Human Immunodeficiency Virus Carriers Research Articles

The AOFOG recommendations on human papillomavirus vaccination in the Asia-Pacific region.

Cervical cancer remains a disease burden in Asia. The Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology envisages a need to produce a set of recommendations on the implementation of human papilloma virus vaccination program for both lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs), with an attempt to harmonize the practices yet allow flexibility to cater for different cultures, religions, needs and background of individual countries/cities. International guidelines and literature were sought, and recommendations were made in seven selected areas, including (i) the target groups for vaccination, (ii) the doses of vaccination including the use of single-dose vaccination, (iii) the types of vaccines, (iv) suggestions for special populations including those with previous HPV infection, human immunodeficiency virus carriers, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer group, (v) inter-changeability and the need of revaccination/booster, (vi) novel technologies and vaccines, and (vii) public education.

Evaluation of Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants Regarding People Living with HIV/AIDS and HIV-Associated Oral and Periodontal Lesions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Oral manifestations serve as important indicators of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and dental healthcare practitioners play a pivotal role in preventing and managing HIV. This study aims to assess and compare the knowledge and attitude of dental assistants and dental hygienists concerning people with HIV/acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in Jeddah province of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional survey enrolled 160 dental hygienists and assistants practicing in Jeddah. Data was collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire comprising 50 questions that investigated knowledge about HIV/AIDS, awareness of HIV-associated oral and periodontal lesions, understanding of HIV transmission routes, and attitudes toward people with AIDS. In the study, 120 (75.0%) participants correctly recognized that individuals with HIV may appear healthy, while 123 (76.9%) participants admitted that HIV carriers have lower resistance to other diseases. Additionally, 126 (78.8%) participants confirmed an association between the virus and oral lesions, and 137 (85.6%) participants were aware of HIV transmission through blood. Moreover, 150 (93.7%) participants expressed their willingness to support, treat, and assist patients with AIDS, while only 10 (6.3%) participants expressed unwillingness. Notably, no statistically significant differences were found between dental assistants and hygienists in their knowledge and attitudes toward HIV/AIDS and people with AIDS. This study demonstrated that dental hygienists and assistants possess good general knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and are well-informed about the disease's transmission routes. Moreover, a significant majority endorses the importance of treating and supporting AIDS patients.

Survival of patients diagnosed with Burkitt-type lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus carriers.

Introduction: Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is one of the most common neoplasms in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), due to the immune compromise they present. Patients with BZL who are HIV carriers have a survival rate of approximately 69 % two years after diagnosis.Aim: to describe the survival of patients diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma in carriers of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.Methodology: a narrative bibliographic review was carried out; for the bibliographic search information collected from the Pubmed database was used.Results: patients with HIV have a higher incidence of Burkitt type lymphoma due to their immunosuppression, so it is important that they adhere correctly to antiretroviral treatment and chemotherapy, since the survival of the mimics is between 45 % and 50 % 2 years after diagnosis.Conclusions: HIV carrier patients are approximately 100 times more likely to develop Burkitt's lymphoma due to their deficient immune system. Currently, antiretroviral treatment has played a very important role in giving HIV carriers a fairly good quality of life

Gender and age-related variations in human immunodeficiency virus infection trends at the Mexican Institute of Social Security: 2003-2017.

Diagnosing and treating human immunodeficiency virus carriers has led to the identification of a higher prevalence of said infection and, therefore, of a higher risk of transmission of the virus. To find out the trend of new cases of human immunodeficiency virus infection carriers at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) in Mexico within the 2003-2017 period. Patients affiliated to the IMSS were analyzed. Data from 42,181 newly-diagnosed cases were collected, with variations related to gender and age being observed. Age-standardized rates per 100,000 population were obtained. The highest mean annual percentage change in males was documented in adolescents (13.0, 95% CI = 9.9, 16.1). Heterogeneous trends were recorded for women, with a significant overall decrease (-2.2, 95% CI = -3.4, -1.0), but growing trends were also observed in some groups. Our results suggest that the human immunodeficiency epidemic in patients cared for at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social is concentrated in males, with a growing trend particularly in adolescents.

