Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Research Articles

Secondary Syphilis with Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Coinfection: A Case Report

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by spirochete microorganism Treponema pallidum, the infection spreads in four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. It can impact almost all organ systems in the body, even years or even decades after the initial infection. Syphilis is an infection that could be transmitted sexually with almost 21.000 new cases in Indonesia. The CDC also estimates that 44% of men who have sex with men and bisexual men who test positive for syphilis will also have HIV. The infection has also re-emerged in developed countries in homosexual population with high number of cases co-infected with HIV. Syphilis is also very common among people with multiple sexual partners, Significant risk factors include HIV infection, this coinfection is common, and the two diseases affect each other in several ways. HIV and syphilis each facilitate infection by the other, and aggravate one another’s clinical course. A 34year-old male was referred from public health center with red rashes found on the palm and soles bilaterally since 1 month before visit. Dermatological examination of the palms and soles showed multiple violaceous macules with clear boundaries, with varying sizes between 0.5cm-1cm,no alopecia,no abnormalities were found in oral mucosa, The result of VDRL examination the titer was 1:64, and TPHA result was Positif. Rapid HIV test showed positive result. Patient was prescribed Benzanthine Peniciline injection intra muscular 2.4 million IU, the patient experienced clinical improvement and decreased VDRL and TPHA titers after a two month of evaluation. Co-infection of syphilis and HIV , HIV and syphilis each facilitate infection by the other, and aggravate one another’s clinical course. The majority of persons with HIV infection respond appropriately to the recommended benzathine penicillin G treatment regimen for primary and secondary syphilis.

HIV incidence and recreational drug use among men who have sex with men aged 18-24 years in Tianjin, China: a retrospective cohort study.

Recreational drug use has been identified as a significant risk factor for the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This behavior is particularly prevalent among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). However, limited research has been conducted to investigate the correlation between recreational drug use and HIV incidence within this population. To examine HIV incidence and explore the association between recreational drug use and HIV incidence among YMSM. A retrospective cohort study was conducted by a local non-governmental organization (NGO) among MSM aged 18-24 years from October 2017 to December 2023 in Tianjin, China. Participants were included if they had at least two HIV test records during this period. HIV incidence density and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using person-years (PYs) with a Poisson distribution. Risk factors for HIV incidence were identified using univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 56 HIV seroconversions were reported with 2901.9 PYs, resulting in an overall incidence density of 1.9/100 PYs (95% CI: 1.4-2.4). Among YMSM who do not use recreational drugs (YMSM-URD), the incidence density was 1.1/100 PYs (95% CI: 0.5-1.6), while it was 2.8/100 PYs (95% CI: 1.9-3.7) among those who do use recreational drugs (YMSM-RD). Adjusted for confounders, factors associated with HIV infection included recreational drug use (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.4-4.7) and unprotected anal intercourse in the past six months (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.2-4.4). Recreational drug use and unprotected anal intercourse significantly increase the risk of HIV infection. To effectively mitigate the spread of HIV, interventions should focus on these risk factors by employing HIV counseling and testing clinics, collaborating with NGOs focused on MSM, and establishing peer education programs aimed at YMSM.

Weight loss might be an early clinical feature of undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection in Taiwan

Weight loss might be an early clinical feature of undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection in Taiwan

Evaluation of the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag combi test for the detection of HIV infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection screening and diagnosis are critical to control the HIV epidemic. Testing for anti-HIV antibodies (Ab) and antigens (Ag) in blood samples is the first step to screen people who have been potentially exposed to the virus. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag Combi for detection of HIV antibodies and antigens. We used residual samples to assess the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag Combi retrospectively. All samples that met the test criteria were tested with the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag Combi according to manufacturer's instruction. Results of the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag Combi were compared with the Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo test. The specificity of the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag Combi was 99.85% in 5,057 unselected blood donors and 100.00% in 213 hospitalized patient samples, respectively. The sensitivity of the Test in 614 HIV-1 Ab, HIV-1 Ag or HIV-2 Ab positive samples was 100.00%. Seroconversion sensitivity from results of 30 panels was comparable between the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag Combi and the Architect assay. The reactivity of the MAGLUMI HIV Ab/Ag Combi test is comparable to the Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay.

