Prevalence Of HIV Infection Research Articles

High-flow nasal oxygen in resource-constrained, non-intensive, high-care wards for COVID-19 acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure: Comparing outcomes of the first v. third waves at a tertiary centre in South Africa.

High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) is an accepted treatment for severe COVID-19-related acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure (AHRF). To determine whether treatment outcomes at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, during the third COVID-19 wave would be affected by increased institutional experience and capacity for HNFO and more restrictive admission criteria for respiratory high-care wards and intensive care units. We included consecutive patients with COVID-19-related AHRF treated with HFNO during the first and third COVID-19 waves. The primary endpoint was comparison of HFNO failure (composite of the need for intubation or death while on HFNO) between waves. A total of 744 patients were included: 343 in the first COVID-19 wave and 401 in the third. Patients treated with HFNO in the first wave were older (median (interquartile range) age 53 (46 - 61) years v. 47 (40 - 56) years; p<0.001), and had higher prevalences of diabetes (46.9% v. 36.9%; p=0.006), hypertension (51.0% v. 35.2%; p<0.001), obesity (33.5% v. 26.2%; p=0.029) and HIV infection (12.5% v. 5.5%; p<0.001). The partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2 /FiO2 ) ratio at HFNO initiation and the ratio of oxygen saturation/FiO2 to respiratory rate within 6 hours (ROX-6 score) after HFNO commencement were lower in the first wave compared with the third (median 57.9 (47.3 - 74.3) mmHg v. 64.3 (51.2 - 79.0) mmHg; p=0.005 and 3.19 (2.37 - 3.77) v. 3.43 (2.93 - 4.00); p<0.001, respectively). The likelihood of HFNO failure (57.1% v. 59.6%; p=0.498) and mortality (46.9% v. 52.1%; p=0.159) did not differ significantly between the first and third waves. Despite differences in patient characteristics, circulating viral variant and institutional experience with HFNO, treatment outcomes were very similar in the first and third COVID-19 waves. We conclude that once AHRF is established in COVID-19 pneumonia, the comorbidity profile and HFNO provider experience do not appear to affect outcome. What the study adds. This study adds to the body of evidence demonstrating the utility of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in avoiding invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with severe COVID-19 hypoxaemic respiratory failure, and shows that this utility remained consistent across different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.Implications of the study. In resource-constrained settings, HFNO is a feasible non-invasive alternative to IMV and can be employed with favourable and consistent outcomes outside traditional critical care wards. It also confirms that the degree of gas exchange abnormality, and not pre-existing patient-related factors, circulating wave variant or provider experience, is the main predictor of HFNO failure.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of HIV transmission risk behaviors, genetic variations, and antiretroviral (ARV) resistance in LGBT populations.

Currently, human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has become one of the major health problems worldwide, including Indonesia. East Java is one of the provinces in Indonesia with the highest prevalence of HIV infection. One of the causes of HIV infection transmission is lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) practice. Furthermore, the treatment using antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in HIV-1 patients can fail due to the presence of HIV drug resistance. The aim of this study is to identify the behavior at risk of HIV transmission among LGBT, patterns of genetic variation and antiretroviral (ARV) resistance. A systematic review and meta-analysis based on the PRISMA guidelines was conducted. We searched three databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google scholar for studies investigating the non-heterosexual behavior as risk factor of HIV infection and antiretroviral resistance. Only studies published in English are considered. The adjusted estimates of the risk were carried out using best-adjusted OR with 95% confidence interval (CI) and significant p value < 0.05. In the quantitative analysis of HIV infection risk factors, a total of 13 studies were included, which investigated non-heterosexual behavior as a potential factor. The studies involved a total of 37,129 participants, comprising 10,449 individuals in the non-heterosexual behavior group (LGBTQ+) and 26,680 individuals in the heterosexual group. The majority of the participants in this study were from the USA, Japan, China, and Brazil, and the main HIV subgenotypes were B and CRF. Additionally, the antiretroviral resistance of HIV patients was examined, involving a total of 3062 individuals, with 1296 individuals in the non-heterosexual behavior group and 1766 individuals in the heterosexual group. Our calculation showed that non-heterosexual behavior was significant as risk factor of HIV infection (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.94-2.43, p < 0.001) and antiretroviral resistance (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.00-1.71, p = 0.05). This study concludes that non heterosexual behavior is significant risk factor of HIV infection. A quite prevalent of antiretroviral resistance were found among non heterosexual behavior. The main subgenotype of HIV are B and CRF.

Prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections and high-risk behaviors among women referred to drop-in centers of Lorestan province, western Iran.

HIV, HBV, and HCV are known as the most common blood-borne viral infections worldwide. Individuals referring to drop-in centers (DICs) are considered as high-risk people exposed to infection with theses blood-borne viruses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections among women referred to DICs in the western province of Lorestan, Iran. During the present cross-sectional study, after obtaining informed consent and a questionnaire, two blood samples were collected from 118 women referred to Lorestan DICs to be evaluated for HIV, HBV, and HCV infections. Accordingly, the samples were first screened by using the most common serological methods, and then by Real Time-PCR to detect viral genomes. The results were analyzed using Chi-square statistical test and binary logistic regressions. Out of the studied 118 blood samples, 8 (6.8%), 4 (3.4%), and 10 (8.5%) subjects tested positive for HIV, HBV, and HCV infection, respectively. Furthermore, our study showed that 5 (4.2%) subjects were positive for HCV/HIV coinfection, and 3 (2.5%) cases for HBV/HCV coinfection. Moreover, our data revealed that incarceration and STDs were the most important risk factors for HIV (OR=15.27 (95% CI; 3.74 - 62.89); P value=0.01) and HBV (OR=16 (95% CI; 1.57 - 42.34); P value=0.018) infections, respectively. Our results suggest that women referring to DICs are at risk of infection with blood-borne viruses such as HIV, HBV, and HCV, due to risky behaviors. Thus, precise diagnostic testing and implementation of preventive methods against blood and sexually transmitted infections are urgent in these high-risk groups.

INFECTION PREVALANCE IN PATIENTS OF PESHAWAR, KP, PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDUs) in Peshawar, KP, Pakistan, shedding light on the socio-demographic factors associated with the spread of the virus. A total of 280 patients were purposively selected from Dost Welfare Foundation Hospital and its affiliated branches between April and July 2017. The research employed a comprehensive approach, gathering data on patients' detailed medical history, signs, and symptoms, incorporating age and weight parameters to ascertain HIV presence. Blood samples were meticulously collected and subjected to analysis using both Immune Chromatography Technique (ICT) and Enzyme-linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) for HIV detection. Results revealed a substantial 23.5% prevalence of HIV infection among drug users, with a notable higher prevalence observed among IDUs. Gender-wise disparities were evident, with higher prevalence in males, along with unmarried individuals and those grappling with poor socioeconomic status. This study underscores the urgent need for community-oriented awareness and educational initiatives targeting IDUs to mitigate the further spread of HIV infection. Additionally, the implementation of stringent protocols for the safe disposal of contaminated needles and the prevention of unscreened blood transfusions is imperative. The research advocates for a multifaceted approach, combining medical interventions with social and educational strategies to address the complex socio-economic factors contributing to the prevalence of HIV in this vulnerable population.

HIV epidemiologic trends among occupational groups in Rakai, Uganda: A population-based longitudinal study, 1999-2016.

Certain occupations have been associated with heightened risk of HIV acquisition and spread in sub-Saharan Africa, including female bar and restaurant work and male transportation work. However, data on changes in population prevalence of HIV infection and HIV incidence within occupations following mass scale-up of African HIV treatment and prevention programs is very limited. We evaluated prospective data collected between 1999 and 2016 from the Rakai Community Cohort Study, a longitudinal population-based study of 15- to 49-year-old persons in Uganda. Adjusted prevalence risk ratios for overall, treated, and untreated, prevalent HIV infection, and incidence rate ratios for HIV incidence with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression to assess changes in HIV outcomes by occupation. Analyses were stratified by gender. There were 33,866 participants, including 19,113 (56%) women. Overall, HIV seroprevalence declined in most occupational subgroups among men, but increased or remained mostly stable among women. In contrast, prevalence of untreated HIV substantially declined between 1999 and 2016 in most occupations, irrespective of gender, including by 70% among men (12.3 to 4.2%; adjPRR = 0.30; 95%CI:0.23-0.41) and by 78% among women (14.7 to 4.0%; adjPRR = 0.22; 95%CI:0.18-0.27) working in agriculture, the most common self-reported primary occupation. Exceptions included men working in transportation. HIV incidence similarly declined in most occupations, but there were no reductions in incidence among female bar and restaurant workers, women working in local crafts, or men working in transportation. In summary, untreated HIV infection and HIV incidence have declined within most occupational groups in Uganda. However, women working in bars/restaurants and local crafts and men working in transportation continue to have a relatively high burden of untreated HIV and HIV incidence, and as such, should be considered priority populations for HIV programming.

