Risk Factors For Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Research Articles

A comparative analysis of blood-borne infections among sickle cell anemia patients and first-time donors in Gabon

Managing sickle cell disease often requires transfusions, exposing multi-transfused sickle cell patients to a heightened risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in multi-transfused sickle cell patients and first-time donors in Libreville. The serological testing for HBsAg, anti-HIV, and anti-HCV antibodies was conducted using commercial enzyme immunoassays and confirmed by the COBAS modular analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). The seroprevalence of HIV, HCV antibodies, and HBsAg was 4%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, in multi-transfused sickle cell patients and 5%, 0%, and 8% in first-time donors. Interestingly, HIV and HBsAg seroprevalence were similar in both groups, indicating that transfusion was not associated with these infections. However, HCV antibody seroprevalence was significantly higher in multi-transfused sickle cell patients than in first-time donors (10% vs. 0%, p<0.001). Furthermore, the presence of anti-HCV antibodies in multi-transfused sickle cell patients was significantly associated with the number of donations received (7.20±2.37 vs. 3.96±2.06, p=0.042). These findings suggest that while blood transfusion is not a significant risk factor for HIV and HBsAg transmission, it may increase the risk of HCV transmission, particularly in multi-transfused sickle cell patients.

Egocentric Networks and HIV in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women Attending Antenatal Care in Lusaka, Zambia

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a disproportionate effect on pregnant and breastfeeding women in sub-Saharan Africa. This study used egocentric social network analysis (SNA) to compare the social and sexual networks of HIV-negative and HIV-positive women attending an antenatal care (ANC) clinic in Lusaka, Zambia. In order to assess risk and protective factors for HIV acquisition and transmission, variables included self (ego) sociodemographic characteristics, main partner characteristics, features of the relationship between ego and her main partner, alter attributes, alter-ego ties, and alter-alter ties. Associations between the independent variables and ego HIV status were identified using bivariate tests. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between predictors and ego HIV status when multiple variables were included in the same model. Overall, 219 participating women (69 HIV-positive, 150 HIV-negative) nominated 1095 alters. Compared to HIV-negative egos, HIV-positive egos were older, had main partners who were more likely to consume alcohol before sex, disclosed their HIV status to fewer alters, had fewer alters with whom they had daily interactions, and had more alters who were HIV-positive or HIV-unknown. Number of alters who were HIV-positive or HIV-unknown and non-disclosure of HIV status were the greatest risks (with the effect of HIV-positive or HIV-unknown being of a slightly greater magnitude than non-disclosure of HIV status), which places breastfeeding women, their partners and their infants at risk of preventable HIV infection.

Prevalence and Intensity of Schistosoma mansoni Infection and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Patients with and without HIV at Chuahit Health Center, Dembia District, Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundHuman Immunodeficiency Virus-1/AIDS and Schistosoma mansoni are widely spread in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia and the co-infection is also prevalent, occurs commonly. Schistosoma mansoni infection has been suggested to be a risk factor for HIV transmission and progression. This study aims to assess the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma mansoni infection and associated risk factors among individuals with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at Chuahit Health Center, West Dembia, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2019. Two hundred sixty-six study subjects were included in the study by using a systemic and convenient sampling technique. Pretested structured questionnaire was employed to collect data. Single stool samples were collected and examined for S. mansoni eggs. Finger prick and venous blood samples were collected for HIV-1 screening and viral load count. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the mean of egg counts with HIV status and viral load counts, respectively. A P-value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection was 41 (15.4%) and 162.24 egg per gram of faeces (EPG), respectively. Prevalence of S. mansoni was higher in seronegative study participants though the difference is statistically insignificant. Higher intensity of infection was observed among seropositive study participants with high viral load counts (>1000 copies/mL).ConclusionRelatively higher prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection were found. Study participants’ occupation was identified as potential risk factor to S. mansoni infection. Further studies are needed to know the impact of HIV on the prevalence and intensity of S. mansoni infection in the study area.

Personal and Lifestyle Determinants of HIV Transmission Risk in Spanish University Students.

The increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission cases poses a serious public health concern. Although several previous studies have been conducted with the aim of identifying the risk factors for HIV transmission, the number of cases has been increasing, especially in youth. The present study is aimed at the identification of personal and lifestyle determinants of HIV transmission risk in a sample of 335 Spanish university students selected by convenience sampling from a public university located in Alicante (Spain). Sociodemographic factors, lifestyles, and variables of HIV risk of transmission were evaluated. Group differences on risk of HIV transmission were evaluated between participants depending on their sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, relationship status, employment status, economic status, and sexual orientation) and lifestyle (diet, physical exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress). Linear regression models were conducted in order to identify those personal and lifestyle variables related to HIV transmission risk. The obtained results indicate that, generally, being older, in a relationship, and employed were factors related to a high risk of HIV transmission. Regarding lifestyle, poor diet, lower intensity of physical exercise, higher alcohol intake, and smoking were fundamentally associated with a higher risk of HIV transmission, through lower use of condoms and higher frequency of risky sexual behaviors. Hence, participants who develop an unhealthy lifestyle exhibit twice the probability of being at a high risk of HIV transmission, especially regarding these previously indicated behaviors. The present study points out the relevance of sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyles of university students in their proneness to developing risky behaviors for HIV infection. Future studies should be developed with larger, randomized, and more representative samples, in order to obtain significant information for the development of effective preventive strategies oriented toward the increase in the adherence to healthy lifestyles and HIV prevention.

Patterns of high-risk behaviors associated with HIV among male prisoners: A latent class analysis.

Background: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most important health challenges worldwide. Moreover, the prevalence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection differs among Iranian prisoners and the general population. The present study aimed to identify the patterns of HIV-related high-risk behaviors in male prisoners. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2832 inmates were examined for HIV-related high-risk behaviors. The required data were collected using a questionnaire on high-risk behaviors, including a history of heterosexual and homosexual intercourse, and a history of drug use disorders. A Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was performed to analyze the obtained data in WinLTA software. Results: Five latent classes were defined for the male prisoners, as follows: low-risk (20%), moderate-risk (23%), Injection Drug Use (IDU) (8%), heterosexual intercourse/methamphetamine use (38%), and high-risk (11%). The LCA results revealed that high-risk sexual behaviors, IDU, and sharing injection equipment in prisons significantly influence the classification. The obtained data suggested that a history of imprisonment was not frequent in class 2 (OR=1.0033, %95CI:0.9936–1.01) and class 4 members (OR=1.0053, %95CI:0.9929–1.0179). However, it was more prevalent in class 3 (OR=1.0164, %95CI:1.0068–1.0262), and 5 (OR=1.0211, %95CI:1.0129–1.0293). Heterosexual contact had the highest prevalence (75%) in this regard. The results showed that the lowest prevalence of high-risk behaviors was associated with morphine use (0.3%). Among illicit drugs, methamphetamine was the most prevalent drug (42%) in the studied subjects. Conclusion: The present study indicated a high prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors and methamphetamine use in the investigated participants. We observed the co-occurrence of HIV-related high-risk behaviors in male prisoners. Thus, providing safe sex education for prisoners is highly recommended. It is also necessary to pursue care programs about IDU as a key risk factor for HIV transmission in prisons.

Transient Immune Activation in BCG-Vaccinated Infant Rhesus Macaques Is Not Sufficient to Influence Oral Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

BCG vaccination has been demonstrated to increase levels of activated CD4+ T cells, thus potentially influencing mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To assess the risk of BCG vaccination in HIV infection, we randomly assigned newborn rhesus macaques to receive BCG vaccine or remain unvaccinated and then undergo oral simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) challenges 3 weeks later. We observed elevated levels of activated peripheral CD4+ T cells (ie, HLA-DR+CD38+CCR5+ CD4+ T cells) by week 3 after vaccination. BCG was also associated with an altered immune gene expression profile, as well as with monocyte activation in both peripheral blood and the draining axillary lymph node, indicating significant BCG vaccine-induced immune activation. Despite these effects, BCG vaccination did not increase the rate of SIV oral transmission or disease progression. Our findings therefore identify patterns of T-cell and monocyte activation that occur after BCG vaccination but do not support the hypothesis that BCG vaccination is a risk factor for postnatal HIV transmission or increased pathogenesis in infants.

