Significant Decrease In Viral Load Research Articles

Immune Responses and Protection Profiles in Mice Induced by Subunit Vaccine Candidates Based on the Extracellular Domain Antigen of Respiratory Syncytial Virus G Protein Combined with Different Adjuvants.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease of infants and older people. There is an urgent need for safe and effective vaccines against RSV infection. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the immune response and protection with the RSV recombinant G protein extracellular domain (Gecto) combined with various adjuvants as novel subunit vaccines in mice. All groups receiving RSV Gecto combined with adjuvants exhibited robust humoral and cellular immunity compared to those receiving an adjuvant alone or inactivated RSV vaccine. The greatest effect was observed in mice receiving Gecto combined with a CpG ODN + Alum salt adjuvant, resulting in the highest production of neutralizing antibodies against both RSV A and B subtypes, G-specific IgG and IFN-γ production in splenocytes, and interleukin-2 and interferon-γ expression in CD4+ T cells. Significant humoral and cellular immune responses were observed in mice immunized with Gecto combined with AddaS03™ or cyclosporin A adjuvants. The vaccine containing the AddaS03™ adjuvant showed significantly high expression of interleukin-4 in CD4+ T cells. Cross-protection against a challenge with either RSV A or B subtypes was observed in the Gecto plus adjuvant groups, resulting in a significant decrease in viral load and reduced pathological damage in the mouse lungs. These findings offer valuable insights into the development and application of recombinant RSV G-subunit vaccines with adjuvants.

Effect of Maraviroc and/or Favipiravir plus systemic steroids versus systemic steroids only on the viral load of adults with severe COVID-19: clinical trial

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created the need to evaluate drugs such as favipiravir (FPV), an antiviral inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp), and Maraviroc (MVC), an antiretroviral that antagonizes the chemokine receptor CCR5, which could affect the modulation of inflammation and viral replication in the treatment of COVID-19. We sought to evaluate the effect of MVC and/or FPV plus systemic steroid (SS) vs. SS alone on the viral load and progression to critical disease. Methods Sixteen patients with severe COVID-19 were evaluated in three treatment arms: 1) SS only (n=6), 2) SS plus one test drug MVC or FPV (n=5), and 3) SS plus both test drugs (MVC and FPV, n=5). The viral load was determined for N, E, and RdRp viral genes. Results A significant decrease in viral load was observed in the three treatment groups, with a larger effect size in the group that combined SS with both test drugs. The E, N, and RdRp genes with Cohen’s d were 120%, 123%, and 50%, respectively. Conclusions The largest effect on viral load reduction, as measured by effect size, was observed in the combination treatment group; however, no statistical significance was found, and it did not prevent progression to critical illness.

Effect of Maraviroc and/or Favipiravir plus systemic steroids versus systemic steroids only on the viral load of adults with severe COVID-19: clinical trial

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created the need to evaluate drugs such as favipiravir (FPV), an antiviral inhibitor of RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase (RdRp), and Maraviroc (MVC), an antiretroviral that antagonizes the chemokine receptor CCR5, which could affect the modulation of inflammation and viral replication in the treatment of COVID-19. We sought to evaluate the effect of MVC and/or FPV plus systemic steroid (SS) vs. SS alone on the viral load and progression to critical disease. Methods Sixteen patients with severe COVID-19 were evaluated in three treatment arms: 1) SS only (n=6), 2) SS plus one test drug MVC or FPV (n=5), and 3) SS plus both test drugs (MVC and FPV, n=5). The viral load was determined for N, E, and RdRp viral genes. Results A significant decrease in viral load was observed in the three treatment groups, with a larger effect size in the group that combined SS with both test drugs. The E, N, and RdRp genes with Cohen’s d were 120%, 123%, and 50%, respectively. Conclusions The largest effect on viral load reduction, as measured by effect size, was observed in the combination treatment group; however, no statistical significance was found, and it did not prevent progression to critical illness.

Effect of dolutegravir-based drug combinations on the level of medication adherence and viral load among adolescents living with HIV in resource-limited setting: a pre-post design.

