Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cases Research Articles

Testing and Treatment Interventions in Community Settings Key to Controlling a Recent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outbreak Among People Who Inject Drugs in Glasgow: A Modeling Study.

A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outbreak was identified among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Glasgow in 2015, with >150 diagnoses by the end of 2019. The outbreak response involved scaling up HIV testing and improving HIV treatment initiation and retention. We parameterized and calibrated a dynamic, deterministic model of HIV transmission among PWID in Glasgow to epidemiological data. We use this model to evaluate HIV testing and treatment interventions. We present results in terms of relative changes in HIV prevalence, incidence, and cases averted. If the improvements in both testing and treatment had not occurred, we predict that HIV prevalence would have reached 17.8% (95% credible interval [CrI], 14.1%-22.6%) by the beginning of 2020, compared to 5.9% (95% CrI, 4.7%-7.4%) with the improvements. If the improvements had been made on detection of the outbreak in 2015, we predict that peak incidence would have been 26.2% (95% CrI, 8.8%-49.3%) lower and 62.7% (95% CrI, 43.6%-76.6%) of the outbreak cases could have been averted. The outbreak could have been avoided if the improvements had already been in place. Our modeling suggests that the HIV testing and treatment interventions successfully brought the HIV outbreak in Glasgow under control by the beginning of 2020.

Effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management: An umbrella review.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Globally, the number of cases of HIV continues to increase. Electronic health (eHealth) interventions have emerged as promising tools to support disease self-management among people living with HIV. The purpose of this umbrella review is to systematically evaluate and summarize the evidence and results of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HIV prevention, testing and management. PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched for reviews. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using AMSTAR-2. A total of 22 systematic reviews were included. The methodological quality of the reviews was low or critically low. EHealth interventions range from Internet, computer, or mobile interventions to websites, programs, applications, email, video, games, telemedicine, texting, and social media, or a combination of them. The majority of the reviews showed evidence of effectiveness (including increased participation in HIV management behaviours, successfully changed HIV testing behaviours, and reduced risk behaviours). EHealth interventions were effective in the short term. Ehealth interventions have the potential to improve HIV prevention, HIV testing and disease management. Due to the limitations of the low methodological quality of the currently available systematic reviews, more high-quality evidence is needed to develop clear and robust recommendations.

The Global Impact of HIV: A Comprehensive Review

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been a significant global health challenge since its discovery in the 1980s, leading to the devastating Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Despite advancements in medical research and antiretroviral therapies, HIV/AIDS remains a pressing public health concern, particularly in resource-limited regions. This comprehensive review provides updated data and scientific insights on the global impact of HIV, shedding light on the current state of the epidemic and the challenges faced in combating it. The review highlights the resurgence of HIV cases in Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine, Estonia, and Latvia, with surprising increases in AIDS cases observed in East Asian countries. However, it is in sub-Saharan Africa that the burden of HIV remains most acute, with high prevalence rates and a significant number of affected individuals. The region requires continued attention and resources to address the complex challenges associated with HIV prevention, treatment, and care. The article delves into the classification and structure of HIV, emphasizing its belonging to the Lentivirinae subfamily, specifically HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1, the predominant viral species globally, exhibits a distinct clinical latency phase, contributing to its persistence and infectivity. The high replication rate and genetic variability of HIV, driven by the error-prone reverse transcriptase enzyme, result in the emergence of diverse subtypes and strains across different regions. Furthermore, the article explores the structural components of HIV-1, including the envelope glycoproteins (gp120 and gp41), matrix protein, and various enzymes critical to the viral life cycle. Despite progress in medical research and access to antiretroviral therapies, HIV/AIDS continues to present challenges such as limited resources, drug resistance, and regional disparities.