FMO-guided design of darunavir analogs as HIV-1 protease inhibitors

The prevalence of HIV-1 infection continues to pose a significant global public health issue, highlighting the need for antiretroviral drugs that target viral proteins to reduce viral replication. One such target is HIV-1 protease (PR), responsible for cleaving viral polyproteins, leading to the maturation of viral proteins. While darunavir (DRV) is a potent HIV-1 PR inhibitor, drug resistance can arise due to mutations in HIV-1 PR. To address this issue, we developed a novel approach using the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method and structure-based drug design to create DRV analogs. Using combinatorial programming, we generated novel analogs freely accessible via an on-the-cloud mode implemented in Google Colab, Combined Analog generator Tool (CAT). The designed analogs underwent cascade screening through molecular docking with HIV-1 PR wild-type and major mutations at the active site. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the assess ligand binding and susceptibility of screened designed analogs. Our findings indicate that the three designed analogs guided by FMO, 19–0–14–3, 19–8–10–0, and 19–8–14–3, are superior to DRV and have the potential to serve as efficient PR inhibitors. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach and its potential to be used in further studies for developing new antiretroviral drugs.

Low body mass index as a predictor of sputum culture conversion and treatment outcomes among patients receiving treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Lesotho

ABSTRACT Background A low body mass index (BMI) at the start of treatment for rifampicin- or multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) is associated with poor treatment outcomes and may contribute to delayed sputum culture conversion, thereby prolonging the period of potential transmission to others. Whether the relative importance of low BMI in predicting treatment outcomes differs by HIV status is unclear. Objectives We evaluated the association between low BMI and two dependent variables, sputum culture conversion and end-of-treatment outcome, among patients receiving treatment for MDR/RR-TB in Lesotho, a setting with a high prevalence of HIV infection. Methods Secondary data from a prospective cohort of patients initiating a longer (18–20 months) treatment containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid under routine programmatic conditions in Lesotho were analysed. Risk ratios and differences were adjusted for potential confounders using multivariable logistic regression, and estimates were stratified by HIV status. Results Of 264 patients, 105 and 250 were eligible for culture conversion and end-of-treatment analyses, respectively. Seventy-one per cent of patients (74/105) experienced culture conversion within six months, while 74% (184/250) experienced a favourable end-of-treatment outcome. Low BMI was associated with a lower frequency of culture conversion at six months among those who were not living with HIV (relative risk [RR]: 0.50 [95% CI: 0.21, 0.79]); this association was attenuated among those living with HIV (RR: 0.88 [95% CI: 0.68, 1.23]). A low BMI was moderately associated with a lower frequency of treatment success (RR = 0.89 [95% CI: 0.77, 1.03]), regardless of HIV status. Conclusions Low BMI was common and associated with the frequency of six-month culture conversion and end-of-treatment outcomes. The association with culture conversion was more pronounced among those not living with HIV. Addressing the myriad factors that drive low BMI in this setting could hasten culture conversion and improve end-of-treatment outcomes. This will require a multipronged approach focused on alleviating food insecurity and enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment of HIV and TB.

A cross-sectional study exploring the characteristics of female survivors of sexual violence living with HIV/AIDS in the eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Sexual violence remains a persistent and devastating issue in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To elucidate the sociodemographic, sexual, and obstetrical characteristics associated with the experiences of victims of sexual violence (VSV) among women in the region. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 625 women from eastern DRC. Participants provided self-reported data, collected through interviews conducted by trained female interviewers in secure environments. Associations between VSV and various sociodemographic and reproductive health factors were examined. Of the respondents, 26.1% reported experiences of sexual violence. VSV were predominantly younger, with 56.44% aged between 15 and 24 years. Single women comprised 57.67% of VSV, and 37.42% identified as farmers. There were 33.13% of VSV who were illiterate, and 81.60% belonged to the low socio-economic stratum. Early physiological and reproductive milestones characterised VSV: 52.15% experienced menarche at or before 13 years, 34.97% initiated sexual intercourse before age 15, and 18.70% reported their first pregnancy before age 15. Higher nulliparity was observed in VSV (29.45%) compared to non-VSV (9.31%). A lower prevalence of HIV infection was found among VSV (11.04%) relative to non-VSV (25.76%). Sexual violence in the eastern DRC exhibits multifactorial associations. Younger women, those in certain occupations, and those with specific reproductive histories appear more vulnerable. The findings underscore the urgency for targeted interventions, enhanced access to education, and improved reproductive health services. Addressing these pressing issues should remain a primary focus in both societal and public health spheres.