The use of antiretroviral drugs among HIV-infected adolescents has been challenged with poor medication adherence, leading to an unsuppressed viral load and ultimately to drug resistance. Recently, dolutegravir has been approved for use in adolescents with HIV, but the evidence on medication adherence and viral load suppression is limited. The study determined the effect of dolutegravir-based drug regimens on the level of medication adherence and viral load among treatment-experienced adolescents. A longitudinal pre-post design study was done among adolescents living with HIV at a paediatrics clinic in Nigeria. Assessment of medication adherence and viral load testing was done before and at six months of transitioning to dolutegravir-based regimens. McNemar-chi-square was used to determine the effectiveness of the drug on adherence and viral load suppression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of drug adherence and viral suppression. The mean age of the participants was 14.7 years (SD=3.2), and 53.3 % were males. The mean duration of ART use was 10.3 years (SD=3.2). Six months after transitioning to dolutegravir, there was a significant decrease in viral load (Z=-7.947, p<0.001) and an increase in medication adherence score (Z=-7.554, p<0.001), among the treatment-experienced adolescents. Viral suppression was 13 times higher among respondents with good medication adherence as compared to those with poor medication adherence (AOR=13.24, CI=3.25-53.90). Dolutegravir is effective in improving medication adherence and viral suppression among Adolescents living with HIV. Thus, the need to transition eligible adolescents to dolutegravir to sustain better treatment outcomes.

Phytochemicals and micronutrients in suppressing infectivity caused by SARS-CoV-2 virions and seasonal coronavirus HCoV-229E invivo.

SARS-CoV-2 infection still poses health threats especially to older and immunocompromised individuals. New emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron and Arcturus, have been challenging the effectiveness of humoral immunity resulting from repeated vaccination and infection. With recent study implying a wave of new mutants in vaccinated people making them more susceptible to the newest variants and fueling a rapid viral evolution, there is a need for alternative or adjunct approaches against coronavirus infections other than vaccines. Our earlier work indicated that a specific combinationof micronutrients and phytochemicals can inhibit key infection mechanisms shared by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in vitro. Here we demonstrate in vivo that an intake of this micronutrient combination before and during infection of mice with engineered SARS-CoV-2 virions and HCoV-229E virus results in a significant decrease in viral load and level of spike protein in the lungs. This was accompanied by decreased inflammatory response, including TNFα, IL1β, ILα, and IL17. These and our earlier results confirm that by targeting multiple mechanisms simultaneously by a combination treatment we can effectively and safely challenge SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-229E virus. If clinically confirmed, such an approach could complement already in-use preventive and therapeutic strategies against coronavirus infections.

Противовирусный препарат аллоферон в лечении пациенток с цервикальными интраэпителиальными неоплазиями: обзорный анализ исследований

Aim: Analysis of the published results of scientific studies evaluating the effect of the antiviral drug alloferon on the reduction of viral load (VL) or the elimination of human papillomavirus (HPV) of high carcinogenic risk both in monotherapy of mild cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and in complex treatment of severe CIN, as well as to evaluate the effect of the drug on the dynamics of clinical manifestations of CIN. Key points. Eight published domestic studies of the antiviral drug alloferon in the treatment of CIN of varying severity were analyzed. The selection of relevant publications in the scientific citation database PubMed and Google Scholar was carried out to assess the antiviral and immunomodulatory effect of this drug and a cumulative analysis of the results of the treatment of 646 patients with CIN of varying degrees (361 received alloferon, and 285 were in the control group). The average age is 31 years. VL was calculated per 100,000 human cells: less than 3 lg per 105 cells — low, clinically insignificant concentration: from 3 to 5 lg per 105 cells — average, clinically significant concentration: more than 5 lg per 105 cells — high. The effect of the drug on the dynamics of clinical manifestations of CIN was assessed by the results of a cytological study and/or extended colposcopy. Conclusion. The analysis of studies showed the high efficiency of alloferon against HPV in monotherapy (85%: elimination of HPV — 32%, a significant decrease in VL — 53%). Efficiency in complex therapy (93%: elimination of HPV — 89.7%, reduction in VN — 3.3%). The clinical efficacy of the drug in CIN 1 in monotherapy is 79.9%, and in the complex treatment of CIN 2 — 96.8%. Keywords: human papillomavirus, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, recurrence, antiviral therapy, immunomodulatory therapy, alloferon.

