Search

Objective To systematically evaluate the incidence of self-harm behavior and self-harm ideation among HIV/AIDS patients, providing evidence-based support for effectively improving their mental health. Methods A comprehensive search of relevant studies was conducted in databases including CNKI, CBM, VIP, WanFang Data, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and PsyclNFO, covering literature up to August 20, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 software. Results A total of 9 studies were included, with a sample size of 17 414. Meta-analysis of the random effects model showed that the combined incidence of self-harm behaviors and self-harm ideation in HIV/AIDS patients was 12.3% (95%CI: 9.2%-15.4%), the incidence of self-harm behaviors was 12.4% (95%CI: 7.2%-17.6%), and the incidence of self-harm ideation was 13.3%(95%CI: 8.2%-18.5%). Subgroup analyses showed that the prevalence of self-harm behaviors and self-harm ideation was higher among HIV/AIDS patients in Asia and was higher in moderate-quality studies than in high-quality studies. In addition, higher prevalence rates were also observed in studies published before 2015, in people aged 18-24 years, and in studies with <50% males, but these results need to be interpreted with caution in conjunction with the results of the heterogeneity analysis. Conclusion The incidence of self-harm behavior and self-harm ideation is relatively high among HIV/AIDS patients, particularly in Asia. Further research is needed to validate differences among various groups and to develop effective intervention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Tropical Medicine is the property of China Tropical Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective This study aims to investigate the mortality among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Fangchenggang City, Guangxi Province, and to identify associated factors with AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related deaths, providing scientific evidence for reducing AIDS mortality. Methods We collected data from the National Comprehensive AIDS Prevention and Control Information System. These data included socio-demographic and follow-up records of 2 728 HIV-1 infected individuals receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment in Fangchenggang City from January 1, 2005 to July 5, 2022. This dataset included socio-demographic and follow-up records during the specified period, providing a comprehensive insight into the therapeutic responses, survival rates, and potential associated complications among ART-treated HIV/AIDS patients within Fangchenggang City. Socio-demographic and follow-up data were analyzed using the cumulative incidence function (CIF) under a competing risk framework and the Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard regression model to assess the associated factors with both AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related deaths. Results With an average follow-up period of 6.7 person-years, 295 cases experienced AIDS-related death with a mortality rate of 1.06/100 person-years, while 227 cases died from non-AIDS-related causes, with a mortality rate of 1.2/100 person-years. Under consideration of competing risks, the cumulative incidence of AIDS-related death at 1 year, 5 years, and 13 years post-diagnosis was 2.5%, 8.5%, and 15.0%, respectively. The factors associated with a higher risk of AIDS-related death included: age 60 years or older (aHR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.05~2.15), current spouse's infection status unknown/not investigated (aHR = 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.03~1.90), history of prophylactic treatment for opportunistic infections (aHR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.06~1.84), and occurrence of opportunistic infections or tumors (aHR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.12~2.45) . On the contrary, factors associated with a lower risk of AIDS-related death included: being female (aHR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49~0.90), initial treatment regimen containing EFV (aHR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.25~0.68), having changed the treatment regimen (aHR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.12~0.29), first CD4 cell count ≥ 200 cells/µL (aHR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.20~0.45), initial viral load (VL) between 50 to 1000 copies/ml (aHR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.18-0.54), and VL < 50 copies/ml (aHR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.44~0.84). Regarding non-AIDS related deaths, passive detection (aHR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.0~1.98), uninvestigated/unknown spouse's infection status (aHR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.01~1.95), and first CD4 cell count ≥200 cells/ (JLL (aHR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.27~2.22) were found to be associated with increased risk. In contrast, lower risk factors included being female (aHR = 0.55, 95 % CI: 0.37-0.81), having experienced a change in antiviral treatment regimen post-initiation (aHR = 0.33, 95%CI :0.21-0.50), initial treatment regimens containing EFV (aHR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34-0.88), and NVP (aHR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.3-0.83). Conclusion The mortality rate among HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART in Fangchenggang City is relatively low. This study underscores the importance of preventing and treating opportunistic infections or tumors for improving the survival of HIV/AIDS patients. HIV/AIDS care clinics should particularly focus on monitoring and following up on female patients, older patients, and those detected passively, enhancing medication adherence, expanding HIV testing among key populations, and thereby striving to reduce the mortality rate among AIDS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to hotspots as development schemes that attract mobile groups, HIV/AIDS infections are the biggest health issue in communities with low awareness and safe practice, especially in smaller towns. This study examined HIV/AIDS and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) use-related knowledge, attitude, and practice in AIDS patients. Debre Elias Health Center conducted a cross-sectional study (N=384) from June 10 to January 20, 2021. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression calculated significance and association between dependent and independent variables. 236 (384) or 61.4% of 384 HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy were female. HIV rates increased from 2014 to 2019. Age difference was associated with patient knowledge of ART use (P=0.005). Patients’ attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and ART use were significantly correlated with age, residence, marital status, and education (P

This study aims to develop and evaluate a model to predict the immune reconstitution among HIV/AIDS patients after antiretroviral therapy (ART). A total of 502 HIV/AIDS patients are randomized to the training cohort and evaluation cohort. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis are performed to identify the indicators and establish the nomogram for predicting the immune reconstitution. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC) are used to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the nomogram. Predictive factors included white blood cells (WBC), baseline CD4+ T‐cell counts (baseline CD4), ratio of effector regulatory T cells to resting regulatory T cells (eTreg/rTreg) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and are incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.812 (95% CI, 0.767∼0.851) and 0.794 (95%CI, 0.719∼0.857) in the training cohort and evaluation cohort, respectively. The calibration curve shows a high consistency between the predicted and actual observations. Moreover, DCA and CIC indicate that the nomogram has a superior net benefit in predicting poor immune reconstitution. A simple‐to‐use nomogram containing four routinely collected variables is developed and internally evaluated and can be used to predict the poor immune reconstitution in HIV/AIDS patients after ART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii infection is considered as one of the most important opportunistic infections and cause of death in HIV patients. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 334 HIV positive patients were included. The molecular test was performed by the restriction fragment length polymorphism–polymerase chain reaction method. Allelic frequency, haplotype analyses, and linkage disequilibrium were calculated. The odds ratio was calculated. The linear regression model was used to analysis of interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐17F, and IL‐6 single‐nucleotide polymorphism genotypes in HIV patients with and without toxoplasmosis. Results: In total, 95 tested'patients (28.4%) were positive for toxoplasmosis. The risk of toxoplasma infection in the current study did not correlate with IL‐17 and IL‐6 polymorphism and the risk of contracting toxoplasma was also not significantly correlated in this study. There was no association between the frequency of alleles and the risk of toxoplasma infection in IL‐17 haplotype analysis. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that there were significant differences in the serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐17A, but not IL‐17F, between the case and control groups in various genetic models. However, these polymorphisms did not show a significant relationship with toxoplasma infection in HIV‐positive patients. This study represents the first investigation in Iran to explore the role of IL‐6 and IL‐17 polymorphisms in toxoplasma infection among HIV‐positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Musculoskeletal disorders is an inflammatory, degenerative diseases and disorders that cause pain and functional impairments. Musculoskeletal disorders are common and the major global health concern among people with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome which causes physical disability. Despite, it is a recognized health problem among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, there is a lack of data on musculoskeletal disorders among patients following anti-retroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among adult human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients following anti-retroviral therapy. Method An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1st to October 1st, 2021 at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. The data was collected through an interview-administered questionnaire and patient medical record review of 324 participants. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders. The strength of the association was detected by the adjusted odds ratio and P-value. Result The annual prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among participants was 158 (48.5%) with [95% CI: 43%, 54%], opportunistic infection [AOR, 10.43; 95% CI = 2.76–42.25], type of ART medication used, CD4-count [AOR, 0.13; 95% CI 0.03–0.85], and change in anti-retroviral therapy regimen change [AOR, 8.14; 95%CI 2.06–32.09] were significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was moderate. Recent CD4 count, opportunistic infection, antiretroviral therapy regime at initiation, and anti-retroviral therapy regime change were significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorder. A multidisciplinary approach is required for preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients following anti-retroviral therapy.

