Viral Load Research Articles

The vast majority of SARS-CoV-2 infections were asymptomatic in a clinic-based cohort of people with and without HIV in four African countries

BackgroundPersons living with HIV (PLWH) were prioritized for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in sub-Saharan Africa, however, SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 symptomatology have not been well characterized among PLWH. We described SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence and symptomatology, and examined factors associated with nasal swab RT-PCR positivity in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria.MethodsThe ongoing African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) follows PLWH and people living without HIV (PLWoH) in four African countries. All participants undergo clinical assessment and socio-behavioral questionnaire administration at enrollment and each six-monthly visits, with CD4 count and viral load collected for PLWH. Optional nasal swabs were collected for SARS-CoV-2 rapid RT-PCR testing at visits after 19 July 2022. Participants were asked if they had experienced COVID-19 symptoms. We used the Agresti-Coull method to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection at each participant’s first nasal swab collection. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors potentially associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were estimated using multivariable robust Poisson regression.ResultsBetween 19 July 2022 and 1 March 2024, 1,187 participants underwent nasal swab collection with a valid SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR result; 1,032 (86.9%) were PLWH and 155 (13.1%) were PLWoH. A majority were female (57.2%), and the median age was 44.6 (interquartile range 34.4–52.2) years. Prevalence at first nasal swab of SARS-CoV-2 was 6.8% (95%CI 5.5%-8.4%). Most participants with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR were asymptomatic (97.5%). SARS-CoV-2 was marginally more common among PLWoH as compared to PLWH (10.3% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.093). In the multivariable model, SARS-CoV-2 was significantly more common among participants who received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as compared to participants who received no doses (aPR 1.66; 95%CI 1.05–2.62; p = 0.031) and during the omicron wave as compared to non-wave periods (aPR 2.15; 95%CI 1.42–3.25; p < 0.001). Among PLWH, CD4 and viral load were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 prevalence.ConclusionThe vast majority of people with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR were asymptomatic. Universal screening may be needed to fully understand the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and future outbreaks of similar respiratory viruses, capture early infection, and plan for intervention.

Dolutegravir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy in People with HIV with Solid Organ Transplantation: A Single-Arm Pilot Clinical Trial (DTG-SOT)

Abstract Background This study assessed the pharmacokinetic interactions between dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) and immunosuppressants in solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and ART safety. Methods Phase IV, single-center, open-label, single-arm clinical trial (DTG-SOT, NCT03360682) including adult SOT recipients with HIV conducted between 2017 and 2019. People with HIV (PHIV) with plasma viral load &amp;lt;50 copies/mL during ≥12 months and receiving stable raltegravir-based ART during ≥6 months were switched to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/Emtricitabine (FTC) or Lamivudine (3TC)/Abacavir (ABC)+DTG and followed up for 48 weeks. Immunosuppressant pharmacokinetic parameters were compared before and two weeks after ART switch (primary outcome). Efficacy and safety were analyzed at 48 weeks by intention-to-treat analysis (ITT). Results Nineteen consecutive participants (median 57 years, IQR 51-60), mostly liver recipients (63·2%), received DTG/3TC/ABC (63·2%) and DTG+FTC/TDF (36·8%). Pharmacokinetic parameters changed, albeit not significantly, before and after ART, for mycophenolic acid (MPA) (Cmax +63%, Cmin +53%, AUC +16%; n=7) and cyclosporine A (Cmax -64%, Cmin +14%, AUC -47%; n=2), with smaller changes for tacrolimus (Cmax +14%, Cmin -29%, AUC -9%; n=7). No participants experienced acute rejection or virological failure and CD4+ cell counts and percentages remained unchanged during follow-up. Three (15·8%) discontinued treatment due to AEs. Estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased (p=0·0015) and creatinine increased (p=0·0001) slightly. Conclusions DTG-based ART lacked clinically significant drug-drug interactions with tacrolimus and MPA. Switching to DTG-based ART was effective in PHIV SOT recipients. More studies are needed to evaluate DTG safety in this setting.