University students awareness about the problem of hiv infection (based on the example of Ural federal university named after the first president of Russia B.N. Yeltsin)

According to the Global Fund working group, both Russia and the Sverdlovsk Region are among the places with the highest prevalence of HIV infection. We conducted a study on the awareness of students about HIV infection as a result of the primary prevention process among students at the Federal State Educational Institution of Higher Education named after the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin (hereinafter referred to as UrFU). 336 students of different specialties and areas of training were interviewed (N=336). The data we obtained allowed us to reveal some results: the respondents mostly correctly indicated the ways of transmission of infection, the timing and places of examination, they know about the availability of treatment and the possibility of having healthy children, more than half of the students know the HIV status of the partner, while 70% do not know their current HIV status (more than 12 were examined for HIV infection months, the majority of respondents use preventive measures during sexual intercourse, the risk of infection in behavior has no gender characteristics, but is characteristic of young (21-25 years old) and more mature (40 and older) age and primarily for non-partners.

Prevalence of HIV in slums area: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a significant global health burden, particularly affecting vulnerable populations residing in slum areas which is characterized by overcrowding, poverty, and limited access to healthcare services, create an environment conducive to the transmission and spread of HIV. Despite the recognition of this issue, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the prevalence of HIV in slums. The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize the existing global evidence on HIV prevalence in slum populations.MethodsA rigorous systematic literature review was conducted by searching multiple electronic databases, including Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences, and Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), covering the period from January 1, 1990, to March 31, 2023. The quality and risk of bias for each included study were assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The pooled prevalence with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model with the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. The degree of heterogeneity among the studies was evaluated using the I2 test. Publication bias was also assessed using Egger's test. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential factors contributing to the observed heterogeneity.ResultsA systematic examination of the relevant literature resulted in the inclusion of a total of 22 studies for the purpose of this meta-analysis. These studies collectively assessed a sizable cohort consisting of 52,802 participants. Utilizing a random-effects model, an estimation of the overall prevalence of HIV in the slum area was determined to be 10% (95% CI: 7–13%). Further delineation through subgroup analysis based on the gender revealed a higher prevalence of HIV among women, standing at 13% (95% CI: 8–19%, 18 studies: I2 = 98%), as opposed to men, where the prevalence was found to be 8% (95% CI: 6–12%, 16 studies: I2 = 95%). A geographical breakdown of the included studies revealed that Africa exhibited the highest prevalence, with a figure of 11% (95% CI: 9–13%, 18 studies: I2 = 98%). Subsequently, studies conducted in the American continent reported a prevalence of 9% (95% CI: 7–11%, 2 studies: I2 = 57%). The Asian continent, on the other hand, displayed the lowest prevalence of 1% (95% CI: 0–3%, 2 studies: I2 = 94%). Notably, studies employing rapid tests indicated a prevalence of 13% (95% CI: 9–17%, 6 studies: I2 = 94%), while those relying on self-reported data reported a lower prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 5–11%, 6 studies: I2 = 99%). Moreover, studies utilizing ELISA reported a prevalence of 9% (95% CI: 6–12%, 10 studies: I2 = 96%). Finally, it was determined that studies conducted in upper-middle-income countries reported a higher prevalence of 20% (95% CI: 16–24%, 5 studies: I2 = 45%), whereas studies conducted in lower- and middle-income countries reported a prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 6–10%, 12 studies: I2 = 98%).ConclusionThe current study elucidates the troublingly high prevalence of HIV infection within slums area. Also, this finding underscores the urgent necessity for targeted and tailored interventions specifically aimed at curtailing the spread of HIV within slums. Policymakers must take cognizance of these results and devote their efforts towards the implementation of effective strategies to mitigate gender disparities, address poverty alleviation, and empower the inhabitants of these marginalized areas.