Epidemiological, Clinical and Biological Aspects of Childhood HIV in Libreville

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a chronic viral infection characterized by the progressive destruction of CD4 T lymphocytes. Its prevalence in Gabon is estimated 4.1% with approximately 2,500 affected children. This pathology remains a real public health problem on a global scale. The objective of our work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and biological aspects of HIV-positive children in Libreville. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study which involved patients followed in the four major pediatric care centers in Libreville from January 2015 to December 2022. We included all complete medical records of children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years with positive HIV serology or PCR. Results: The mean age was 10.6 ± 5.1 years. The 10-14 year old group represented 32.3%. The sex ratio was 1.13 male to female. In our study 46.9% were orphans and they were more affected by academic delay (51.9% versus 45.7%). The clinical signs were dominated by fever (40.6%). The main opportunistic infection found was digestive (7.3%) and tuberculosis represented the first co-infection (13.2%). We had 5.2% of patients with acute malnutrition. Conclusion: HIV-AIDS in children remains a public health problem given its socio-economic impact on the population. The cost of follow-up assessments and hospitalizations are among the problems that slow down the regular follow-up of our patients.

Characteristics and eye disease distribution of HIV-infected or AIDS patients: a single-center study

Objective: To explore the characteristics and eye disease distribution of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients reported by Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. Data of HIV-infected or AIDS patients who were reported for the first time in the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System by Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021 were collected. Epidemiological data such as the patient's gender and age were recorded, and information such as the patient's clinical diagnosis, department classification, and laboratory test results were retrieved from the hospital's outpatient and emergency system and laboratory information system. Results: A total of 191 HIV-infected or AIDS patients were included, with an average age of (36.71±13.52) years, including 177 males and 14 females. The proportion of male and female patients showed no statistically significant change over the years (P>0.05). Most cases were initially diagnosed in the department of ophthalmology (75 cases, 38.22%), followed by the department of dermatology (49 cases, 25.65%). There were 42 cases (56.00%) reported in the fundus group, 10 cases (13.33%) in the cataract group, 8 cases (10.67%) in the refractive center, and other cases in the glaucoma, cornea, and ocular tumor groups. The ophthalmological diagnoses included uveitis (21 cases, 28.00%), retinopathy (13 cases, 17.33%), cataract (11 cases, 14.67%), refractive error (7 cases, 9.33%), glaucoma (4 cases, 5.33%), retinal detachment (3 cases, 4.00%), vitreous hemorrhage (3 cases, 4.00%), cytomegalovirus retinitis (2 cases, 2.67%), ocular tumor (2 cases, 2.67%), optic neuropathy (2 cases, 2.67%), conjunctivitis (2 cases, 2.67%), keratoconus (1 case, 1.33%), chronic dacryocystitis (1 case, 1.33%), lacrimal duct obstruction (1 case, 1.33%), corneal endothelial decompensation (1 case, 1.33%), and ectropion (1 case, 1.33%). Some patients had co-infections with syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Conclusions: There are undiagnosed HIV-infected or AIDS patients in some departments of non-infectious general hospitals, and the ophthalmological manifestations are mostly uveitis and retinopathy. Ophthalmologists should pay attention to the HIV infection or AIDS infection status of patients with eye diseases such as uveitis and retinopathy to reduce the risk of occupational exposure.

Tildrakizumab in the treatment of plaque psoriasis in an HIV+ patient: a case report and literature review of anti-interleukin drugs

Treatment of psoriasis associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is challenging due to the high incidence of comorbidities and polypharmacy and the lack of evidence on the efficacy and safety of available drugs in these patients. Therefore, clinical or anecdotal reports provide useful indications for therapy decision-making. A 64-year male with plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index=14.3) infected with HIV for 4 years, with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and impaired quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index=14) was resistant to topical therapy and acitretin. Tildrakizumab 200 mg was started, obtaining Psoriasis Area and Severity Index=0 at week 16 which was maintained after 13 months of follow-up. No adverse event was reported, and immune cell levels were unchanged. This is the first report on the treatment of psoriasis with tildrakizumab in an HIV+ patient. A literature search showed that prior to this patient, 38 HIV+ subjects had been treated with anti-cytokine agents for psoriasis.

Urban-rural disparity in risky sexual behavior, HIV knowledge, and healthy practices among men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study in Southeast China.

