Human Immunodeficiency Virus Serology Research Articles

Blood‐borne viruses in the haemodialysis‐dependent population attending Top End Northern Territory facilities 2000–2009

To describe the incidence and prevalence of blood-borne viruses (BBV) including: hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T-cell leukaemia virus type-1 (HTLV) in the haemodialysis-dependent population of the Top End of the Northern Territory (TENT). We retrospectively reviewed the serology of BBV in a longitudinal fashion in the haemodialysis-dependent population treated in the TENT of Australia from 2000 to 2009 inclusive. HBV, HCV, HIV and HTLV serology on commencement of dialysis and at exit or January 2010, whichever was earlier, as well as demographic details were collected. Patients with a change in serological status had all serology reviewed. Four-hundred and forty patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 84.3% were Indigenous and 55.4% female, with a median age of 50 (IQR 43-59) years at the commencement of haemodialysis. Evidence of past HBV infection was documented in 42.7% and 8.9% were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive. Positive serology for HTLV was documented in 2.2%, 1.6% were hepatitis C antibody-positive and no individual was HIV-positive. Three patients had a definite change in their HBV serology over time; this equates to an absolute seroconversion risk of 0.1 per 100 person years or 0.0006 per dialysis episode. In this cohort, there was a high rate of past and current hepatitis B infection but low rates of seroconversion while on haemodialysis.

A case of refractory rheumatoid pericarditis

A case of refractory rheumatoid pericarditis

Patient With a Rash, Abdominal Pain, and Weight Loss

A 49-YEAR-OLD MAN PRESENTS WITH RIGHT ILIAC FOSSA PAIN OF 36 HOURS’ duration. He reports loss of appetite, weight loss, and increasing lethargy over the preceding 10 months with intermittent constipation but no other symptoms. He describes asymmetric altered sensation in his distal lower limbs with left worse than right. The patient smokes, has a history of illicit amphetamine and cannabinoid use, and acquired tattoos in a correctional facility. Past medical history is remarkable for an idiopathic splenic infarction 6 months ago. On physical examination, he is cachectic and he has right iliac fossa tenderness and percussion tenderness. He has a demarcated, erythematous maculopapular rash across his torso and limbs (FIGURE 1). Neurological examination reveals an asymmetric lower limb sensory neuropathy. Laboratory findings include leukocytosis (whitebloodcells, 16 900/μL), elevated inflammatorymarkers (C-reactiveprotein,109g/L; erythrocyte sedimentationrate, 27 mm/h), elevated rheumatoid factor (269 IU/L), low C3 and C4 (0.24 and 0.05 g/L, respectively), and a low titer of atypical perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA),not selective foreitherproteinase3ormyeloperoxidase.Doublestranded DNA and extractable nuclear antibodies are negative. Cryoglobulins and serology for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are negative. Renal function is normal with normal urinary sediment. Abdominal computed tomographyrevealsmild thickeningof theascendingcolonandthepreviouslydocumented splenic infarction (FIGURE 2). What Would You Do Next?

Prevalence and virological profiles of hepatitis B infection in human immunodeficiency virus patients