Symptomatic HIV infection and in-hospital outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from national inpatient sample

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, little is known about its association with in-hospital outcomes and temporal trends in patients with AMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We queried patients with AMI who underwent PCI from the National Inpatient Sample Database (2003–2015) and stratified them into three groups: symptomatic, asymptomatic, and HIV-negative. After 1:2 case–control matching (CCM), logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine how HIV infection affected in-hospital outcomes. We also evaluated their recent trends from 2003 to 2015. The total weighted national estimate of 2,191,129 AMI cases included 2,178,995 HIV/AIDS-negative, 4994 asymptomatic, and 7140 symptomatic HIV cases. Symptomatic but not asymptomatic patients with HIV suffered more than triple the in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5–5.2), over one-fold incidence of acute kidney injury (aOR 2.6 95% CI 1.9–3.4) and cardiogenic shock risk (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.7), a longer length of hospital stay (beta 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.5), and had more procedures (beta 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.5). These disparities relating to symptomatic HIV infection persisted from 2003 to 2015. In patients with AMI who underwent PCI, symptomatic HIV infection was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and more severe outcomes.

Trends in Sexually Transmitted Infection Cases in HIV Populations in Indonesia: Need Firm Roadmaps and Actions

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health problem and extend to social, economic, and cultural issues. HIV cases in the Southeast Asia region account for 10% of the total global HIV burden. In Indonesia, there are five provinces with the highest number of HIV cases as of December 2021, including DKI Jakarta (73,442), East Java (68,112), West Java (49,435), Central Java (42,012), and Papua (40,277). In Indonesia in 2021, the number of people living with HIV (ODHIV) reported was 36,902 and in 2022 up to the third quarter (July - September 2022) there were 34,213 people. New HIV infections in Indonesia continue to decline, in line with the global decline in new HIV infections. However, this decline has not been as large as expected.

The use of condoms to customers

Data from the Health Department of Riau until early 2014 quarter there were 132 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Pekanbaru tops the number of people with HIV and AIDS. The details of HIV cases and 76 56 AIDS cases cumulatively from 1997 until 2014 there were 2,388 cases of HIV and AIDS. The purpose of this research is to analyze the use of condoms to customers in the Jondul city of Pekanbaru by 2014. This research was qualitative research with the narrative approach gleaned from the results of the in-depth interviews on the main informant 4 persons ie customers and additional informants that "Mami" and sex workers. Data analysis was carried out with thematic analytical transcription, verification and the making of the matrix. The research showed that customers do not want the use of a condom during sexual intercourse to sex workers. Although sex workers have been trying to do deals to use condoms to customers but still no luck. The use of condoms to customers affected by perception, hassle and comfort in using those condoms. The City Health Office expects Soweto to conduct counseling regarding condom use, and required cooperation with local health professionals and NGOs in conducting coaching and training fitting condoms is good, correct and fast by sex workers to its customers.

Development of Health E-Booklets in HIV/AIDS Prevention for Padang State University Students

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infectious disease, if we pay attention to the various characteristics of disease transmission, then the form of transmission from the agent is a very important form because the nature of this disease is more often endemic and spreads more easily in society. In Indonesia, the spread of HIV/AIDS occurs evenly in almost all provinces. The prevalence of HIV cases in the population aged 15 - 49 years has increased. This research aims to produce E-Booklet. This type of research is development research using a 4-D model. The development stage of this model starts from the define stage, design stage and develop stage. The instruments used in this development research were student, lecturer questionnaires and validation sheets E-Booklet by experts, as well as a practicality assessment sheet E-Booklet filled by students and lecturers. The research results show that E-Bookletvery valid with an average score of 86.01%. The practicality assessment of students in the field trial (group evaluation size) was with a score of 95.00% with very practical criteria, and the practicality assessment by the lecturer obtained a score of 93.00% with very practical criteria. Can be concluded that E-Booklet that has been developed is included in the very valid and very practical category.

