Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pandemic Research Articles

Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Patients Co-Infected with HIV: A Review

Co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) interacts in fundamentally significant ways. Pathophysiological, clinical, and epidemiological evidence all support this connection. HIV-positive and HIV-negative TB patients differ in a few ways that could affect practical diagnostics. When immunosuppression increases, TB becomes more transmissible in nature and more challenging to diagnose using standard diagnostic methods. Better diagnostic methods should be taken into account as TB control measures since TB rates are rising in areas where HIV is widespread. It is necessary to create more approachable methods that can be modified for usage in high-burden and low-income nations. This review focuses on the challenges associated with detecting co-infection between HIV and TB, giving an update on existing diagnostic methods and describing potential developments in light of the HIV pandemic.

Shifting notions in matrnal health of Johane Masowe Chishanu of Chitekete, Gokwe, Zimbabwe

The study explores the maternal health delivery system of Johane Masowe Chishanu of Chitekete (JMCC), Gokwe in Zimbabwe. The Church is growing tremendously and has become popular, owing to its approach to maternal health. The study aimed to find out how the JMCC’s approach to maternal health relates to the biomedical delivery system. We wanted to find out how the JMCC handles this delicate balance in their search for maternal health services with a view to tapping from their experiences in recommending integration between the two systems. The study is both empirical and theoretical. It employs qualitative phenomenological exploration and, makes use of the existing literature on the JMCC’s approach to maternal health issues. The theory of changing beliefs and enduring faith underpinned the study. Past researches on African Independent Churches (AICs) in general tend to focus on how their beliefs and practices influence negative health-seeking behaviours. They have often concluded that AICs are through and through part of the problem in health matters and not part of the solution. The study explores the extent to which the JMCC is positively reinterpreting its beliefs and practices in order to handle the sensitive maternal health issues in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).Contribution: Researches have been conducted on maternal health systems and the pandemic of HIV and AIDS in apostolic sects in Zimbabwe in general, and the main focus has been on the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church. Little has been written on the Johane Masowe Chishanu’s (JMC) maternal delivery system, especially about the JMCC, Gokwe.

A Review of Basic Knowledge of HIV Infection for Orthodontic Management of HIV Patients.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes an infection affectingimmunity-providing white blood cells. The HIV pandemic is far from over and is a major socio-economical burden. As there is no cure yet, prevention of new infections is the major path to control the infection. There is a low chance of orthodontic procedures carrying a risk ofHIV infection transmission. It is important to have knowledge about the disease to effectively and safely treat known or unknown patients with HIV.

Knowledge, attitudes and experience of physicians working in Chile toward the prescription of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): A cross-national survey.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves administering antiretroviral drugs to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in at-risk subjects. Chile is considered one of the countries with the highest number of new cases per year of HIV infections. A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Chile. A questionnaire of physicians' attitudes toward the prescription of PrEP was used. 632 doctors responded correctly the survey. 58.5% (n = 370) were women, and median age was 34years (IQR 25-43). 55.4% (n = 350) responded that they have never prescribed antiretrovirals for HIV-negative individuals to prevent HIV infection, and only 10.1% have prescribed PrEP. 60.8% (n = 384) mentioned having informed about the possibility of using antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis in case of risky sexual activity. 76.3% (n = 482) believed each institution should formulate internal protocols for administering these drugs, and 98.4% (n = 622) stated that with the currently available evidence, PrEP should be suggested to cope with the HIV pandemic. It was concluded that knowledge, attitudes and experience toward PrEP prescribing are variable and related to patient care. However, Chile has a marked tendency in favor of this therapy, which is similar to that reported in studies worldwide.

HIV and COVID-19: A Tale of Two Pandemics.

In the last 5 decades, we have witnessed two major pandemics, AIDS caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the CoronaVirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergence of COVID-19 has raised many concerns for researchers, doctors, patients, and other institutions associated with HIV. A lot of debate has persisted on clinical outcomes, the use of antiretrovirals, and vaccines on HIV patients infected with COVID-19. This note attempts to present different aspects of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 across themes like SARS-CoV-2 coinfections in people living with HIV, the psychological impact, treatments, vaccination, etc. We highlight how learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic can help us in tackling the HIV pandemic.

Contribution of Sex Differences to HIV Immunology, Pathogenesis, and Cure Approaches.