High prevalence of low-level viremia among infants initiated on antiretroviral drugs following mother-to-child transmission of HIV

BackgroundWith the current elimination of mother to child transmission (EMTCT) of HIV, the number of HIV-positive newborns has greatly reduced. Some countries have successfully eliminated HIV infections among newborn babies.MethodsThis study was nested within the DRIBS (Drug Resistance testing among Infants at Baseline Study), which enrolled 100 infants at the time of treatment initiation between 2017 and 2023. Infants were followed for two years. Viral load (VL) was measured every six months and after completion of the three sessions of intensified adherence counseling (IAC). IAC and HIV drug resistance testing were performed for VL greater than 1000 copies/ml.ResultsThe median age at diagnosis was 79 (IQR, 57.75;140.75) days, with 4% of patients diagnosed within 6 weeks after delivery. The median age at the initiation of therapy was 110.5 (IQR, 87.0–162.0) days. The median baseline %CD4 was 26 (IQR, 18.75;32), with 9% of the babies being severely immunosuppressed (%CD4 < 15%). The median baseline log viral load was 4.44 (IQR, 3.19–5.58). At six months, 30% and 60% of the patients had a VL < 50 and < 1000 copies/ml, respectively. At 12 months, 36% and 69% of patients had a VL < 50 and < 1000 copies/ml, respectively. At 24 months, 63% and 83% had VL < 50 and < 1000 copies/ml, respectively. Post-IAC VL revealed that 35% of the children had low-level viremia (LLV) compared to mothers 11.5%. Kaplan-Meyer survival estimates showed that while it took 72 weeks for 50% of the mothers and infants to attain a VL less than 1000 copies/ml, it took 96 weeks for the infants to attain a VL < 50 copies/ml.ConclusionA Viral load < 1000 copies/ml is achieved much more slowly in pediatric patients, implying that it might take longer for babies to achieve the third 95 (95% virally suppressed) of the UNAIDS targets. Furthermore, the greater prevalence of LLV in pediatric patients than in mothers has important implications for the response to therapy.

Analysis of HPV-16 viral load, integration status, and p16 expression in relation to EBV co-infection and cervical lesion severity

Cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers in women, is primarily driven by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) infections, particularly HPV-16. Co-infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been reported to exacerbate disease progression by influencing HPV genome integration. This study examines HPV-16 integration status, p16INK4a expression, and their relationship with EBV co-infection and viral load in cervical cancer cases. In this study, 134 HPV-16-positive formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded cervical samples were collected and analyzed for HPV-16 viral load, genome integration and EBV co-infection, followed by p16INK4a immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the association between viral markers and cervical cancer progression. HPV-16 viral loads varied significantly by histological grade, with the highest loads observed in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (CIN 2) lesions. HPV integration status revealed episomal forms in 32.8% of samples, mixed forms in 56%, and fully integrated forms in 11.2%. p16INK4a expression correlated with disease progression, increasing with CIN grade and in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). EBV was detected in 13.4% of samples, but no significant associations were found between EBV infection and HPV integration, viral load, or p16INK4a expression levels. HPV-16 viral load and integration status are strongly associated with cervical lesion severity, while p16INK4a expression increases with lesion grade, indicating its utility as a diagnostic marker. EBV co-infection did not significantly impact lesion progression, suggesting that its role in cervical cancer remains unclear.

Altered KEGG pathways are associated with different immunologic responses to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected men who have sex with men