An Analysis of South Africa's Constitutional and UNCRC-imposed Obligations to achieve Children's Socio-economic Rights: A Critique

Children require specific protection due to their heightened vulnerability to human rights violations, which can be attributed to several factors such as economic adversity, racial tensions, and armed conflicts. The current situation in South Africa is characterised by a pressing and significant prevalence of severe poverty. The enduring effects of apartheid have contributed to a broad range of socioeconomic challenges inside our deeply divided country. Children are particularly impacted by these issues and experience immediate suffering as a result. In the Republic of South Africa, a significant proportion of the youth population experiences the distressing circumstance of living in poverty. It has been reported that a significant proportion, ranging from 60 to 75 percent, of the youth population in South Africa is experiencing impoverished living conditions. The prevalence of HIV infection and the consequential mortality rates due to AIDS among caretakers have a detrimental effect on the well-being of children. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) encompasses social, economic, and cultural rights under its provisions. Following the ratification of the UNCRC in June 1995, South Africa is legally obligated to implement the articles pertaining to the rights of children. The formulation and structuring of socio-economic rights and corresponding duties towards children under the South African Constitution were significantly influenced by the UNCRC. The interests of children in South Africa are effectively safeguarded through the provisions enshrined in the Constitution and the duties outlined in the UNCRC. This study assesses the extent to which South Africa has adhered to its constitutional and UNCRC-mandated responsibilities and commitments in order to achieve the socioeconomic rights of children Keywords: UNCRC, socio-economic rights, children, obligations, Constitution

The prevalence of HIV infection among blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The prevalence of HIV infection among blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Prevalence of HIV infection among transgender women and travestis in Brazil: data from the TransOdara study

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a prevalência do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) entre mulheres trans e travestis em cinco capitais no Brasil. Métodos TransOdara foi um estudo de corte transversal que avaliou comportamentos e a prevalência de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) entre mulheres trans e travestis em cinco capitais brasileiras, entre 2019 e 2021. Mulheres trans e travestis ≥18 anos foram recrutadas utilizando respondent-driven sampling, responderam a um questionário e fizeram testes rápidos para HIV e outras IST. O desfecho foi o resultado do teste rápido para HIV. Estimaram-se razões de prevalência ajustadas e intervalos de confiança de 95% por meio da regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. Resultados: No seu conjunto, esta população mostrou-se vulnerabilizada, com níveis elevados de moradia instável e no mercado de trabalho informal. Habitualmente, essas mulheres recorrem ao sexo comercial como sua atividade profissional principal. Metade delas receberam menos do que um salário mínimo, vivendo em condições desfavoráveis. A prevalência da infecção pelo HIV foi de 34.40%. No modelo final, as variáveis associadas com a prevalência do HIV foram: ter 31 anos ou mais, não estar estudando no momento da entrevista, estar desempregada e estar engajada em sexo comercial. Conclusão Foi identificada uma prevalência substancialmente elevada para o HIV entre as mulheres trans e travestis (em contraste com a prevalência baixa na população geral de mulheres brasileiras), sublinhando o contexto de vulnerabilidade desta população. Os achados indicam claramente a premência de intensificar e expandir o acesso à prevenção do HIV e da implementação de estratégias que interrompam o processo de discriminação vivenciado nos serviços de saúde e ofereçam serviços apropriados a esta população.

Street drugs associated with acute poisoning: description and analysis of differences in women attended in a hospital emergency department.

The prevalence of street drug abuse is difficult to establish in women because of stigma associated with the practice. The main objective of this study was to analyze possible differences between men and women in a sample of patients attended for emergencies due to acute poisonings. The secondary aim was to identify variables associated with severe poisonings defined arbitrarily as requiring intensive care for more than 12 hours after hospital admission. Retrospective study in 2 hospital EDs. We included patients over the age of 18 years attended for street drug poisonings between July 1, 2020, and July 31, 2023. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed. A total of 1032 patients were studied; 191 (18.5%) were women. The mean (SD) age was 35 years, and the prevalences of acute mental illness and HIV infection were high at 32.2% and 35.7%, respectively. Drug use was recreational in most cases (90.9%). Cocaine, alcohol, and methamphetamines were the substances most often used. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors associated with the seriousness of poisoning were age, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.03 (95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P = .003); HIV (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.29-3.41; P = .003); use of benzodiazepines (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.14-5.66; P .0001); and suicidal ideations (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.25-3.79; P = .004). Differences in poisoning characteristics in women were found, probably related to the younger ages of men in the sample and their higher frequency of alcohol consumption. Public health policies and campaigns to prevent drug abuse should take gender differences into consideration in order to adapt messages to the target populations.