Approximately 38 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2020 and 53% of those infected were female. A variety of virological and immunological sex-associated differences (sexual dimorphism) in HIV infection have been recognized in males versus females. Social, behavioral, and societal influences play an important role in how the HIV pandemic has affected men and women differently. However, biological factors including anatomical, physiologic, hormonal, and genetic differences in sex chromosomes can each contribute to the distinct characteristics of HIV infection observed in males versus females. One striking example of this is the tendency for women to have lower HIV plasma viral loads than their male counterparts early in infection, though both progress to AIDS at similar rates. Sex differences in acquisition of HIV, innate and adaptive anti-HIV immune responses, efficacy/suitability of specific antiretroviral drugs, and viral pathogenesis have all been identified. Sex differences also have the potential to affect viral persistence, latency, and cure approaches. In this brief review, we summarize the major biological male/female sex differences in HIV infection and their importance to viral acquisition, pathogenesis, treatment, and cure efforts.

A Reliable Murine Model of Disseminated Infection Induced by Talaromyces Marneffei.

Talaromycosis (penicilliosis) caused by Talaromyces marneffei is one of the most important opportunistic infection diseases in tropical countries of South and Southeast Asia. Most infections occurred in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the primarily reason for the increase in the number of the cases is HIV pandemic. The pathogenesis of T. marneffei infection is unclear. There is still no ideal animal model for studying talaromycosis. In this study, we developed a stable, safe and maneuverable murine model that mimics human T. marneffei disseminated infection using T. marneffei yeast intraperitoneal injected to BALB/c nude mice. We successfully observed symptoms similar to those seen in clinical patients in this murine model, including skin lesions, hepatosplenomegaly, pulmonary infection and mesenteric lesions. We further studied the pathological changes of various tissues and organs in the infected animals to help better understand the severity of the infection. This model may provide a good tool for studying disseminated infection induced by T. marneffei.

ABO blood groups and risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The last few decades have seen a pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. ABO blood groups are anthropological and genetic characteristics of a population whose associations with HIV infection are still controversial. This systematic review with meta-analysis was undertaken to investigate whether certain blood groups may have associations with HIV infection. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were systematically searched as of 6 September 2021. Grey literature was identified through screening Google Scholar, and reference lists of relevant studies. All observational studies providing data on ABO blood group distribution among HIV-infected and uninfected participants were included. Using a random effect model, risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to quantify this relationship. Fifty eligible studies with a total of 3,068,244 participants and 6508 HIV-infected cases were included. The overall analysis found that blood group AB increased the risk of HIV infection by 19% as compared with non-AB blood groups (RR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.03-1.39, p=0.02). Pooled estimates for other blood groups failed to reach statistical significance. Subgroup analyses identified a positive relationship between AB blood group and HIV infection within Asia, patient populations (as opposed to blood donors and general populations), studies with lower sample sizes, high-income countries and studies with a moderate quality score. The sequential omission and re-analysis of studies within sensitivity analyses produced no change in the overall pooled effect. In conclusion, this study identified that blood group AB carriers were more susceptible to HIV infection. Future investigations should be directed toward clarification of the exact role of ABO blood groups in HIV infection and the possible underlying mechanisms.

Natural Products with Inhibitory Activity against Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1.

Infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are considered one of the main public health problems worldwide. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the current modality of treatment for HIV-1 infection. It comprises the combined use of several drugs and can decrease the viral load and increase the CD4+ T cell count in patients with HIV-1 infection, thereby proving to be an effective modality. This therapy significantly decreases the rate of morbidity and mortality owing to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and prolongs and improves the quality of life of infected patients. However, nonadherence to ART may increase viral resistance to antiretroviral drugs and transmission of drug-resistant strains of HIV. Therefore, it is necessary to continue research for compounds with anti-HIV-1 activity, exhibiting a potential for the development of an alternative or complementary therapy to ART with low cost and fewer side effects. Natural products and their derivatives represent an excellent option owing to their therapeutic potential against HIV. Currently, the derivatives of natural products available as anti-HIV-1 agents include zidovudine, an arabinonucleoside derivative of the Caribbean marine sponge (Tectitethya crypta), which inhibits the reverse transcriptase of the virus. This was the first antiviral agent approved for treatment of HIV infection. Additionally, bevirimat (isolated from Syzygium claviflorum) and calanolide A (isolated from Calophyllum sp.) are inhibitors of viral maturation and reverse transcription process, respectively. In the present review, we aimed to describe the wide repertoire of natural compounds exhibiting anti-HIV-1 activity that can be considered for designing new therapeutic strategies to curb the HIV pandemic.

Basic knowledge among GP trainees regarding HIV pre- and post-exposition-prophylaxis.

