Human Immunodeficiency Virus Negative Individuals Research Articles

Evaluation of Thyroid Function of HIV Patients in Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria

Background: Abnormal thyroid function tests have been detected at various phases in people living with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) not well understood. However, there is insufficient study among Nigerians living with HIV.
 Objective: This study is aimed to determine thyroid hormones in HIV positive individuals compared with HIV negative individuals in Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of six months among 95 HIV positive and 30 HIV negative individuals attending USAID/FHI clinic of Immaculate Heart Hospital in Umunze, Nigeria. The subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of HAART (those on HAART [48] – GROUP 1, HAART naïve [47] – GROUP 2 and Control [30] – GROUP 3). The subjects were interviewed, examined and blood sample collected for determination of thyroid function parameters which include thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroxine (T4).
 Results: Among the 125 subjects recruited for the study 67.2% were females and 32.8% males. The mean levels of TSH and fT3 was found to be higher in group 1 subjects than in group 2 and the group 3 subjects. The mean level of T4 was significantly higher in group 2 subjects than group 1 and the group 3 subjects. The level of T3 was significantly lower in control subjects in comparison to both HAART and non-HAART subjects. Primary hypothyroidism is the commonest pattern of thyroid dysfunction among the HIV positive patients followed by isolated low fT4.
 Conclusion: Serum levels of thyroid hormones as shown in this study may be used as baseline periodic markers during antiretroviral therapy while people living with HIV may benefit from supplementation if appropriate. There is also need for a larger study to identify the risk factors for progression to overt thyroid disease in HIV infected subjects with thyroid autoimmunity.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C co-infection in HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative cases in a Tertiary care hospital in Southern Haryana

HBV (Hepatitis B virus) and HCV (Hepatitis C virus) are the causative agents of acute as well as chronic hepatitis. Nearly, two billion people are suffering with HBV and approximately 170 million people are infected with HCV infection around the world. While patients who are infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) 2-4 million are found to be having chronic HBV co-infection and 4-5 million are having HCV coinfection. Due to common mode of transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV like using shared needles, syringes, other injectable devices, sexual intercourse, or even mother to baby transmission, it is common to see HBV and HCV co-infection in HIV positive individuals. This was a hospital based observational cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in Department of Microbiology, SHKM GMC, Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana. It was for one year. The sample size for HIV seropostive cases was 80 including 40 HIV positive and 40 HIV negative samples. Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was identified on HIV positive and HIV negative samples. Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was found to be higher in HIV positive individuals than HIV negative individuals. In HIV positive patients 10% individuals were HBsAg positive, 5% were HBeAg positive, 10% were positive by HBV RT-PCR. None of the HIV negative were coinfected with HBV. Similarly HCV-HIV coinfection was seen in 12.5% of individuals with Rapid test, ELISA and RT-PCR. None of the HIV negative were coinfected with HCV. In HIV positive individuals HBV and HCV coinfection was seen and Co-infection of HBV and HCV was absent in HIV negative individuals. Regular screening is recommended for HBV and HCV in HIV positive individuals.

English

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a neurotropic virus that is associated with cognitive, behavioral and motor deficits known as HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). This was a prospective study aimed at determining the prevalence of cognitive impairment as well as comparing the performance of the HIV positive patients on a screening test, the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS), and subtests drawn from a neuropsychological test battery - WHO/UCLA. The screening test and neuropsychological test battery were administered to HIV positive patients while the HIV negative patients had only the test battery administered to determine the mean score of each test domain. Neurocognitive impairment was defined using the cut-off score of 10 for the International HIV Dementia scale and Z scores greater than 1 SD in at least two domains of the neuropsychological test battery. The mean performance on each domain of the test battery was determined after administration to the HIV negative individuals. Ninety-two HIV positive patients (57 females and 35 males) and ninety-two age, sex and education matched HIV negative subjects (46 females and 46 males) were enrolled into the study. The median age and interquartile range were 33(26-39) and 35(27-46) for the HIV positive and negative participants respectively. The prevalence estimates of cognitive impairment determined by the IHDS and the test battery were 42.4 and 76.1%, respectively. The IHDS in this study was found to have a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 81% for HAND. Neurocognitive impairment still persists in the combination anti-retroviral therapy (CART) era and is better accessed using neuropsychological testing than with screening tests although the former is cumbersome and require expertise and patience on the part of the subjects. Key words: HIV, neurocognitive disorder, sub-Saharan Africa, dementia tests, neuropsychology.