To identify differences in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risky behavior and healthy practices between rural and urban men who have sex with men (MSM) in Southeast China, a cross-sectional study was conducted on MSM aged ≥ 18 years recruited from four community-based organizations (CBOs) in seven cities in Zhejiang Province between October 2022 and March 2023. An electronic survey questionnaire was completed by the study participants to collect HIV risky behavior and healthy practices. The chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis. Among the 1,993 MSM participants, 21.1% (420) were rural MSM. Compared with urban MSM, rural MSM was more likely to have a low level of education (high school and below; 46.2% vs. 40.2%, p = 0.028) and a low annual income (≤ 90,000 RMB; 71.2% vs. 64.7%, p = 0.013). Multiple logistic regression showed that, compared with urban MSM in the past 6 months behaviors, rural MSM had lower odds of finding casual sex partners on the Internet (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.790, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.633-0.986), using stimulants with online casual sex partners (aOR: 0.688, 95% CI: 0.506-0.936), and high odds of ever having sex with a female (aOR: 1.460, 95% CI:1.036-2.058). Rural MSM reported lower odds of an HIV knowledge score of 2-3 (aOR: 0.586, 95% CI: 0.454-0.756), HIV testing more than twice (aOR: 0.583, 95% CI: 0.455-0.748), and obtaining four to five types of HIV information (aOR: 0.661, 95% CI: 0.529-0.826), as well as higher odds of high/very high awareness of HIV infection risk (aOR: 2.312, 95% CI: 1.638-3.263), compared to urban MSM. Rural MSM and urban MSM reported discrepancies in HIV risky behavior, HIV knowledge and HIV-related healthy practices. Paying more attention to HIV risky behavior and improving healthy practices in rural areas may help to prevent HIV transmission.

Venous intestinal ischemia of fungal origin as a cause of intestinal obstruction in immunocompromised patients: case report and literature review

BackgroundMucormycosis is a highly lethal opportunistic fungal disease caused by ubiquitous molds of the order Mucorales, with Rhizopus, Lichtheimia and Mucor being the most common genera. This rare disease primarily affects immunocompromised patients, with presentations ranging from rhino-orbito-cerebral infections to disseminated mucormycosis with angioinvasion, leading to thrombosis and tissue infarction. Gastrointestinal mucormycosis is the least common clinical presentation and is believed to be secondary to spore ingestion. It can involve multiple components of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, liver, ileum, and colon, with nonspecific manifestations, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. The initial clinical presentation may even manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastric ulceration or intestinal perforation.Case presentationHere we present the case of a 48-year-old male patient with a 9-year history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who was hospitalized in the context of febrile neutropenia and whose acute respiratory infection was documented; therefore, antibiotic treatment was initiated. However, due to persistent febrile peaks and peripheral blood showing documentation of multilineage cytopenias, a bone marrow biopsy was performed, compatible with presenting features of marrow myelodysplasia. During hospitalization, the patient presented left flank abdominal pain, and an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed signs of intussusception of a small bowel loop at the distal jejunum level, leading to intestinal obstruction with ischemic progression, requiring ileectomy (60 cm). Histopathological analysis of the resected intestine revealed severe transmural ischemic changes associated with venous thrombosis due to fungal structures, with histochemical studies demonstrating the presence of zygomycete (Mucor) fungal structures, leading to the initiation of treatment with amphotericin B. However, despite treatment, the patient experienced progressive clinical deterioration with persistent fever and ventilatory failure, with follow-up tests showing absolute neutropenia and blood cultures positive for yeast, leading to death 52 days after admission.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of intestinal mucormycosis may be delayed due to the lack of specificity of the signs and symptoms. Pathologists as well as histopathological studies are essential for timely treatment.

Human-immunodeficiency virus infection associated with the impaired Th1 and pro-inflammatory cytokine response in latent tuberculosis-infected individuals: A comparative cross-sectional study.

Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infections are extensively overlapping, especially in developing countries. HIV infection is known as a major risk factor for the reactivation of latent TB into active TB. Although not fully understood and needs further study, HIV infection might enhance the reactivation of latent TB by breaching immune control mechanisms. We investigated the influence of HIV infection on the cytokine response of LTB-infected individuals. Heparinized venous blood was collected from 40 ART-naïve HIV-infected and 30 HIV-negative healthy controls for LTB screening, plasma collection, and PBMC isolation and stimulation. The level of cytokines in plasma and their production by PBMCs stimulated with purified protein derivative (PPD), staphylococcus enterotoxin B (SEB), or unstimulated PBMCs were analyzed using a cytometric bead array (CBA) assay. PPD-induced IL-2 by PBMCs was higher in LTB-infected groups compared with HIV-negative LTB-negative groups (p = 0.0015). When LTB-infected groups were co-infected with HIV (HIV+LTB+), the IL-2 (p < 0.0001) and IFN-gamma (p = 0.0144) production by PPD-stimulated PBMCs was reduced. The level of IL-2 (p = 0.0070), IL-6 (p = 0.0054), and TNF-alpha (p = 0.0045) in plasma were lower in HIV+LTB+ individuals compared with HIV-negative LTB-positive (HIV-LTB+) groups. Our findings suggested that HIV co-infection in LTB-positive individuals is associated with the diminished production of PPD-induced Th1 (IFN-gamma and IL-2) cytokines by PBMCs and in the plasma level of IL-2 and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-alpha).

The cGAS-STING pathway in HIV-1 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis coinfection.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) infection is the most common opportunistic infection in human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals, and the mutual reinforcement of these two pathogens may accelerate disease progression and lead to rapid mortality. Therefore, HIV-1/M. tuberculosis coinfection is one of the major global public health concerns. HIV-1 infection is the greatest risk factor for M. tuberculosis infection and increases the likelihood of endogenous relapse and exogenous reinfection with M. tuberculosis. Moreover, M. tuberculosis further increases HIV-1 replication and the occurrence of chronic immune activation, accelerating the progression of HIV-1 disease. Exploring the pathogenesis of HIV-1/M. tuberculosis coinfections is essential for the development of novel treatments to reduce the global burden of tuberculosis. Innate immunity, which is the first line of host immune defense, plays a critical role in resisting HIV-1 and M. tuberculosis infections. The role of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway, which is a major DNA-sensing innate immune signaling pathway, in HIV-1 infection and M. tuberculosis infection has been intensively studied. This paper reviews the role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in HIV-1 infection and M. tuberculosis infection and discusses the possible role of this pathway in HIV-1/M. tuberculosis coinfection to provide new insight into the pathogenesis of HIV-1/M. tuberculosis coinfection and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

The burden of HIV-1 and HIV-2 epidemics in Ivory Coast.

Simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) infecting chimpanzees (SIVcpz) and sooty mangabeys (SIVsm) are, respectively, the biological precursors of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) Types 1 and 2. Former French colonies in West Africa are the regions where retroviruses first jumped from primates to humans. Ivory Coast is nowadays a country of over 29 million people, being 2% (580,000) persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, one-quarter remains undiagnosed. Heterosexual transmission is by far the most frequent mechanism of HIV acquisition and women exhibit higher rates of infection than men. Despite preventive measures, HIV infection in children throughout breastfeeding remains significant. The proportion of PLWH carrying HIV-1 is rising whereas conversely HIV-2 carriers are steadily declining. A nationwide survey conducted on earlier 2024 showed that a total of 188,880 PLWH were on follow-up. HIV-1 infection was found in 163,947, HIV-2 in 5,114, and coinfection in 3,182. HIV type was not reported for 7,500. Antiretroviral therapy with tenofovir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir is by far the most frequently prescribed regimen in Ivory Coast (n = 168,543). Viral suppression is recognized in 94.3% of treated PLWH, despite one-third acknowledging unwanted treatment interruptions after failure of stock supplies. Given shared transmission routes with HIV, coinfection with other human retroviruses such as Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) and/or hepatitis viruses B, C, and delta are frequent in Ivory Coast. Coinfections remain largely undiagnosed and poorly managed. In summary, the HIV pandemic caused by both HIV-1 and HIV-2 is a major public health challenge in Ivory Coast, where strategies for expanding diagnosis, sustain antiretroviral treatment, and manage coinfections warrant further efforts.