A Multi-Scale Model for the Spread of HIV in a Population Considering the Immune Status of People

A multi-scale mathematical model is proposed, seeking to describe the propagation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in a group of young people between 15 and 24 years of age, through unprotected sexual contact. The uses of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and therapeutic failure are considered to show how the rate of propagation and prevalence are affected. The model consists of a complex network modeling the interactions on the population scale, coupled with the immunological dynamics of each individual, which is modeled by a system of differential equations. The immunological model allows to observe some known facts from the literature, such as to control HIV infection in the immune system, it is necessary to reduce the probability of healthy CD4 T cells becoming infected or increase the probability at which cells of the specific cell response against HIV eliminate infected CD4 T cells. At the population level, it is shown that, to have a high prevalence, it is not necessary for the virus to spread rapidly at the beginning of the simulation time. Additionally, it is observed that a greater number of sexual partners induces higher HIV prevalence. Using ART in the immune system reduces the number of infected CD4 T cells and, consequently, helps to reduce the spread of infection at the population scale. An important result observed in simulations is that the average number of HIV carriers who abandon ART is greater than those who access it. The study adds to the available literature an original simulation model that describes the dynamics of HIV propagation in a population, considering the immune state of people within that population, and serves as a basis for future research involving more detailed aspects aiming for a model closest to reality.

The Novel PKC Activator 10-Methyl-Aplog-1 Combined with JQ1 Induced Strong and Synergistic HIV Reactivation with Tolerable Global T Cell Activation.

The presence of latent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoirs is a major obstacle to a cure. The “shock and kill” therapy is based on the concept that latent reservoirs in HIV carriers with antiretroviral therapy are reactivated by latency-reversing agents (LRAs), followed by elimination due to HIV-associated cell death or killing by virus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Protein kinase C (PKC) activators are considered robust LRAs as they efficiently reactivate latently infected HIV. However, various adverse events hamper the intervention trial of PKC activators as LRAs. We found in this study that a novel PKC activator, 10-Methyl-aplog-1 (10MA-1), combined with an inhibitor of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain motifs, JQ1, strongly and synergistically reactivated latently infected HIV. Notably, higher concentrations of 10MA-1 alone induced the predominant side effect, i.e., global T cell activation as defined by CD25 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in primary CD4+ T lymphocytes; however, JQ1 efficiently suppressed the 10MA-1-induced side effect in a dose-dependent manner. Considering the reasonable accessibility and availability of 10MA-1 since the chemical synthesis of 10MA-1 requires fewer processes than that of bryostatin 1 or prostratin, our results suggest that the combination of 10MA-1 with JQ1 may be a promising pair of LRAs for the clinical application of the “shock and kill” therapy.

HIV and Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disease: A Systematic Review

The objective of this review is to evaluate the incidence of operative treatment, outcomes, and complications of surgery for degenerative spine disease (DSD) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients. Combined antiretroviral treatment led HIV patients to live long enough to develop many chronic conditions common in the uninfected population. Surgery for DSD is one of the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures. However, the incidence of spine surgery for DSD in HIV-positive patients seems to be lower than that in uninfected individuals, although this has not been clearly determined. A systematic search of the Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and SciElo databases was conducted. Only primary studies addressing DSD surgery on HIV-positive patients were included. Evaluated variables were rates of surgical treatment, surgical outcomes and complications, year of publication, country where study was conducted, type of study, and level of evidence. Six articles were included in the review from 1,108 records. Significantly lower rates of DSD surgery were identified in HIV-infected patients (0.86 per 1,000 patient-years) when compared with uninfected patients (1.41 per 1,000 patient-years). There was a significant increase in spinal surgery in HIV-positive patients over time, with a 0.094 incidence per 100,000 in the year 2000 and 0.303 in 2009. HIV-positive patients had very similar outcomes when compared with controls, with 66.6% presenting pain relief at a 3-month follow-up. Higher incidences of hospital mortality (1.6 vs. 0.3%; p < 0.001) and complications (12.2 vs. 9.5%, p < 0.001) were observed in HIV carriers. HIV-positive individuals appear to undergo less surgery for DSD than HIV-negative individuals. Improvement rates appear to be similar in both groups, even though some complications appear to be more prevalent in HIV carriers. Larger studies are needed for decisive evidence on the subject.