BackgroundThe association between Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathways and immunologic non-response among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not well documented. This study aimed to characterize KEGG metabolic pathways among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) with different immunologic responses.MethodsWe recruited HIV-uninfected MSM (healthy controls, HC) and HIV-infected MSM on ART > 24 months in Guangzhou, June-October 2021. HIV-infected MSM with HIV viral load < 20 copies/mL were grouped into poor immunological responders (PIR) (CD4 + T cell count < 350 cells/µL) and good immunological responders (GIR) (CD4 + T cell count ≥ 350 cells/µL). Stool samples were collected. Bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing was performed on stool samples, and KEGG metabolic pathways of gut microbiota were imputed from 16S rDNA sequences.ResultsA total of 51 HC, 41 PIR, and 56 GIR were enrolled. The median time since HIV diagnosis for PIR and GIR was 4.6 and 4.2 years. KEGG metabolic pathways were significantly different among HC, PIR, and GIR groups. Retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, bile secretion, non-homologous end-joining, and gastric cancer were the top five important KEGG metabolic pathways associated with the immunologic responses. Specifically, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling performed best in discriminating PIR and GIR.ConclusionsThis study presented a comprehensive landscape of KEGG metabolic pathways in PLHIV with different treatment outcomes. These results suggest the potential of KEGG metabolic pathways as novel disease progression markers and therapeutic targets.

SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung ALI cultures reveals basal cells as relevant targets

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) primarily targets ciliated cells during the initial infection of the upper respiratory tract. Since uncertainties persist regarding other involved epithelial cell types, we here utilized viral replication analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spectral microscopy on infected air-liquid interface cultures of human primary nasal and bronchial epithelial cells to discern cell type proportions in relation to SARS-CoV-2 tropism and immune activation. We revealed that, next to ciliated and secretory cells, SARS-CoV-2 (wild type and lineage B1.1.7 [Alpha variant]) strongly infects basal cells, significantly contributing to the epithelial immune response in a donor-specific manner. Moreover, local Camostat mesylate treatment was effective on both the basal and apical cell compartment, resulting in a notable reduction in viral load and reduced immune activation. Collectively, our data emphasize the critical role of basal cells in facilitating SARS-CoV-2 dissemination within the upper respiratory tract and their substantial contribution to the epithelial immune response. Furthermore, our results highlight the potential of local application of Camostat mesylate as an effective strategy for inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection and mitigating associated immune activation early on.

Assessing Hepatitis B virus infection, risk factors and immunization among particularly vulnerable tribal groups in Eastern India

In a population-based survey, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status, associated risk factors and vaccine coverage among the 4006 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) participants of Odisha Tribal Family Health Survey (OTFHS) were assessed using various viral markers. All the HBsAg-positive sera were screened for viral load estimation, envelopment antigen (HBeAg) identification and liver profile parameters. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 5.73% and the Kutia Khond tribes showed highest prevalence (17.85%; 95% CI:17.41–18.29) of HBsAg. Only 2.7% of children born following the implementation of hepatitis B vaccination were HBsAg positive. Among the children between 0 and 36 months, the vaccination coverage was 91% and mean Anti-HBs titre was 142.56 mIU/ml. Tattooing and piercing were found to be positively associated with high HBsAg positivity. Abnormal liver function (high SGOT and SGPT) occurred more often in HBeAg positive with high viral loads (> 2000 IU/ml). Given the high prevalence of HBV DNA with active viral replication, a strategy for regular monitoring and treatment of these individuals combined with risk factor management and health education in this indigenous population is urgently needed.

MoS₂-DNA tetrahedral bioconjugate for high-performance DNA biosensors: application in viral infection diagnostics

An electrochemical DNA biosensor is presented for early viral infection detection, integrating molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂), tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs), and thionine-modified carbon nanodots (CNDsTy). The innovation of this work lies in the first-time integration of these nanomaterials for the preparation of a bioconjugate, whose synergy enables the biosensor’s functionality. MoS₂ anchors the TDNs, which carry the capture probe for virus identification via genetic code recognition. CNDsTy allow the electrochemical detection based on their different affinity for single-stranded (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), enabling hybridization event identification. The biosensor achieves high sensitivity (detection limit of 5.00 fM) and can distinguish viral loads, validated with the SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab sequence in human nasopharyngeal samples.Graphical

Study on the clinical characteristics, persistent infection capability, and viral load of human papillomavirus type 82 single infection