Diagnostic tests of HIV infection and AIDS

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection presents a major global health challenge. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 39.0 million people have HIV, as of 2022, with 1.3 million new infections annually. In Korea, the first HIV cases were reported in 1985, and the number of cases has increased continuously since 1988. In 2022, 1,066 cases were newly diagnosed, increasing the total number of cases to approximately 15,880.Current Concepts: Diagnostics play a crucial role in the management of HIV, for early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Approval of the first HIV antibody test in 1985 by the US Food and Drug Administration marked a notable advance in the ability to diagnose HIV infection. The screening test for HIV infection typically consists of a two-step approach, in which a fourth-generation combination HIV-1/2 immunoassay is followed by a confirmatory Western blot. Despite its high accuracy for chronic infections, the window period and the early-stage of HIV infections are problematic, and populations with low HIV prevalence show a low positive predictive value. A false positive result can occur from blood transfusions, vaccinations, and autoantibodies. Novel diagnostic tools, such as nucleic acid testing for viral RNA/DNA and antigen testing for p24 antigen have reduced the window period, allowing for earlier detection and differentiation between HIV-1 and HIV-2. Pointof-care tests are beneficial in resource-limited settings although their lower sensitivity and specificity require additional confirmatory follow-up testing.Discussion and Conclusion: In this review, we provide a historical perspective on the evolution of HIV diagnostics (serological and molecular) and describe the roles of conventional and point-of-care testing within the laboratory diagnostic network.

Community Health Care Providers' Perspectives on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Use Among Black Women in Eastern Virginia.

The most at-risk population among women for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis in the United States are Black women, accounting for 61% of all new HIV cases. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a safe and effective HIV prevention method for people at risk of HIV acquisition. Although disproportionately affected by HIV, Black women's knowledge, perceived benefits, and uptake of PrEP remain low. The socioecological model (SEM) may be useful for understanding why there is a low uptake of PrEP among Black women. The current study used the SEM to explore provider perspectives on the barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake among Black women in Eastern Virginia. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a total sample of 15 community health care providers. Barriers of PrEP uptake at the societal (e.g., PrEP advertisements focus on gay men), community/organizational (e.g., time constraints in the workplace), interpersonal (e.g., perceived monogamy), and individual (e.g., unmet basic needs) levels were identified. Providers also identified facilitators of PrEP uptake at the societal (e.g., PrEP advertisements that target women), community/organizational (e.g., PrEP education), interpersonal (e.g., HIV-positive partner), and individual (e.g., PrEP awareness and perceived susceptibility to HIV) levels. These findings highlight unique barriers to accessing and taking PrEP for Black women in the United States, and potential factors that could facilitate PrEP use. Both barriers and facilitators may be important targets for interventions to improve PrEP uptake. Future research focused on improving PrEP uptake among Black women in the United States should consider multi-level interventions that target barriers and facilitators to reduce rates of HIV infections.

Temporal and Spatial Trends in HIV Positivity Rate for VCT Clinics - China, 2015-2022.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clinics play a critical role in identifying and diagnosing HIV cases. This study aimed to describe the trend of HIV positivity rate (HPR) among Chinese VCT clinics between 2015 and 2022. This study utilized data from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention to analyze the trend in the HPR for VCT clinics from 2015 to 2022. The HPR was calculated by dividing the number of newly-reported HIV cases by the number of HIV tests, multiplied by 100%. To identify temporal and spatial trends in the HPR, we employed joinpoint regression analysis and the Getis-Ord hotspot analysis. From 2015 to 2022, VCT clinics in China performed a total of 22,075,386 HIV tests, leading to the identification of 260,353 HIV cases, resulting in a HPR of 1.18%. The HPR consistently declined over the study period, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -7.5% (95% confidence interval: -12.6%, -2.2%, P<0.05). The number of HPR hotspots also decreased from 41 in 2015 to 23 in 2022. These HPR hotspots were primarily located in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangdong, and Guangxi provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs). Among the 31 PLADs, 16 showed a significant decrease in HPR during the study period (AAPC<0, PAAPC<0.05). VCT clinics in China have played a significant role in identifying HIV cases. The declining HPR observed in these clinics may indicates the progress has been made in some degree in mitigating HIV among high-risk populations. Therefore, it is crucial to further improving the utilization of VCT clinics for HIV testing.

HIV Infection and Associated Factors Among Out-of-School MSM Aged 16-24 Years - 6 Cities and Tianjin Municipality, China, 2022-2023.

Approximately 80% of newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases among individuals aged 15-24 years in China are attributed to out-of-school youth. This study presents findings on HIV prevalence and comprehensive insights into HIV service utilization, risky behaviors, and prevention knowledge among young out-of-school men who have sex with men (MSM) aged 16-24 years in China. This population exhibits a disproportionately high burden of HIV, with only 51.6% of HIV cases previously diagnosed. HIV services should be expanded to include these key populations. Tailored interventions are needed to remove barriers to regular HIV services faced by young key populations.