Accidental Exposures to Biological Products – A Risk for Medical Staff and Patients

"Hypothesis: While performing professional activities, the healthcare workers (HCW) can be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious materials from the patients they are taking care of. In order to minimize the risk of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, these accidental exposures should be reported and followed by post-exposure prophylaxis. If seroconversion of the injured person occurs, the healthcare unit intervenes by various methods to ensure that the infected HCW does not represent a source of infection for other patients [1]. Objective: Through this study we aimed to assess the perception of different categories of healthcare personnel about their testing for their carrying of HBV, HCV and HIV at the time of employment in a healthcare facility and their right to confidentiality regarding their health status. We also wanted to evaluate the opinion of the medical staff about the patient’s right to be informed about the risk of HBV, HCV and HIV transmission, if there is an infected person in the medical team. Method: A multicentric cross-sectional study was performed, by applying an original pre-tested questionnaire to different professional categories of medical staff from different categories of healthcare facilities. Results: Over 20% of respondents declared they were not tested at the time of employment, but almost 40% claimed that they were tested every year since employment. Only 20% of the participants considered they have the right to confidentiality regarding the state of viral carrying, but ⅓ consider that there is no discrimination if a healthcare facility refuses to hire a HBV, HCV, HIV carrier. Out of all participants questioned, ½ of the respondents agree that the medical staffs who are a carrier for a transmissible virus can be detached in a less dangerous healthcare department in order to avoid the transmission of the virus to patients. Almost equally, there were participants who believed that they could not be compelled to reveal their carrier status to the patient, and those who would have no hesitation in informing their patient about their status Keywords: Blood and other potentially infectious materials, exposure, healthcare workers, patient, confidentiality. "

Conjugalidade e infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana

Objetivo: Este artigo analisa as mudanças conjugais ocorridas após diagnóstico de infecção pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV). Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza básica com abordagem qualitativa. Foram entrevistadas nove pessoas soropositivas que participam de um Grupo de Apoio para portadores de HIV em um município de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Os dados foram analisados segundo os pressupostos da análise de conteúdo temático-categorial. Resultados: Identificou-se diversidade de manifestações e alterações nos relacionamentos conjugais após o diagnóstico. Alguns entrevistados informaram que deixarem de ter relação sexual ou apresentaram uma diminuição da atividade sexual. Relataram também o medo de contaminar outras pessoas. Conclusão: Apesar de sentimentos negativos como ciúme, mágoa, revolta, raiva, decepção, distanciamento permearam os relatos, o apoio do cônjuge quanto à realização do tratamento não deixou de existir. Palavras-chave: HIV. Sistema de Apoio Psicossocial. Relações de casais

Emergency department targeted screening for hepatitis C does not improve linkage to care.

BACKGROUNDHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. New treatments for HCV revolutionized management and prompted the world health organization to set the goal of viral elimination by 2030. These developments strengthen the need for HCV screening in order to identify asymptomatic carriers prior to development of chronic liver disease and its complications. Different screening strategies have been attempted, most targeting high-risk populations. Previous studies focusing on patients arriving at emergency departments showed a higher prevalence of HCV compared to the general population.AIMTo identify previously undiagnosed HCV carriers among high risk emergency room attendees and link them to care for anti-viral treatment.METHODSIn this single center prospective study, persons visiting the emergency department in an urban hospital were screened by a risk factor-specific questionnaire. The risk factors screened for were exposure to blood products or organ transplantation before 1992; origins from countries with high prevalence of HCV; intravenous drug use; human immunodeficiency virus carriers; men who have sex with men; those born to HCV-infected mothers; prior prison time; and chronic kidney disease. Those with at least one risk factor were tested for HCV by serum for HCV antibodies, a novel oral test from saliva (OraQuick®) or both.RESULTSFive hundred and forty-one participants had at least one risk factor and were tested for HCV. Eighty four percent of all study participants had only one risk factor. Eighty five percent of participants underwent OraQuick® testing, 34% were tested for serum anti-HCV antibodies, and 25% had both tests. 3.1% of patients (17/541) had a positive result, compared to local population incidence of 1.96%. Of these, 82% were people who inject drugs (current or former), and 64% served time in prison. One patient had a negative HCV-RNA, and two patients died from non-HCV related reasons. On review of past medical records, 12 patients were found to have been previously diagnosed with HCV but were unaware of their carrier state. At 1-year follow-up none of the remaining 14 patients had completed HCV-RNA testing, visited a hepatology clinic or received anti-viral treatment.CONCLUSIONTargeted high-risk screening in the emergency department identified undiagnosed and untreated HCV carriers, but did not improve treatment rates. Other strategies need to be developed to improve linkage to care in high risk populations.

