Use Of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Research Articles

Analysis of HIV latent infection model with multiple infection stages and different drug classes

Latently infected CD T cells represent one of the major obstacles to HIV eradication even after receiving prolonged highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Long-term use of HAART causes the emergence of drug-resistant virus which is then involved in HIV transmission. In this paper, we develop mathematical HIV models with staged disease progression by incorporating entry inhibitor and latently infected cells. We find that entry inhibitor has the same effect as protease inhibitor on the model dynamics and therefore would benefit HIV patients who developed resistance to many of current anti-HIV medications. Numerical simulations illustrate the theoretical results and show that the virus and latently infected cells reach an infected steady state in the absence of treatment and are eliminated under treatment whereas the model including homeostatic proliferation of latently infected cells maintains the virus at low level during suppressive treatment. Therefore, complete cure of HIV needs complete eradication of latent reservoirs.

Incidence and mortality of non-AIDS-defining cancers among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

SummaryBackgroundNon-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) are now becoming a rising cause of morbidity among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the summary risk of incidence and mortality of a wide range of NADCs among PLHIV compared with the general population.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020222020). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for relevant studies published before Jan 24, 2022. Cohort or registry linkage studies comparing the incidence or mortality of individual NADCs in PLHIV with that in the general population were included. Studies simply reporting outcomes of cancer precursor lesions or combined NADCs were excluded. We calculated pooled standardised incidence (SIRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models, and used robust variance estimation to account for non-independence in study-level effect sizes.FindingsWe identified 92 publications arising from 46 independent studies including 7 articles out of 7 studies from developing countries. Among the 40 types of NADCs investigated, all of the 20 infection-related NADCs, cancers related with human papillomavirus infection in particular, and half of the 20 non-infection-related NADCs occurred in excess in PLHIV compared with the general population. This risk pattern was consistent in most WHO regions and in both high-income and low-and middle-income countries. The increased SIRs for various NADCs were more evident among PLHIV with advanced immunodeficiency, and was explored by HIV transmission route, and use of HAART. PLHIV had increased mortality for anal cancer (SMR 124·07, 95% CI 27·31-563·72), Hodgkin lymphoma (41·03, 2·91−577·88), liver cancer (8·36, 3·86−18·11), lung cancer (3·95, 1·52-10·26), and skin melanoma (3·95, 1·28−12·2).InterpretationPLHIV had increased incidence and mortality for a wide spectrum of NADCs. Primary prevention and effective treatment for NADCs in this population is urgently needed.FundingNatural Science Foundation of China Excellent Young Scientists Fund, Natural Science Foundation of China International/Regional Research Collaboration Project, National Science and Technology Major Project of China, Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen, High Level Project of Medicine in Longhua, Shenzhen, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission Basic Research Program, Special Support Plan for High-Level Talents of Guangdong Province, the Guangzhou Basic Research Program on People's Livelihood Science and Technology, the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

The Potential of Spirulina platensis to Ameliorate the Adverse Effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART).

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most prevalent diseases globally. It is estimated that 37.7 million people are infected with HIV globally, and 8.2 million persons are infected with the virus in South Africa. The highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves combining various types of antiretroviral drugs that are dependent on the infected person’s viral load. HAART helps regulate the viral load and prevents its associated symptoms from progressing into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite its success in prolonging HIV-infected patients’ lifespans, the use of HAART promotes metabolic syndrome (MetS) through an inflammatory pathway, excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, Spirulina platensis (SP), a blue-green microalgae commonly used as a traditional food by Mexican and African people, has been demonstrated to mitigate MetS by regulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways. SP is also a potent antioxidant that has been shown to exhibit immunological, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. This review is aimed at highlighting the biochemical mechanism of SP with a focus on studies linking SP to the inhibition of HIV, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Further, we propose SP as a potential supplement for HIV-infected persons on lifelong HAART.

Cardiac Abnormalities of People Living with HIV: A Comparative Study Between HAART Experience and Treatment Naïve Groups in Ghana.

