potential imbalances in the baseline and clinical characteristics, patients with imperfect HAART adherence had 20-times greater risk of developing KS than patients with perfect HAART adherence [hazard ratios: 21.0, 95% confidence interval: 4.2-105.1]. Patients with low latest CD4 count (≤350 cells/mm3) had a seven-times greater risk of developing KS than did their counterparts (HRs: 7.1, 95% CI: 1.4-36.2). CONCLUSION: Imperfect HAART adherence and low latest CD4 count are significantly associated with KS development.

Aspectos clinicoepidemiológicos en pacientes con coinfección por sida y tuberculosis en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba / Clinical and epidemiological aspects in patients with coinfection due to aids and tuberculosis in Santiago de Cuba province

Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los 15 pacientes con coinfección por sida y tuberculosis en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba, en el período de enero del 2004 a diciembre del 2013, a fin de caracterizarles según algunas variables clinicoepidemiológicas: edad, sexo, comportamiento sexual, formas clínicas y radiológicas de la tuberculosis, conteo de CD4, pruebas microbiológicas del esputo, pruebas inmunológicas y evolución. En la serie resultó superior el total de hombres bisexuales y homosexuales, el diagnóstico de tuberculosis después de 6 meses de completar la quimioprofilaxis, con mayor incidencia de la forma pulmonar de la enfermedad, los rayos X con infiltrado en bases, el conteo de CD4 por debajo de 200 células/mm³, el esputo directo y cultivo negativos, además de la prueba de Mantoux no reactiva. La mayoría de los afectados evolucionó favorablemente y se les dio el alta médica al finalizar el tratamiento y ser curados de tuberculosis.

A descriptive and retrospective study of the 15 patients with coinfection due to AIDS and tuberculosis in Santiago de Cuba province was carried out in the period of January, 2004 to December, 2013, in order to characterize them according to some clinical-epidemiological variables: age, sex, sexual behavior, clinical and radiological features of tuberculosis, CD4 count, sputum microbiological tests, immunological tests and clinical course. In the series the total of bisexual and homosexual men, the tuberculosis diagnosis after 6 months of completing the chemoprophylaxis, with higher incidence in the pulmonary type of the disease, the X rays with base infiltrates, the CD4 count under 200 cells/mm³, the direct sputum and negative culture, besides the non-reactive Mantoux test. Most of the affected patients had a favorable clinical course and they were discharged when concluding the treatment and were cured of tuberculosis.

Carcinoma basocelular invasivo de vulva en una adulta / Basal cellular invasive vulvar carcinoma in an adult woman

Se presenta el caso clínico de una fémina de 32 años con seropositividad del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana desde hacía 2 años, quien acudió a la consulta de Ginecología del Hospital Gubernamental de Mbabane, en Suazilandia, por presentar una lesión en el labio mayor derecho de la vulva, unido a prurito y adenopatías en la región inguinal derecha. La paciente fue evaluada en la consulta de Oncología, donde se le diagnosticó un carcinoma basocelular invasivo de vulva, clasificado en estadio III luego de realizar los exámenes complementarios necesarios; posteriormente fue remitida a Sudáfrica para recibir radioterapia y quimioterapia combinadas.

The case report of a 32 years female patient is presented with seropositivity of the human immunodeficiency virus for 2 years who came to the Gynecology Service of Mbabane Government Hospital, in Swaziland, due to a lesion in the right major lip of the vulva, together with pruritus and adenopathies in the right inguinal region. The patient was examined in the Oncology Service, where a basal cellular invasive vulvar carcinoma was diagnosed. It was classified in stage III after carrying out the necessary laboratory exams; later on she was transferred to South Africa to receive combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Predictors of unsafe sexual behavior among people living with human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy center in Western India.

BACKGROUND: As more and more people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) live longer and healthier lives because of antiretroviral therapy (ART), an increasing number of sexual transmissions of HIV may arise from these people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Hence, this study is conducted to assess the predictors of unsafe sexual behavior among PLWHA on ART in Western India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current cross-sectional study was carried out among 175 PLWHAs attending ART center of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western India. Unsafe sex was defined as inconsistent and/or incorrect condom use. A total of 39 variables from four domains viz., sociodemographic, relationship-related, medical and psycho-social factors were studied for their relationship to unsafe sexual behavior. The variables found to be significantly associated with unsafe sex practices in bivariate analysis were explored by multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression in SPSS 17.0 version. RESULTS: Fifty-eight percentage of PLWHAs were practicing unsafe sex. 15 out of total 39 variables showed significant association in bivariate analysis. Finally, 11 of them showed significant association in multivariate analysis. Young age group, illiteracy, lack of counseling, misbeliefs about condom use, nondisclosure to spouse and lack of partner communication were the major factors found to be independently associated with unsafe sex in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Appropriate interventions like need-based counseling are required to address risk factors associated with unsafe sex.