Learning from community-based HIV prevention to inform control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic

The current COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of future viral pandemics demonstrate a need for strategic prevention campaigns that integrate biomedical, structural, and behavioral interventions within larger scale comprehensive public health initiatives. In Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention, community-based efforts have resulted in reductions in transmission rates, increases in testing, increases in biomedical prevention uptake, and increased engagement in secondary and tertiary prevention efforts. In this paper, we review three community-based strategies (health communication, accessible screening, and accessible prevention resources) that have demonstrated effectiveness in HIV prevention and offer recommendations for utilizing these strategies in the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, health communication strategies have positively influenced HIV testing behavior, sex communication, and condom use among HIV negative individuals and treatment initiation, treatment adherence, and retention in care among people living with HIV. In addition, studies have shown that improving accessibility of HIV screening and prevention resources in community venues such as schools, pharmacies, mobile-testing sites, churches, hair salons, and bars is useful for increasing the uptake of HIV testing, especially among disproportionately affected populations and those deemed hard to reach. Despite differences in modes of transmission, it is plausible that a synergistic multilevel response with emphasis on community-based efforts could lead to similar outcomes for the current COVID-19 pandemic and future viral pandemics. Community-based prevention strategies offer an opportunity to integrate, and bolster disconnected and siloed initiatives that achieve limited impacts independently.

Plasma Levels of Secretory Calreticulin among HIV Infected Patients in Bauchi State

Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that causes HIV infection and over time acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The objective was to evaluate plasma levels of Calreticulin (CALR) in HIV positive and negative individuals. Methods: A total of 164 participants were recruited and divided into four groups according to their viral load after estimation and individuals recruited as controls. Viral load was estimated in 1.1 ml of plasma according to manufacturers (COBAS Taqman HIV-1 Quantitative Test, v2.0, Roche Diagnostic GmbH, Germany). Plasma levels of CALR were analysed using ELISA (ELISA-Biotuva Life Sciences, UK). Results: Result revealed a significant difference (p = 0.00) between the CALR levels of individuals with low viral load and individuals with unsuppressed viral load, suppressed viral load, and controls. A significantly (p = 0.017) higher plasma CALR in individuals with unsuppressed viral load compared to those with suppressed viral load was found. No differences between plasma CALR levels of individuals with unsuppressed viral load and that of controls. Conclusion: Our study showed up regulation of plasma CALR in HIV-infected patients on long term antiretroviral therapy. We believe and from existing literature this up regulation is due partly if not solely to the oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress caused by the antiretroviral agents.

Prevalence and risk factors for Candida esophagitis among human immunodeficiency virus-negative individuals.