Sero-epidemiology and risk factors of syphilis in Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners. Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections. Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease. Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM. Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.

The Correlation between HIV/AIDS Positive Pregnant Mother with Infant APGAR Score in RSD dr. Soebandi Jember

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that decreased immunity and a set symptoms of diseases called Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). One of the major risk factors for HIV transmission is perinatal transmission about 2.8% during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. HIV positive mothers have a potential to give birth infants with low APGAR. APGAR Score was used as a reference to determine asphyxia in the first and fifth minutes of life. The purpose of this research were to determine the correlation between HIV/AIDS positive pregnant mother with infant APGAR Score and to determine the other factors that affect the infant APGAR Score in RSD dr. Soebandi Jember. This research used observational analytic survey method with cross sectional design using medical record of HIV positive and negative pregnant women from August 2014-July 2017 in RSD dr. Soebandi Jember as a subject that qualify the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This research used case group sampling technique by total sampling and control group by simple random sampling each 52 samples. Test result of the correlation between HIV/AIDS positive pregnant mother with infant APGAR Score using Chi-Square test obtained p value=1.000 (OR=1.13) that means there was no significant correlation. Test result of the correlation between the other factors that affect infant APGAR Score concluded that there were no significant correlation.
 Keywords: pregnant mother, HIV/AIDS, APGAR Score, infant

Alcohol Use and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Current Knowledge, Implications, and Future Directions.

Alcohol use is common among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this narrative review, we describe literature regarding alcohol's impact on transmission, care, coinfections, and comorbidities that are common among people living with HIV (PLWH), as well as literature regarding interventions to address alcohol use and its influences among PLWH. This narrative review identifies alcohol use as a risk factor for HIV transmission, as well as a factor impacting the clinical manifestations and management of HIV. Alcohol use appears to have additive and potentially synergistic effects on common HIV-related comorbidities. We find that interventions to modify drinking and improve HIV-related risks and outcomes have had limited success to date, and we recommend research in several areas. Consistent with Office of AIDS Research/National Institutes of Health priorities, we suggest research to better understand how and at what levels alcohol influences comorbid conditions among PLWH, to elucidate the mechanisms by which alcohol use is impacting comorbidities, and to understand whether decreases in alcohol use improve HIV-relevant outcomes. This should include studies regarding whether state-of-the-art medications used to treat common coinfections are safe for PLWH who drink alcohol. We recommend that future research among PLWH include validated self-report measures of alcohol use and/or biological measurements, ideally both. Additionally, subgroup variation in associations should be identified to ensure that the risks of particularly vulnerable populations are understood. This body of research should serve as a foundation for a next generation of intervention studies to address alcohol use from transmission to treatment of HIV. Intervention studies should inform implementation efforts to improve provision of alcohol-related interventions and treatments for PLWH in healthcare settings. By making further progress on understanding how alcohol use affects PLWH in the era of HIV as a chronic condition, this research should inform how we can mitigate transmission, achieve viral suppression, and avoid exacerbating common comorbidities of HIV and alcohol use and make progress toward the 90-90-90 goals for engagement in the HIV treatment cascade.

Does Awareness of Status and Risks of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Impact Risky Transmission Behavior Among Infected Adolescents? A Case Study of Clients Attending an Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Clinic in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria.

Background:Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adolescents by virtue of their position are prone to dangerous behaviors including risk-taking for HIV transmission.Objective:To determine the awareness of HIV status and risk factors for HIV transmission among HIV-positive adolescents, and how these impact their behavior.Materials and Methods:A case study approach was used to study a random sample of 400 HIV-positive adolescent children attending an antiretroviral (ART) clinic in Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 computer statistical software.Result:The mean age of the adolescents was 14.9 ± 3.15 years. The majority were females (54.8%) from a polygamous family (57.5%). About two-thirds or 251 (62.8%) patients knew their HIV status. The age of 14 years and above (z = 11.36, P = 0.0001) and having at least secondary school level of education (z = 2.78, P = 0.005) were significantly associated with awareness of HIV status on binary logistic regression. Up to 311 (77.8%) patients had good awareness of the risks of HIV transmission. Awareness of risk of HIV transmission was associated with awareness of HIV status (X2 = 166.2, P = 0.0001). There was a significant variation in the behaviors between those who were aware of their HIV status and those who were not. Paradoxically, the percentage differences in risk-taking were remarkably high in all the variables examined, and were all in the direction of the adolescents who had good knowledge of the risk factors for HIV transmission.Conclusion and Recommendation:Health ministries, development partners working in this field, and behavioral change communication experts should develop formidable strategies for addressing this menace. There is also a dire need for further research in this area.