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a key factor in the development of cervical cancer and HPV genotyping is crucial for screening. There are significant differences in the pathogenic potential of the various HPV types. Currently, clinical data on HPV82 are scarce, and the relationship between its viral load, pathogenicity, and persistence is unknown. This study analyzed the characteristics of HPV82 single infection.MethodsCervical samples were collected to determine the positivity rate of HPV82 and its clinical features in a single infection and examined the association between viral load, persistent infection, and pathogenicity.ResultsThe positive rate of HPV82 among women attending hospitals for gynecological physical examination or medical consultation was approximately 0.24% (1,033/435,072). Among 335 cases of HPV82 single infection, the number of patients with lesion-free tissue biopsy results, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN2, CIN3, and cervical cancer were 263, 42, 11, 18, and one, respectively. A follow-up of 210 patients showed that 21.21% (7/33) of patients with CIN1 progressed to high-grade lesions, whereas 7.34% (13/177) of lesion-free patients progressed to CIN. The viral load in the CIN and cervical cancer group was significantly higher than that in the lesion-free group (p < 0.001), and the viral load in the persistent infection group was higher than that in the viral clearance group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe pathogenicity of single HPV82 infection ranks in the middle among high-risk HPV types, and it can lead to cervical cancer, warranting the inclusion of HPV82 in expanded screening for HPV. High viral load is a significant factor that improves the persistent infection ability and pathogenicity of HPV82. Viral load is expected to serve as a screening risk factor for persistent infection and disease progression associated with HPV82.

Comparison of trend analysis of varicella zoster disease burden between China and the world 1990–2021 and disease burden forecast 2030

ObjectivesThis study aims to analyze temporal trends in the age- and sex-specific burdens of varicella zoster virus (VZV), including incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in China from 1990 to 2021, and to predict the burden of varicella zoster in China for 2030 by comparing the trends with the global burden of the disease.MethodsData from the Global Burden of Disease database (1990–2021) were used to analyze the characteristics of varicella zoster virus (VZV) burden in China and globally, including trends in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using Joinpoint to assess the VZV burden trends. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the differences in VZV burden between China and the global population was conducted across multiple dimensions, including age, gender, and time period. Additionally, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used to predict the VZV trend from 2021 to 2030.ResultsBetween 1990 and 2021, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of varicella zoster in China decreased from 1,274.93/100,000 to 1,270.58/100,000, while the global ASIR increased from 1,244.05/100,000 to 1,248.59/100,000. In China, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) decreased slightly from 72.27/100,000 to 72.03/100,000, whereas the global ASPR rose from 66.67/100,000 to 67.16/100,000. The age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rate (ASDR) in China decreased significantly, from 17.68/100,000 to 4.66/100,000, while the global ASDR decreased from 19.28/100,000 to 12.31/100,000. Similarly, China’s age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) declined significantly, from 0.40/100,000 to 0.05/100,000, while the global ASMR decreased from 0.35/100,000 to 0.19/100,000. Over the same period, the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR in China was −0.0056, −0.0131%, −6.84%, and −4.24%, respectively, while the global AAPC for these metrics was 0.0119, 0.0183, −1.97%, and −1.42%, respectively. Additionally, age and gender had a significant impact on the burden of varicella zoster. The trends in ASIR and ASPR were notably influenced by age, while ASMR and ASDR exhibited a significant increasing trend with age. Projections indicate that the ASDR of varicella zoster in China will continue to decrease by 2030, while the ASIR, ASPR, and ASMR are expected to remain stable.ConclusionBetween 1990 and 2021, the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs of VZV in China demonstrated a declining trend, reflecting a relative reduction in the VZV burden. Women are more susceptible to VZV infection and face a higher risk of mortality than men. In contrast, the global disease burden remains higher than that in China. Projections suggest a slight decrease in the VZV burden in China by 2030. However, due to the country’s large and aging population, VZV will continue to pose a significant public health challenge.