Copyright of China Tropical Medicine is the property of China Tropical Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders is an inflammatory, degenerative diseases and disorders that cause pain and functional impairments. Musculoskeletal disorders are common and the major global health concern among people with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome which causes physical disability. Despite, it is a recognized health problem among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, there is a lack of data on musculoskeletal disorders among patients following anti-retroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among adult human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients following anti-retroviral therapy. Method: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1st to October 1st, 2021 at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. The data was collected through an interview-administered questionnaire and patient medical record review of 324 participants. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders. The strength of the association was detected by the adjusted odds ratio and P-value. Result: The annual prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among participants was 158 (48.5%) with [95% CI: 43%, 54%], opportunistic infection [AOR, 10.43; 95% CI = 2.76–42.25], type of ART medication used, CD4-count [AOR, 0.13; 95% CI 0.03–0.85], and change in anti-retroviral therapy regimen change [AOR, 8.14; 95%CI 2.06–32.09] were significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was moderate. Recent CD4 count, opportunistic infection, antiretroviral therapy regime at initiation, and anti-retroviral therapy regime change were significantly associated with musculoskeletal disorder. A multidisciplinary approach is required for preventing and treating musculoskeletal disorders among human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients following anti-retroviral therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors contributing to poor adherence to ARVs among HIV/AIDS patients attending the ART clinic at Wakiso Health Centre, Wakiso District. Methodology: The study design used was the descriptive cross-sectional study design. Results: The results of the study showed that the individual-related factors were, busy schedules 53.65% and the workplace being very far from the area of picking drugs. The socio-economic related factors that contributed to poor adherence included; unemployment 54%, non-disclosure of respondent’s HIV sero status to their families 30%, negative support from family members 61.8% and the health facility- related factors that contributed to poor adherence to ARVs among HIV/AIDS patients included; longer- waiting time on the day of refill 54%, shortage of drugs at the health facility 66%, bad attitudes from health workers towards the respondents and lack of enough information on the drugs from health workers. Conclusion: Based on the overall findings the researcher concluded that busy schedules, workplace being very far from the area of picking drugs, unemployment, non-disclosure of HIV sero status, negative support from family members, longer- waiting time, shortage of drugs, bad attitudes from health workers and lack of enough information on drugs are the major factors contributing to poor adherence to ARVs among HIV/AIDS patients. Recommendation: Health education of patients by health workers should be done on dispensing, drug restocking should be regularly done to solve the lack of drugs, reminders should be used for the patients with busy schedules to solve forgetfulness, recruiting adequately trained health care workers in the ART clinic to reduce on the overload and solve the longer-waiting hours, and the government should provide simple jobs to HIV/AIDS patients to solve the unemployment issue and lack of transport fee.

The estimated prevalence rate of adults living with HIV infection in MENA is one of the lowest in the world. To date, no data on the genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium isolates from HIV/AIDS patients in Algeria were available. This study aimed to identify Cryptosporidium species and subtype families prevalent in Algerian HIV-infected patients and contribute to the molecular epidemiology mapping of Cryptosporidium in the MENA region. A total of 350 faecal specimens from HIV/AIDS patients were analysed using microscopy, and a Cryptosporidium infection was identified from 33 samples, with 22 isolates successfully sequencing and confirming species and subtypes. Based on sequence analysis, 15 isolates were identified as C. parvum with family subtypes IIa (n = 7) and IId (n = 8), while five were identified as C. hominis (family subtypes Ia (n = 2) and Ib (n = 3)) and two as C. felis. The C. parvum subtype families IIa and IId predominated, suggesting potential zoonotic transmission. More extensive sampling of both humans and farm animals, especially sheep, goats and calves, as well as a collection of epidemiological data are needed for a better understanding of the sources of human C. parvum infections in Algeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Tropical Medicine is the property of China Tropical Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Background Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a challenge for clinicians treating patients with HIV/AIDS. CD4 counts can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to determine several common etiologies of FUO stratified by CD4 count levels in HIV/AIDS patients. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study was conducted in 195 HIV/AIDS patients with FUO admitted to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases from January 2016 to June 2019. Clinical parameters, immune status, and etiologies for each patient were recorded. Odds ratios were calculated to compare the distributions of common etiologies in groups with two different CD4 count levels:

Maycas Dembelu, Teklu Woseneleh Department of Nursing, College of Health Science, Mettu University, Mettu, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Maycas DembeluDepartment of Nursing, College of Health Science, Mettu University, Mettu, EthiopiaTel +251 936704900Email MaycasDembelu27@gmail.comBackground: Opportunistic infections (OIs) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals are infections that are more frequent or more severe than normal because of HIV-mediated immunosuppression. When these OIs occur in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in the form of relapse or reinfection, they are said to be a reoccurrence of OI. This study will try to identify gaps in addressing the burden in the study area.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 HIV/AIDS patients with previous OIs attending a public health facility in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia. This study was conducted from 5 April 2020 to 20 April 2020. Computer-generated simple random sampling was used to select the study participants. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the reoccurrence of OIs. A P value of ≤ 0.05 was used to determine significant association. The results were reported as numerical figures, tables, and diagrams, based on the type of data.Results: The mean ± standard deviation age of the 450 study participants was 34.3± 8.47 years. Eighty patients (17.8%) had chronic disease. In total, 119 HIV/AIDS patients (26.4%) were diagnosed with reoccurrence of OIs. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the major reoccurring OI. Age, rural residence, chronic disease, baseline anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence, current hemoglobin level, and current cell differentiation-4 (CD4) count were factors significantly associated with reoccurrence.Conclusion: Although the magnitude of reoccurrence of OIs was lower than in previous studies, efforts have to be continued among stakeholders to tackle factors associated with the reoccurrence of OIs.Keywords: reoccurrence, HIV/AIDS patients, prevalence, Arba Minch town

Background and Objectives: HIV infection is a global public health problem that can lead to the progression of AIDS. Nutritional status and biochemical markers can significantly contribute to the progression of AIDS in HIV/AIDS patients. The main objective of this study is to examine the association between nutritional and biochemical markers as well as BMI in HIV/AIDS patients in the kingdom of Bahrain. Methods: A retrospective cohort study, including 300 patients (248 males and 52 females) with HIV/AIDS in Bahrain, was carried out. Various biochemical markers were collected from patients’ medical records, including CD4+ T cell count, albumin, Hb, HCT, MCV, WBCs, and creatinine. A semi-structured questionnaire using a standardized food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used, from which total energy and total macronutrients were calculated. Results: The mean BMI of the participants was 27.20 kg/m2, and none of the participants had a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2 (underweight). The majority of patients’ dietary intake of macronutrients and total calorie intake were either within or above the recommended RDA levels. The results also showed that all of the mean values of the nutritional and biochemical markers (CD4+ T cell count, albumin, Hb, HCT, MCV, WBCs, and creatinine) were within the normal reference ranges. A significant positive correlation between CD4+ T cell count, Hb, HCT, and albumin at the 4+ T cell count and MCV, WBCs, and creatinine. A positive significant correlation was found between BMI, CD4+ T cell count, and WBCs at the Conclusion: The BMI values were significantly correlated with the biochemical markers of AIDS progression. The dietary patterns of the participants were undiversified, with a high prevalence of obesity and overweight. Malnutrition among this study population was not present.

Introduction: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exhibits the capability to weaken human immune system. The infected subject will later be more susceptible to suffer from opportunistic diseases when the CD4 cell count is lesser than 200 cell/µL. Oral thrush, periodontal disease and xerostomia are common oral manifestations in AIDS patient which initially indicate the presence of HIV infection. This study was aimed to analyse the correlation between the socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profile with oral manifestations of HIV/AIDS patients. Methods: An analytic study with cross-sectional approach was conducted towards the clinical profile and oral manifestation data of HIV/AIDS patients, which obtained from secondary data in the form of medical record. The 55 samples were taken with total sampling technique. Results: The chi-square test found no significant correlation between HIV/AIDS patients socio-demographic and oral manifestations and several significant correlation of the HIV/AIDS patients' clinical profile with the oral manifestation as follows: the total number of CD4 and ARV therapy duration was significantly correlated with the HIV/AIDS patients with candidiasis and oral thrush (p=0.01); while in patients with periodontal disease was only significantly correlated with the total number of CD4 (p=0.02); and no significant correlation found in HIV/AIDS patients with xerostomia. Conclusion: There is no correlation between HIV/AIDS patients socio-demographic and oral manifestations. There is a correlation between several HIV/AIDS patients clinical profile with the oral manifestation. The number of CD4 cells and the ARV therapy duration was correlated with patients with candidiasis and oral thrush, while in patients with periodontal disease on correlated with the number and CD4 cells. HIV/AIDS patients with xerostomia have no correlation with any of their clinical profile.