Programmatic Implications of Acute and Early HIV Infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection includes acute, early, chronic, and late stages. Acute HIV infection lasts approximately 3 weeks and early HIV infection, which includes acute HIV infection, lasts approximately 7 weeks. Many testing and blood screening algorithms detect HIV antibodies about 3 weeks after HIV infection. Incidence estimates are based on results of modeling, cohort studies, surveillance, and/or assays. Viral load is the key modifiable risk factor for HIV transmission and peaks during acute and early HIV infection. Empirical evidence characterizing the impact of acute and early HIV infection on the spread of the HIV epidemic are limited. Time trends of HIV prevalence collected from concentrated and generalized epidemics suggest that acute and early HIV infection may have a limited role in population HIV transmission. Collectively, these data suggest that acute and early HIV infection is relatively short and does not currently require fundamentally different programmatic approaches to manage the HIV/AIDS epidemic in most settings. Research and surveillance will inform which epidemic contexts and phases may require tailored strategies for these stages of HIV infection.

Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus Information: The Challenges of Hearing-Impaired Adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Adolescents with hearing impairments have similar sexual risk exposures as their hearing counterparts, yet their sexual information needs are often ignored. This paper examines the disparities in information about the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection among hearing and hearing-impaired adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria using a comparative cross-sectional survey design. Results showed that awareness about HIV was significantly lower among hearing-impaired adolescents. Most of them did not even know how HIV was transmitted, while many believed that HIV was transmitted through mosquito bites or by eating together or sharing utensils. Only a few understood that unprotected sex was a major risk factor for HIV transmission. Similarly, most of them did not know how HIV could be prevented. Their HIV risk perception for was equally low as only a third had ever tested for HIV compared to two-thirds of their hearing counterparts. The results of the study suggests that significant differences in HIV information and knowledge exists between hearing and hearing-impaired adolescents in Nigeria. The gap is attributed to lack of sexuality and HIV-specific education for adolescents with disabilities, thus unduly exposing them to avoidable HIV risk. It is therefore crucial for adaptation of disability friendly learning strategies that forms an integral part of the Family Life and HIV and AIDS Education curriculum. Equally important is special training for sign language teachers in order to correctly interpret HIV and AIDS information to adolescents using the sign language grammar, syntaxes and communication concepts.

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) – experience of two AIDS centers from Romania

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection decreased in the last years due to the implementation of: HIV testing, antiretroviral (ARV) medications, delivery by cesarean section and discouraging breastfeeding. In Romania, pregnant women could acquire HIV infection as adults or could have a long history of disease and ARV treatment (ART), belonging at the Romanian cohort. Aim: to evaluate the risk factors for HIV transmission from mother-to-child during pregnancy and delivery. Retrospective study based on patients’ electronic medical records files and AIDS database (Cluj and Mures AIDS Center) of all children born by HIV infected women during Jan 2008 to Dec 2013 for risk factors of HIV transmission. We evaluated women for related risk factors: age, AIDS stage, Romanian cohort membership, plasma viral load during pregnancy, HAART treatment during pregnancy, mode of delivery, infant ART prophylaxis. Statistical analysis was performed with chi square test and multiple regression. 54 newborns were born by 45 HIV infected women during the study period, 8 (14.81%) of them being diagnosed with HIV infection. The women’s average age was 23.82 (min 18, max 38), 29 women belonged to the Romanian cohort. The AIDS stage was: A for 12 patients, B for 19 patients and C for 23 patients. 6 out of 45 women (13.33%) didn’t receive ART during pregnancy, being diagnosed during labor. Plasma viral load during pregnancy was determined for 36 women: undetectable for 8 women, less than 400 copies/mL for 5 women and more than 400 copies/mL for 23 patients. Delivery was with elective caesarean section for 47 newborns (87.03%). Infant ART prophylaxis was administered in 48 newborns (88.88%). The risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission was significantly lower with: ART during pregnancy (p<0.001) not important of ARV association, cesarean section (p<0.001) and infants’ ART prophylaxis (p=0.03). The risk of mother-to child HIV infection is high in Romania; the percent of women not tested for HIV infection during pregnancy is low; the risk of HIV infection transmission was significantly lowered by ART during pregnancy and in infant, as prophylaxis, and by elective caesarean section.