Factors Associated with Poor Uptake of HIV Counselling and Testing amongst Adult Men at Health Facilities in Rustenburg Sub-district, South Africa

Background: HIV counselling and testing (HCT) is one of the ways of reducing the prevalence of HIV infection and ensuring that infected individuals receive appropriate care. Unfortunately, the uptake of HCT amongst males, aged 15 to 49 years remains low. Aim: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing low uptake of HCT amongst males between the ages of 15 and 49 in the health care facilities of Rustenburg. Methods: It is a cross-sectional descriptive study among 15- and 49-years males who visited 19 health facilities within Rustenburg using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Four hundred and forty (440) males (15-49 years) took part in the study with a response rate of 98%. Of this total, 39 (9%) had never been tested for HIV. Most (79.1%) of participants undertook HIV testing for health reasons. The results indicated that differences in age (males aged between 40 and 49 years) and employment status (employed men) translated to differences in the likelihood of one being tested and these two variables (age and employment status) were associated with knowledge as a factor in the acceptance and usage of HCT services. Knowledge about HCT services was significantly associated with acceptability and usage of HCT services (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Participants aged between 15 and 29 years were less likely to undergo HIV testing than other age groups. There is a need to encourage young people to undertake HIV testing since they are the most vulnerable age group.

Prevalence and Trends of HIV Infection Among Blood Donors in Republic of Congo from 2016 to 2022

Prevalence and Trends of HIV Infection Among Blood Donors in Republic of Congo from 2016 to 2022

Placental progesterone and its receptor in HIV-infected pre-eclamptic women

Given the high prevalence of HIV infection and pre-eclampsia (PE) in South Africa, this study evaluated and compared the placental immunostaining of progesterone (P) and progesterone receptors (PR) in the synergy of HIV-infected PE compared to normotensive pregnant women using immunohistochemistry interfaced with morphometric image analysis. Progesterone immunostaining was expressed widely across exchange and conducting villi within mesenchymal, endothelial, and trophoblast cells. In contrast, PR was expressed within syncytiotrophoblasts and was absent within endothelial cells. In exchange villi, P and PR immuno-expression was significantly lower in PE compared to the normotensive group (p = < 0.0001 and p = < 0.0001, respectively) and within the early-onset pre-eclampsia (EOPE) compared to the late-onset pre-eclampsia (LOPE) group (p = < 0.0001 and p = < 0.0001, respectively). Progesterone immuno-expression was significantly lower in the HIV+ compared to the HIV− group (p = < 0.0001), whilst PR was non-significant. In conducting villi, P and PR immuno-expression was significantly lower in the EOPE compared to the LOPE group (p = < 0.0001 and p = < 0.0001, respectively) and in the HIV+ compared to the HIV− group (p = < 0.0001 and p = 0.0009, respectively). Progesterone immuno-expression was slightly higher in the PE compared to normotensive group, and PR immuno-expression was non-significant. There was a significant difference between P and PR within exchange versus conducting villi regardless of pregnancy type, with villi type accounting for 34.47% and 15.28% of total variance for P and PR, respectively. Placental P and PR immuno-expression is downregulated in the duality of PE and HIV+ infection. The use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) may result in defective P synthesis, which causes insufficient binding to its receptors. Consequently, PI3K/AKT, JAK-STAT, and MAPK signalling pathways are affected, impairing trophoblast invasion and leading to pre-eclampsia development. Notably, the decrease in P and PR immuno-expression in EOPE validates their effect on placentation.