Aims: The combination of knowledge, attitudes and practices is an important psycho-behavioural mechanism in the disease-management strategies of HIV patients. This study reviews the global evidence of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of HIV patients. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: Four databases-Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science (WOS) were searched from January 10 to April 25, 2021. Methods: Databases were searched for the predefined keywords of "knowledge", "attitudes", "practices", "people living with HIV/AIDS" and "HIV/AIDS". The inclusion criteria were limited to time range, language and study types and nature. PRISMA was followed and JBI quality assessment tools for cross-sectional and qualitative studies were used. Results: A total of 18 papers have been selected for the extraction of 1964 articles. The KAP were assessed related to nutrition, infant feeding, disclosure of HIV/AIDS, WASH (or hygiene), oral health, cancer-related domains with HIV/AIDS and HA(ART). Relevant dimensional KAP were incorporated with the basic items about HIV/AIDS. Overall, a mixed level of knowledge, discriminatory attitudes and malpractices were observed throughout the study. Socio-economic, counselling, support and dimensions related factors were identified as associated risk factors. Conclusion: Variation in assessing KAP is a critical problem and unique, outcome-based KAP assessment tools integrated with qualitative assessments were suggested to examine the interrelationship of the KAP components and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a challenge for clinicians treating patients with HIV/AIDS. CD4 counts can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to determine several common etiologies of FUO stratified by CD4 count levels in HIV/AIDS patients.Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective and prospective study was conducted in 195 HIV/AIDS patients with FUO admitted to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases from January 2016 to June 2019. Clinical parameters, immune status, and etiologies for each patient were recorded. Odds ratios were calculated to compare the distributions of common etiologies in groups with two different CD4 count levels: < 50 cells/mm3 and ≥ 50 cells/mm3.Results: The proportions of opportunistic infections and noninfectious etiologies were 93.3% and 3.6%, respectively. Tuberculosis was the most common opportunistic infection (46.7%), followed by talaromycosis (29.2%) and Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP) infection (20.5%). Tuberculosis was predominant in all CD4 level groups. Most patients with talaromycosis had CD4 counts below 50 cells/mm3. In total, 53.8% of the patients were infected by one pathogen. The risks of tuberculosis and talaromycosis in FUO-HIV patients were high when their CD4 counts were below 50 cells/mm3.Conclusions: Opportunistic infections, especially tuberculosis, are still the leading cause of FUO in HIV/AIDS patients. Tuberculosis and Talaromyces marneffei (TM) infection should be considered in patients with CD4 cell counts < 50 cells/mm3. This study implies that guidelines for appropriate testing to identify the etiology of FUO in HIV/AIDS patient based on the CD4 cell count should be developed, thereby reducing resource waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cervical cancer is an AIDS-related sickness, since HIV-positive women have a higher incidence of persistent HPV infection, which increases the risk of developing premalignant lesion of the cervix. Early detection by screening is one way to manage cervical cancer. The study assessed the socio-demographic determinants of cervical cancer screening uptake among a target of 670 HIV/AIDS patients attending the Comprehensive Care Centre at Nandi County Referral Hospital between July and October 2020 in Kenya. Methods: It adopted a descriptive cross-sectional research design, employing quantitative approach. The sample size was 190, calculated using Fisher's formula. Sampling was by systematic and purposeful random techniques. Primary data was collected using an open- and closed-ended questionnaire. It was then analysed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were used to generate frequencies, percentages and means for presentation. Chi-square test of independence and logistic regression helped to test for association between socio-demographic factors and uptake of cervical cancer screening. Results: From the findings, the average was 33.8 years; majority were Christian (94.2%) and most, 152(80%), had over two children. A significant relationship existed between age (0.003), level education (0.001), and uptake of cervical cancer screening (p < 0.05). However, marital status (0.904) and number of children (0.829) did not significantly influence uptake of cervical cancer screening (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Evidently, socio-demographics of HIV-positive women greatly influence their uptake of cervical cancer screening. Consequently, the government should increase awareness on cervical cancer screening through in the county health facilities and in communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with depression among people living with HIV/AIDS attending Gimbi General hospital, West Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 404 HIV/AIDS patients, from March 01 to March 30, 2018. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with depression. Possible association and statistical significance were measured using odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and P-value less than 0.05. Results A total of 393 HIV/AIDS patients were included in this study. Out of this, 41.7% had depression. Perceived social stigma (AOR = 6.98, 95% CI 3.07, 15.86), opportunistic infection (AOR = 9.38, 95% CI 4.21, 20.89), adverse drug reaction (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI 1.58, 8.81), absence of family/social support (AOR = 9.97, 95% CI 3.57, 27.86), and presence of other chronic diseases (AOR = 6.14, 95% CI 1.66, 22.68) were significantly associated with depression. The level of depression among HIV/AIDS patient in this study was high. The clinician should early recognize and treat drug side effects, early detect and manage opportunistic infection and other chronic diseases, and give health information about the disease for the community to reduce social stigma.