Dynamics of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men in Taiwan: a mathematical modeling study

BackgroundIn Taiwan, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is primarily transmitted among men who have sex with men (MSM). We believe that the primary source of heterogeneity influencing transmission is from whether the infected individuals engage in behaviors that promote transmission. Therefore, we differentiated and modeled the statuses of infected individuals, estimated parameters, and predicted future infection trends to better understand HIV transmission dynamics among MSM.MethodsWe devised a computational approach to accurately estimate the number of infectious individuals during early surveillance years in Taiwan using monthly data of newly diagnosed patients with HIV from January 2005 to December 2006. Subsequently, using annual incident cases from 2005 to 2019, we estimated the susceptibility rate, transmission rates, and duration of risk and conducted short-term forecasts of HIV infection among MSM through mathematical modeling based on the susceptible-infected-removed model. Parameters and their values, such as HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) transmission rates and removal rates, were also estimated.ResultsA total of 850 infectious individuals with HIV were identified in 2005. From 2005 to 2019, approximately 0.68% (95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.71%) of Taiwan’s male population were estimated to be susceptible to HIV infection via MSM. The transmission rate did not significantly differ between individuals with HIV and AIDS (0.0110 and 0.107 per 10,000 individuals, respectively). The average infection duration between infection and AIDS onset was 4.5 years and between AIDS onset and death was 2.1 years. In 2019, the proportion of infectious infected individuals continuously decreased. By 2026, only 11.85% and 10.21% of individuals with HIV and AIDS, respectively, will be infectious.ConclusionsOur study presents a new dynamic mathematical model for estimating infectious HIV cases among MSM in Taiwan. By accounting for the heterogeneity of infectious HIV/AIDS within the MSM population, we effectively estimated the number of infections during early surveillance years and implement concentrated measures, thereby reducing infectious HIV/AIDS cases, which contributes to the overall reduction in HIV/AIDS cases. With these estimations, identifying target populations and implementing effective intervention measures at appropriate times can be improved.

English

Introduction: The prison population in Peru exceeds 90,000 individuals, many of whom face conditions that increase their vulnerability to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as exposure to illicit substances, risky sexual behaviors, and discrimination. Materials and Methods: A secondary analysis was carried out, using data from the 2016 national prison population census to identify factors associated with HIV risk in the incarcerated population of Peru. A total of 75,613 male inmates from prisons across the country participated, answering a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 405 items. Multivariable regression Poisson models were used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Our findings revealed significant associations between HIV risk and sexual orientation, with homosexual (aPR: 5.50; CI: 2.62-11.56) and bisexual (aPR: 4.92; 95% CI: 2.26-10.72) individuals being at higher risk. Additionally, a history of tuberculosis (aPR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.75-4.56) and sexually transmitted diseases (aPR 48.14; 95% CI: 31.07-74.56) were strongly correlated with increased HIV risk. Marital status, specifically being widowed, divorced, separated, or single, also showed a statistically significant association with HIV infection in both raw and adjusted regression models. Discussion: Our study highlights important risk factors for HIV infection among the male prison population in Peru. The identified associations will inform the development of effective health policies aimed at identifying and addressing HIV transmission within the country’s prisons. Furthermore, our findings provide a basis for future research in similar settings with a comparable male prison population profile.

Prospective clinical surveillance for severe acute respiratory illness and COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in Kenyan hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are limited data from sub-Saharan Africa describing the demographic characteristics, clinical features and outcome of patients admitted to public hospitals with severe acute respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a prospective longitudinal hospital-based sentinel surveillance between May 2020 and December 2022 at 16 public hospitals in Kenya. All patients aged above 18 years admitted to adult medical wards in the participating hospitals were included. We collected data on demographic and clinical characteristics, SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination status and, admission episode outcomes. We determined COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against admission with SARS-CoV-2 positive severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) (i.e., COVID-19) andprogression to inpatient mortality among patients admitted with SARI, using a test-negative case control design. Of the 52,636 patients included in the study, 17,950 (34.1%) were admitted with SARI. The median age was 50 years. Patients were equally distributed across sexes. Pneumonia was the most common diagnosis at discharge. Hypertension, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Diabetes Mellitus were the most common chronic comorbidities. SARS-CoV-2 test results were positive in 2,364 (27.9%) of the 8,471 patients that underwent testing. After adjusting for age, sex and presence of a chronic comorbidity, SARI patients were more likely to progress to inpatient mortality compared to non-SARI patients regardless of their SARS-CoV-2 infection status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for SARI and SARS-CoV-2 negative patients 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.37; and aOR for SARI and SARS-CoV-2 positive patients 1.32, 95% CI 1.24-1.40). After adjusting for age, sex and presence of a chronic comorbidity, COVID-19 VE against progression to inpatient mortality following admission with SARI for those with a confirmed vaccination status was 0.59 (95% CI 0.27-0.77). We have provided a comprehensive description of the demographic and clinical pattern of admissions with SARI in Kenyan hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic period as well as the COVID-19 VE for these patients. These data were useful in providing situational awareness during the first three years of the pandemic in Kenya and informing national response measures.