Time to viral load re-suppression and its predictors among adult patients on second-line anti-retro viral therapy in northeastern Ethiopia: multi-center prospective follow-up study

BackgroundDespite the increasing number of patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy in low-income countries such as Ethiopia, there is limited evidence regarding the time to viral re-suppression. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the time to viral load re-suppression and its predictors among adult patients on second-line antiretroviral therapy in northeastern Ethiopia.MethodA multi-center, institution-based prospective follow-up study was conducted over 48 months, from February 2022 to February 2024, involving 526 adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who were receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy in northeastern Ethiopia. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and chart reviews. A Weibull proportional hazards model was fitted to identify the predictors of viral re-suppression.ResultsThe median time to viral re-suppression was 9 months (IQR = 3–15 months). The rate of viral re-suppression was 44.3 per 1,000 person-months (95% CI: 40.4–49). Predictors of viral re-suppression included disclosure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status [AHR 2.24 (95% CI: 1.4–3.7)], classification in World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stages I and II [AHR 6.9 (95% CI: 4.4–9.6)], receipt of tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment [AHR 3.7 (95% CI: 2.3–5.93)], absence of first-line drug substitution history [AHR 1.44 (95% CI: 1.2–1.8)], and good adherence to treatment [AHR 1.9 (95% CI: 1.4–2.54)].Conclusion and recommendationsIn this study, the time to viral load re-suppression was longer than expected. Disclosure status, WHO clinical stage I or II, receiving tuberculosis preventive treatment, and the absence of first-line drug substitution history were predictors of viral load re-suppression. Health managers and antiretroviral therapy care providers must improve the timing and effectiveness of early disclosure, encourage the early use of tuberculosis prophylaxis, and maintain good adherence through various strategies.

Efficacy of dispirotripiperazine PDSTP in a golden Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection

The increasing incidence of viral pandemics calls for new small-molecule therapeutics beyond traditional approaches and targets. Dispirotripiperazine, composed of two positively charged nitrogen atoms, represents an unusual scaffold in drug discovery campaigns, and molecules based on it are known to prevent virus infection by disrupting early host–pathogen interactions. In this study, the adhesion-blocking dispirotripiperazine core compound PDSTP was evaluated against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that the molecule was acceptably active against two clinical isolates affecting the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 cycle. In a hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, PDSTP treatment resulted in reduced viral loads in the lungs and turbinates and milder lung tissue lesions. Overall, these data support PDSTP as a preclinical candidate for the treatment of COVID-19.

Impact of differentiated care service delivery systems on adherence among the HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in a Southeastern Nigerian State

AimGlobally, differentiated care has been adopted across human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment cascades as part of the strategies of increasing and sustaining retention in care. This study examined the impact of this new service delivery approach on adherence among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Imo state, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study carried at one tertiary and three secondary care hospitals selected across the state using a questionnaire. The study examined patients in three differentiated care models, and the usual care group. Collated data were analysed using the statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) version 24, at p ≤ 0.05 and 95% confidence level.ResultsA total of 542 questionnaires were successfully retrieved from the respondents. The female gender was predominant in all the groups, accounting for total average of 70.8%. The percentage of respondents with optimum adherence score (≥ 96.6%) for multi-months scripting, fast track, support group, and usual care groups were 70.6,69, 97.4, 59.1 respectively. Of all the groups, the support group had the highest adherence to ART. Forgetfulness, traveling, avoidance of side effects, and feeling sick topped the reasons adduced for missing drugs. Age, place of residence, occupation and engagement of voluntary activities were socio-demographics influencing adherence. Adherence had significant association with the viral load suppression (Odds ratio = 3.147, p < 0.05, 95% C.I 2.025–4.891).ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the adoption of differentiated care has enhanced patients’ adherence to ART which differed across the models. There is need for continual counseling and support to the patients by healthcare providers so as to further improve adherence.