Oropharyngeal Candidiasis (OPC) is an opportunistic fungal infection occurring in immunocompromised patients such as HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum on different Candida species isolated from oral cavity of HIV/AIDS patients compared to Fluconazole (FLC). In this study, the antifungal effects of both cells and cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of L. acidophilus and L. plantarum were investigated against different oral Candida species by co-aggregation, agar overlay interference and broth microdilution assays, respectively. Our results showed that the highest co-aggregation ratio of the two tested Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was observed for C. krusei. Both L. acidophilus and L. plantarum at cell concentrations 1010 to 102 cfu/ml were able to inhibit the growth of most of the oral Candida species, except for C. albicans, and to some C. krusei. In this study, MIC and MFC values for CFS of L. acidophilus ranged from 100 to 200 µl/ml and 100 to 200 µl/ml, respectively, and MIC and MFC values for CFS of L. plantarum were 50 to 200 µl/ml and 50 to 200 µl/ml, respectively. The ranges of MIC and MFC for FLC were 256–1024 µg/ml and 512–2048 µg/ml, respectively. C. albicans and C. parapsilosis displayed the highest and least susceptibility to CFSs of two LAB, respectively. Our findings showed that both cells and CFSs of L. acidophilus and L. plantarum had antifungal effects against oral Candida species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the HIV/AIDS - related knowledge and attitudes amongst medical, dental and nursing students of Saveetha University, Chennai. With increasing number of people having HIV/AIDS, students of medicine and health allied science should have sufficient knowledge about the transmission of the disease, and their attitude should meet professional expectations. Materials and Method: A self-administered questionnaire was devised and a cross sectional study was conducted on 300 students in toto i.e. 100 medical students, 100 dental students and 100 nursing students. Data recorded was subjected to statistical analysis and appropriate conclusions were drawn. Results: A small number of students in the medical fraternity had inadequate knowledge and misconceptions about HIV and harboured negative attitude towards HIV patients. Conclusion: The findings from our study suggest that in order to instil a professional, ethical and empathetic approach towards AIDS patients, awareness and training programs are essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To verify the efficacy of low level laser application, GaAIAs, in oral manifestations of Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis (NUP) in HIV seropositive patients. The initial aim was to reduce the use of systemic analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications. Materials and Methods: Fourteen HIV-positive patients with NUP were divided into two groups as follows: Group A, control: no laser but conventional periodontal treatment. Group B, laser: conventional periodontal treatment with reduced systemic medications plus therapeutic laser application. Results: The patients from group B exhibited better results in terms of pain control and tissue recovery when compared with patients from group A. Conclusion: Laser application resulted in better pain relief and tissue healing, and it is recommended that it be included in the clinical treatment of NUP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To verify the efficiency of the Ga:Al:As laser in the stimulation of tissue repair and analgesic effect after tooth extractions in HIV/AIDS-positive patients. Materials and Methods: The low-potency laser Ga:Al:As (790 nm. 30 mw fixed potency) was applied in 15 HIV/AIDS-positive patients who required extractions totaling 36 teeth. Platelet count, T-CD4 lymphocytes, and the viral load of each patient were examined. After extraction and suturing, the low-potency laser beam was applied to the surgical area parallel to the long axis of the alveolus for a period of 2 min. All the patients were instructed not to use any medications or supplementary treatments. The postoperative exam was performed days after surgery, including the suture removal, periapical radiograph, area wound healing evaluation, and a questionnaire to evaluate postoperative pain. Results and Conclusion; The patients generally reported a comfortable postoperative period. If pain was present, it was very slight and required no medication or other therapy. The process of tissue regeneration and surgical wound healing took less time than with conventional procedures. Although the patients presented various degrees immune suppression as measured by the T-CD4 lymphocyte count, and some had a high viral load, all responded satisfactorily in the postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Patient’s satisfaction occurs when patients feel their needs and expectations are being meet by the service delivery they receive in health institutions. The Objective of this research was to assess HIV/AIDS patients’ satisfaction with antiretroviral therapy service delivery and its associated factors at Midre – Genet hospital, Northwest Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted. Four hundred twenty study respondents were selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested, structured interview questionnaire. Bivariate analysis was conducted to identify potential significantly associated variables and transferred to multivariate logistic regression analysis. P value