Epidemiology of HIV infection in penal system institutions

Aim. To assess the medical and statistical indicators of the health status of persons with the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), among suspects, accused, and convicts held in institutions of the penal system. To develop proposals for improving work in the field of countering the spread of HIV infections. Materials and methods. The structure and dynamics of morbidity and mortality from HIV infection in penal institutions from 2014 to 2022 was analyzed using official statistical data. Calculations were carried out using MS Excel application packages and the R software environment version 3.6.2.Results. The peak HIV incidence in penal system institutions was recorded in 2015, followed by its gradual decrease by 2020. HIV mortality decreased by 52.1% since 2014, amounting to 84.6 per 100,000 people in 2022. The mortality rate of people living with HIV (PLHIV) decreased by 61.5% in 2014. This dynamics showed a decreasing trend starting from 2015. The antiretroviral therapy coverage in this group of patients reached a maximum value of 94.5% by 2022. Conclusions. The HIV mortality and mortality rates during the study period show a downward trend. The antiretroviral therapy coverage in 2022 reached a historic maximum. However, this does not exclude the low adherence of patients to treatment, which indicates the need to develop new methods of sanitary education and therapeutic and preventive work in penal system institutions.

Next-generation 3D printed multipurpose prevention intravaginal ring for prevention of HIV, HSV-2, and unintended pregnancy

Globally, nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, ~1.3 million new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are reported every year, and more than 500 million people are estimated to have a genital herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) infection. Here we report the first 3D printed multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) intravaginal ring (IVR) for prevention of HIV, HSV-2, and unintended pregnancy. The IVRs were fabricated using state-of-the-art Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP™) 3D printing technology using a biocompatible silicone-urethane based resin. Anti-HIV drug (Dapivirine, DPV), anti-herpes drug (Pritelivir, PTV) and a contraceptive drug (Levonorgestrel, LNG) were loaded in a macaque size IVR (25 mm outer diameter, OD; 6.0 mm cross-section, CS) allometrically scaled from the human size (54 mm OD; 7.6 mm CS) IVR analogue. All three active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) were loaded in the IVR using a single-step drug loading process driven by absorption. DPV, PTV, and LNG elicited zero-order release kinetics in vitro in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) at pH 4 and pH 8 relevant to human and macaque vaginal pH respectively. CLIP 3D printed MPT IVRs remained stable after 6 months of storage at 4 °C with no change in physical, dimensional, or mechanical properties and no change in drug concentration and absence of drug degradation byproducts. The MPT IVRs elicited sustained release of all three APIs in macaques for 28 days with median plasma concentrations of 138 pg/mL (DPV), 18,700 pg/mL (PTV), and 335 pg/mL (LNG). Safety studies demonstrated that the MPT IVRs were safe and well tolerated in the macaques with no observed change or abnormalities in vaginal pH and no significant changes in any of the 22 mucosal cytokines and chemokines tested including pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-18) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, IL-12) cytokines while the MPT IVR was in place or after its removal. Additionally, MPT IVRs elicited no observed alterations in systemic CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during the entire study. Collectively, the proposed MPT IVR has potential to expand preventative choices for young women and girls against unintended pregnancy against two highly prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Unveiling the enigmatic roles of basophils in HIV infection: A narrative review.

The intricate interplay between the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the immune system has long been a focal point in understanding disease progression. Among the myriad of immune cells, basophils, often overshadowed, have recently emerged as pivotal contributors to the complex immunological landscape of HIV infection. This paper aims to provide a succinct overview of the enigmatic roles of basophils in HIV pathogenesis, elucidating their multifaceted functions and implications. Basophils, conventionally perceived as minor players in immune responses, exhibit active participation in HIV infection. Their activation triggered by viral antigens, cytokines, and immune complexes orchestrates a cascade of immune events, influencing immune modulation, cytokine release, and the activation of adaptive immune cells. Furthermore, basophils function as antigen-presenting cells, potentially impacting viral dissemination and immune dysregulation. Additionally, basophils serve as crucial regulators in HIV infection through cytokine secretion, notably interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-3, influencing immune cell differentiation, polarization, and antibody production. Their interactions with various immune cells intricately shape the immune response against HIV, impacting disease progression and immune equilibrium. Moreover, harnessing basophils as potential vaccine targets or immune modulators represents a compelling avenue for future research. In conclusion, the emerging understanding of basophils' multifaceted involvement in HIV infection challenges prior perceptions and underscores their significance in shaping immune responses and disease outcomes. This abstraction highlights the need for continued research to unlock the full potential of basophils, paving the way for novel strategies in combatting HIV/AIDS.

