Expression of type I interferon-associated genes at antiretroviral therapy interruption predicts HIV virological rebound.

Although certain individuals with HIV infection can stop antiretroviral therapy (ART) without viral load rebound, the mechanisms under-pinning 'post-treatment control' remain unclear. Using RNA-Seq we explored CD4 T cell gene expression to identify evidence of a mechanism that might underpin virological rebound and lead to discovery of associated biomarkers. Fourteen female participants who received 12 months of ART starting from primary HIV infection were sampled at the time of stopping therapy. Two analysis methods (Differential Gene Expression with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis) were employed to interrogate CD4+ T cell gene expression data and study pathways enriched in post-treatment controllers versus early rebounders. Using independent analysis tools, expression of genes associated with type I interferon responses were associated with a delayed time to viral rebound following treatment interruption (TI). Expression of four genes identified by Cox-Lasso (ISG15, XAF1, TRIM25 and USP18) was converted to a Risk Score, which associated with rebound (p < 0.01). These data link transcriptomic signatures associated with innate immunity with control following stopping ART. The results from this small sample need to be confirmed in larger trials, but could help define strategies for new therapies and identify new biomarkers for remission.

DECLINING PREVALENCE OF HIV AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN JOS, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND: Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are key reservoirs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from which transmission to the general population fuels epidemics. STIs amplify HIV infectiousness and susceptibility. We determined the status of HIV and STIs among brothel-based FSWs in Jos as part of an ongoing prevention intervention. METHOD: Between January and May 2012, consenting consecutive brothel-based FSWs were recruited from previously designated brothels across Jos. HIV counseling and testing as well as screening for gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomonasis, candidasis and Bacteria vaginosis (BV) were performed. Positive cases were provided free treatment and follow-up at Solat Women Hospital, Jos. Ethical clearance was obtained from Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) ethical committee. RESULT: Two hundred FSWs aged 27.6 ± 4.6 years (range 15-55 years) were recruited and of these, 47 (23.5%) were HIV Positive, 20 (10.0%) had syphilis, 9 (4.5%) had Neisseria gonorrhea, 3 (1.5%) had Trichomonas vaginalis and 86 (43.0%) had BV. The association between HIV and bacterial vaginosis was statistically significant (OR of 2.2, 95% CI of 1.1-4.2, P-value=0.02). In comparison to similar prevalence in 2006, the current findings represent 51.5% decline in HIV prevalence, 40.8% decline for syphilis and over 83.3% decline in prevalence for Trichomonas vaginalis. There was no significant change in the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoea and BV. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV and STIs among brothel-based FSWs in Jos remain unacceptably high, although, there is a declining trend. A comprehensive HIV prevention program targeting these women is required to block transmission to the general population.

Pattern of contraception among HIV positive women in Jos University Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of unintended pregnancies among HIV positive women is a key strategy in preventing the spread of the disease. Contraception is crucial to achieving this and consistent use of condom provides the dual advantage of prevention of pregnancy and reinfection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. The purpose of the study is to determine the contraceptive awareness among these women, the types of contraception being used as well as the prevalence and compliance with barrier contraception. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey using an interviewer-administered proforma among HIV positive women within the reproductive age group receiving prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in Jos University Teaching Hospital. RESULT: A total of 140 questionnaires were administered and retrieved. One hundred and thirty nine women (99.3%) had contraceptive awareness. Ninety eight of them (70%) were using contraception, among which 95(96.9% of contraceptive use) were using condom. The condom prevalence rate in the whole population was 67.8% The pattern of contraception showed that 46 (46.9%) used condom alone, 49 (50%) used condom with other methods; among which condom and injectables constitutedthe largest group (41 women, 41.8%). Out of those using condom, 43 (43.2%) were using it consistently. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of contraception, the use of barrier contraceptive and the rate of the combined use of condom with other contraceptive method, underscores the contraceptive awareness of these women as a means of preventing unplanned pregnancies and prevention of re-infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Changes in weight gain, faecal oocyst count and packed cell volume of Eimeria tenella-infected broilers treated with a wild mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) aqueous extract.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of a wild Ganoderma lucidum aqueous extract in coccidian-infected broilers. At 6 weeks of age the birds were randomly allocated to 6 treatment groups of 20 Ross broilers each in wire cages. Groups A, B and C were infected with Eimeria tenella Houghton strain at the rate of 36 250 sporulated oocysts/ml per bird. The remaining 3 groups D, E and F were uninfected controls. At 7 weeks the birds in group A were treated with G. lucidum aqueous extract and those in B with amprolium in drinking water ad libitum at the rate of 200 mg/ml each for 7 days consecutively. Body weight gain, feed intake, faecal oocyst output and some haematological parameters were monitored. The result showed that all the infected birds in groups A, B and C had clinical signs of weakness and reduced appetite on day 4 post-infection. By the 5th day post-infection their faeces became bloody and watery, and large numbers of E. tenella oocysts were present in the faeces. On day 3 after treatment the oocysts detected were considerably reduced in both treated groups A and B and slightly higher in the untreated group C. The faeces of the uninfected control groups were normal and free of coccidial oocysts. After treatment for 7 days no coccidial oocysts were found in faeces of the birds that had been treated. Infected, untreated birds showed a slight drop in feed intake and weight gain from 7 to 8 weeks of age. The final mean weight gain recorded in the treated groups A and B was comparable to that of the uninfected birds in the 3 control groups, while it was lower in the untreated group C. The feed to gain ratio was higher in C than in the other groups. A slight drop in packed cell volume was observed in groups A, B and C at 7 weeks of age, 1 week after infection. This study showed that treatment with G. lucidum results in a marked reduction in the number of E. tenella oocysts shed in the faeces, leading to improved weight gain and decreased weight loss. The results confirmed the virulence of the Houghton strain of E. tenella and the effectiveness of both amprolium and G. lucidum extract against E. tenella.