Candida esophagitis (CE) is among the commonest esophageal infections and is known as an opportunistic fungal infection mostly affecting people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, some medical conditions might predispose HIV-negative individuals to esophageal candidiasis. The epidemiology and associated endoscopic findings of CE among people without HIV have rarely been reported. To investigate the prevalence of CE among HIV-negative persons, and determine risk factors predicting CE. Between January 2015 and December 2018, all consecutive outpatients who underwent routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy as part of health check-ups at their own expense at the Health Check-up Center of the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, were recruited in this study. Those with positive HIV serology results were excluded. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including age, gender, economic status, smoking history, alcohol consumption, tea and coffee consumption, underlying diseases, body fat percentage, body mass index, endoscopic findings, and Helicobacter pylori infection status were carefully reviewed. CE was confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and pathological assessment with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. To evaluate independent factors predicting the development of CE, we conducted a univariate analysis of clinical characteristics. The variables found to be significant via univariate analysis were subsequently included in a multivariable analysis of potential risk factors for CE development. A total of 11802 participants were included in this study. Forty-seven (0.4%) were confirmed as having CE by pathological examination. Univariate analysis identified older age, the presence of chronic kidney disease, alcohol consumption, and steroid use (P = 0.023, < 0.001, 0.033, and 0.004, respectively) as significantly associated with CE. Multivariable analysis revealed older age [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.027; 95%CI: 1.001-1.053; P = 0.045], chronic kidney disease (adjusted OR = 13.470; 95%CI: 4.574-39.673; P < 0.001), alcohol consumption (adjusted OR = 2.103; 95%CI: 1.151-3.844; P = 0.016), and steroid use (adjusted OR = 24.255; 95%CI: 5.343-110.115; P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for CE development. The presence of dysphagia was associated with severe CE (P = 0.021). The prevalence of CE among HIV-negative persons was 0.4% in Taiwan. Independent risk factors for CE were older age, chronic kidney disease, alcohol consumption, and steroid use.

Detection of tem-1 and class-1 integrons in multidrug resistant uropathogens from HIV patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria in a Tertiary Care Hospital, SouthWest Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals are at increased risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) due to immune suppression. The increasing resistance of uropathogens necessitates the need for regular monitoring of their profile to reduce drug resistance. We determined the prevalence of ASB and the characteristics of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens isolated from HIV patients. Mid-stream urine samples from 100 HIV positive and 100 HIV negative healthy individuals were cultured for significant bacteriuria. The isolates were identified by standard techniques and their susceptibility patterns determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. All the Gram-negative isolates were screened for ESBL production by combined disc method, ESBL genes and class 1 integrons by Polymerase chain reaction. Nine (9%) HIV positive individuals and 4 (4%) healthy individuals had ASB yielding a total of 13 (6.5%) uropathogens dominated by Escherichia coli (53.9%). All isolates were multidrug resistant. Five isolates harboured both the blaTEM-1 gene and class 1integrons while Serratia liquefaciens produced ampC. There is a higher burden of ASB characterized by multi-drug resistant uropathogens among HIV patients. Thus emphasizing the need for continuous resistance surveillance and antibiotic stewardship in our environment to reduce drug resistance and prevent treatment failure.

Paediatric Anogenital Condylomata Acuminata: An assessment of patient characteristics and the need for surgical intervention

BackgroundAnogenital Condylomata Acuminata (AGCA) are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is one of the most common sexually transmitted illnesses in adults. Although commonly seen in the paediatric population, especially in the setting of immunocompromise, literature regarding transmission, viral type and management in this population is scant. The aim of this study was to assess the profile of patients presenting with anogenital warts in light of associated immunocompromise with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). MethodsThree years of patient records from Chis Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital were reviewed (January 2017 – December 2019). Information collected included: gender, age of presentation, age at intervention, type and duration of medical treatment, type and number of surgical interventions, HIV status, and histology results. Fisher's and Pearson's test were used to assess correlation between immune status and surgical interventions necessary. ResultsIn the time frame considered, we treated 66 patients with AGCA . The average age was 4 years old (1–14). HIV status was recorded in 30 patients (15 positive and 15 negative). Only one patient out of 66 had a history of sexual abuse. Whilst the proportion of patients who required surgical intervention in the HIV negative and HIV positive groups was equal (2:1), the total number of surgical interventions needed to achieve clearance was significantly more in those with HIV (p = 0.03). ConclusionsHIV positive patients with AGCA require more surgical interventions compared to HIV negative individuals. Further research will be conducted to ascertain the sub-type of HPV infection in this subset of patients and to assess if this impacts follow-up for future malignancy. Further research also needs to be conducted to ascertain whether surgical intervention should be instituted earlier in the treatment protocol for HIV positive children.

