Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection Research Articles

Serial changes in renal indices in chronic HCV patients with and without HIV co-infection receiving sofosbuvir and tenofovir-based therapies.

Sofosbuvir (SOF) is authorized for hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. The nephrotoxicity of SOF on HCV mono-infected and HCV-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains controversial. A prospective study including 159 HCV mono-infected and 124 HCV-HIV individuals (47 were ART naïve and 77 were tenofovir [TDF]-based ART) who presented with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥30ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline and were treated with SOF-daclatasvir for 12weeks. The eGFR was estimated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation over the study period. HCV patients had a progressive decline in median levels of eGFR compared with HCV-HIV patients who were ART naïve and those receiving TDF-based ART during and after discontinuing SOF-DAC treatment (96, 109 and 114 at baseline vs 94, 117 and 108 at the end of treatment [EOT]) vs 95, 114 and 115ml/min/1.73m2 at 12weeks after treatment [SVR12], respectively). Moreover, the rate of eGFR stage worsening was more pronounced in HCV mono-infected compared with HCV-HIV individuals who were ART naïve and those receiving TDF-based ART (21.4% vs 8.5% and 14.3% at EOT; 21.4% vs 2.1% and 6.5% at SVR12, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis showed that baseline variables were not independent predictors of eGFR stage worsening either at EOT or SVR12. Because the changes in eGFR were minimal and not of clinical significance, and TDF was not associated with an increase in renal dysfunction, SOF-based direct-acting antivirals could be safely used in HCV mono-infected and HCV-HIV individuals, even in those on TDF-based ART.

Characteristics of COVID-19 (Delta Variant)/HIV Co-infection: A Cross-sectional Study in Henan Province, China

BackgroundSince the end of July 2021, SARS-CoV-2 (Delta variant) invaded Henan Province, China, causing a rapid COVID-19 spread in the province. Among them, the clinical features of COVID-19 (Delta Variant)/HIV co-infection have attracted our attention.MethodsWe included 12 COVID-19 patients living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) from July 30, 2021 to September 17, 2021 in Henan Province, China. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and computed tomography (CT) imaging data were dynamically collected from first nucleic acid positive to hospital discharge. Laboratory findings included SARS-CoV-2 viral load, HIV viral load, IgM, IgG, cytokines, lymphocyte subpopulation, ferritin, etc. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 26·0 and GraphPad Prism version 9·0.ResultsIt was founded that the low Ct value persisted for about 21 days, and the viral shedding time (turn negative time) of the patients was 32·36 ± 2·643 days. Furthermore, chest CT imaging revealed that lesions were obviously and rapidly absorbed. It was surprising that IgM levels were statistically higher in patients taking azvudine or convalescent plasma than in patients not taking these drugs (P < 0·001, P = 0·0002, respectively). IgG levels were significantly higher in patients treated with the combined medication of BRII/196 and BRII/198 than in those not treated with these drugs (P = 0·0029). IgM was significantly higher in those with low HIV viral load than those with high HIV viral load (P < 0·001). In addition, as treatment progressed and patients' condition improved, IL-17a showed a decreasing trend.ConclusionsBased on this study, we found that HIV infection might not exacerbate COVID-19 severity.

Dynamic analysis of tuberculosis specific mononuclear cells in peripheral blood of HIV patients with tuberculosis