PurposeThis study determined electrocardiographic and echocardiographic abnormalities of people living with HIV (PLWHIV); comparing the findings of PLWHIV on HAART versus treatment naïve groups.Patients and MethodsIn a prospective cross-sectional study, we recruited 157 PLWHIV on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and 28 HAART naïve PLWHIV. Clinical examination, electrocardiography and echocardiography were performed on study participants at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, Ghana. Sociodemographic data and information about the use of HAART or otherwise was obtained. The Chi and Fisher Exact tests were used to find the significance of difference in proportions of abnormalities between PLWHIV on HAART and treatment naïve groups. Statistical analyses were performed on SPSS version 25.0 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.ResultsEchocardiographic abnormalities in the HAART and treatment naïve groups were 54.1% and 60.7%, respectively. Electrographic abnormalities in the HAART and treatment naïve groups were 45.9% and 50%, respectively. Sinus bradycardia was the most prevalent ECG abnormality in the treatment naïve. Nonspecific T-wave changes (36.1%) and sinus tachycardia (30.6%) were the most common ECG abnormalities seen in HAART treated group. The common echocardiographic abnormalities were pulmonary hypertension (22.7%), pericardial effusion (22.2%) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (17.8%). There was no significant difference in the proportions of echocardiographic abnormalities between PLWHIV on HAART and the treatment naïve groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionCardiac abnormalities are common in PLWHIV regardless of treatment with HAART. Echocardiographic and electrographic assessments are highly recommended for all PLWHIV.

Management of Psychiatric Disorders with HIV and Dermatological Disorders.

Management of Psychiatric Disorders with HIV and Dermatological Disorders.

Quantification of Oral Candidal Carriage Rate and Prevalence of Oral Candidal Species in HIV Patients with and Without Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

Background:Most documents review decrease in the prevalence of HIV related oral lesions to the tune of 10-50% following the advent of HAART. However long term use of HAART on oral health status of HIV infected subjects is poorly documented. Also antifungal agents can effectively treat mucosal candidiasis. However their use can lead to colonization with less susceptible strains among normal susceptible strains.Aims and Objectives:To know the candidal carriage rate (i.e. presence/absence of candidal growth), candidal density(CFUs/ml) & species variations (species diversity) in HIV positive individuals with and without highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), attending the regional voluntary Counselling and Confidential Testing Centre (VCCTC).Materials and Methods:The study population were categorized into 3 groups. Method followed were Germ tube test, Chlamydospore formation test, CHROM-Agar test.Results:Quantification comparison study of candidal carriage rate, density with detection of various candidal species in the oral cavity of HIV-positive individuals with and without HAART therapy was conducted.Conclusion:HIV positive individuals with HAART therapy treatment prooved higher candidal carriage rate and lower density than Non-HAART category.

Hepatitis and HIV Co-infection at University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital: Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundViral infections are the most common diseases. Of them, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B viruses (HBV), and hepatitis C viruses (HCV) are common. When HBV or HCV becomes co-morbid with HIV, they lead to severe forms of a disease and rapid death.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV among HIV-positive study participants.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 81 individuals, and a non-randomized purposive sampling technique was used. From each study participant, sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered by using a pretested questionnaire and data collection sheet, respectively. Further, a venous blood sample was collected for viral load count, and HBV and HCV determination. To keep the quality of test results, commercially prepared quality control samples were used. The data were entered to EPI-Info version 7 and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. The descriptive data were summarized in percentages, median, and IQR. Logistic regression was analyzed to determine associated factors. To say the data were statistically significant, the p-values should be less than 0.05.ResultsA total of 81 study participants were included. Of them, 56.8% (46/81) and 67.9% (55/81) were female and urban residents, respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis co-infection was 21% (95% CI: 17%, 23%). Further, the prevalence of HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV was 13.5% (95% CI: 10.5%, 16.5%) and 8.6% (95% CI: 5.6%, 11.6%), respectively. Wise use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) 0.01 (0.00, 0.213) was a preventive factor to hepatitis infection.Conclusion and RecommendationThe HBV and HCV co-infection among HIV-positive patients was a significant public health concern. Also, having wise use of HAART can reduce exposure to hepatitis co-infection. Therefore, clear strategies on hepatitis screening and wise use of HAART to HIV would be critical.