Antiviral Activity of The Preparation Meflokhin® Against COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus has caused a global emergency and has attracted the attention of healthcare professionals and the public around the world. The significant increase in the number of new cases of infection with this virus demonstrates the relevance of the search for drugs that are effective against this pathogen. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antiviral efficacy of Mefloquin® against COVID-19. The antiviral efficacy of Mefloquin® against the new pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2 was studied in in vitro experiments in Vero C1008 cell culture and in vivo on Syrian golden hamsters. The results of the study revealed that the drug Mefloquine® at a concentration of 2.0 µg ml-1, when applied after infection of cells, suppresses the reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by 1.7–1.9 lg, the inhibition rate is about 99%. When using Mefloquine, pathological changes in the lung tissue were less pronounced than in the control group. 6 days after infection, it was shown that when using Mefloquine, there was a statistically significant decrease in viral load in the lungs of infected Syrian golden hamsters, with an inhibition rate of 95.5%.

The impact of dolutegravir-based combination antiretroviral therapy on the spermatozoa and fertility parameters of men living with human immunodeficiency virus.

The factors responsible for this reported fertility decline among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive men is yet to be determined. This study is aimed at investigating the impact of HIV or combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on sperm cells, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis, and sperm DNA fragmentation of men living with HIV. Twenty-one men living with HIV gave their written informed consent to participate in this study. Only 11 of the participants successfully donated blood and semen before and after 3 months of their treatment with cART. Semen, reproductive hormones, oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA fragmentation were analysed. Data were subjected to Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test (ethical approval: CMUL/HREC/09/19/614). There was a significant decrease in viral load of HIV (p < 0.01), and a marked increase in progressive and total sperm motility. Total sperm count, morphology, and vitality had no significant change after 3 months of treatment with cART however, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in testosterone from 2.48 to 3.68 ng/ml, but luteinizing hormone decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 9.6 to 6.5mIU/ml. In addition, sperm DNA fragmentation increased significantly (p < 0.01). Conversely, viral load, and catalase decreased significantly, but no significant difference in malondialdehyde. This study showed that HIV depleted testosterone and impaired sperm motility which may negatively affect the fertility potential of men living with HIV. It also showed that adherence to cART (a combination of tenofovir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir) reduces the viral load and reverses the deleterious effects of cART albeit, cART appears to be toxic at subcellular spermatogenic levels.

D.SAP, an Apple-Based Formulation Can Treat SARS-CoV-2 Infection, and Reduce Associated Inflammatory Responses in COVID-19 Infected Mice Model

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a virus that may cause severe respiratory disorders with an unclear rate of death. Natural vinegar may have an immune-boosting quality that effectively fights influenza-like respiratory infections. We aimed to evaluate the role of a specially formulated Iranian apple vinegar called Dezhakam sap (D.SAP) in the mice model of covid-19 in the treatment of infection and reduction of covid19-associated lung inflammation. Methods: We designed covid-19-positive Inbred BALB/c mice by viral exposure. Then all mice were examined for active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mice with positive covid-19 infection were separated into different groups to study the effect of treatment by different concentrations of D.SAP smoke for seven days. Expression assessments for viral RNA on covid-19 affected mice models for three SARS-CoV-2 genes (RDRP, N, and E) and three inflammation markers (IL6, IL1b, and TNF) in lung tissue of all mice were assessed using Real-time PCR. Results: Results showed a significant decrease in viral load in the RDRP gene, N gene, and E gene in all infected rats who were treated with D.SAP compared with off-treatment mice. In addition, all three inflammation factor genes in infected mice that were treated with D.SAP were significantly reduced compared to the off-treatment infected mice. Conclusion: Findings showed the effectiveness of specially formulated apple vinegar D.SAP to attack new coronavirus. Also, results may suggest the effectiveness of D.SAP to reduce the lethal inflammation in COVID-19 infection with low side effects. Anti-inflammatory agents block certain substances in the body that cause inflammation. D.SAP may consider a potential natural anti-inflammatory that may increase the survival rate of COVID-19 infection. It seems these effects could be related to the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of D.SAP due to its polyphenolic compounds.