Objective: To evaluate the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) combined with active tuberculosis (TB) to TB-specific antigen stimulation. Methods: From January to December, 2018, individuals infected with both HIV and TB (HIV/TB group) were taken as the study subjects. Individuals infected with HIV alone (HIV group), individuals infected with TB alone (TB group) and healthy people (Health control group, HC group) were taken as the control groups. PBMCs were isolated and stimulated with purified protein derivative of bacillus calmette-guerin (BCG-PPD). The expression of surface molecules in T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and monocytes (CD14+) and the percentages of Interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were detected by cell surface molecular staining, direct intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry (CD3- lymphocytes were mainly B lymphocytes and NK cells). Analysis of non-parametric data was used to compare the data between the two groups, and paired t-test was used to compare the data before and after PPD stimulation in each group. Results: Before PPD stimulation, the percentage of IFN-γ+ CD8+ cells in the peripheral blood of HIV/TB group(mean 0.52%) was significantly lower than that in TB group(mean 0.94%, P=0.010). The TNF-α+cell percentages in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, or CD14+ cells in the HIV/TB group(mean 19.2%) were significantly lower than those in the HIV group(mean 31.9%, P=0.002). The percentage of TNF-α secreted by monocytes in the HIV group was significantly lower than that in the HC group. The percentages of IFN-γ+ CD8+ and IFN-γ+ CD3- cells in the peripheral blood of the TB group (mean 0.94%) were significantly higher than thoset in the HC group(mean 0.51%, P=0.020), while the percentages of TNF-α+ cells in each subsets of PBMCs were significantly lower than those in the HC group. After PPD stimulation, the percentage of IFN-γ+ CD8+ cells in the HIV/TB group was significantly lower than that in the TB group(P=0.008), and the change was more marked than that before stimulation. The percentage of IFN-γ+ CD8+ cells in the HIV group(mean 0.20%) was lower than that in the HC group (mean 0.52%, P=0.044). The percentage of IFN-γ+ CD3- in the TB group was significantly higher than in the HC group. There were no significant differences in TNF-α+ cell percentages in the 3 groups compared with the control group after PPD stimulation. The percentages of IFN-γ+ CD4+ cells in the HC and the TB groups were significantly increased after PPD stimulation in each group (P=0.002, P=0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences of IFN-γ+ CD4+ cell percentages in the HIV/TB group and the HIV group. The percentages of TNF-α production by monocytes were significantly increased after PPD stimulation in all groups. Conclusions: Chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection reduced the ability of PBMCs to produce TNF-α. For patients with TB infection, the production of TNF-α was reduced when combined with HIV infection. The capacity of CD8+ and CD3- lymphocytes to produce IFN-γ was increased in TB patients, while the capacity of CD8+ T cells to produce IFN-γ was decreased with co-infection of HIV. Infection of HIV weakened the immune response to MTB infection, which made the clinical diagnosis and treatment of TB more difficult.

Functional analysis of the antigen binding sites on the MTB/HIV-1 peptide bispecific T-cell receptor complementarity determining region 3α.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis /human immunodeficiency virus (MTB/HIV) coinfection has become an urgent problem in the field of prevention and control of infectious diseases in recent years. Adoptive cellular immunotherapy using antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells which recognize the specific antigen artificially may have tremendous potential in anti-MTB/HIV coinfection. We have previously successfully identified a MTB Ag85B 199-207 and HIV-1 Env 120-128 peptide-bispecific TCR screened out from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a HLA-A∗0201 + healthy individual and have further studied that how residues on the predicted complementarity determining region (CDR) 3 of the β chain contribute to the bispecific TCR contact with the peptide-MHC. However, it is not clear which amino acids in the predicted CDR3α of the bispecific TCR play a crucial role in ligand recognition. The variants in the CDR3α of the bispecific TCR were generated using alanine substitution. We then evaluated the immune effects of the five variants on T-cell recognition upon encounter with the MTB or HIV-1 antigen. Mutation of two amino acids (E112A, Y115A) in CDR3α of the bispecific TCR caused a markedly diminished T-cell response to antigen, whereas mutation of the other three amino acids (S113A, P114A, S116A) resulted in completely eliminated response. This study demonstrates that Ser 113 , Pro 114 and Ser 116 in CDR3α of the bispecific TCR are especially important for antigen recognition. These results will pave the way for the future development of an improved high-affinity bispecific TCR for use in adoptive cellular immunotherapy for MTB/HIV coinfected patients.

Hepatitis C viral load and mother-to-child transmission: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We aim to assess the association between maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral load and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and the risk for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) among pregnant women infected with HCV. A literature search of the Medline, Embase, Central, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE), Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCIS), Scopus, Literature Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), and WHO Global Index Medicus databases, from inception to June 21, 2022, was performed. Studies that reported the incidence HCV-MTCT were included. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using the random-effects model, and Holm-Bonferroni correction was performed for multiple pooled associations. The present meta-analysis included 26 studies involving 4934 newborns with maternal HCV infection. Pregnant women with HCV viremia exhibited increased risk for MTCT (odds ratio [OR] 8.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.65-14.63]) compared with those negative for HCV-RNA. Multiple subgroup analysis revealed that the HCV viremia/HIV-positive group demonstrated the highest risk for HCV MTCT, followed by the HCV viremia mono-infected group, while HCV-RNA-negative women demonstrated the lowest risk for HCV MTCT. Among females with HCV viremia, elevated risk for MTCT was found among subjects with a viral load ≥6 log10 copies/mL compared with those with viral load <6 log10 copies/mL (OR 4.58 [95% CI: 2.52-8.34]). The incidence of HCV MTCT was increased among pregnant women with detectable HCV viremia and was even higher in those with a viral load ≥6 log10 copies/mL. HIV coinfection further increased the risk for HCV MTCT.