To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with CD4+ T-cell count less than 500/mm(3) and without antiretroviral therapy; to describe different HBV-HIV coinfection virological profiles; and to search for factors associated with HBs antigen (HBsAg) presence in these HIV positive patients. During four months (June through September 2006), 491 patients were received in four HIV positive monitoring clinical centers in Abidjan. HIV-1 or HIV-1 and 2 positive patients, age ≥ 18 years, CD4+ T-cell count < 500/mL and formal and signed consent of the patient. Realized blood tests included HIV serology, CD4+ T-cell count, quantitative HIV RNA load and HBV serological markers, such as HBsAg and HBc antibody (anti-HBcAb). We performed HBeAg, anti-HBe antibody (anti-HBeAb), anti-HBc IgM and quantitative HBV DNA load in HBsAg positive patients. Anti-HBsAb had been tested in HIV patients with HBsAg negative and anti-HBcAb-positive. HBV DNA was also tested in 188 anti-HBcAb positive patients with HBsAg negative status and without anti-HBsAb. Univariate analysis (Pearson χ(2) test or Fischer exact test) and multivariate analysis (backward step-wise selection logistic regression) were performed as statistical analysis. Mean age of 491 patients was 36 ± 8.68 years and 73.3% were female. Type-1 HIV was found in 97% and dual-type HIV (type 1 plus type 2) in 3%. World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stage was 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively in 61 (12.4%), 233 (47.5%), 172 (35%) and 25 patients (5.1%). Median CD4+ T-cell count was 341/mm(3) (interquartile range: 221-470). One hundred and twelve patients had less than 200 CD4+ T-cell/mm(3). Plasma HIV-1 RNA load was elevated (≥ 5 log(10) copies/mL) in 221 patients (45%). HBsAg and anti-HBcAb prevalence was respectively 13.4% and 72.9%. Of the 66 HBsAg positive patients, 22 were inactive HBV carriers (33.3%), 21 had HBeAg positive hepatitis (31.8%) and 20 had HBeAg negative hepatitis (30.3%). HBeAg and anti-HBeAb were indeterminate in 3 of them. Occult B infection prevalence (HBsAg negative, anti-HBcAb positive, anti-HBsAb negative and detectable HBV DNA) was 21.3%. Three parameters were significantly associated with the presence of HBsAg: male [odds ratio (OR): 2.2; P = 0.005; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-3.8]; WHO stage 4 (OR: 3.2; P = 0.01; 95% CI: 1.3-7.9); and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level higher than the standard (OR: 1.9; P = 0.04; 95% CI: 1.02-3.8). HBV infection prevalence is high in HIV-positive patients. HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis and occult HBV infection are more frequent in HIV-positive patients than in HIV negative ones. Parameters associated with HBsAg positivity were male gender, AIDS status and increased AST level.

Comparison of HIV Antibody Detection by Conventional Method and Dried Tube Specimen: Stability and Validation Study for HIV Serology

ObjectiveTo compare Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) antibody detection by conventional method and serum dried in test tube; and to check the stability of dried tube specimen (DTS) at ambient temperature.MethodA total of 50 serum samples were tested for HIV antibodies, which were sent for testing in the state reference laboratory, by conventional method according to National AIDS Control Organization guidelines. The same serum samples were dried in test tubes and then after elution with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) again tested for HIV antibodies by same method and kits at 0 day and after 30 days.DTS eluted by PBS showed linear correlation to the serum samples. The antibodies in DTS were found to be stable at 37°C up to 30 days. This method is simple, sensitive and specific and can be used in resource limited settings embarking on scaling up of HIV testing.

Etiology of spinal cord injuries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Review. The aim is to highlight the epidemiology of spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in Sub-Saharan Africa in order to improve prevention strategies. University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium. Pubmed was searched over August and September 2010. A combination of the following MeSH-terms was used: 'Africa South of the Sahara', 'Spinal Cord Diseases', 'Paraplegia' and 'Spinal Cord Injuries'. Limits were set on articles published as from 1990. The World Health Organization database was also consulted. We obtained 243 hits of which 13 articles were relevant to the case. These papers covered seven countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In traumatic SCIs, motor vehicle accidents are the most frequent cause of injury followed by falling from a height and thirdly violence, being the most important cause of SCI in South Africa. In the Plateau State of Nigeria, collapsing tunnels in illegal mining are the most prevalent cause. For the non-traumatic SCIs, tuberculosis appeared to be the most important cause, followed by malignant illnesses. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology tests were only available in the article concerning Ethiopia. Relatively more men were involved in traumatic SCIs and the average age was higher in the non-traumatic than in the traumatic group. Although literature on the subject is scarce, prevention should focus on road-safety, tuberculosis and HIV. Standardized registration of SCI is needed for prevention and further research. The use of the current International SCI core data set should be encouraged worldwide as a uniform classification method.

Crusted rosacea-like demodicidosis in an HIV-positive female

To the Editor: In 2009 a female patient, 19 years old, presented with reagent serology for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); no treatment was given. Facial lesions appeared during pregnancy, 2 months after diagnosis of the HIV infection; they progressively worsened. She was given corticosteroids and antihistamines orally for a suspected allergic reaction, but her condition did not improve. She presented with pruritus and diffuse facial erythema, grayish crusted lesions, and adjacent papules and pustules (Fig 1, A).