Helicobacter pylori infection and hypochlorhydria in Zambian adults and children: A secondary data analysis.

BackgroundHypochlorhydria (gastric pH >4) increases susceptibility to diarrhoea, iron deficiency, and gastric cancer. We sought to clarify the prevalence of this condition and its predisposing factors in Zambia by pooling data from previous studies conducted in hospital and community settings.MethodsGastric pH was measured in participants from five separate studies by collecting gastric aspirate from fasted adults and children under 3 years of age undergoing gastroscopy. Gastric pH was correlated with serological testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infections.ResultsWe studied 597 individuals (487 adults and 110 children). Hypochlorhydria was present in 53% of adults and 31% of children. HIV infection was detected in 41% of adults and 11% of children. H. pylori serology was available for 366 individuals: 93% of adults and 6% of children were seropositive. In univariate analysis, hypochlorhydria was significantly associated with HIV seropositivity (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.4; p = 0.004) and H. pylori antibody seropositivity (OR 4.9; 95% CI 2.8–8.6; p<0.0001), and with advancing age in HIV negative individuals (p = 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, only H. pylori was associated with hypochlorhydria (OR 4.0; 95% CI 2.2–7.2; p<0.0001) while excluding possible exposure to proton pump inhibitors.ConclusionsHypochlorhydria is common in our population, with H. pylori being the dominant factor. Only young HIV seronegative individuals had a low prevalence of hypochlorhydria. This may have implications for the risk of other health conditions including gastric cancer.

Prevalence and correlates of dyslipidemia in HIV positive and negative adults in Western Kenya: A cross-sectional study.

There is increasing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Dyslipidemia is a well-known CVD risk factor which has been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its treatment in high-income countries. Studies in SSA that have examined the relationship between HIV and dyslipidemia have reported mixed results. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in HIV positive and negative adults (>=30 years old) and evaluate for association in Western Kenya with a higher prevalence expected among HIV positive individuals.HIV positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV negative individuals seeking HIV testing and counseling services were recruited into a cross-sectional study. Demographic and behavioral data and fasting blood samples were collected. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Associations between baseline demographic and clinical variables and dyslipidemia were analyzed using logistic regression.A total of 598 participants, 300 HIV positive and 298 HIV negative adults were enrolled. Dyslipidemia data was available for 564 (94%) participants. In total, 267 (47%) had dyslipidemia. This was not significantly different between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals (46% vs 49%, P = .4). In a multivariate analysis including both HIV positive and negative individuals, adults 50 to 59 years of age had a 2-fold increased risk of dyslipidemia (Odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval (1.2–3.5) when compared to 30 to 39-years-old participants. Abdominal obesity (OR 2.5), being overweight (OR 1.9), and low fruit and vegetable intake (OR 2.2) were significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Among HIV positive participants, time since HIV diagnosis, ART duration, use of (PI) protease inhibitor-based ART, viral load suppression, current cluster of differentiation (CD4) count and nadir CD4 did not have significant associations with dyslipidemia.The prevalence of dyslipidemia is high in Western Kenya, with nearly half of all participants with lipid abnormalities. Dyslipidemia was not significantly associated with HIV status, or with HIV-specific factors. Older age, being overweight, abdominal obesity, and low fruit and vegetable intake were associated with dyslipidemia and may be targets for public health interventions to lower the prevalence of dyslipidemia and CVD risk in sub-Saharan Africa.

Hepatic Steatosis and Ectopic Fat Are Associated With Differences in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Gene Expression in People With HIV.