Comprehensive knowledge and positive attitude of married men regarding HIV/ AIDS in Pakistan Evidence from Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening condition due to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, and remains a major public health issue, mostly in under-developing countries. Pakistan is the second largest country in South Asia with a significant increase in HIV cases. This research explores the comprehensive knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, dispelling myths and their positive attitude toward people living with HIV/ AIDS (PLWHA) in Pakistan. The study is based on the secondary dataset of married men of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18. The sample size was comprised of 3,690 married men, within the age bracket between 15 to 49 years. The descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation, and logistics regression were applied. The results illustrated that more than 67 percent of Pakistani married men have heard about HIV/ AIDS, however, among these men, 50.6 percent have comprehensive knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, and 54.1 percent have a positive attitude toward PLWHA. The result of logistic regression analysis highlighted that married men who have lower knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS belong to the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, aged between 20 -24 years, having primary level education and working in the sector of agriculture. Further, logistic regression analysis found that there are lower odds of positive attitude among those married men, who belong to the region of Gilgit Baltistan, Federal Administrated Tribal Area, aged between 20-24 years, having a primary level of education and working in the sector of agriculture. Finally, this research concluded that individuals’ socio-demographic traits are critical to understanding and addressing the prevailing myths to combat HIV/AIDS in Pakistan.

Pemodelan Mixed Geographically Weighted Regression-Spatial Autoregressive (MGWR-SAR) pada Kasus HIV di Indonesia

In general, spatial regression is used to model one of the spatial effects, namely spatial dependency or heterogeneity. For the effects of spatial dependencies, the models that have been used frequently follow Elhost's taxonomy, with the spatial dependencies being on the response, predictor, or error. Whereas for the effect of spatial heterogeneity generally use geographically weighted regression models (GWR) or if there are global predictors use mixed geographically weighted regression (MGWR). The data used in this study are cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) per 100,000 population as a response variable, and key populations, positive cases in pregnant women, tuberculosis patients, poverty rate, and unemployment rate as predictors. In the data used, there are spatial dependencies and heterogeneity. The MGWR-SAR is a model that can be used if the data has both spatial effects. This study aims to determine the factors influencing HIV cases in districts/cities in Indonesia using a spatial model. The results showed that the combined model of GWR and spatial autoregressive regression (SAR) was the best model. Key population explanatory variables have a global and significant influence. Other explanatory variables that have local influence are positive cases in pregnant women, tuberculosis patients, poverty rates, and unemployment rates.

The Prevalence of Candida Species among HIV-Positive Women in Aluu, Nigeria: A Call for Awareness

Background: The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), which HIV brings on, is a major public health concern. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still a pandemic. Only 2.1% of HIV cases worldwide are recorded in Nigeria. Usually, under the control of the immune system, Candida infections may be dangerous for immunocompromised people, particularly those living with HIV/AIDS.&#x0D; Aim: At the Mbodo Health Centre in Aluu, Rivers State, Nigeria, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of Candida infections and their relationship to HIV-positive patients.&#x0D; Methods: Fifty HIV-positive women were chosen at random. Self-collected oral and vaginal swabs were used to gather data. To identify Candida species, biochemical testing, culture, and microscopy were used.&#x0D; Results: Eighty percent of the 50 individuals had positive candidiasis tests. Oral and vaginal mono/co-candidiasis were found to be common, with Candida albicans being the most common specie. Based on demographic parameters, statistical analysis did not show a significant difference in the prevalence of oral candidiasis. The frequency of vaginal candidiasis was much greater in those with secondary education and aged 31-40 years. The age group of 31 to 40 years old had a considerably greater co-occurrence rate of oral and vaginal candidiasis. Adult female HIV-positive patients at Mbodo Health Centre have a significant prevalence of candidiasis.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study sheds light on the distribution of Candida species and how demographic variables relate to them. These results highlight the significance of treating candidiasis as a serious health issue in people living with HIV. To improve overall health outcomes for HIV-positive people and reduce related risk factors, further research and treatments may be required.