Treatment initiation or switch to BIC/FTC/TAF - real-world safety and efficacy data from two HIV centers in Romania.

Development of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked an important step forward in the management of people living with HIV and fixed dose combinations are now available to be used as modern antiretroviral regimens. The single-tablet regimen bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) was recently approved in Europe and included in international guidelines and recommendations. It became available in Romania in early 2021. We present the real-world results from a retrospective analysis of patients initiating BIC/FTC/TAF in two HIV centers in Romania. This retrospective analysis included patients treated with BIC/FTC/TAF (first-line or switch) in two HIV centers in Romania, one in Bucharest and one in Iași. We collected data on baseline patient characteristics, reasons for initiation of BIC/FTC/TAF and preliminary clinical and laboratory efficacy, safety and tolerability data. All assessments had been performed according to local practice. Statistical analyses were mostly descriptive and association analysis was performed to assess changes in laboratory parameters from baseline to data cut-off (October 2021). In total, 122 patients were initiated on BIC/FTC/TAF in routine clinical practice from February to October 2021 in the two HIV centers, either as first-line or switch. The majority of patients were male (71%). The median age at baseline was 35.0 years (IQR 32.0-50.8 years). Overall, 91 patients (75%) were treatment-experienced and the most frequent reason for switch was treatment simplification (79%). The mean ± standard deviation follow-up duration on treatment with BIC/FTC/TAF was 101.6 ± 64.2 days until the cut-off date for this analysis. We found no significant changes in lipid values, blood glucose or liver enzymes, coupled with a significant decrease in viral load (p=0.001). A low number of adverse events occurred during the treatment period (n=4): two cases of fatigue and two gastrointestinal reactions. No patient discontinued BIC/FTC/TAF and the overall tolerability was good. The insights of the first report on BIC/FTC/TAF use in routine clinical practice in Romania provide an overview of effectiveness and safety to local clinicians treating this patient population.

A novel antiviral coumarin derivative as a potential agent against WSSV infection in shrimp seedling culture

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), a double-stranded DNA virus that infects crustaceans, is the most serious viral pathogen affecting shrimp farming worldwide. To reduce the economic losses caused by WSSV, we screened a novel coumarin derivative from a small molecule drug library, N-(4-((4-(((2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)sulfonyl)phenyl)acetamide (N2905), to evaluate its anti-WSSV effects in vivo. We determined that compound N2905, up to a concentration of 20 mg/L, significantly decreased the number of WSSV copies in Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae, with a maximum inhibitory rate of > 90 %, and increased the survival rate of WSSV-infected post-larvae. Pre-treatment and post-treatment assays indicated that N2905 could treat, but not prevent, WSSV infections. When WSSV was preincubated with N2905 for 1−4 h, the incidence of viral infections was significantly reduced and survival time of post-larvae extended to 120 h. A stability study of N2905 provided a reference for its practical use. Considering the antiviral stability of N2905 in culture water within 2 d, continuous N2905 exchange was performed, showing a significant decrease in viral load at 120 h post-infection (hpi) and a 55 % increase in survival of WSSV-infected post-larvae. Overall, our study demonstrated the potential of N2905 as an antiviral agent.

A meta-analysis reveals the effectiveness of probiotics and prebiotics against respiratory viral infection.