Persistent Cutaneous Metastatic Tubercular Abscesses Revealing Multifocal Tuberculosis in an Immunocompetent Patient

Tuberculosis remains one of the infections with high mortality rate. Multifocal tuberculosis usually affects immune compromised patients such as Human Immunodeficiency virus carriers. However, patients with no underlying immunodeficiency may still present an extensive and atypical form of tuberculosis. We hereby report the case of a 16-year-old female patient presenting persistent and multiple cutaneous lesions associated with fatigue and loss of appetite which led to the diagnosis of disseminated, multifocal tuberculosis with neurological, musculoskeletal, genital, pulmonary, peritoneal and lymph nodes involvement. Screening for potential underlying immunodeficiency yielded no results. Clinical and radiological outcome was favorable on anti-tuberculosis drugs with complete regression of identified lesions. This case serves as a reminder that tuberculosis remains a challenging diagnosis that encompasses a variety of clinical presentation ranging from cutaneous abscesses to life-threatening conditions such as cerebral tuberculomas even in immune competent patient.

Evolutionary view of the AIDS process.

It is generally accepted that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the etiological agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome. According to this claim, HIV was transferred to humans from contact with monkeys around 35–50 years ago. However, this claim has not been sufficiently confirmed epidemiologically. The spread and incubation period of the plague epidemic has led to the theory that the Black Death was caused by hemorrhagic viruses. Having examined detailed historical data, we have concluded that the bacterium Yersenia pestis was an infectious agent in the epidemic, together with another agent which we suggest was HIV. Our considerations were mainly based on the existence of the CCR5 delta 32 mutation, which protects against HIV infection and has been present in the Caucasian population for over 2000 years. The combination of two infectious agents led to the devastation of the Black Death, the removal of HIV carriers, and an increase in the number of CCR5Δ32 mutations in the Caucasian population. In sub-Saharan Africa, this epidemic and subsequent sanitation process did not occur, which explains the much higher level of HIV genetic information in this part of the world.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Tat Protein Aids V Region Somatic Hypermutation in Human B Cells.

ABSTRACTLong-term survivors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been shown to have a greatly increased incidence of B cell lymphomas. This increased lymphomagenesis suggests some link between HIV infection and the destabilization of the host B cell genome, a phenomenon also suggested by the extraordinary high frequency of mutation, insertion, and deletion in the broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies. Since HIV does not infect B cells, the molecular mechanisms of this genomic instability remain to be fully defined. Here, we demonstrate that the cell membrane-permeable HIV Tat proteins enhance activation-induced deaminase (AID)-mediated somatic hypermutation (SHM) of antibody V regions through their modulation of the endogenous polymerase II (Pol II) transcriptional process. Extremely small amounts of Tat that could come from bystander HIV-infected cells were sufficient to promote SHM. Our data suggest HIV Tat is one missing link between HIV infection and the overall B cell genomic instability in AIDS patients.

Treatment adherence in patients living with HIV/AIDS assisted at a specialized facility in Brazil