Dynamics of a two-group model for assessing the impacts of pre-exposure prophylaxis, testing and risk behaviour change on the spread and control of HIV/AIDS in an MSM population

Although much progress has been made in reducing the public health burden of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), since its emergence in the 1980s (largely due to the large-scale use and availability of potent antiviral therapy, improved diagnostic and intervention and mitigation measures), HIV remains an important public health challenge globally, including in the United States. This study is based on the use of mathematical modeling approaches to assess the population-level impact of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), voluntary testing (to detect undetected HIV-infected individuals), and changes in human behavior (with respect to risk structure), on the spread and control of HIV/AIDS in an MSM (men-who-have sex-with-men) population. Specifically, a novel two-group mathematical model, which stratifies the total MSM population based on risk (low or high) of acquisition of HIV infection, is formulated. The model undergoes a PrEP-induced backward bifurcation when the control reproduction number of the model is less than one if the efficacy of PrEP to prevent a high-risk susceptible MSM individual from acquiring HIV infection is not perfect (the consequence of which is that, while necessary, having the reproduction number of the model less than one is no longer sufficient for the elimination of the disease in the MSM population). For the case where the efficacy of PrEP is perfect, this study shows that the disease-free equilibrium of the two-group model is globally-asymptotically stable when the associated control reproduction number of the model is less than one. Global sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify the main parameters of the model that have the highest influence on the value of the control reproduction number of the model (thereby, having the highest influence on the disease burden in the MSM population). Numerical simulations of the model, using a plausible range of parameter values, show that if half of the MSM population considered adhere strictly to the specified PrEP regimen (while other interventions are maintained at their baseline values), a reduction of about 22% of the new yearly HIV cases recorded at the peak of the disease could be averted (compared to the worst-case scenario where PrEP-based intervention is not implemented in the MSM population). The yearly reduction at the peak increases to about 50% if the PrEP coverage in the MSM population increases to 80%. This study showed, based on the parameter values used in the simulations, that the prospects of elimination of HIV/AIDS in the MSM community are promising if high-risk susceptible individuals are no more than 15% more likely to acquire HIV infection, in comparison to their low-risk counterparts. Furthermore, these prospects are significantly improved if undetected HIV-infected individuals are detected within an optimal period of time.

An increase of human immunodeficiency virus infection amongs blood donor during COVID-19 pandemic

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a one of crucial concern to blood safety because of their prolonged presence in the blood. Unsafe blood transfusion from infected donor contribute to spread the virus as well. Indonesia health ministry reported that HIV infection increase significantly in 2019 to 2021, and HIV case diagnose in population still way from the prediction in 2020, only 78.7% cases reported from 90% prediction case. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted and collected 51,351 blood donors during COVID-19 pandemic, 2020-2021. Blood sample analyzed using serological methods to detect the present of HIV antibodies. A reactive result of HIV screening from 21,260 donor in 2020 showed 12 donors reactive (0.00056%), while in 2021 from 30,091 donor showed 42 donors reactive (0.142899%) and showed a significant different from 2020 and 2021 (p-value &amp;lt;0.05). The number of reactive donors increase numerously from 2020 to 2021, while total donor also increased. The level of social restriction has contribution of HIV reactive case among blood donor and showed from two years of pandemic with p-value &amp;lt;0.05. A significant increase of HIV infection among blood donor and the effect of restriction level to prevent COVID-19 transmission are clearly show in this study.

Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) Annual Surveillance Report 2022.