Experimental experience suggests that microbial agents including probiotics and prebiotics (representative microbial agents) play a critical role in defending against respiratory virus infection. We aim to systematically examine these agents’ effect on respiratory viral infection and encourage research into clinical applications. An electronic literature search was conducted from published data with a combination of a microbial agents search component containing synonyms for microbial agents-related terms and a customized search component for respiratory virus infection. Hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio (RR) and standard deviation (SD) were employed as effect estimates. In 45 preclinical studies, the mortality rates decreased in the respiratory viral infection models that included prebiotics or prebiotics as interventions (HR: 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56–0.87; P=0.002). There was a significant decrease in viral load due to improved gut microbiota (SD: −1.22; 95% CI: −1.50 to −0.94; P<0.001). Concentrations of interferon (IFN)-α (SD: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.33–1.77; P=0.004), IFN-γ (SD: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.01–1.65; P=0.05) and interleukin (IL)-12 (SD: 2.42; 95% CI: 0.32–4.52; P=0.02), IL-1β (SD: 0.01; 95% CI: −0.37 to 0.40; P=0.94) increased, whereas those of TNF-α (SD: −0.58; 95% CI: −1.59 to 0.43; P=0.26) and IL-6 (SD: −0.59; 95% CI: −1.24 to 0.07; P=0.08) decreased. Six clinical studies had lower symptom scores (SD: −0.09; 95% CI: −0.44 to 0.26; P=0.61) and less incidence of infection (RR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64–1.01; P=0.06). Our research indicates that probiotics and prebiotics pose a defensive possibility on respiratory viral infection and may encourage the clinical application.

Higher viral loads in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients might be the invisible part of the iceberg.

PurposeSARS-CoV-2 virus dynamics in different hosts and different samples and their relationship with disease severity have not been clearly revealed. The aim of this study is to evaluate the viral loads of 6 different sample types (nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal combined, oral cavity, saliva, rectal, urine, and blood) of patients with different ages and clinics, to reveal the relationship between disease course and SARS-CoV-2 viral load, and differences in viral loads of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients.MethodsNasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal, oral cavity, saliva, rectal, urine, and blood samples are collected from patients who were hospitalized with diagnosis of COVID-19 on admission. Laboratory analysis were carried out at Public Health Institute of Turkey Virology Reference and Research Laboratory.ResultsA total of 360 samples from 60 patients were obtained on admission. Fifteen (25%) of the patients were asymptomatic while 45 (75%) were symptomatic. A significant difference was found between mean ages of asymptomatic vs symptomatic patients (26.4 and 36.4, respectively, p = 0.0248). No PCR positivity were found in blood. Only one asymptomatic patient had positive PCR result for urine sample. Viral loads of asymptomatic patients were found to be significantly higher (p = 0.0141) when compared with symptomatic patients. Viral load had a significant negative trend with increasing age. A significant decrease in viral load was observed with increasing disease severity.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrates that asymptomatic patients have higher SARSCoV-2 viral loads than symptomatic patients and unlike in the few study in the literature, a significant decrease in viral load of nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples was observed with increasing disease severity. Factors associated with poor prognosis are found to be significantly correlated with low viral load.

Synthetic Peptides as a Promising Alternative to Control Viral Infections in Atlantic Salmon.

Viral infections in salmonids represent an ongoing challenge for the aquaculture industry. Two RNA viruses, the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) and the infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV), have become a latent risk without healing therapies available for either. In this context, antiviral peptides emerge as effective and relatively safe therapeutic molecules. Based on in silico analysis of VP2 protein from IPNV and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from ISAV, a set of peptides was designed and were chemically synthesized to block selected key events in their corresponding infectivity processes. The peptides were tested in fish cell lines in vitro, and four were selected for decreasing the viral load: peptide GIM182 for IPNV, and peptides GIM535, GIM538 and GIM539 for ISAV. In vivo tests with the IPNV GIM 182 peptide were carried out using Salmo salar fish, showing a significant decrease of viral load, and proving the safety of the peptide for fish. The results indicate that the use of peptides as antiviral agents in disease control might be a viable alternative to explore in aquaculture.

CORDITE: The Curated CORona Drug InTERactions Database for SARS-CoV-2.