Mathematical modeling of HIV-HCV co-infection model: Impact of parameters on reproduction number.

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are both as classified blood-borne viruses since they are transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Approximately 1.3 million of the 2.75 million global HIV/HCV carriers inject drugs (PWID). HIV co-infection has a harmful effect on the progression of HCV, resulting in greater rates of HCV persistence after acute infection, higher viral levels, and accelerated progression of liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease. In this study, we developed and investigated a mathematical model for the dynamical behavior of HIV/AIDS and HCV co-infection, which includes therapy for both diseases, vertical transmission in HIV cases, unawareness and awareness of HIV infection, inefficient HIV treatment follow-up, and efficient condom use. Methods: Positivity and boundedness of the model under investigation were established using well-known theorems. The equilibria were demonstrated by bringing all differential equations to zero. The associative reproduction numbers for mono-infected and dual-infected models were calculated using the next-generation matrix approach. The local and global stabilities of the models were validated using the linearization and comparison theorem and the negative criterion techniques of bendixson and dulac, respectively. Results: The growing prevalence of HIV treatment dropout in each compartment of the HIV model led to a reduction in HIV on treatment compartments while other compartments exhibited an increase in populations . In dually infected patients, treating HCV first reduces co-infection reproduction number R ech , which reduces liver cancer risk. Conclusions: From the model's results, we infer various steps that policymakers could take to reduce the number of mono-infected and co-infected individuals.

Effect of Gender on Clinical Presentation of Tuberculosis (TB) and Age-Specific Risk of TB, and TB-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection.

Previous studies have shown gender differences in tuberculosis (TB) incidence; however, gender disparity has not been well documented across granular categorizations of anatomic sites affected by TB and in the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, largely due to small sample size for less common TB clinical presentations and lack of detailed clinical data. The study population included TB cases aged ≥15 years (n = 41, 266) diagnosed in Harare, Zimbabwe. This cross-sectional study estimated male-to-female ratio (M/F ratio) for (1) age-specific TB incidence, (2) age-specific HIV prevalence among incident TB cases, and (3) 9 types of TB defined by affected anatomic site. Males were at a 53% higher risk of TB compared to females (risk ratio [RR] = 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.09). Based on adjusted odds ratios (aORs) from multinomial logistic regression model, the odds of abdominal TB (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI, .39-.68), TB bones/joints/spine (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI, .45-.90), and "other" extrapulmonary TB sites (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI = .59-.81) versus pulmonary TB were lower among males compared to females. The risk of TB-HIV coinfection among males was 17% (RR = .83; 95% CI, .74-.93) and 8% (RR = 0.92; 95% CI, .88-.95) lower in the 15- to 24-year and 25- to 44-year age groups, respectively. This study revealed a nuanced role of gender across finer categorizations of TB, indicating the need for future research to delineate underlying mechanisms driving gender disparities in TB. The finding that women had a greater likelihood of severe forms of TB and TB-HIV coinfection compared to men has important implications for women's health in TB-HIV high-burden settings.

Magnitude and Determinants of Syphilis and HIV Co-Infection Among Female Sex Workers in Ethiopia: Evidence from Respondent Driven Samples, 2019-2020.