Genotypic Diversity of Hepatitis C Virus in Tuberculosis Patients in the Tomsk Region

Relevance. People with tuberculosis (TB) are at an increased risk of spreading parenteral viral hepatitis, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C in tuberculosis patients can often be detected only as a result of laboratory tests. Some of the anti-tuberculosis drugs have a pronounced hepatotoxic effect, which can lead to severe liver damage, especially in cases of combined TB and HCV infection.Aim. Determination of genotypic diversity and molecular genetic characteristics of HCV isolates isolated from patients infected with tuberculosis in the Tomsk region.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 117 blood serum/plasma samples obtained from patients infected with tuberculosis. The identified HCV isolates were genotyped by amplifying a fragment of the core gene in two-round PCR followed by determination of the nucleotide sequences of the resulting amplicons. Viral load was determined by quantitative RT-PCR.Results and discussion. The following distribution of subtypes in the studied sample was revealed: 1b (47.0%; 95% CI: 38.2–56.0), 3a (32.5%; 95% CI: 24.7–41.3), 1a (18.0%; 95% CI: 12.1–25.8) and recombinant 2k/1b (2.5%; 95% CI: 0.9–7.2). Among the variants of subtype 1b, polymorphisms in the core gene were identified, associated with resistance to interferon treatment: among 35 isolates, the L91M mutation was detected (63.6%; 95% CI: 31.4–56.7), substitutions at position R70Q were detected in 19 isolates /H (34.6%; 95% CI: 7.6–26.1). Both substitutions were found in 11 isolates (20.0%; 95% CI: 11.5–32.3). No differences were found in the distribution of subtypes between the four age groups (under 36, 36–40, 41–45, over 45). Significant differences were revealed (Pearson's χ² = 9.38; p = 0.025) in the distribution of subtypes between the examined men and women. In men, subtype 1b predominated, in women, subtype 3a predominated and there were practically no people infected with subtype 1a, unlike male patients.Conclusion. HCV research among tuberculosis-infected people is important for choosing the most appropriate treatment tactics for patients, preventing complications of co-infection, as well as for planning and implementing preventive measures.

Mental health and other clinical and social characteristics of young mothers living with HIV in Zimbabwe: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT Young women living with HIV (YWLHIV) experience numerous stressors including treatment management and poor parent modelling. We investigated YWLHIV’s mental health and other clinical and social characteristics to inform tailored support. YWLHIV (15–24 years old) participating in a peer-support model tailored for young mothers (Young Mentor Mum intervention) completed a self-administered interview and had clinical and psychological assessments in March to April 2019. A subset participated in in-depth interviews and had their partners interviewed. We analysed quantitative and qualitative data using STATA 15 and thematic analysis, respectively. We enrolled 177 YWLHIV. We found high rates of maternal viral suppression (86.9% with viral load <1000 copies/ml). Over half were at risk of common mental disorder (CMD), scoring above the cut-off point (SSQ ≥8, 50.3%) and depression (EPDS ≥12, 55.9%). CMD risk was higher among women who reported intimate partner violence in the past year (64.1% vs 39.4%; adjusted OR 2.48 (1.12, 5.48) for violence 1–2 times and 2.41 (0.99–5.85) for higher frequency; p = .03). HIV status disclosure was limited; only 44.1% had disclosed to their partners. YWLHIV confront challenges which affect their health and that of their children. Youth-focused mental health interventions coupled with couples counselling and violence prevention need to be scaled up.

The Antiviral Activity of GcMAF in the Treatment of Experimental Animals Infected with SARS-CoV-2

Despite the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there still remain risks of new aggressive strains of coronavirus. As the human population increases progressively, it is mandatory to ensure both preventive measures and an immediate response to emerging infectious threats. Another essential component for rapidly restraining a new possible pandemic is the development of new anticoronaviral therapeutics. In the present study, the anticoronaviral capabilities of Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) are characterized. It is demonstrated that the administration of GcMAF to Syrian hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the first phase of infection (six days postinfection) is accompanied by (i) a statistically significant reduction in the viral load of the lung tissue and (ii) the switching of the inflammatory status of the lung tissue to a neutral one in terms of mRNA expression levels of the groups of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The potential mechanism for this antiviral action and the containment of the inflammatory response by the drug associated with the engagement of terminal N-acetylgalactosamine GcMAF and C-type lectin domain containing 10A expressed at the surface of lung-infiltrating macrophages and pneumocytes, which simultaneously express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, is discussed.