Persons with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) have subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) dysfunction related to antiretroviral therapy and direct viral effects, which may contribute to a higher risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease compared with human immunodeficiency virus–negative individuals. We assessed relationships between SAT expression of major adipocyte regulatory and lipid storage genes with hepatic and other ectopic lipid deposits in PWH. We enrolled 97 PWH on long‐term antiretroviral therapy with suppressed plasma viremia and performed computed tomography measurements of liver attenuation, a measure of hepatic steatosis, skeletal muscle (SM) attenuation, and the volume of abdominal subcutaneous, visceral, and pericardial adipose tissue. Whole SAT gene expression was measured using the Nanostring platform, and relationships with computed tomography imaging and fasting lipids were assessed using multivariable linear regression and network mapping. The cohort had a mean age of 47 years, body mass index of 33.4 kg/m2, and CD4 count of 492 cells/mm3. Lower liver attenuation, a marker of greater steatosis, was associated with differences in SAT gene expression, including lower lipoprotein lipase and acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase, and higher phospholipid transfer protein. Lower liver attenuation clustered with lower visceral adipose tissue (VAT) attenuation and greater VAT volume, pericardial fat volume and triglycerides, but no relationship was observed between liver attenuation and SAT volume, SM attenuation, or low‐density lipoprotein. Conclusion: Liver attenuation was associated with altered SAT expression of genes regulating lipid metabolism and storage, suggesting that SAT dysfunction may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in PWH. SAT gene‐expression relationships were similar for VAT volume and attenuation, but not SM, indicating that ectopic lipid deposition may involve multiple pathways.

GeneXpert® assay; and its performance for the diagnosis of HIV-associated tuberculosis: Is scale-up worth it?

Background: Synergistic Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infections are responsible for epidemics in several nations and have established themselves as a tremendous health challenge to these nations in terms of patient point of care and economic burden on health care organizations. TB is the fundamental driver of HIV-related mortality around the world. Co-infection with these two pathogens results in an accelerated course for the two illnesses and raises complex challenges in diagnosis and therapy. TB and HIV both work in synergy to accelerate the deterioration of the immunological defense mechanisms often leading to death. This present study was designed to evaluate the performance of GeneXpert assay for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among HIV positive and negative TB patients. Methods and materials: The present prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mycobacteriology laboratory, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan from 2011–2017. A total of 3784 (HIV-ve n = 3568, HIV +ve n = 216) sputum samples were collected with complete history from patients strongly suspected for pulmonary TB (PTB) patients. HIV status was evaluated by PCR (Quantitative) and then referred for Flow-cytometry and GeneXpert assay for MTB Results: Out of a total of n = 3784 PTB, the prevalence of HIV was 5.7% (n = 216/3784). Of 216 HIV positive, 15.7% (n = 34) were also co-infected with TB. The sensitivity of the ZN smear and GeneXpert assay was considerably reduced among HIV and TB co-infected patients. The sensitivity and specificity of ZN smear was 63.7%, and 100% among HIV negative compared to 23.5% and 100% among HIV positive individuals respectively. Whereas sensitivity and specificity of the GeneXpert were found to be 94.5% and 100% for HIV negative individuals as compared to the 76.4%, and 100% respectively among the HIV positive patients. Furthermore, in the case of smear-negative samples, GeneXpert assay showed noticeable sensitivity and specificity 85.8%, 100% and 69.2%, 100%, respectively for HIV negative and positive patients. Conclusion: The GeneXpert assay showed an overall better sensitivity compared to the ZN smear for the diagnosis of TB, the sensitivity was much less in TB patients co-infected with HIV, compared to the HIV negative patients.