Intimate Partner Violence and the CDC's Best‐Evidence HIV Risk Reduction Interventions

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent health burden in the United States and is a risk factor for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission. Despite the association between IPV and HIV risk, IPV is often omitted from HIV prevention research and interventions. This review analyzes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's best-evidence HIV risk reduction interventions and their incorporation of IPV assessment, education and evaluation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's best-evidence HIV risk reduction interventions (n = 44) were reviewed for inclusion of IPV content. Of the 44 best evidence interventions, 5 addressed IPV. These 5 interventions were further examined for method, measurement and uniformity. Justification for IPV integration in HIV risk reduction programs is explored and supported by evidence-based research and practice.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus transmission among transfused children with sickle cell anemia in Enugu Nigeria

Background:There are a number of routes for human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) transmission in children. Blood transfusion-related HIV is still common in developing countries like Nigeria especially among high risk children such as those who require repeated blood transfusions.Aim:The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of HIV among transfused children with sickle cell anemia in Enugu.Subjects and Methods:This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the Sickle Cell Clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu Sixty-nine transfused children with SCA were enrolled after obtaining consent from their caregivers and assent from older children. Non transfused children matched for age, sex, and social status with the subjects served as control. Voluntary counseling and testing were then provided. Relevant data were obtained using pretested questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11 (Chicago, IL) was used for data analysis. The chi-square was used to test for significant association of categorical variables and a P-value of less than 0.05 accepted as significant.Results:HIV antibodies were found in 2.9% (2/69) of the subjects and in 1.6% (1/64) of the control (P = 0.604). All the infected individuals among the subjects were males, had only been transfused once and were from the lower socioeconomic class. The only infected child from the control group was a 7-year-old male and he probably acquired it through vertical transmission since the mother also tested positive to HIV antibody.Conclusions:Blood transfusion is still a risk factor for HIV transmission among children with sickle cell anemia in Nigeria. Strategies that will ensure improved blood transfusion safety at health facilities need to be strengthened.

Risk Factors and Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C among Patients Hospitalized at Mulago Hospital, Uganda

The emergence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its associated sequelae in Africa is a cause for significant concern. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients are at an increased risk of contracting HCV infection due to similar risk factors and modes of transmission. We investigated the seroprevalence of hepatitis C in hospitalized HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients in Mulago Hospital, an academic hospital in Uganda. Blood samples were first tested for HCV antibodies, and positive tests were confirmed with HCV RNA PCR. We enrolled five hundred patients, half HIV-positive and half HIV negative. Overall, 13/500 patients (2.6%) tested positive for HCV antibodies. There was no difference in HCV antibody detection among HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. Out of all risk factors examined, only an age greater than 50 years was associated with HCV infection. Traditional risk factors for concurrent HIV and HCV transmission, such as intravenous drug use, were exceedingly rare in Uganda. Only 3 of 13 patients with detectable HCV antibodies were confirmed by HCV RNA detection. This result concurs with recent studies noting poor performance of HCV antibody testing when using African sera. These tests should be validated in the local population before implementation.

Influence of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on risk factors for vertical HIV transmission

To analyze the influence of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) on risk factors for perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A prospective cohort study was performed between HIV pregnant women under HAART therapy and without treatment. The maternity hospital 'La Fe' in Valencia, Spain. Five hundred HIV-positive pregnant women. Known maternal and obstetrical perinatal risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate methods (logistic regression). The influence of HAART on the risk factors was evaluated independently to determine whether there was a modulation in perinatal HIV transmission. Known perinatal risk factors were found not to have any significant influence on perinatal HIV transmission in women under HAART therapy. Vertical transmission risk decreased significantly from 18.2% without treatment to 8.6% with mono/dual therapy and 0.6% with HAART. A CD4+ cell count below 500 cell/microl, intrapartum use of invasive procedures, rupture of membranes >six hours, labor length >five hours, and birthweight were the significant risk factors associated to vertical HIV transmission and elective cesarean section. Antiretroviral treatment administered during delivery was a protective factor in HIV pregnant women before HAART therapy. HAART therapy reduces the influence of the perinatal risk factors on vertical HIV transmission.