Correlates of prevalent HIV infection among adolescents, young adults, and older adult female sex workers in Ghana: Analysis of data from the Ghana biobehavioral survey.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection remains a high burden among key populations such as female sex workers in the world. We aimed to provide distribution of prevalence and correlates of Human immunodeficiency virus infection among adolescent, young, and older adult FSWs in Ghana. This data was obtained from the biobehavioral survey of female sex workers (2020) in Ghana based on a time location sampling approach for the selection of respondents. A sampling frame was developed taking into consideration list of venues, days, and time that sex workers operate across all the regions of Ghana. These lists were derived from a sampling universe which was obtained during a mapping exercise. All sex workers aged 16 years and above and eligible on the day of visit participated. Human immunodeficiency virus testing was done based on First Response and Oraquick. To obtain estimates for sex workers, sampling weights were calculated and applied to the dataset. Inferential analyses using Bayesian regression models were applied with interaction effects. A total of 5,990 participants completed both the biological and behavioral aspects of the study. The HIV prevalence among female sex workers in Ghana was 4.67% (CI: 4.05%, 5.40%). About 70% of the respondents who tested positive for Human immunodeficiency virus were among the older adults (= >25 years) group. Generally, there was a high prevalence variation across the 16 regions of Ghana, from 0.00% to 8.40%. Respondents' age was a significant contributor to the prevalence of HIV. Respondents who were forced into having sex had higher odds (38%) of being positive in the combined analysis. Respondents who had comprehensive knowledge of HIV had lower odds (39%) of testing positive. The findings suggest a low prevalence of HIV among sex workers in 2020 compared to the 2011 and 2015 biobehavioral survey results but higher than the general population. Specifically, older adults have a higher prevalence of HIV. There is generally low level of comprehensive knowledge among sex workers. Interventions geared towards increasing FSW knowledge on risky behavior should be vigorously pursued.

Characterization of HIV-1 CRF02_AG/A3/G unique recombinant forms identified among children in Larkana, Pakistan.

Co-circulation of different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 HIV-1 subtypes among infected populations can lead to the generation of new recombinants. In Pakistan, subtype A1 and CRF02_AG are the dominant strains circulating among key populations. The high prevalence of new HIV infections among the key populations highlights the possibility of recombination between the dominant strains, which can lead to the generation of new recombinants. Here, we identified a recombinant cluster composed of CRF02_AG, sub-subtype A3, and subtype G among HIV-infected children in Larkana. For the study, 10 retrospectively collected samples, with recombination signals in the pol gene, were used to perform a near full-length genome NFLG sequencing. Of the 10 samples, NFLG was successfully sequenced from seven samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the seven NFLGs showed that all recombinants formed a distinct monophyletic cluster and were distinct from known HIV-1 circulating recombinant forms CRFs. Recombination analyses showed that all seven NFLGs shared a similar recombinant structure consisting of CRF02_AG, sub-subtype A3, and subtype G, with a sub-subtype A3 fragment inserted into pol and vif regions spanning from (HXB2: 4218-5518), and a subtype G fragment inserted into vpu, rev, tat and env regions spanning from (HXB2: 5957-8250) of the CRF02_AG backbone. The identification of unique recombinant forms may indicate the presence and transmission of several co-circulating lineages in Larkana, giving rise to newer CRFs. This study also highlights the importance of continuous molecular surveillance to fully understand HIV-1 genetic diversity in Pakistan, particularly in Larkana, which is the epicenter of HIV outbreaks.

Forecasting trends in the tuberculosis epidemic situation using a simulation dynamic model

Introduction Sverdlovsk region still has a high prevalence of HIV infection and tuberculosis, which affects the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis measures. The new coronavirus infection for a number of years makes it necessary to redistribute the limited health care resources of the subject of the Russian Federation. This determines the need to develop science-based methods for analyzing and forecasting the development of the epidemic process in tuberculosis infection in the region.The aim of the work is to scientifically substantiate the method of forecasting the epidemic situation of tuberculosis on the territory of the subject with a set of municipalities with the construction of mathematical models and application of artificial intelligence.Materials and methods The source material for the study was statistical data obtained in 2007–2012 from state statistical reporting forms: Form No. 8 “Information about diseases with active tuberculosis”, Form No. 33 “Information about tuberculosis patients”, Forms 089u/tub, data from the Federal Register of Tuberculosis Patients, police registers of tuberculosis patients in health care institutions of Sverdlovsk region. Information processing was carried out using MS Excel, complex analytical tables of absolute values and epidemiological coefficients were compiled. Using artificial intelligence technology, a mathematical simulation dynamic model of the tuberculosis epidemic situation at the regional level and in the context of 63 municipalities of the Sverdlovsk region was developed.Results Comparison of the forecast values made in 2017 with the actual values of 2018–2021 revealed a reliable coincidence of the trend of movement of tuberculosis epidemiological indicators in the region, the maximum deviation was no more than 14.8 %.Discussion The proposed dynamic model made it possible to identify, reliably calculate and graphically display trends in the movement of the values of the studied characteristics of the tuberculosis epidemic process, despite the insignificant discrepancy between actual and forecast values.Conclusion The forecast results obtained using the simulation dynamic model can be used in practice for operational resource planning of resources for the implementation of measures to counter the spread of tuberculosis at the regional level.