Non-AIDS defining cancers in HIV-infected individuals: a concise review

Non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining cancers (NADCs) present a growing concern in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, impacting morbidity and mortality rates. This paper synthesizes current epidemiological data and explores the multifaceted relationship between HIV infection and NADC risk. Epidemiological studies indicate a shifting landscape of cancer incidence among HIV-infected populations, with a notable rise in NADCs over recent decades. Factors such as prolonged life expectancy due to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) and aging of the HIV-infected population contribute to this trend. Despite the overall decline in AIDS-defining cancers, NADCs have emerged as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. Immunodeficiency, chronic inflammation, and oncogenic viral co-infections, such as human papillomavirus and hepatitis C virus, compound the risk of developing NADCs. Diagnostic challenges persist, with delayed detection and suboptimal management contributing to poor outcomes. Treatment modalities for NADCs in HIV-infected individuals require careful consideration, balancing cancer-directed therapy with potential interactions with ART and immune reconstitution. Prevention strategies, including cancer screening and lifestyle modifications, are crucial in mitigating the burden of NADCs in this population. As the landscape of HIV care continues to evolve, understanding the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of NADCs is imperative for optimizing clinical management and improving outcomes in HIV-infected individuals.

Impact of CCR5Δ32 on the risk of infection, Staphylococcus aureus carriage, and plasma concentrations of chemokines in Danish blood donors

The CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a suggested receptor for Staphylococcus aureus leukotoxin ED. Homozygosity for the Δ32 deletion (CCR5Δ32) protects against human immunodeficiency virus infection and possibly also against leukotoxin ED. We examined the impact of CCR5Δ32 on the susceptibility to S.aureus infection, all-cause infections, and S.aureus nasal carriage, respectively, and on the concentrations of circulating chemokines in blood donors. We included 95,406 participants from the Danish Blood Donor Study (DBDS) genotyped for >650,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms. The CCR5Δ32 (rs333, MAF: 0.12) was imputed from a reference panel and validated. Infectious outcomes were identified by diagnosis codes and redeemed prescription of antibiotics in national health registers. Data on S.aureus nasal carriage and forty-seven inflammatory biomarkers were available for 6721 and 7811 participants, respectively. Cox, logistic, and linear regression models adjusted for relevant confounders were used to explore said associations. During more than 700,000 person-years of observation, we found that CCR5Δ32 was associated with neither an increased risk of redeemed dicloxacillin, hospital-treated S.aureus-associated infection (replicated in 345,996 Icelanders), redeemed antibiotics, all-cause infection, and nor with S.aureus nasal carriage. We discovered an association between CCR5Δ32 and elevated CCL4 concentrations, which were 1.26-fold higher in Δ32-heterozygotes (95%-CI: 1.23-1.30) and 2.64-fold higher in Δ32-homozygotes (95%-CI: 2.41-2.90) compared with wildtype homozygotes. Conversely, concentrations of CCL2, CXCL-10, and CCL11 were slightly lower among Δ32-heterozygotes. Results from this CCR5Δ32 high-prevalent cohort do not support the idea that CCR5Δ32 affects the risk of S.aureus carriage or infection to any relevant degree, in this northern European context. CCL4 was the main chemokine affected by CCR5Δ32 and was observed in higher concentration among Δ32-carriers. This study cannot rule out that S.aureus is a previous driver of CCR5Δ32 selection. The Health Research Fund of Central Denmark Region, Aarhus University, Danish Administrative Regions, Bio- and Genome Bank Denmark, Danish Blood Donor Research Foundation, Aase & Ejnar Danielsens Foundation, Højmosegård Grant, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and A.P. Møller Foundation for the Advancement of Medical Science.