Female sex workers (FSWs) play an important role in transmitting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis from high-risk groups to the general population. Syphilis and HIV infections are generally more prevalent among FSWs. However, in Ethiopia, up-to-date evidence about Syphilis-HIV co-infections among FSWs was lacking. To determine the magnitude and determinants of Syphilis-HIV co-infection among FSWs in Ethiopia, 2019-2020. A cross-sectional HIV and other sexually transmitted infections Bio-Behavioral Survey (HSBS) was conducted using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) among 6,085 FSWs in Ethiopia from August 2019 to January 2020. Data was collected, merged with laboratory data, and analyzed in R software using the RDS package. The odds ratio was calculated at 95% CI to measure associations between the dependent and independent variables. Variables that yield p<0.25 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, variables with p<0.05 were declared as statistically significant. Results were presented in frequency tables and charts. The prevalence of Syphilis-HIV co-infection among FSWs was 2.9% [95% CI=2.6-3.2]. Age of the FSWs (15-19 years old (AOR=0.03; 95% CI=0.01-0.12)), non-formal educational level (AOR=3.18; 95% CI=1.78-5.68), monthly income <2,500 ETB (AOR=3.05; 95% CI=1.45-6.42), major depression (AOR=1.85; 95% CI=1.18-2.89), forced first sex experience (AOR=1.71; 95% CI=1.2-2.44), condom breakage (AOR=1.62; 95% CI=1.14-2.30), Hepatitis B seropositivity (AOR=2.32; 95% CI=1.10-4.90), and Hepatitis C seropositivity (AOR=5.37; 95% CI=1.70-16.93) were strongly associated with Syphilis-HIV co-infection among FSWs in Ethiopia. The prevalence of Syphilis-HIV co-infection among FSWs in Ethiopia was high. To ward off Syphilis-HIV co-infection among FSWs, a special FSWs-targeted HIV and Syphilis/STIs prevention program and treatment approach needs to be devised. An outreach approach to address the sexual and reproductive health needs of FSWs has to be part of the strategy.

КЛИНИЧЕСКИЕ ИСХОДЫ COVID-19 СРЕДИ ЛИЦ, ЖИВУЩИХ С ВИРУСОМ ИММУНОДЕФИЦИТА ЧЕЛОВЕКА

Abstract. Introduction. Since the early 1980s, the world has experienced an epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus infection. After that, in 2019 healthcare system faced a pandemic of infection caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Data on the incidence, course, and outcomes of COVID-19 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus are limited. Aim. The aim of the study is to examine data from publications on clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Material and methods. A thorough literature search was carried out using the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus databases, 21 sources were selected and analyzed. Results and discussion. Publication data do not indicate that people living with human immunodeficiency virus are more susceptible to COVID-19 than the general population. As in the general population, older age and the presence of comorbidities worsen the prognosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus and COVID-19. A number of authors note higher mortality rates from COVID-19 infection in HIV-infected patients of African and Asian descent. Well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection does not change the clinical presentation or worsen the clinical outcome of hospitalization for COVID-19 infection in HIV-infected patients. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus in the advanced stages of the disease may show less severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection due to a reduction in the severity of immune responses. Conclusion. Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus coinfection are comparable. The high-risk group for COVID-19 includes human immunodeficiency virus patients with pre-existing comorbidities and individuals in older age groups. Controlled human immunodeficiency virus patients with an undetectable viral load have a better prognosis than uncontrolled patients.

Herpes, Syphilis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection Among Transgender Women in Central Brazil.

Background Human herpesvirus 2 (HSV-2) is a major cause of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide and often occurs synergistically with syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Transgender women (TGW) are disproportionately affected by STIs. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HSV-2 monoinfection, and HSV-2, syphilis, and HIV coinfection (triple infection) among TGW in Central Brazil. Methods A seroprevalence survey was conducted among TGW in Central Brazil from 2018 to 2019. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and interviewed about their sociodemographic characteristics and STI risk behaviors, and were tested for antibodies to HSV-2, Treponema pallidum, and HIV. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify variables associated with HSV-2 monoinfection and triple infection. Results Of the 431 participants, 345 (80%) were positive for HSV-2 antibodies, of whom 36 were HSV-2 immunoglobulin M–positive, and 340 were HSV-2 immunoglobulin G–positive. Human herpesvirus 2 and HIV coinfection, HIV and syphilis coinfection, and triple infection were detected in 38 participants (9.0%), 58 participants (13.8%), and 27 participants (6.4%), respectively. Report of a previous STI was associated with a decreased risk of HSV-2 monoinfection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.39), and an increased risk of triple infection (adjusted odds ratio, 4.4). Participants who reported sex not only with men had a 2.42-fold increased risk of triple infection. Conclusions The high prevalence of HSV-2, syphilis, and HIV coinfection among TGW is a cause for concern. Transgender women should be screened for HIV and other STIs. Further studies of risk factors for triple infection among TGW are warranted.