Introduction:Preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is central to containing the HIV pandemic. For pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP), drugs approved in Germany are available. Basic information on this should be obtained from physicians in further training to become specialists in General Practice (GP) since they may have to deal with this topic of high relevance for the health of patients at risk and also the physicians’ health after a possible exposure in the professional context.Methodology:A multiple-choice questionnaire was handed out to doctors in further training in General Practice on seminar days of the Competence Centre for General Practice Saxony-Anhalt for an immediate answer.Results:Of the 109 doctors, 73 completed the questionnaire. A general high relevance of the topic HIV was stated by 95%. In contrast, 71% said it was relevant for family doctor activities. The knowledge questions on the prevalence were answered correctly for all questions with less than 40%; 21% stated that they knew the indication prerequisite for a PEP; 49% answered the question about the period of the highest efficacy of PEP correctly. PrEP as a drug option for prophylaxis is known to a part of the respondents, 79% would prescribe PrEP, 69% were in favour of a health insurance benefit.Discussion:The results show that the necessary basic knowledge about HIV is partly available. Basic knowledge on structured action in the fields of HIV testing, PEP and PrEP should be taught in a manner appropriate to the relevance of the topic in the context of the German general practice setting. Even a basic knowledge about PEP may help to ensure that the general practice teams receive proper measures after a possible exposition.

Battling against the twin pandemic of COVID-19 and HIV infection: World Health Organization

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to remain one of the most significant public health concerns at the global level. The emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted the access to HIV testing, treatment and care facilities. There has been a gradual decline in the number of newly diagnosed people who are started on ART and some of them have also been forced to discontinue their ongoing treatment. It is the need of the hour to continue the delivery of the essential services and this calls for the need to strengthen primary health care and overall health care delivery system. In conclusion, it is the need of the hour to intensify our efforts and continue our battle against the twin pandemic of HIV and COVID-19 infection. This will essentially depend upon multi-sectoral and multi-faceted efforts and all of us have to work together for prolonged periods of time.

Three lessons for the COVID-19 response from pandemic HIV

The HIV pandemic provides lessons for the response to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: no vaccine is available for either and there are no licensed pharmaceuticals for COVID-19, just as there was not for HIV infection in the early years. Population behaviour will determine the pandemic trajectory of COVID-19,1 just as it did for HIV.

Quinolone derivatives: Potential anti-HIV agent-development and application.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the largest and most devastating public health pandemics throughout the world. The global pandemic of drug-sensitive HIV and the increasing threat from drug-resistant HIV result in an urgent need to develop more effective anti-HIV candidates. Quinolone represents a significant class of privileged heterocycles, and its derivatives possess promising in vitro and in vivo anti-HIV properties. The 4-quinolone elvitegravir has already been approved for the treatment of HIV; thus, quinolone derivatives might be promising candidates with anti-HIV activity. This review emphasizes quinolone derivatives with potential anti-HIV activity, covering articles published between 1992 and 2019. The structure-activity relationship is also discussed to provide insights for further development of more active quinolone derivatives.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with TB/HIV Co-Infection at the General Provincial Reference Hospital of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background: The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) pandemic has been accompanied by an increase in the incidence of many opportunistic infections like tuberculosis (TB). Despite curative and preventive efforts and free treatment for TB -HIV co-infection, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains the fourth country in Africa where the prevalence of this co-infection remains very high. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that explain mortality in patients with TB/HIV co-infection at the Kinshasa Provincial General Reference Hospital in order to reduce the incidence of complications related to this century's pandemic.Methods: The survey was conducted at the General Provincial Reference Hoisptal of Kinshasa (GPRHK), Kinshasa, DR Congo. This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and November 2018, whereby medical files for patients suffering from TB/HIV co-infection were analyzed. The sample size was determined on the basis of the Fischer formula. Thus, one hundred and forty-four (144) files were selected and consulted. Data were collected based on a pre-established, standardized and anonymous questionnaire. This questionnaire was tested on a sample of 40 files subsequently validated. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the sample profile. The correlational analysis using the Chi-square association test (X2), the confidence interval of the Odds-ratio was performed between different variables. All data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Multiple regression analysis indicates that the main determinants of mortality in patients with TB/HIV co-infection are as follows: the main predictors of mortality from TB/HIV co-infection were, in order of importance, patients diagnosed with HIV (0.448; p0.05), patients treated with anti-tubercular drugs (0.231; p0.05). The clinical form of tuberculosis ( -0.032; p0.05) and the age of people living with HIV (0.038; p0.05) are not significantly associated with TB-HIV co-infection.Conclusion: The diagnosis of HIV infection in TB patients in the absence of anti-tuberculin prophylaxis, followed by the clinical form of tuberculosis coupled with poor compliance and significant immunosuppression are the major risk factors for mortality.