HIV and metabolic syndrome in an Ethiopian population

Background The global prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is increasing due to lifestyle changes. Studies have found that MS is associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and antiretroviral treatment (ART), but controversies still exist on associations between HIV and MS. Aims To assess associations between HIV and MS among ART-naïve HIV positive individuals compared to HIV negative individuals. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study among ART-naïve HIV positive and HIV negative individuals recruited from HIV treatment and testing facilities in Ethiopia. Information was collected on components of MS: waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Data were analysed using logistic and linear regression stratified by sex and adjusted for age, wealth and education. Results Data from 329 HIV positive and 100 HIV negative individuals were included. HIV positive status was associated with higher odds of MS in women (OR: 3.56, 95%CI: 1.25; 10.15) (n = 292), but not in men (OR: 0.98, 95%CI: 0.22; 4.30) (n = 137), interaction: p= .11. Associations between HIV and components of MS were strongest for HDL-C among women and for FPG among men. The most prevalent components of MS in HIV positive individuals were elevated triglycerides, reduced HDL-C and elevated FPG. Conclusions HIV was associated with MS among ART-naïve women, suggesting that MS should be evaluated before initiating ART and monitored during treatment to identify those at risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Malaria parasite prevalence and Haematological parameters in HIV seropositive patients attending the regional hospital Limbe, Cameroon: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundMalaria and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection constitute public health problems in Cameroon including the South West Region (SWR). This study determined the prevalence of malaria parasites and haematological abnormalities in HIV positive patients in Limbe, Cameroon from April–July 2014.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional and involved 411 participants who were administered structured questionnaires to record socio-demographic and clinical data. Three hundred and nine (309) HIV positive patients and one hundred and two (102) HIV negative individuals were examined clinically and venous blood collected for malaria parasite detection, HIV infection diagnosis and full blood count analysis.ResultsOverall malaria parasite prevalence was 14.1% (58/411). This prevalence was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the HIV negative participants (33.3%, 34/102) compared to the HIV positive patients (7.8%, 24/309). Amongst HIV positive participants, malaria parasite prevalence was significantly higher in female patients (P = 0.003), febrile patients (P < 0.001), anaemic patients (P = 0.015) and in patients who were not on antiretroviral treatment (ART) (P = 0.03) when compared with their respective counterparts. Among the HIV negative group, though not significant, malaria parasite prevalence was higher in females, febrile and anaemic patients when compared with their respective counterparts. Overall anaemia prevalence was 52.1% (214/309) and was significantly higher (P = 0.004) in HIV positive patients (56%, 173) than in HIV negative participants (40.2%, 41). Malaria/HIV co-infected patients had a significantly lower mean value of Hb (P = 0.002), RBC (P = 0.002) and Hct (P = 0.001) when compared with HIV-infected patients.ConclusionHIV negative participants had a higher prevalence of malaria parasites than their HIV positive counterparts. Anaemia prevalence was higher in HIV positive patients than in HIV negative participants. Malaria/HIV co-infected patients presented with more red blood cell abnormalities than HIV-infected patients.

Evaluation of IL-2, IL-10, IL-4 and ɤ-interferon levels in the oral fluids of patients with hepatitis C, B and HIV.

Oral fluid cytokine levels can vary considerably during the onset of Inflammatory Periodontitis (IP) especially in people with hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Aim of our study was to evaluate levels of oral cytokines during the onset of IP among HCV, HBV and HIV negative and positive individuals in order to evaluate local immunity state during these infections. This was a case control study with 3 groups of virally infected individuals and control group. All had IP including control group. 45 patients (51.7%) had HCV, 18 (20.7%) HBV and 24 (27.6%) HIV. For IL-2 we received significant difference for all groups compared with control -2.83; HBV-31.1 (p < 0.001), HCV-25.99 (p < 0.001) and HIV-24.57 (p < 0.001). For IL-10 significant difference was observed between control -0.94 and HCV-3.63 (p = 0.027), HBV-8.38 (15.51) groups (p < 0.001). IL-4 was significantly higher in control group 14.29 compared to HCV 0.2 (p < 0.001) and HIV 0.21 (p = 0.037) group. The adjusted analysis where we consider age as possible confounder revealed that only IL-2 significantly differs for all groups compared with control group: control vs HCV (p = 0.001); control vs HBV (p = 0.024); control vs HIV (p = 0.004). Evidence for significant differences when comparing oral fluid cytokines of individuals with HCV, HBV and HIV with non-viral individuals was more obvious for IL-2. IL-2 levels were significantly higher in all 3 groups vs non-viral group even when age is confounder.