Acid-Fast Bacilli Smear Positivity and HBV, HCV, HIV, and Syphilis Co-infections between 2016 and 2019 in Mogadishu, Somalia

Although tuberculosis (TB) is a treatable disease, it continues to be an important health problem affecting societies worldwide. TB is one of the 10 most common causes of death worldwide today, despite the efforts of national organizations and the global struggle efforts of the World Health Organization (WHO), that have continued since its first establishment and exceeded seventy years. Somalia faces many negative factors that hinder the success of TB eradication programs, such as limitation of economic resources, lack of adequate infrastructure systems in the urban and rural regions, inadequacies in sheltering and nutrition, as well as instability, conflicts, and difficulties in accessing health care services. However, the country has been located in a rapidly developing region where socio-economic development and transformation has been experienced in many fields in recent years. This study includes the analysis of Acid Resistant Basil (ARB) smear examination results of patients admitted to a tertiary health center in the region where public health surveillance, screening programs, and treatment interventions have been disrupted for the last 30 years due to the aforementioned reasons. A total of 5,160 ARB test results of 3,909 patients admitted to the hospital with different medical reasons during the 4-year period between July 2016 and November 2019 were included in the study. The mean age was 43.3±21.8 years, with a range of &lt;1 to 97 years and the ARB test positivity rate was found to be %5.63 (220/3,909) in the study group. The positivity rate was 6.70% (158/2,199) in males and 3.99% (62/1,490) in females (p&lt;0.001). The group most affected by the infection (TB) were young and adult men between the ages of 10-40. HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests were also performed for approximately half of the patients who requested ARB test and the co-infection rates for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were found as 9.68%, 2.46%, and 0.0%, respectively. These rates are compatible with the seroepidemiological situation of the mentioned viral infections in the region. The results also reveal the low frequency of HIV-TB co-infections in the Somali population, unlike other regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The co-infection rate for syphilis, in which fewer patients were tested, was found to be 2.27%. It was found that ARB positivity rates changed as 5.31%, 6.44%, and 5.63% between 2017-2019 and did not increase or decrease according to years; with the exception of 2016 (11.2%) when a small number of patients were admitted. Early diagnosis and early treatment of active cases are critical for the effectiveness of TB control programs. Despite certain limitations, the data presented in the study can be considered as a reference point for future studies.

Trends in management of ocular syphilis in tertiary uveitis centre in Prague, Czech Republic

To analyse the hallmarks of ocular manifestations of and therapeutic modalities for syphilis in the last two decades. The clinical features of syphilitic uveitis, and association with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection are described. Retrospective study of 16 patients diagnosed with ocular syphilis confirmed by serological tests in the General University Hospital in Prague between the years 2004 and 2021. General characteristics of ocular and systemic manifestations and visual functions were analysed. An increasing incidence of syphilitic uveitis correlates with a general rise in syphilis cases. In our study, the ocular manifestation of syphilis was panuveitis (44%), posterior uveitis (31%) and anterior uveitis (25%). Posterior uveitis was found in 3 patients (19%) associated with preretinal infiltrates, that are often present in syphilitic uveitis. The worst visual outcomes were among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and/or neurosyphilis, however the data were not significant. Optic disc edema was present in 56%, macular involvement in 37% of patients. Overall, 31% of patients in our cohort had persistent visual field defects due to impairment of their optic nerve or macula despite the final median Snellen visual acuity of 1.0. Two out of sixteen patients were treated with corticosteroids in addition to antibiotics. Posterior uveitis with preretinal infiltrates and optic disc edema should arouse suspicion of ocular syphilis. Recent data show the advantages of adjacent systemic corticosteroid treatment for severe forms of syphilitic uveitis and/or neuritis. Our observation supports this finding.

Frequency of Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection among Intravenous Drug Abusers; Experience from A Single Rehabilitation Center

Objectives: To determine the frequency of Hepatitis C virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Coinfection among Intravenous drug abusers in a rehabilitation Centre.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Medical and Rehabilitation Centre of District Jail, Lahore Pakistan, from Jul to Dec 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 220 participants with a history of intravenous drug abuse were screened for Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus, with positive cases confirmed by polymerase chain reaction tests.&#x0D; Results: The median was age 27(8.0) years. Only 12 (5.5) had above higher secondary education. Injectable heroin and metamphetamine used by the respondents were 182 (82.7) and 41 (22.5), respectively. Human immunodeficiency virus infection was present in 163 (74.1), Hepatitis C infection in 149 (67.7), Hepatitis B infection in 9 (4.09), and co-infection of human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C virus infections in 118 (53.6) respectively. Human immunodeficiency virus infection showed a significant association with education level (p&lt;0.01) and drug use (p=0.01). Hepatitis C infection showed association with marital status (p=0.04), religion (p&lt;0.01) and drugs used, while Co-infection showed association with religion and drug used (p=0.01 and p=0.004 respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion: Intravenous drug users have a significantly higher prevalence of Human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C infection and their co-infection, occurring in more than half of injectable users. In addition, these infections show significant association with education status, marital status and type of injectable drug used.