SummarySince the outbreak in 2019, researchers are trying to find effective drugs against the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on de novo drug design and drug repurposing. The former approach is very time consuming and needs extensive testing in humans, whereas drug repurposing is more promising, as the drugs have already been tested for side effects, etc. At present, there is no treatment for COVID-19 that is clinically effective, but there is a huge amount of data from studies that analyze potential drugs.We developed CORDITE to efficiently combine state-of-the-art knowledge on potential drugs and make it accessible to scientists and clinicians. The web interface also provides access to an easy-to-use API that allows a wide use for other software and applications, e.g., for meta-analysis, design of new clinical studies, or simple literature search. CORDITE is currently empowering many scientists across all continents and accelerates research in the knowledge domains of virology and drug design.

Interleukin-22 controls RSV production in primary human airway epithelial cells by preserving cellular autophagy

Abstract OBJECTIVE To study the ability of the host protective cytokine interleukin-22 (IL-22) to block productive infection of airway epithelial cells by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). BACKGROUND RSV infection can cause severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. However, no vaccine against RSV is currently available. RSV primarily infects both proximal and distal airways as well as alveolar epithelial cells in the lungs. IL-22 has mucosal-protective effects, known to preserve epithelial-barrier functions and promote host defense against pathogens. We, therefore, initiated studies to determine whether IL-22 can control RSV infection of airway epithelial cells (AECs). METHODS Primary human AECs differentiated under air-liquid interface (ALI) culture conditions were used for RSV infection (multiplicity of infection (MOI) 2) and then treated with IL-22 (50 ng/ml). 5-day old newborn C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with 1×106 PFU of RSV and then treated with an IL-22-Fc fusion protein (5 μg/mouse) intraperitoneally on day 3 p.i. Confocal imaging approach was utilized to determine co-localization of RSV and LC3B and to differentiate between autophagosomes and autolysosomes. RESULTS Treatment with IL-22 led to a significant decrease in viral load in primary human AECs as well as in vivo in mouse lungs. Confocal imaging and other approaches revealed subversion of the autophagic machinery by RSV for its own production, which was significantly inhibited by IL-22, thereby preserving autophagy in a STAT3 dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS IL-22 inhibits RSV production in both primary human airway epithelial cells and mouse lungs by preserving cellular autophagy thereby blocking hijacking of the autophagic apparatus by RSV.

Engagement in HIV Care Among New York City Transgender Women of Color: Findings from the Peer-Led, TWEET Intervention, a SPNS Trans Women of Color Initiative.

Transgender women (TW) have higher HIV prevalence rates than cisgender (i.e., non-transgender) women. However, utilization of healthcare for transgender people in the U.S. is low. As part of a multisite initiative to facilitate entry and retention in HIV care for TW of color, we compared health outcomes between participants who became Peer Leaders and those who did not. From 2013 to 2016, 163 New York City, mostly Latina, TW enrolled in the Transgender Women Engagement and Entry to Care Project (TWEET). The TWEET intervention included peer-led, group-based educational sessions called Transgender Leader-Teach Back; 39% completed Peer Leadership requirements. Comparing pre-post change by Peer Leader status, Peer Leaders had a significant decrease in viral load and significant increase in CD4 at the last HIV care visit compared to the first. In multivariable logistic regression, predictors associated with Peer Leadership included having at least some college education, being in a relationship, stable housing, receiving legal assistance for political asylum, and having two or more HIV care visits during the intervention. Findings suggest that, for trans women who have completed at least secondary school education, participating in a peer-led intervention can lead to improved HIV care engagement. Understanding which program components lead to becoming a Peer Leader, and how to better engage non-Peer Leaders, are important next steps.

Effect of Yoga on Immune Parameters, Cognitive Functions, and Quality of Life among HIV-Positive Children/Adolescents: A Pilot Study.