Comparative effects of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding HIV/AIDS among hospital orderlies in two Tertiary Hospitals

Background: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) pandemic is a major challenge that health care workers are faced with because of increased risk of infection. Despite the high risk of HIV infection among nursing assistants, less attention is currently paid to training this cadre of hospital staff to reduce the risk of infection. Objective: To assess the effect of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude and practice about HIV/AIDS among hospital orderlies in two tertiary facilities in Ogun State, South-west, Nigeria. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental, non-randomized, controlled group design which was conducted in three phases; a pre-intervention evaluation, immediate post-intervention evaluation and another evaluation three months post-intervention. Hospital orderlies were recruited (108 from the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu (OOUTH) as intervention group and 112 orderlies from the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta as controls). Results: Significant increase in the knowledge, attitude and practice of the intervention group determined by percentage score was recorded immediately after the training. In the control group, there was a decline in the attitudinal score but an insignificant increase in the knowledge and practice of HIV prevention. Three months post-intervention, further increase in the knowledge score and attitudinal score in the intervention group respectively compared to the pre-test scores ( 83.3% vs. 99.1% and 94.4% vs. 96.3%) were recorded. Conclusion: The study showed good knowledge of HIV and AIDS which further improved after the educational intervention. Therefore, the need for continuous training for the hospital orderlies is germane.

Pharmaceutical Approaches to HIV Treatment and Prevention.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection continues to pose a major infectious disease threat worldwide. It is characterized by the depletion of CD4+ T cells, persistent immune activation, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. Advances in the development of antiretroviral drugs and combination antiretroviral therapy have resulted in a remarkable reduction in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to effective suppression of HIV replication with partial recovery of host immune system and has successfully transformed HIV infection from a fatal disease to a chronic condition. Additionally, antiretroviral drugs have shown promise for prevention in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and treatment as prevention. However, ART is unable to cure HIV. Other limitations include drug-drug interactions, drug resistance, cytotoxic side effects, cost, and adherence. Alternative treatment options are being investigated to overcome these challenges including discovery of new molecules with increased anti-viral activity and development of easily administrable drug formulations. In light of the difficulties associated with current HIV treatment measures, and in the continuing absence of a cure, the prevention of new infections has also arisen as a prominent goal among efforts to curtail the worldwide HIV pandemic. In this review, the authors summarize currently available anti-HIV drugs and their combinations for treatment, new molecules under clinical development and prevention methods, and discuss drug delivery formats as well as associated challenges and alternative approaches for the future.

Knowledge and Awareness of MTCT and PMTCT Post-Natal Follow-up Services Among HIV Infected Mothers in the Mankweng Region, South Africa.

Background:The pandemic of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the most severe health challenge affecting children across the world. It is estimated that more than 90% of all HIV infections in children result from Mother-to-Child Transmission (MTCT). Poor knowledge and awareness of MTCT and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) among HIV positive mothers and their babies is a major setback to the success of the PMTCT programmes.Methods:A qualitative approach and a cross-sectional design were applied in this study. The sample size of the study was 26 participants. Purposive sampling was used to select HIV infected mothers enrolled for PMTCT follow-up services and health care providers responsible for the implementation of the PMTCT programmes. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen HIV infected mothers at two health facilities. Two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with eleven health workers at the two health facilities. Focus groups comprised of six participants from Mankweng Clinic and five participants from Mankweng Gateway Clinic.Results:The findings from the study reveal that the majority of the respondents were aware of MTCT, but lacked knowledge and understanding about how a mother can transmit HIV to her child during pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding. The majority of the participants did not understand the risk of MTCT after birth and failed to mention breastfeeding as a mode of transmission. However, most of the participants were aware that MTCT can be prevented. The respondents were aware of the importance of treatment adherence as a prevention measure to avoid MTCT.Conclusion:Based on these findings, a number of recommendations were made. The first is that educational and awareness programmes need to be developed or strengthened on health risks. Mass campaign media should provide information on the importance of PMTCT activities through the use of community radio stations, Television, newsletters, bill boards etc. People need to know more about PMTCT activities, health personnel need continuous training to provide clear information on PMTCT activities.

Cancellers - Exploring the Possibility of Receptor Decoy Traps As a Superior Anti-Retroviral Strategy.