Co-infection of HIV or HCV among HBsAg positive delivering mothers and its associated factors in governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Blood borne viral infections such as Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cause substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide. Viral hepatitis during pregnancy is closely related to high risks of maternal and neonatal complications. In Ethiopia, only a little information is available on co-infection of HCV or HIV among Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) positive pregnant mothers. Thus, the study aimed to determine HIV or HCV co-infection and associated risk factors among HBsAg positive delivering mothers. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in five governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa among 265 HBsAg positive delivering mothers in the year 2019 and 2020. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Structured questionnaires and laboratory test results were used to collect the data. SPSS version 20 software was used to enter and analyze the data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of HIV or HCV co-infections. Of the HBsAg positive delivering mothers, 9 (3.4%) and 3 (1.1%) were co-infected with HIV and HCV, respectively. None of them were with triplex infection. All of the socio-demographic characteristics were not significantly associated with both HIV and HCV co-infections. Mothers who had a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were 9.3 times more likely to have HBV-HIV co-infection (AOR = 9.3; 95% CI: 1.84-47.1). Mothers who had multiple sexual partners were 5.96 times more likely to have HIV co-infection (AOR = 5.96; 95% CI: 1.074-33.104). The odds of having HBV-HIV co-infection were 5.5 times higher among mothers who had a history of sharing shavers, razors, and earrings (AOR = 5.5;95% CI: 1.014-29.69). HCV co-infection was not significantly associated with any of the potential risk factors. This dual infection rate of HBsAg positive delivering mother with HIV or HCV indicates that a substantial number of infants born in Ethiopia are at high risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV, HIV, and HCV. Thus, all pregnant mothers need to be screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV during antenatal care, and also need implementation of prevention mechanisms of MTCT of these viral infections.

HIV infection does not affect the risk of death of COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies.

BackgroundEven during the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to pose a major threat, worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) defined the HIV infection as a risk factor for both severe COVID-19, at hospital admission, and in-hospital mortality. Despite this evidence, however, there remains the need for investigating whether SARS-CoV-2 infection could increase the risk of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on the risk of death among PLHIV and HIV- seronegative people.MethodsThe literature search was carried out on PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, from the inception to February 2022. Epidemiological studies on patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection, which compared the proportion of deaths between PLHIV and HIV-seronegative people, were considered eligible for the inclusion. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was obtained through meta-analysis of the comparison between PLHIV and HIV-seronegative people. Study quality was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment.ResultsOn a total of 1001 records obtained from the literature search, the present systematic review and meta-analysis included 28 studies on 168 531 PLHIV and 66 712 091 HIV-seronegative patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The meta-analysis showed no difference in the risk of death between PLHIV and HIV-seronegative patients (OR = 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93-1.26; P > 0.001). However, a significant heterogeneity was found for this comparison (I2 = 88.8%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough our meta-analysis suggests no difference in the risk of death of PLHIV with SARS-CoV-2 infection, if compared with HIV-seronegative patients, further research should be encouraged to improve the current knowledge about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV co-infection.

TUBERCULOSIS AND HIV COINFECTION

<h3>Objectives</h3> To observe the number of cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reported in individuals with tuberculosis. <h3>Study Design</h3> A retrospective ecological study was carried out at the Brazilian Informatics Department of the Unified Health System from 2010 to 2019 to verify the prevalence of tuberculosis and HIV coinfection in the same person. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. <h3>Results</h3> Of 880,045 cases of tuberculosis reported in Brazil during these 10 years, 11.04% of the individuals with tuberculosis had HIV and 10.13% had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, a total of 21.43% of individuals with tuberculosis did not undergo an HIV test, which could increase that percentage. Many cases referred to AIDS confirmation were left blank or the notification was ignored (14.32%). These data are extremely important, because HIV and tuberculosis coinfection is the main cause of death in HIV-positive individuals. Dentists should be aware of oral manifestations that may occur in those patients. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The Brazilian notification must be carried out more carefully, because many variables are incompletely filled, with relevant data being omitted and not showing the real epidemiologic situation of coinfection with tuberculosis and HIV in Brazil.