Benign lymphoepithelial cyst in an adolescent female mimicking lymphoma: A diagnostic dilemma in a retrovirus negative patient

Cystic lesions of the parotid gland are uncommon and may masqueradeneoplasms clinically. Benign lympho-epithelial cysts (BLEC) comprise the most common causes of the parotid gland swelling in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. It is, however, less common amongst those not infected with HIV. We present a case of a12 years old female who presented with a swelling over left parotid region since one year.Local examination revealed a soft, cystic and non-tender swelling in the left parotid region measuring 5x4x3 cm. Serological investigations for viral markers were non-reactive.A differential diagnosis of granulomatous parotitis versus benign lymphoepithelial lesion was rendered on radiological investigations and superficial parotidectomy was planned. On histopathological examination, a cyst lined by cuboidal to low columnar lining was seen, underlying which, was dense lympho-plasmacytic infiltrate present in diffuse sheets. On immunohistochemistry, this lymphoid population was found to be reactive in nature (positive for kappa and lambda), thus excluding lymphoma. This case is being presented due to its rarity in HIV negative individuals and the histopathological diagnostic dilemma it presented with, mimicking a lymphoma. DOI: 10.21276/APALM.1163

Does repeated pleural culture increase the diagnostic yield of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from tuberculous pleural effusion in HIV-negative individuals?

BackgroundDespite recent advances in methods for culturing Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the diagnostic yield of tuberculous pleural effusion (TBPE) remains unsatisfactory. However, unlike repeated sputum cultures of pulmonary tuberculosis, little is known about the role of repeated pleural cultures. We examined whether repeated pleural cultures are associated with increased MTB yield from TBPE.MethodsA multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed from January 2012 to December 2015 in South Korea. Patients were categorized into two groups: single- or repeated-culture groups. The diagnostic yield of MTB and clinical, radiological, and pleural fluid characteristics were evaluated.ResultsAmong the 329 patients with TBPE, 77 (23.4%) had repeated cultures and 252 (76.5%) had a single culture. Pleural culture was performed twice in all 77 patients in the repeated-culture group at a 1-day interval (inter-quartile range, 1.0–2.0). In the repeated-culture group, the yield of MTB from the first culture was 31.2%, which was similar to that in the single-culture group (31.2% vs. 29.8%, P = 0.887). However, the yield of MTB from the second culture (10/77, 13.0%) was more than that from the first. These results may be attributable to the insufficient immune clearance for MTB invasion into the pleural space between the first and second cultures. Over time, the yield of the second cultures decreased from 17.4% to 6.7% and then 6.3%. Finally, the overall yield of MTB in the repeated- and single-culture groups was 44.2% and 29.8% respectively (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results showed that repeated pleural cultures increased MTB yield from TBPE in human immunodeficiency virus-negative individuals. Furthermore, repeated cultures may increase yield when carried out for two consecutive days.

Association between Taenia solium infection and HIV/AIDS in northern Tanzania: a matched cross sectional-study.