Prevalence, Severity and Relationship of Anaemia with Immune Status and Use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Adults in South-eastern Nigeria

Objective: Anaemia is a significant complication of human immunodeficiency infection, causing life-threatening symptoms and impairing quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity and associations of anaemia, with cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) cell count and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. Material and Methods: Haemoglobin concentration, CD4+ count, HAART use and other factors were assessed in 372, adult HIV-infected out-patients; enrolled at a tertiary hospital in South-Eastern Nigeria. Anaemia was defined according to World Health Organisation criteria. Independent predictors were determined using bivariate analysis and enter method logistic regression analysis, at a p-value<0.05.Results: Prevalence of anaemia was 76.3% overall; 79.9% in females and 67.6% in males. Median CD4+ cell count was 609.50 (interquartile range 379) cells per microlitre (cells/μl). Females were more likely to be anaemic than males [odds ratio (OR)=1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07, 3.31; p-value=0.011]. Furthermore, the odds of being anaemic were higher in participants 50 years or older (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.36, 10.55; p-value=0.023). A CD4+ count <200 cells/μl. Not being on cotrimoxazole preventive therapy and a low monthly household income were associated with higher odds of anaemia. Tenofovir- and abacavir-based regimens were associated with lower odds of anaemia compared to zidovudine. Conclusion: Gender and the age of patients were independent predictors of anaemia. Pre-treatment screening, and close follow-up monitoring for anaemia as well as increased access to less haematotoxic HAART regimens are needed.

Pancreatogenic Diabetes: Triggering Effects of Alcohol and HIV.

Simple SummaryDid you know that HIV may directly cause organ damage despite the effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)? Due to the potency of current HAART, this may look questionable; however, excessive alcohol use may increase the risk of HIV-induced organ damage. While the most implicated organ in the gastrointestinal system is the liver, the pancreas may also be affected. In this study, we aimed to disclose the mechanisms of pancreatitis in alcohol-abusing HIV patients, which is crucial for developing an effective therapeutic strategy. From the literature, we found that alcohol-induced intracellular zymogen activation was mediated by calcium and lysosome hydrolases leading to acinar necrosis. Similarly, HIV entry into pancreatic acinar cells mediates ER and oxidative stress, which triggers acinar necrosis. Infiltration of immune cells has also been reported to induce necrosis. Therefore, effective therapeutic regimens for HIV and alcohol-induced pancreatitis should inhibit HIV entry and ameliorate alcohol’s toxic effects on the pancreas.Multiorgan failure may not be completely resolved among people living with HIV despite HAART use. Although the chances of organ dysfunction may be relatively low, alcohol may potentiate HIV-induced toxic effects in the organs of alcohol-abusing, HIV-infected individuals. The pancreas is one of the most implicated organs, which is manifested as diabetes mellitus or pancreatic cancer. Both alcohol and HIV may trigger pancreatitis, but the combined effects have not been explored. The aim of this review is to explore the literature for understanding the mechanisms of HIV and alcohol-induced pancreatotoxicity. We found that while premature alcohol-inducing zymogen activation is a known trigger of alcoholic pancreatitis, HIV entry through C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) into pancreatic acinar cells may also contribute to pancreatitis in people living with HIV (PLWH). HIV proteins induce oxidative and ER stresses, causing necrosis. Furthermore, infiltrative immune cells induce necrosis on HIV-containing acinar cells. When necrotic products interact with pancreatic stellate cells, they become activated, leading to the release of both inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines and resulting in pancreatitis. Effective therapeutic strategies should block CCR5 and ameliorate alcohol’s effects on acinar cells.

Spectrum of malignancies among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients at a tertiary level human immunodeficiency virus-anti-retroviral therapy center in a North Indian hospital.

Introduction:Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have a higher risk of some types of cancer. A chronic immunodeficiency state, increased survival in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era and predisposition to certain oncogenic viral infections have been postulated as the main reasons. While, the incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining cancers (ADCs) is declining in the post-HAART era, non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) are becoming an important cause of mortality in these patients.Materials and Methods:Analysis of the data of HIV-infected patients registered at an apex centre was done for 7 years. All patients were subjected to routine investigations on presentation (baseline) and during follow-up for the occurrence of any malignant disease. CD4 cell counts before starting anti-retroviral therapy and before the diagnosis of malignancy were noted. The date of the last review and the current status/outcome were recorded.Results:Out of 1258, 17 patients were diagnosed with various malignancies. Seven patients (41.2%) had ADCs and the remaining 10 (58.8%) had NADCs. The mean duration between diagnosis of HIV infection and diagnosis of malignancy was 59.53 months. The mean survival duration from the diagnosis of malignancy for all cases was 21 months. The mean survival duration was 29 months and 15 months for ADC and NADC group respectively.Conclusions:NADCs are on the rise in the era of effective use of HAART and increasing life span of HIV patients. The index of suspicion for cancer should be higher in such patients, especially compared to opportunistic infections in view of good immunovirologic status.