In the 1990s, Brazil adopted a public policy that allowed for universal, free access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Since then, treatment adherence has become a new challenge for administrators of sexually transmitted disease/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STD/AIDS) policies. This study quantified adherence to ART and verified whether there is an association between sociodemographic variables and clinical/laboratory data in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. This was a cross-sectional, exploratory study with a quantitative approach that was conducted over 8 months. The target population contained patients who were assisted at the ambulatory care facility specialized in STD/AIDS of a medium-size city located in Northwest São Paulo. In order to verify the level of adherence to ART, a validated CEAT-VIH (Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Questionnaire) questionnaire was used. Sociodemographic aspects and clinical/laboratory data were obtained from the medical records. The results were analyzed using the Student's t-test and Pearson's coefficient. Herein, 109 patients were interviewed, 56% of whom were male. The age of the population ranged 18-74 years (mean 45.67 years). Adherence to ART was classified as insufficient in 80.7% of cases. There was an association between ART adherence and presence of symptoms and/or opportunistic infection (p=0.008) and economic status (p<0.001). Adherence to ART among HIV carriers cared for by the public health system is low. Patients who reported a favorable economic status and those without symptoms and/or opportunistic infection demonstrated greater treatment adherence than those who needed to take more than 3 pills a day.

Quality of life in human immunodeficiency virus carriers with antiretroviral therapy

Introduccion: la determinacion de la calidad de vida en pacientes con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) conlleva a un gran impacto social no solo en relacion a las repercusiones economicas y politicas para el tratamiento y prevencion del mismo, sino tambien permitiria considerarlas en las decisiones de salud fomentando factores protectores y de bienestar. Objetivos: determinar la calidad de vida en pacientes con VIH que reciben tratamiento en el Hospital Nacional de Itaugua en el ano 2015 Metodos: estudio descriptivo, de corte transverso, que incluyo a 102 pacientes portadores de VIH en tratamiento antirretroviral que acudian al Hospital Nacional de mayo a octubre del 2015. Se utilizo el cuestionario MOS-SF-30 y mediciones inmunologicas del CD4 y carga viral. Resultados: 54,9% de los encuestados fueron mujeres y 45,1% varones, con edades comprendidas entre 17 y 63 anos. La totalidad de los mismos trabajaba. En el 100% la transmision fue por via sexual. En cuanto a la cantidad de CD4 se hallo un rango entre 3 y 1530 cel/mm3. El 70,59% presentaba carga viral indetectable en el momento de la encuesta. En cuanto a la percepcion de la calidad de vida, 66,67% de los sujetos referia poseer una muy buena calidad de vida, en contraste con la suma total del puntaje donde solo el 8,8% de los mismos se situo por encima del percentil 90. Conclusiones: la mayoria de los encuestados percibia un mejor estado de salud y calidad de vida en contraste al puntaje total de calidad de vida relacionado a la salud obtenida.

Study on the risk of HIV transmission by heterosexual contact and the correlation factors

To understand the associated factors on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission via heterosexual contact and to provide evidence for decision-maker for prevention of HIV. Questionnaire survey was conducted in 250 HIV-positive persons to understand their socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behavior. Meanwhile, 431 persons who had heterosexual contact with the HIV carriers were traced to their HIV infection status. The factors associated with continued HIV transmission were reviewed by case-control analysis. Among the 432 persons, 59 were HIV-positive because of heterosexual contact. The secondary attack rate and the growth rate was 13.7% (59/431) and 0.236 (59/250), respectively. The factors associated with the spread of HIV included: the degree of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, psychological reflection after infection, the condition for condom usage among spouses, and regular sexual partners or non regular sexual partners. The secondary attack rate and the growth rate of HIV transmission by heterosexual contact are high. Improvement of the knowledge about HIV/AIDS prevention and control, enhancement of psychological education and promotion of condom usage can reduce the risk for continued HIV transmission.

HCV and HIV Infection among Heroin Abusers in a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program

Over the years, it was getting attention to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immu-nodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among injected drug users (IDUs) in Taiwan. This study investigated the frequency of risky behaviors for HCV carriers and IDUs who were HIV carriers in methadone maintenance treatment program. The subjects, intravenously injected heroin abusers, were collected from a special methadone maintenance treatment clinic. The survey included characteristics of participants, sexual activity and attitude towards condom usage. The total number of subjects was 151. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS 15.0. The analytical methods included descriptive analysis, Fisher’s exact test, and the logistic regression model. The study showed that 82% of intravenously injected heroin abusers were hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive, and 44.4% were hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive; 89.5% of HIV-positive heroin abusers were type C hepatitis positive. Only 21.2% of these intra-venously injected heroin abusers always used a condom, and 39.7% never used a condom during sexual activity. Logistic regression analysis showed smoking, sharing syringes needles, HBV status and condom use status were four main risk factors on HIV infection. Sharing or using contaminated syringes needles was the main cause of HIV, HBV, and HCV infection in the drug addiction group. Since our government has the policy of providing a methadone maintenance treatment program, the spread of HIV is under control, but knowledge about HIV and safe sex education still needs improvement.