BackgroundThe frequency of Taenia solium, a zoonotic helminth, is increasing in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also high. However, little is known about how these two infections interact. The aim of this study was to compare the proportion of HIV positive (+) and negative (−) individuals who are infected with Taenia solium (TSOL) and who present with clinical and neurological manifestations of cysticercosis (CC).MethodsIn northern Tanzania, 170 HIV+ individuals and 170 HIV– controls matched for gender, age and village of origin were recruited. HIV staging and serological tests for TSOL antibodies (Ab) and antigen (Ag) were performed. Neurocysticercosis (NCC) was determined by computed tomography (CT) using standard diagnostic criteria. Neurological manifestations were confirmed by a standard neurological examination. In addition, demographic, clinical and neuroimaging data were collected. Further, CD4+ cell counts as well as information on highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) were noted.ResultsNo significant differences between HIV+ and HIV– individuals regarding the sero-prevalence of taeniosis-Ab (0.6% vs 1.2%), CC-Ab (2.4% vs 2.4%) and CC-Ag (0.6% vs 0.0%) were detected. A total of six NCC cases (3 HIV+ and 3 HIV–) were detected in the group of matched participants. Two individuals (1 HIV+ and 1 HIV–) presented with headaches as the main symptom for NCC, and four with asymptomatic NCC. Among the HIV+ group, TSOL was not associated with CD4+ cell counts, HAART duration or HIV stage.ConclusionsThis study found lower prevalence of taeniosis, CC and NCC than had been reported in the region to date. This low level of infection may have resulted in an inability to find cross-sectional associations between HIV status and TSOL infection or NCC. Larger sample sizes will be required in future studies conducted in that area to conclude if HIV influences the way NCC manifests itself.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-016-0209-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Assessment of Blood CD4 Count and Antibiogram Profile of Bacteria Isolated from HIV Patients

In this study, the blood CD4 count and the bacterial profile in the stool of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive individuals attending Antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic in a tertiary health institution in Ekiti State, Nigeria was investigated. In addition, the antibiogram of the bacterial isolates was also investigated. A total of 150 HIV patients was recruited for the study. Samples of their blood and stool were collected for the investigation. Their blood was used to determine their CD4 count using cytometry method while their stools were cultured on microbiological media and pure isolates were identified using standard microbiological techniques. The antibiogram of the isolates was determined using disk diffusion method. HIV negative individuals were used as control. The results showed that the CD4 count of HIV patients ranged from 5 to 1278 cells/mm3, while the most frequently encountered bacteria in their stool are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, Aeromonas sp, Enterococcus sp. and Lactobacillus sp. All these bacterial spp however are absent from the stool of the control subjects. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella typhi [6 (40% and 4 (26%)], Shigella species [7 (41%) and 5 (28%)], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [3(37.5%) and 4(50%)] were prevalent among patients with CD4 count level 200-350 cellmm3 and 200 cell/mm3 respectively but are statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The isolated bacterial spp., were resistant to most of the conventional antibiotics tested and the resistance was plasmid mediated in 95.2% of the isolates. This study shows the importance of investigating associated bacterial pathogens in HIV patients and evaluating the antibiogram profile of such pathogens before prescribing antibiotics to such patients in order to checkmate bacterial infections that may complicate the infection.

Hearing Loss and Quality of Life (QOL) among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Infected and Uninfected Adults.

ObjectiveResearch has established that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes hearing loss. Studies have yet to evaluate the impact on quality of life (QOL). This project evaluates the effect of hearing loss on QOL by HIV status.MethodsThe study participants were from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and the Women's Interagency HIV study (WIHS). A total of 248 men and 127 women participated. Pure-tone air conduction thresholds were collected for each ear at frequencies from 250 through 8000 Hz. Pure-tone averages (PTAs) for each ear were calculated as the mean of air conduction thresholds in low frequencies (i.e., 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) and high frequencies (i.e., 3000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz). QOL data were gathered with the Short Form 36 Health Survey and Medical Outcome Study (MOS)-HIV instrument in the MACS and WIHS, respectively. A median regression analysis was performed to test the association of PTAs with QOL by HIV status.ResultsThere was no significant association between hearing loss and QOL scores at low and high pure tone averages in HIV positive and negative individuals. HIV status, HIV biomarkers and treatment did not change the lack of association of low and high pure tone averages with poorer QOL.ConclusionAlthough we did not find a statistically significant association of hearing loss with QOL by HIV status, testing for hearing loss with aging and recommending treatment may offset any presumed later life decline in QOL.