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

La maladie de Kaposi iatrogène au Maroc en dehors du contexte de la transplantation

Kaposi's disease (KD) is a multifocal disease affecting the skin and viscera. KD can occur in an endemic setting: it may be associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or it may occur as a complication of immunosuppression, particularly of iatrogenic origin in transplant patients. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic profile and the course of iatrogenic KD in Morocco in a setting not involving organ transplantation.A retrospective study conducted at the dermatology department of the Ibn Sina hospital centre in Rabat, Morocco, covering a 21-year period and including 14 patients presenting histologically confirmed iatrogenic KD.Eight men and six women were included with a mean age of 56 years. All patients received corticosteroids, in combination with cyclophosphamide in three cases and with azathioprine in one case. The mean time to onset of lesions after the start of treatment was 16.5 months. The presentation in all cases was cutaneous. Impaired mucosal membrane was seen in 35.7% of patients, with visceral involvement being seen in only one patient. HIV serology tests were negative in all patients but HHV8 serology tests were positive in 78.5% of patients. Treatment consisted primarily of reduction or withdrawal of the immunosuppressant. The outcome was favourable in the majority of cases.In Morocco, KD is a rare but not exceptional complication of immunosuppressant therapy, particularly corticosteroids. The disease presented as a skin disorder in all of our patients, thus emphasising the value of regular follow-up and routine dermatological examination of patients on immunosuppressant therapy, and suggesting the value of screening for HHV8 infection before initiating such therapy.

Identification of Loss of p16 Expression and Upregulation of MDR-1 as Genetic Events Resulting from Two Novel Chromosomal Translocations Found in a Plasmablastic Lymphoma of the Uterus

To establish cell lines from the patient with plasmablastic lymphoma, who was immunologically competent including negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology, and analyze the unique chromosomal translocations seen in the cell lines in order to unveil the pathogenesis of this tumor, which had no evidence of Epstein-Barr virus involvement. Establishment of the cell lines was attempted by inoculating the patient's lymph node biopsy specimen subcutaneously to immunodeficient mice. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array and FISH analysis were performed to identify breakpoints of the two chromosomal translocations. Of the 4 candidate genes identified by FISH analysis to be involved in the translocations, reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and proliferation assay were performed to identify the exact genes involved. Analysis of the cell lines identified loss of p16 at the protein level by chromosomal translocation of t(9;13) and upregulation of MDR-1 by t(4;7). The cell lines expressing MDR-1 acquired resistance to chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin and doxorubicin, but not bortezomib. Expression of B lymphoid lineage marker genes of these cell lines was negative for paired box 5 (Pax5) or PR domain containing 1, with ZNF domain (PRDM1), but was positive for X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1). We established three novel cell lines of plasmablastic lymphoma. Characterization of the unique chromosomal translocation identified loss of p16 and upregulation of MDR-1 at protein level. Expression of Xbp1(s), which is involved in the maturation of plasma cells, corresponded to the plasmablastic appearance of the tumor. These cell lines may be a useful tool to understand the pathophysiology of the disease and to develop novel treatment strategies.

Clinical spectrum of neurosyphilis in North East India

Symptomatic neurosyphilis (NS) can have varied syndromic presentations: Meningitis, meningovascular and parenchymatous involvement. To evaluate the different types of clinical syndrome of NS in a tertiary care hospital. This was a study of clinical profile of 16 patients with NS, seen in between August 2008 and December 2010. There were 13 male and 3 female patients in the age group of 23-48 years. The clinical syndromes included: Neuropsychiatric syndromes (10), myelopathy (5), and posterior circulation stroke (1). Neuropsychiatric symptoms were dementia, behavioral abnormalities, chronic psychosis, and myelopathy syndromes included acute transverse myelitis (ATM), chronic myelopathy, and syphilitic amyotrophy. Thirteen patients had positive venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) and/or high Treponema pallidum hemagglutination titer in blood. Cerebrospinal fluid was positive for VDRL in 14 patients, raised protein was seen in 13 patients and lymphocytic pleocytosis was seen in 10 patients. Human immunodeficiency virus serology was negative in all the patients. Fourteen patients fulfilled the criteria of definitive NS and two of presumptive NS. All the patients except one received injection Procaine penicillin for 14 days. The patient with myelitis received a course of steroid, and one patient with associated hypothyroidism received thyroid supplement in addition to penicillin. On follow-up, dementia of short duration and ischemic stroke improved significantly and clinical status remained the same for ATM; others with mild symptoms improved with residual deficit. Syphilis can affect any part of the neuraxis. A high index of clinical suspicion is required to diagnose NS and institute the treatment early, particularly in patients with promiscuous sexual behavior.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma: A study of clinicopathological features and trend in western India