For 30 years the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) has conducted national surveillance of rare communicable diseases and rare complications of communicable diseases. In this report, we describe the results of thirteen such studies surveyed by the APSU in 2022, including reported case numbers and incidence estimates, demographics, clinical features, management and short-term outcomes. Conditions described are: acute flaccid paralysis (AFP); congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV); neonatal and infant herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection; perinatal exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and paediatric HIV infection; severe complications of influenza; juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP); congenital rubella infection/syndrome; congenital varicella syndrome (CVS) and neonatal varicella infection (NVI); and the new conditions dengue; Q fever; and severe acute hepatitis. In 2022, cases of severe complications of influenza were reported to the APSU for the first time since 2019. This likely reflects the easing of government-mandated restrictions imposed in 2020-2021 to curb the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the re-emergence of a range of infectious diseases. As previously, AFP surveillance by the APSU contributed to Australia achieving a minimum target incidence of one AFP case per 105 children aged less than 15 years. Cases of JoRRP and NVI were reported in 2022. This indicates potential gaps in human papillomavirus (HPV) and varicella vaccination coverage respectively, especially in high-risk groups such as young migrant and refugee women of childbearing age from countries without universal vaccination programs. Paediatric HIV case numbers resulting from mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV remain low in Australia due to use of effective intervention strategies. However, there has been an increase in the number of imported cases of HIV in children (mainly perinatally-acquired) from countries with a high HIV prevalence. Without effective vaccines, there has been no decline in the incidence of congenital CMV and neonatal HSV, indicating the importance of early identification and management to reduce morbidity and mortality. The first cases of dengue, Q fever and severe acute hepatitis were received by APSU in 2022, including two cases of acute hepatitis in which aetiology has not been confirmed to date. The APSU has an important ongoing role in monitoring rare childhood infections.

Alarming rise in HIV cases in Pakistan: Challenges and future recommendations at hand.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that suppresses the immune system by reducing the CD4+ T lymphocytes level. It has become a global challenge with fast prevalence ratio. Like other developing countries, Pakistan is also struggling for overcoming this viral disease since very first reported case in 1987. To update the society on the alarming rise in HIV cases in Pakistan: challenges and future recommendations at hand. The review paper utilized different search engines such pubmed central, scopus, web of science, google scholar etc. to conduct this review paper. Lack of awareness, low literacy rate, practice of unhygienic equipment in healthcare departments, unstable economy, and unsafe sexual practices are the major factors behind the increasing rate of AIDS in Pakistan. By regulating healthcare practices and policies, promoting psychological counseling to HIV positive patients, educating the society and minimizing commercial sex practices, Pakistan can overcome this viral disease.

Mucormycosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals: A Systematic Review of Case Reports.

Mucormycosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is uncommon; notably, many cases have additional predisposing factors. Whether mucormycosis differs in HIV-affected individuals with and without additional risk factors (e.g., neutropenia, diabetes mellitus, and transplantation) remains unclear. In this systematic review, we identified 94 cases of HIV and mucormycosis classifiable into three groups: (1) HIV with additional risk factors (n = 50), (2) intravenous drug users (IVDU, n = 24), and (3) no other risk factor (n = 19) for mucormycosis. The most common presentation in IVDU was renal (41.7%) and cerebral mucormycosis (39.2%), whereas rhino-orbital mucormycosis (ROM, 4.2%) was uncommon. In the other two groups, ROM was the most common presentation. Rhizopus was the most frequently isolated Mucorales; however, in IVDU, Lichtheimia was the most common. The overall mortality was 53% and not significantly different in the three groups. Mucormycosis in HIV-infected individuals is rare without additional risk factors or IVDU.

TREATMENT OUTCOME OF CHEMOTHERAPY AND ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AND COTRIMOXAZOLE PREVENTIVE THERAPY IN TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS COINFECTION

Objective: In developing countries like India, the fatality rate of tuberculosis (TB) coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still at high rate and imposes significant challenge among the physicians. The present study was conducted to evaluate management outcomes of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) and chemotherapy or cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) in TB/HIV co-infected patients. Methods: The study was conducted on 3512 confirmed TB patients who were treated with ART and CPT therapy. Out of these, HIV positive was 58 cases and HIV negative was 3414 cases. HIV cases the algorithm KHB- Statpak- Unigold were used. Patient started CPT. Results: Percentage of TB and HIV coinfection was 58 and the coinfection was greater in 20–40-year age groups and 2 times higher in PTB sputum-positive cases. Among the extrapulmonary TB cases, 76% took CPT + ART. The treatment success was 86%. Conclusion: Thus, CPT therapy must be established in all centers and compulsory HIV screening must be implicated throughout the country.