Vaccination coverage and immunity against hepatitis B among HIV-infected patients in South Brazil

Evidence-based strategies to improve the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination coverage rates might help to reduce the burden caused by co-infection with HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this study, the aim was to evaluate the vaccination coverage and immunity against HBV among HIV-infected individuals in South Brazil, and identify factors that are associated with compliance patterns and antibody reactivity. Three hundred HIV-infected men and women were included in this survey. The patients answered a standardized questionnaire, and vaccination cards were checked in order to assess hepatitis B vaccine status. A blood sample was collected for quantitative determination of antibody to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs). Participants were also evaluated for their CD4 cell count and HIV viral load. The overall vaccination coverage of HBV vaccination found in this study (57.4%) was lower than that was previously reported in South Brazil. Anti-HBs levels >10IU/L were observed in 47.0% of the studied population. A significant inequality in the coverage rates and antibody reactivity was found in favor of patients with better economic status. In conclusion, the results indicate the need for improvement in the HBV vaccination coverage among HIV carriers, in particular focusing on low-income individuals.

Reduction of CD4 count induces opportunistic infections in people living with HIV (PLHIV)

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a lentivirus (member of the retrovirus family) causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), weakens the immune system of the body and hence associates different opportunistic infections. Present study undertook a survey on opportunistic infections. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from both HIV carriers (CD4 count more than 250/mL of blood) and AIDS patients (CD4 count less than 250/mL of blood). Results: Analyses of the data revealed that diarrhoea, pulmonary tuberculosis, gland tuberculosis, skin lesions and fever were the common opportunistic infections. Conclusion: It can be summarized that HIV infected patients having a reduced CD4 count (&lt;250/mL) encounter different opportunistic infections and some of these infections could be continual for long as well. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19151 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.285-291

Acute bacterial infection negatively impacts cancer specific survival of colorectal cancer patients.

To assess the impact of bacterial infections on cancer-specific survival in patients with colorectal cancer. This was a retrospective cohort study of colorectal cancer patients treated at the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center between January 2006 and April 2010. The presence of bacterial infection during cancer treatment, or up to one year after, was confirmed by laboratory tests or by the physician. Infections of the urinary, respiratory or digestive tracts, bloodstream, skin or surgical site were defined by testing within a single laboratory. Criteria for exclusion from the study were: chronically immunosuppressed patients; transplant patients (due to chronic immunosuppression); human immunodeficiency virus carriers; chronic use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs; patients with autoimmune disease or primary immunodeficiency; known viral or parasitic infections. Patients with infections that did not require hospitalization were not included in the study because of the difficulty of collecting and tracking data related to infectious processes. In addition, patients hospitalized for pulmonary thromboembolism, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, uncontrolled diabetes, malignant hypercalcemia or other serious non-infectious complications not directly related to infection were also excluded. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and log-rank tests (univariate analysis) and a Cox test assuming a proportional hazards model (multivariate analysis) were performed to examine associations between clinical history and characteristics of infection with cancer-specific survival. One-hundred and six patients with colorectal cancer were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of bacterial infection. Patient ages ranged from 23 to 91 years, with a median of 55 years. The majority of patients were male (57/106, 53.77%) with stage III colorectal cancer (45/106, 44.11%). A total of 86 bacteriologic events were recorded. Results indicate that the presence and number of infections during or after the end of treatment were associated with poorer-cancer specific survivals (P = 0.02). Elevated neutrophil counts were also associated with poorer cancer-specific survival (P = 0.02). Analysis of patient age revealed that patients > 65 years of age had a poorer cancer-specific survival (P = 0.04). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that infection was an independent predictor of poor survival (HR = 2.62, 95%CI: 1.26-5.45; P = 0.01) along with advanced clinical staging (HR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.08-6.39; P = 0.03). Infection and high neutrophil counts are associated with a poorer cancer-specific survival in colorectal cancer patients.