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is rare and accounts for 1-2% of all primary intracranial tumors (ICT). There are conflicting reports regarding the increased incidence of PCNSL over the last two decades in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. This study was designed to study the clinicopathological characteristics of PCNSL and to access the trend of PCNSL at our institute. All the histopathologically proven cases of PCNSL were reviewed from January 1997 to December 2009 (13 years). Immunophenotyping was performed on available paraffin-embedded tissue blocks. Immune status was evaluated and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was performed in all cases. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were recorded whenever available. Possibility of secondary involvement by a systemic lymphoma was excluded in every case. Statistical analysis was done using χ2 -test. During the study period (13 years), a total of 4715 cases of ICT were diagnosed, out of which 66 cases were PCNSL, which accounted for 1.4%. The age ranged from 10 to 75 years with a median age of 46 years. All the patients were immunocompetent. Frontal lobe was the most common site of involvement. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the histological pattern in all the cases. CSF involvement was seen in only one case. In this study, no significant increase in the incidence of PCNSL was found at our institute. Association of PCNSL cases with HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was not found in our study.

Prerequsite result of routine human immunodeficiency virus serology among infertile women before assisted reproduction technology

Background:Sexually transmitted diseases such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes or induces incurable fatal infections have been transmitted through Assisted Reproduction Technology and from infected mothers to the fetus or new born.Aim:The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of this chronic viral agent among infertile women recruited for Assisted Reproduction Technique programme in Benin City, Nigeria.Materials and Method:Sera (serum) from Five hundred and Ninety infertile women attending Human Reproduction Research Programme/In-vitro fertilization Center at University of Benin Teaching Hospital were screened for the presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibody using three algorithm or techniques of Determine, Unigold and Stat Pack kits. The age range of the infertile women was 20-49 years.Result:28 (4.7%) out of Five Hundred and fifty infertile women recruited for Assisted Reproduction Technique and screened for Human Immunodeficiency Virus antibody were seropositive with increase in prevalence of 10. 0%, 8.5% and 7.5% among infertile women in age groups of (20 – 24), (25 – 29)yrs and (30 – 34)yrs. Chi-square statistical analysis of data shows insignificance in seroprevalence rate in relation to the number of infertile women screened (P > 0.0001) but the screening of these infertile women for the presence Human Immunodeficiency Virus should continue due to the attendant effects.Conclusion:Infertile women who are Human Immunodeficiency Virus carriers give a new dimension to assisted reproductive techniques. This will no doubt help to prevent further spread and adverse pregnancy outcome.

&lt;i&gt;Penicillium marneffei&lt;/i&gt; infection in an African man

Penicilliosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by Penicillium marneffei. The infection is most commonly seen in Southeast Asia, Southern China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It is rarely seen among individuals of African descent. Here, we report a case of penicilliosis in an African man from Namibia who was studying in Malaysia. He presented with multiple umbilicated papules associated with cough, fever, loss of appetite, and weight. He also had urethral discharge and admitted to unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners. Histopathological examination of a skin papule showed the presence of multiple 2 to 4 microm intracellular yeast cells. Culture of the papule revealed Penicillium marneffei. The serology for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was positive. This case illustrates the need to recognize penicilliosis in any individuals staying or travelling to Southeast Asia and the need to look for underlying HIV infection in adults with umbilicated papules.