Orofacial lesions associated with long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy among HIV-seropositive adults in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Introductionhighly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has contributed to a reduction in HIV- related oral lesions and improved quality of life among HIV seropositive patients. However, the therapy is not without its side effects. This study was aimed at assessing the self- reported orofacial manifestations due to long term use of HAART, as well as the pattern of oral lesions on examination.Methodsthis was a cross-sectional study conducted among HIV seropositive adult patients in Ibadan, who had been on HAART for at least two years. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Clinical diagnosis of HIV-related oral lesions was made according to the EC-Clearinghouse criteria. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25.Resultsthe study participants comprised of 227 HIV seropositive patients who were HAART experienced, with 54 (24%) males and 173 (76%) females. Their mean age (±SD) was 44.7 (±9.4) years. The participants CD4 count ranged from 13-1338cells/mm3, with a median count of 341 cells/mm3. About half (45%) of the participants noted one or more orofacial changes since they commenced HAART. These oral changes included dryness of mouth, burning sensation, abnormal taste, melanotic hyperpigmentation, oral thrush, ulcers, and parotid swelling. Most of those who reported oral changes had been on HAART over 10 years (p=0.03), and the changes were more reported among those on the first-line regimen.Conclusionmelanotic hyperpigmentation was the most common oral lesion found and burning mouth syndrome was the most commonly reported complain among HIV-seropositive adults who are on long-term HAART.

Surgical outcomes and prognostic factors following vitrectomy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis-related retinal detachment.

To determine the surgical outcomes and prognostic factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis-related retinal detachment (RD) in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients following vitrectomy.A retrospective charts review was carried out on AIDS patients who were diagnosed with CMV retinitis-related RD and treated with vitrectomy between 2002 and 2016. The main outcome measures were the rates of primary anatomical success and final visual acuity (VA) success defined as postoperative VA ≥20/200. Kaplan–Meier curves on the time to retinal redetachment were performed. Multivariate logistic regression models based on a directed acyclic graph were used to identify independent factors associated with achieving VA success.Forty five AIDS patients (52 eyes) were included. Over a mean follow-up period of 41.7 months, primary anatomical success was achieved in 44 eyes (84.6%) and VA success was achieved in 34 eyes (65.4%). Receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) prior to RD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.9, P = .043), better preoperative VA (aOR = 4.3, P = .006), undergoing vitrectomy within 3 months (aOR=6.7, P = .008), absence of optic atrophy (aOR=58.1, P < .001), and absence of retinal redetachment (aOR=38.1, P = .007) increased the odds of achieving final VA success.Vitrectomy provided favorable anatomical reattachment in AIDS patients with CMV retinitis-related RD. Majority of patients was able to retain functional vision postoperatively. The use of HAART and early vitrectomy increased the probability of achieving both anatomical and VA success.

Uveitis Associated with Drugs; Clinical Findings, Diagnosis and Treatment

Immüne recovery uveitis (IRU) is the most common form of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis who are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) therapy. In patients with CMV retinitis in the HAART era, immune recovery may be associated with a greater number of inflammatory complications, including vitritis, macular edema, epiretinal membrane formation, papillitis, and iris synechiae. Given the range of ocular manifestations of HIV, routine ocular examinations and screening carefully for visual loss are recommended in patients with CD4 counts &lt;50 cells/μL. With the increasing longevity of these patients due to the use of HAART, treatment of IRU may become an issue in the future. Uveitis has been associated with a number of systemic, intravitreal, and topical medications, and may also occur after vaccination and the use of other substances. However, drug-induced uveitis is a relatively rare event. Only a few drugs have been proven to cause uveitis, whereas many others may not represent a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Anterior uveitis is the most common clinical presentation and therefore, patients with new-onset anterior uveitis should be asked whether they have recently started any new medications. These patients need to undergo the same diagnostic protocol followed for any uveitis case. Drug-induced uveitis is almost always reversible within weeks of cessation of the medication and the institution of topical treatment of the inflammation. The clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment of IRU and drug-induced uveitis are presented in this current study

Exploring the utility of a spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting system in identifying drug–drug interactions between antiretrovirals, antitubercular drugs, and cotrimoxazole: a case/non-case analysis

Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with HIV with opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis. However, the literature on quantitative signal detection analyses for DDIs within the national spontaneous reporting systems (SRSs) of countries with high HIV/tuberculosis burdens is lacking. Our objective was to explore the utility of using post-marketing SRSs in quantitative signal detection analyses of DDIs. A case/non-case analysis using the Zimbabwean adverse drug reaction (ADR) database obtained from VigiBase® was utilized for quantitative signal detection using 2 × 2 contingency table calculations. Cases were defined as individual case safety reports (ICSRs) with the ADR of interest, and non-cases included the rest of the ICSRs. The exposure of interest was the use of a drug of interest. Signals of disproportionate reporting (SDRs) were observed for hepatotoxicity for the combined use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and antitubercular treatments (ATT) [ADR reporting odds ratio (ROR) 43.78; 95% CI 5.24–366.08], HAART and isoniazid (ROR 44.84; 95% CI 5.36–374.99), and isoniazid and nevirapine-based HAART (ROR 35.60; 95% CI 9.39–134.89). SDRs were also observed for the combined use of nevirapine-based HAART and co-trimoxazole for Stevens–Johnson syndrome (ROR 28.91; 95% CI 14.00–59.70), severe cutaneous ADRs (ROR 16.10; 95% CI 9.40–27.57), and rash (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.69–2.81). It is feasible to conduct signal detection analyses for DDIs within relatively small SRS databases. However, the observed potential SDR for the respective DDI should be investigated further as the method is only a hypothesis-generation analysis.

Insulin resistance in PLHIV on HAART and HAART naïve PLHIV: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT HAART (Highly active antiretroviral therapy) has transformed a fatal disease to a chronic, manageable disease. But long term toxicities are emerging after prolonged exposure to antiretroviral therapy(ART). Adverse metabolic effects like dyslipidemia, increased blood pressure, and insulin resistance(IR) have been attributed to HAART. Therefore, the use of HAART raises concerns regarding metabolic disorders and cardiovascular risk in HIV(Human immunodeficiency virus) infected patients. Objective: To determine the prevalence of insulin resistance in a cohort of HIV infected patients on HAART as compared to HAART naïve PLHIV(People living with HIV) Methods: A cross sectional study includes 53 subjects, out of which 26 were PLHIV on ART –Group I, 27 were ART naïve PLHIV-Group II was conducted. Insulin resistance was determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) mathematical model. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the association between demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory results and insulin resistance. Results: 69.5 % PLHIV on HAART showed IR, as compared to 37 % of ART naïve PLHIV (p= 0.01). MetS(Metabolic Syndrome) was found in 53.8% among PLHIV on ART , compared to 11.1% among ART naïve PLHIV(p= 0.001) .In the multivariate analysis, presence of metabolic syndrome was found to be directly associated with insulin resistance.

The impact of the duration of HAART on cytokine profiles in pregnancy.

To determine the cytokine profile of HIV infected women treated with highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) of variable duration in pregnancy. HIV infected women were enrolled at a large tertiary hospital in Durban, South Africa in their antenatal period and stratified into those that initiated HAART before pregnancy (pre-pregnancy HAART or PPH group) and those who initiated HAART during pregnancy (in-pregnancy HAART or IPH group). These were compared with HIV negative women (HN group), matched for gestational age at the time of enrolment. Serum was obtained and Th1 and Th2 cytokines expression determined using the Bio-Plex Pro™ Human Cytokine Treg Panels. The overall cytokine profile of the cohort was pro-inflammatory as a result of significant IL-6 and TNF alpha expression. The anti-inflammatory markers (i.e. Th2 cytokines, namely IL4 and IL10) were poorly expressed by the whole cohort, with IL 4 seen almost exclusively in the IPH group, thus counter-balancing the predominantly pro-inflammatory milieu only in this group. PPH group had a pro-inflammatory milieu comparable to the HN control. IL 6 was the predominant cytokine in all groups, and as expected, it increased with advancing gestation in all the groups. This highly pro-inflammatory milieu was unexpected and needs further review CONCLUSION: Long use of HAART suppresses the anti-inflammatory markers previously reported to be conducive for the wellbeing of pregnancy. This effect needs further review as it was similarly observed in our HIV uninfected controls.

Regorafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in a HIV‐1‐infected patient: A case report

Regorafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma in a HIV‐1‐infected patient: A case report

4098 Health and HIV: Weight status associations with multiple co-morbidities

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is beneficial for managing HIV infection, however the long-term use of HAART may be problematic for healthy weight maintenance. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of race, weight status, and co-morbidities among individuals with HIV. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Self-reported data from 283 participants who completed the Symptom Checklist, the Co-Morbidity Questionnaire, and the Sociodemographic Questionnaire were included in the data analyses. Data were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis on JMP 13. Approximately 50% of participants self-identified as Black, 69% as male, and 35% as having AIDS. Participants’ age ranged from 25 to 66 years (mean age = 43.70 years, SD = 8.14). Participants were grouped by race (self- reported Black or non-Black), and then each group was clustered based on the top three most prevalent symptoms. The clusters identified were least symptomatic, weight gain, and weight loss. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The non-Black weight gain cluster reported a higher incidence of AIDS (70.6% vs 38.2%), nausea (70.6% vs 17.6%), diarrhea (70.6% vs 26.5%), and shortness of breath (58.8% vs 20.6%) compared to the Black weight gain cluster. The Black weight loss cluster reported a higher incidence of cardiovascular symptoms including chest palpitations (42.2% vs 2.7%), chest pain (44.4% vs 8.1%), and shortness of breath (73.3% vs 35.1%) and a higher incidence of all GI symptoms with the most prominent being diarrhea (71.1% vs 48.6%) compared to the non-Black weight loss cluster. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Future studies supporting these results will assist practitioners to target treatments that may prevent adverse health outcomes for individuals with HIV on HAART. Further studies will also assist with setting standards that allow practitioners to provide personalized care for individuals with HIV on HAART.

Study of Immunological and Virological Recovery in HIV/AIDS Patients on Second Line Anti-Retroviral Therapy: A Prospective Study

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), is the cornerstone of management of patients with HIV infection. Following the initiation of widespread use of HAART, drug resistance and failure of first line ART is an emerging problem. Hence use of second line ART is on rise, therefore there is a need to study the factors affecting the immunological and virological recovery and specific opportunistic infections during second line ART. In India, the second line regimen has still not been studied extensively when compared to its first line counterpart. This study aims at determining the immunological and virological recovery as well as to study the incidence of various opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS patients on second line ART. METHODS: The study was conducted at Bowring & Lady Curzon Hospital, affiliated to Bangalore Medical College from November 2015 to January 2019.The study included 72 patients, switched from first line to second line ART in the year 2015-16 and consented to participate in our study. Patients were analyzed in out-patient as well as in-patient basis, as per need. Clinical assessment was repeated every 6 months for next 3 years. RESULTS: In our study 42 males (58.3%) and 30 females (41.6%) were included. There was a gradual rise in CD4 count from baseline. 81.69% (59) cases had CD4 count 200 at the end of 3 years. Mortality was 5 cases (6.94 %). Among patients who expired, had baseline CD4 Count <100 cells/microliter, stage 3 and 4 at initiation of first line ART. Low CD4 nadir and opportunistic infections during first line ART and T4 stage while switching to second line ART. CONCLUSION: 1. There was a significant improvement in CD4 Counts and fall in viral load after initiation of Second line ART. 2. Severe immunosuppression (CD4 Count <100 cells/microliter) at baseline were associated with low CD4 counts recovery and delayed viral load suppression. FUNDING STATEMENT: None. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: None. ETHICS APPROVAL STATEMENT: After obtaining ethical clearance and approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee of BMCRI, written informed consent was taken from the patients.

Investigation of SIRT1 gene variants in HIV-associated lipodystrophy and metabolic syndrome.

HIV-infected individuals on chronic use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are more likely to develop adipose tissue and metabolic disorders, such as lipodystrophy (LD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The development of these phenotypes is known to be multifactorial. Thus, variants in genes implicated in adipogenesis and lipid metabolism may increase susceptibility to LD and MetS. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) may influence the outcome of these disturbances due to its role in the regulation of transcription factors involved in energy regulation. Therefore, we genotyped four polymorphisms located in SIRT1 (rs2273773 T>C, rs12413112 G>A, rs7895833 A>G, rs12049646 T>C) in 832 HIV-infected patients receiving HAART by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of LD was 55.8% and MetS was 35.3%. Lipoatrophy was the most prevalent subtype in all samples (38.0%) and showed significant difference between white and non-white individuals (P = 0.002). None of the genetic variants investigated in SIRT1 was associated with LD and MetS. White individuals and those in longer time of HAART use were more likely to develop LD. We concluded that these SIRT1 polymorphisms are not predictive factors to the development of lipodystrophy and metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected individuals from Brazil.