Context:HIV/AIDS individuals have problems relating to immune system, quality of life (QOL), and cognitive functions (CFs). Yoga is found to be useful in similar conditions. Hardly, any work is reported on yoga for HIV-positive adults/adolescents. Hence, this study is important.Aim:The aim of the study is to determine the effect of yoga on immune parameters, CFs, and QOL of HIV-positive children/adolescents.Settings and Design:Single-group, pre–post study with 4-month yoga intervention.Methods:The study had 18 children from an HIV/AIDS rehabilitation center for children/adolescents. CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 ratio, and viral loads were studied. CF tests included six letter cancellation test, symbol digit modalities test, digit-span forward backward test, and Stroop tests. QOL was assessed using PedsQL-QOL and fatigue questionnaire. Depression was assessed using CDI2-SR.Statistical Analysis Used:t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, as applicable.Results:The study included 18 children/adolescents. There was improvement in general health of the participants. There was statistically significant increase in CD4 cells counts (p = 0.039) and significant decrease in viral load (p = 0.041). CD4/CD8 ratio moved to normal range. QOL significantly improved. CFs had mixed results with improved psychomotor performance (PP) and reduced executive functions.Conclusions:There was improvement in general health and immune parameters. While depression increased, QOL improved. CFs showed mixed results with improved PP and reduced executive functions.

Response of patients with chronic Hepatitis B in one year of treatment with Major Autohemotherapy.

The Hepatitis B (HVB) is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, it’s wide geographical distribution is a health problem, especially on the African continent, with prevalence rate of 6.1% in the adult population. Current treatment requires prolonged therapy (most cases for the rest of life) with the aim of stopping viral replication, maintaining immunological stability, preventing progression of liver disease and the most feared complications such as cirrhosis and hepatic cancer&#x0D; There are multiple references that point to ozone therapy as an alternative in the treatment of Hepatitis B, because of the known and demonstrated antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. With these premises, we performed the present clinical study that included 28 patients with positive diagnosis of chronic Hepatitis B, surface antigen (HVBs Ag) positive, antibodies against surface antigen (HVBs) negative, viral load (HVB DNA ) and transaminaseselevated. These patients with 1 year of evolution and antiviral treatment were treated with Major Autohemotherapy with protocol of 15 sessions and maintenance every 15 days to 50 mcg of concentration, initial dose of 4,000 mcg / ml up to 12,000 mcg /ml&#x0D; We indicate Ag HVBs, Ac HVBs, HVB Viral Loading and transaminases before starting treatment at 15 days of completion and quarterly until the year. The results showed negativization of the surface antigen, antibody positivity against the surface antigen, significant decrease of viral load to undetectable values and normal values of the transaminases demonstrating the functional recovery of the disease associated with favorable immunological response providing a better quality of patients' lives.&#x0D; Key words: Hepatitis B, Transaminases, Ozone therapy, Major Autohemotherapy, Surface antigen, Surface Antigen Antibody.

The immune response behavior in HIV-AIDS patients treated with Ozone therapy for two years.

HIV continues to be one of the biggest problems for the global public health. The African region is one of the most affected, accounting for almost two thirds of the new infections. Many of them are retroviral medications and multi-therapies aiming to stop the viral replication and maintaining immunological stability, which fail to guarantee the quality of life or enhance the patient's immunity&#x0D; Ozone has biological properties, among which the antimicrobial and modulatory effect on the immune response is highlighted, which makes it possible to use it in a complementary way for the treatment of these patients.&#x0D; We conducted the present study in which the effect of the ozone therapy administered systemically (blood route) is analyzed. We have studied 32 patients to whom we applied Major Autohemotherapy with a protocol of 15 sessions and maintenance every 15 days at 50 µg/ml of concentration; the initial dose was 4,000 µg/mlup to 12,000 µg/ml&#x0D; We indicated viral load, CD4 and CD8 counts before and at the end of therapy. The results showed a significant decrease in viral load to undetectable values and an increase of CD4 and CD8 at the end of the 15 sessions, being maintained at 2 years of treatment, thus achieving a permanent activation of the immune system and improving the quality of life of these patients.&#x0D; Key words: Ozone therapy, HIV-AIDS, Immune Response, Major Autohemotherapy