Genetic correlates of protection against HIV infection: the ally within

Repeated exposure to HIV does not necessarily result in infection and HIV infection does not inevitably lead to the development of the AIDS. Multiple immunological and genetic features can confer resistance to HIV acquisition and progression at different steps in viral infection; a full understanding of these mechanisms could result in the development of novel therapeutic and vaccine approaches for HIV infection. In this review, we focus on the genetic mechanisms associated with resistance to HIV infection and to the progression to AIDS.

HIV/AIDS: Testing and risk behaviors among Britsh Columbia’s rural Aboriginal population

Objectives. Over the last decade, there has been growing concern in the public health sector over the spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Canada’s Aboriginal population. However, there continues to be a general lack of HIV awareness and its risk factors in Aboriginal communities.Study design and methods. This study investigated HIV testing patterns, perceptions and risk factors within 7 community organizations through the use of face-to-face interviews. The objectives of this research project were to 1) describe the prevalence of HIV testing; 2) describe issues concerning confidentiality related to the HIV testing; 3) identify the prevalence of risk factors for HIV transmission; and, 4) build research capacity in the Aboriginal community.Results. Two hundred and nineteen Aboriginal persons participated in interviews. Off-reserve residents (pOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.29 – 0.80) were significantly more likely to use illicit drugs than reserve residents. Sixty percent of participants had reported undergoing HIV testing at some point. Two-spirited participants (pOR: 16.1, 95% CI: 2.13–121.06), those who previously tested for a Sexually Transmitted Disease (pOR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.73-4.98), those currently using cocaine (pOR: 3.88, 95% CI: 1.25 – 12.0), and those who reported to “never”, or “some of the time” use clean needles (pOR: 11.0, 95% CI: 1.36-88.66) were significantly more likely to undergoing HIV testing. On-reserve residents (pOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35-0.87) and respondents older than 40 years of age (pOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.19 – 0.86) were less likely to undergo HIV testing.Conclusions. Participants with HIV risk factors are more likely to be tested for HIV in rural areas and confidentiality issues were not a barrier to testing for most participants. Off-reserve residents were more likely to undergo HIV testing, the reasons for which require additional research. Finally, public health units are often under-utilized as locations to seek testing.

Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Infection and Perinatal Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

To assess the risk of perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in HIV-infected women clinically diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy. This retrospective analysis included 402 HIV-infected pregnant women who enrolled from 1994-1999 in a multicenter prospective cohort study in New York City, who delivered a liveborn singleton infant with known HIV infection status, and who had information on diagnosis of genital HSV infection during pregnancy. Study participants were determined to have genital HSV infection during pregnancy by documentation of clinical diagnosis. Forty-six (11.4%) of the study participants delivered HIV-infected infants. Twenty-one (5.2%) had clinical diagnosis of genital HSV infection in pregnancy. Six (28.6%) of the 21 HIV-infected women with a clinical diagnosis of genital HSV infection delivered an HIV-infected infant. In univariate analyses, HIV-infected pregnant women with clinical diagnosis of genital HSV infection during pregnancy had a significantly increased risk of perinatal HIV transmission (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.3-9.3; P = .02). When other factors associated with perinatal HIV transmission were included in a logistic regression model (lack of zidovudine therapy during pregnancy or delivery, prolonged rupture of membranes, and preterm delivery), clinical diagnosis of genital HSV infection during pregnancy remained a significant independent predictor of perinatal HIV transmission (adjusted odds ratio 4.8, 95% confidence interval 1.3-17.0; P = .02). Clinical diagnosis of genital HSV infection during pregnancy in HIV-infected women may be a risk factor for perinatal HIV transmission. If future studies confirm this association, therapy to suppress genital HSV reactivation during pregnancy may be a strategy to reduce perinatal HIV transmission.