‘This medical student just gets sicker’

A 26-year old female medical student presented to hospital with a 2-week history of abdominal pain, fevers and vomiting. There was no history of smoking, alcohol, foreign travel or animal contact. Examination revealed hepatomegaly and temperature of 38°C. Initial blood results were haemoglobin 9.1 g/dl, white cell count 2.7×109/litre, platelets 130×109/litre, alanine aminotransferase 199 IU/litre, aspartate aminotransferase 62 IU/litre, alkaline phosphatase 247 IU/ litre, international normalized ratio 1.4, sodium 133 mmol/litre. Admission chest radiograph was normal (Figure 1a). Hepatitis screen showed prior infection with hepatitis A and cytomegalovirus. Human immunodeficiency virus and autoimmune profile serology were negative. On day 4 the patient developed a dry cough and hypoxia. Chest radiograph revealed basal pulmonary infiltrates (Figure 1b). The patient was treated for ‘atypical’ pneumonia with co-amoxiclav, clarithromycin and continuous positive airway pressure on the intensive care unit. Over the next 48 hours she deteriorated, requiring intubation and ventilation; teicoplanin was added. Computed tomography scanning showed patchy pulmonary air space shadowing, pleural effusions, ascites and normal pelvic images. Pleural fluid aspiration and drainage revealed transudate effusions and a bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage was performed. Exhaustive microbiology investigations of blood (including multiple serological studies for bacteria and viruses), CSF (&lt;1 white blood cell, glucose 3.8 mmol/litre, protein 460 mg/litre), urine, stool, sputum, nasopharyngeal aspirate, pleural and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid failed to identify an infectious cause for the patient's illness. She was extubated after 36 hours with complete resolution of chest radiological infiltrates. Lack of clinical improvement, persisting pyrexia, deteriorating pancytopenia and liver function tests prompted further investigation with liver and bone marrow biopsies. Ziehl–Neelsen staining of a liver biopsy (Figure 2) and bone marrow demonstrated the presence of granulomatous inflammation and acid-fast bacilli. Acid-fast bacilli were abundantly seen in under 5 minutes of starting histological inspection of tissue sections. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was confirmed by tissue culture, and found to be sensitive to rifampicin by the reference laboratory using rapid reverse hybridization. A good clinical response was seen with non-hepatotoxic anti-tuberculous therapy, including amikacin, ofloxacin and ethambutol, since standard therapy resulted in marked hepatitis. First-line antituberculous drugs were then gradually introduced. The patient made a full recovery with resolution of liver function tests and blood counts.

Nontobacco Substance Use, Sexual Abuse, HIV, and Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Street Children in Kolkata, India

A community-based cross-sectional study among 554 Kolkata city street children assessed nontobacco substance use and sexual abuses along with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during 2007, using conventional cluster sampling technique for “hard-to-reach population” with a field-tested questionnaire and the collection of a blood sample for HIV and syphilis serology testing as a composite indicator of STIs. The reported prevalence of nontobacco substance use was 30%; 9% reported having been sexually abused. Some factors (age, lack of contact with family, orphan children, night stay at public place, etc.) were documented to be associated with substance use and sexual abuses. Seroprevalence of HIV was found to be 1% and that of STIs was 4%. This 1% HIV seroprevalence in street children is a matter of concern. Community-based intervention is necessary for them. The study's limitations are noted.

Skin disease among human immunodeficiency virus-infected adolescents in Zimbabwe: a strong indicator of underlying HIV infection.

Southern Africa is witnessing the emergence of an epidemic of long-term survivors of vertically acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection presenting with untreated HIV as adolescents. Dermatologic conditions, common in both HIV-infected adults and children, have not been described in this age-group. We investigated the prevalence and spectrum of skin conditions in adolescents admitted to hospitals in Zimbabwe. A total of 301 consecutive adolescents admitted to 2 central Harare hospitals, underwent a dermatologic examination. Clinical history, HIV serology, and CD4 lymphocyte counts were obtained. Herpes simplex virus-2 serology was used as a surrogate marker for sexual activity. : A total of 139 (46%) patients were HIV-1 antibody positive, of whom only 2 (1.4%) were herpes simplex virus-2 antibody positive. The prevalence of any skin complaint among HIV-infected and uninfected participants was 88% and 14%, respectively (odds ratio: 37.7, 95% confidence interval: 19.4-72). The most common HIV-related conditions were pruritic papular eruptions (42%) and plane warts >5% of body area (24%). Having 3 or more skin conditions, a history of recurrent skin rashes and angular cheilitis were each associated with CD4 counts <200 cells/microL (P < 0.03, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively). Skin disease was a common and striking feature of underlying HIV-infection in hospitalized HIV-infected adolescents in Zimbabwe. In resource-poor settings with maturing epidemics, the presence of skin disease should be regarded as a strong indication for HIV testing and especially as it may reflect advanced immunosuppression. The high frequency of multiple plane warts has not previously been described, and may be a feature that distinguishes vertically-infected from horizontally-infected adolescents.