Dolutegravir/Lamivudine for Maintenance of Virological Suppression in Persons with Historical Suspected or Confirmed Resistance to Lamivudine: Week 48 Results of a Single-Arm, Open-Label, Multicentre, Phase IIA Clinical Trial.

We investigated the efficacy of dolutegravir/lamivudine for maintenance treatment for people with HIV and previous lamivudine resistance. Open-label, single arm, multicentric clinical trial including virologically suppressed PWH with historical lamivudine resistance (confirmed by genotypic testing or suspected based on clinical history), no integrase resistance and CD4+ >200 cells/mm3 whose ART was changed to dolutegravir/lamivudine if the M184V/I mutation was not detected in baseline proviral DNA population sequencing. Proviral DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) was retrospectively performed in baseline samples. Primary endpoint was proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) ≥50 copies/mL at 48 weeks in the intention-to-treat-exposed (ITT-e) population using the Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm. 121 participants enrolled, 114 with a prior genotype with M184V/I, mean virological suppression of 9 years. 24 (19·8%) had the M184V/I in baseline proviral DNA NGS (>5% threshold). At 48 weeks, 4 participants had a VL ≥50 copies/mL (3·3%, 95% CI: 0·9%-8·2%, FDA-Snapshot ITT-e): 1 confirmed virologic withdrawal, 1 precautionary virologic withdrawal and 2 discontinued from study treatment for other reasons with last VL ≥ 50 copies/mL; none had M184V/I in baseline proviral DNA NGS and there was no emergent integrase resistance. 90·1% participants (109/121) had a VL<50 copies/mL (95% CI: 83·3%-94·8%) and there were no data for 6·6 % (8/121 participants) at 48 weeks. After excluding lamivudine mutations in proviral DNA by population sequencing, dolutegravir/lamivudine effectively maintained virological suppression in PWH with CD4+ >200 cells/mm3 and history of lamivudine resistance. Notably, no treatment-emergent resistance was observed.

Do Adolescents Living With HIV in Kenya Know Their Viral Load Results? Record Audit and Adolescent Exit Surveys in Kiambu and Nakuru Counties: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Do Adolescents Living With HIV in Kenya Know Their Viral Load Results? Record Audit and Adolescent Exit Surveys in Kiambu and Nakuru Counties: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) point-of-care tests as a risk stratification tool for treatment eligibility: experience from Kenya

Abstract We undertook a point-of-care test (POCT) for hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) on adults living with HBV in Kilifi, Kenya. A positive test identified all with hepatitis B viral load &amp;gt;200,000 IU/ml, who were HBeAg positive, and correlated with higher ALT (p = 0.03), raised APRI (p&amp;lt;0.001) and elastography scores (p = 0.03).

Validation and comparison of EvaGreen- and TaqMan-based real-time qRT-PCR for diagnosis of the black queen cell virus in the honey bees.

The black queen cell virus (BQCV) is a common agent that causes covert infection in hives and has a global distribution. In this study, TaqMan probe and EvaGreen (EG) dye-based real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays based on the amplification of coding senquences for the BQCV structural protein (SP) and the non-structural protein (NSP) were developed and validated for the detection of BQCV in adult bee and larvae/pupae. Additionally, the performances of commonly used EG and TaqMan chemicals for real-time qRT-PCR analyses were compared. The operating range for BQCV-SP TaqMan and EG real-time qRT-PCRs ranged 2.61-7.61 log10 RNA copies/reaction and 2.61-7.79 log10 RNA copies/reaction, respectively. The operating range for BQCV-NSP TaqMan and EG real-time qRT-PCRs ranged 6.83-11.83 log10 RNA copies/reaction and 6.98-11.98 log10 RNA copies/reaction, respectively. Based on these novel assays, the prevalence of BQCV in adult bees and larvae/pupae was 84% (88/105) and 44% (46/105), respectively. BQCV viral load was also within the operating range determined during assay validation. Comparable results were obtained in analytical and diagnostic performance analyses of the EG dye and TaqMan probe chemicals. Highly sensitive and analytically specific for the detection of BQCV, these real-time qRT-PCR assays will benefit the etiological and epidemiological studies of BQCV.