The incidence of TB and MDR-TB in pediatrics and therapeutic options: a systematic review

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is considered one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB can affect people of all age groups, including children (aged 0–15 years). However, very little is known about the extent of this problem in children. This systematic review aims to investigate the incidence of TB and drug-resistant (DR) TB among the pediatric population. It also reviews the therapeutic options available to treat the condition.MethodsA comprehensive search for all relevant evidence was conducted. The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science. The searched time frame was limited from January 1990 to December 2020 with a focus on the incidence of TB and MDR-TB among pediatrics and the therapeutic options available.ResultsA total of 537 articles were obtained via the selected databases. After title and abstract screening, 418 articles were excluded leaving 119 articles. Full-text screening was conducted on 119 articles, excluding a further 110 articles. Thus, 9 articles were subject to quality assessment and included in this review. The 9 articles represented the age group of 0–15 years and included both males and females. All studies included were of retrospective study design.DiscussionThe included studies mentioned a moderate increase in TB cases among pediatrics exacerbated by malnutrition, lack of bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. MDR-TB prevalence was especially high in South Africa. Drug therapy for both TB and MDR-TB yielded favorable outcomes among pediatrics. However, one of the biggest challenges with drug therapy includes the dosage forms available.Systematic review registrationDOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/G34NF

Factors Associated with Liver Enzyme Abnormalities in HIV-HBV and/or HCV Co-infected Patients in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study.

Background and ObjectiveLiver enzyme abnormalities (LEA) are extremely common and sometimes severe in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but data for this disorder are lacking in the developing countries. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with LEA in HIV–hepatitis B virus (HBV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected patients in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.MethodsThis cross-sectional analytical study included 180 people living with HIV (PLWHIV) mono-infected or co-infected with HBV/HCV between November 10, 2013 and January 10, 2014 in Kinshasa. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological, serological, and immunological data were analyzed. Levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were determined. Antibody levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe mean age of patients was 44.2±11.0 years; female sex was predominant (76.7%). Co-infection, mainly with HBV, but also HCV, was found in 43 (23.9%) patients. Elevated liver enzymes were found in 77 (42.8%) of the patients. No difference was found in the rate of liver enzyme abnormalities between patients with HIV mono-infection or HIV co-infection (46.7% versus 30.2%, respectively; P=0.08). Factors associated with LEA were age ≥50 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.7; 95% CI 1.4–5.5), duration of HIV infection >3 years (adjusted OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.4–5.5), and CD4 T cells count ≤303 cells/mm3 (adjusted OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.5).ConclusionsLiver enzyme abnormalities are frequent in patients co-infected with HIV–HBV/HCV as well as in HIV patients without co-infection. Diagnosis is determined based on age, immunodeficiency, and length of illness.

A novel two-codon deletion at codon 508 and 509 of the rpoB gene in pulmonary tuberculosis and HIV co-infection: A case report

We report a case of pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection with a resistance to rifampicin (RIF) in a 39-year-old man who was co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and hepatitis C. Phenotypic and genotypic test were performed to diagnose the patient. Sequencing analysis revealed novel two-codon deletion at codon 508 and 509 of the rpoB gene in M. tuberculosis. Keywords: Co-infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rpoB gene, rifampicin-resistant.

Syphilis-related Ocular Inflammation in HIV-positive and HIV-negative Patients

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the clinical characteristics and visual outcomes of ocular syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and negative patients. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with newly diagnosed ocular syphilis between January 2015 and August 2021. Results 68 eyes of 41 patients (22 eyes in 12 HIV-positive patients, 46 eyes in 29 HIV-negative patients) were included. The most common ophthalmic feature was posterior uveitis in HIV-positive and anterior uveitis in HIV-negative patients; 58.3% (7 out of 12 patients) of HIV-positive and 48.2% (14 out of 29 patients) of HIV-negative patients were diagnosed with neurosyphilis. There were no significant differences in laterality, presence of concurrent rash, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titers, presenting, and final corrected visual acuity between both groups. Conclusion Nearly one-fifth of eyes may suffer from severe visual loss of ≤ 20/200. HIV co-infection may not result in visual outcomes in syphilis.