Sevoflurane Hepatotoxicity: A Case Report of Sevoflurane Hepatic Necrosis and Review of the Literature

Sevoflurane, a halogenated anesthetic, is associated with mild aminotransferase elevations but does not tend to cause clinically significant hepatotoxicity. We report a rare case of severe hepatic necrosis following exposure to sevoflurane during surgery. A 37-year-old man presented with nausea,vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice on the third postoperative day after an abdominal wall mass resection. Laboratory tests showed markedly elevated aminotransferase levels, hyperbilirubinemia, and coagulopathy. His viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serologies were negative for acute infection, and his Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serologies were suggestive of recent EBV infection and remote CMV infection. Antinuclear antibody and anti-smooth muscle antibody screens were negative. Ceruloplasmin and serum copper values were in the normal range. The histopathological findings included an acute centrilobular cholestatic hepatocellular injury compatible with the clinical history of acute drug-induced hepatotoxicity. The patient improved with conservative management. Unlike other halogenated anesthetics, proposed mechanisms of sevoflurane hepatotoxicity include production of compound A, increased cytosolic free Ca(2+), and activation of free radical metabolizing enzymes. The patient was likely susceptible to toxicity due to an underlying EBV infection and a probable history of exposure to halogenated anesthetics. Sevoflurane is generally considered to be relatively safe for subjects with mild liver dysfunction, in comparison with other halogenated anesthetics. However, this case suggests that sevoflurane can lead to severe life-threatening hepatic necrosis in at-risk individuals.

Hepatitis C virus prevalence and serotypes associated with HIV in The Gambia

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) serotypes are important in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HCV-related disease, but little is known of this connection in West Africa. Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HCV and its serotypes associated with HIV in The Gambia. A total of 1500 individuals referred to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital for HIV serology between July and December, 2002 were screened for antibodies to HIV and subsequently for HCV, and seropositive samples were typed. This study shows HIV and HCV prevalence of 6.7% and 1.6 %, respectively, with a co-infection rate of 0.6%. Serotype 2 showed the highest prevalence (58.1 %), followed by serotype 1 (19.4%). Prevalence of HCV serotype 3 was 6.5 % and five samples were untypeable. Co-infection of HIV-1 with HCV serotype 1 showed a prevalence of 44.4%, and with HCV serotype 2 of 33.3%. The findings support the evidence to suggest the West African subregion as the origin of HCV serotype 2. It also demonstrates the need for routine HCV screening of HIV-infected persons and blood donations, and calls for further studies to elucidate the sources of the HCV virus.

Assessment of inhibition/growth-promoting properties of new agents on moulds: description of a simple bio-imaging technique

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) serotypes are important in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of HCV-related disease, but little is known of this connection in West Africa. Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HCV and its serotypes associated with HIV in The Gambia. A total of 1500 individuals referred to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital for HIV serology between July and December, 2002 were screened for antibodies to HIV and subsequently for HCV, and seropositive samples were typed. This study shows HIV and HCV prevalence of 6.7% and 1.6 %, respectively, with a co-infection rate of 0.6%. Serotype 2 showed the highest prevalence (58.1 %), followed by serotype 1 (19.4%). Prevalence of HCV serotype 3 was 6.5 % and five samples were untypeable. Co-infection of HIV-1 with HCV serotype 1 showed a prevalence of 44.4%, and with HCV serotype 2 of 33.3%. The findings support the evidence to sugg...