The global Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pandemic is still spreading due to the lack of ideal anti-retroviral measures and their availability. Till date, all attempts to produce an efficient vaccine have ended with unsatisfactory results. The highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is the only effective weapon currently available and is widely being used for curtailing the HIV pandemic. However, the HAART is also expected to fail in the near future due to the emergence and dissemination of antiviral resistance. This review sheds light on the reasons for the failure of the conventional anti-viral measures against HIV and the novel anti-retroviral strategies currently being developed. The various principles to be considered for the success of a novel anti-retroviral strategy are elaborately emphasized and an innovative concept is proposed on these lines. The proposed concept intends to use receptor decoy traps (RDT) called cancellers which are erythrocytes expressing the HIV entry receptors on their surface. If successfully developed, the cancellers would be capable of active targeting of the free HIV particles leading to the trapping of the viruses within the canceller, resulting in the neutralization of infectivity of the trapped virus. The possible ways of translating this concept into reality and the probable hurdles that can be encountered in the process are subsequently discussed. Also, the scope of cancellers in therapeutic and/or preventive strategies against HIV infection is envisaged upon their successful development.

Tuberculous Lymphadenitis in South-Eastern Nigeria; A 15 Years Histopathologic Review (2000-2014).

Background:The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic has brought about a resurgence in tuberculosis (TB), especially in developing countries. Previous studies on TB lymphadenitis (TBLN) in South-Eastern Nigeria were done before the advent of the HIV pandemic making a review pertinent.Aim:To evaluate the role of TBLN as a cause of superficial lymphadenopathy in the post-HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) era of South-Eastern Nigeria.Materials and Methods:This is a 15 years (2000-2014) retrospective review of all superficial lymph node biopsies (SLNBs) received at the Department of Morbid Anatomy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria.Results:One hundred and seventy-two cases of TBLN were identified in this study constituting 14.6% (172/1,180) of SLNBs received at our Hospital's Morbid Anatomy Department during the 15 years period under review. Twenty-eight cases of TBLN were clinically screened for HIV, 23 of which tested positive, representing 82.1% (23/28) of clinically screened cases. Acid fast bacilli demonstration was positive in 15.1% (26/172) of cases using Ziehl-Neelsen stain. 48.8% (84/172) of TBLN cases were males, and 51.2% (88/172) were females with most (22) cases received in 2012 and least (5) cases in 2000. Most TBLN occurred in the 21-25 years age group with a total of 21.5% (37/172) of cases and a male to female ratio of 1:1.5 The most common biopsy site for TBLN was the cervical group followed by the axillary and inguinal groups with 73.8% (127/172), 14% (24/172), and 4.7% (8/172) of cases, respectively.Conclusions:There is a remarkable decline in the prevalence of TB lymphadenitis in South-Eastern Nigeria indicating a change in trend from the pre- to the post-HIV/AIDS era with slightly more females now presenting with TBLN and most TB lymphadenitis patients now presenting with associated HIV/AIDS disease. There is an urgent need to provide modern diagnostic facilities in our medical laboratories.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of HIV Infection/AIDS in Hospitalized Patients.

Introduction:More than three decades after recognition of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the United States, the pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has dramatically changed the global burden of disease.Aim:The main goal of this research is retrospective analysis of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 28 HIV infected patients, who were diagnosed and treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases in University Clinical Center Tuzla in the period from 1996 until the end of 2013.Subjects and Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed using the medical records of 28 HIV-infected persons. Two rapid tests were used for HIV testing: OraQuick Advance test, Vikia HIV1/2, Elisa combo test, HIV RNA test. AIDS disease was determined by using the criteria from WHO.Results:Among a total of 28 HIV-infected persons, 23 (82.14%) were males and 5 (17.86%) were females, with the male: female ratio of 4,6:1. In terms of the transmission route, a large proportion of cases were infected through heterosexual contact 19 (67.86%). At the time of the first visit, 16 (57.15%) patients showed asymptomatic HIV infection, 4 (14.28%) HIV infection with symptoms other than the AIDS defining diseases, and 8 (28.57) had AIDS. At the time of first hospital visit, the CD4 + cells count ranged from 40 to 1795/µl (conducted in 19 patients), and mean value of CD4 + cells was 365,31/µl, and mean HIV RNA titer was 287 118 copies/ml³. Of 28 HIV-infected persons 39 cases of opportunistic diseases developed in 12 patients (42.9%). In terms of the frequency of opportunistic diseases, tuberculosis (12 cases, 42.9%). Among a total of 28 HIV-infected patients, 6 (21.4%) of them died.Conclusion:This study characterizes the epidemiological and clinical patterns of HIV–infected patients in Tuzla region of Bosnia and Herzegovina to accurately understand HIV infection/AIDS in our region, in the hope to contribute in the establishment of effective HIV guidelines in the Tuzla region of B&H in the future.