ISLAMIC COUNSELING TO IMPROVE SELF EFFICACY OF HIV/AIDS PATIENTS. HIV/AIDS sufferers show low self efficacy that causes hypochondria which people often think about loss, loneliness and sinful feelings above all of what has been done. This causes them less emphasis on health care. Implementation of the value of Islamic religion in counseling or called Islamic counseling is very important to do because of a strong relationship between religious Islam with increase self-efficacy. This study wanted to know how self efficacy of HIV/AIDS sufferers in Rejang Lebong Regency can be improved by Islamic counseling. This research was conducted in clinic VCT RSUD Curup Rejang Lebong with the counselor as the key informant.Triangulasi is done by interviewing doctor hwo is handling patient and also companion of peer (PS). Data collection is done by interview and documentation. Futuremore the data is analyzed by doing data reduction, data presentation and conclusion and meaning. The result of research shows that Islamic Counseling is done by counselor on post test counseling by giving advice concerning Allah's greatness, His forgiveness and taubatan nashuhah that bring the patient becomes more resilient, anthusiastict with the process of treatment, more eager to fulfill worship and dayly activity.

Klinik RSHS Teratai HIV telah merawat pasien dari September 2004 sampai Desember 2009, sebanyak 2.060 ODHA dan 1290 menerima ARV (63%). Selama periode ini, sebesar 11% (141 orang) kehilangan kontak lebih tinggi dari keseluruhan persentase di Indonesia yaitu 10,7% (Depkes, 2009). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menyelidiki hasil yang benar dan faktor hilang tindak lanjut ARV di klinik RSHS Teratai ARV. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode wawancara mendalam dengan 25 pasien HIV / AIDS bawah pengobatan ARV di klinik Teratai RSHS dan mangkir sejak tahun 2009 yang tinggal di daerah Bandung. Informan dipilih secara acak dan dihubungi untuk kunjungan rumah untuk diwawancarai oleh pewawancara yang berpengalaman. Peneliti melakukan wawancara mendalam di rumah pasien sekitar 60 menit. Data direkam oleh pita digital direkam, ditranskrip dan dicetak oleh dua peneliti bidang independen menggunakan analisis tematik.Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan tujuh tema yang pengetahuan yang tidak benar, optimisme yang tidak realistis, masalah aadministratif, perasaan efek samping negatif, masalah interpersonal, masalah kecanduan, dan kurangnya perawatan diri. Oleh karena itu, penting untuk mengembangkan tindakan pencegahan melalui rincian kontak pasien, meminta pasien persetujuan untuk dihubungi, telepon, kunjungan rumah setelah 3 minggu kehilangan kontak, dan menyarankan pasien untuk mendaftar ke klinik ART lebih dekat dengan rumah mereka , dan mengembangkan sistem reminder untuk mengingatkan pasien untuk mengambil ARV tepat waktu. ABSTRACT Teratai clinic HIV RSHS has treated patients from September 2004 to December 2009, as much as 2060 PLWHA and 1290 receive ARV (63%). Over this period, 11% (141) were lost to follow-up that is higher than overall lost to follow up percentage in Indonesia which is 10.7% (MOH annually report December 2009). The aim of this study was to investigate the true outcomes and factors of lost follow up to ARV. This study used indepth interview method to 25 HIV/AIDS patients under ARV treatment in the Teratai clinic RSHS and lost to follow up since 2009 who lived in Bandung area. Informants were randomly selected and contacted for a home visit to be interviewed by experienced interviewer. The interviewers obtained verbal informed consent and conducted an in depth interview in the patients home. Interview took about 60 minutes. Data were recorded by digital tape recorded, transcribed and scored by two field researchers independently using thematic analysis. The result of this study shows seven themes which are incorrect knowledge, unrealistic optimism, administrative problems, feeling of negative side effect, interpersonal problem, addiction problem, and lack of self-care. Therefore, it is important to develop preventive measure through up-dating patients’ contact details, ask patients consent to be contacted, up date phone contact, home visit after 3 weeks lost of contact, advice patients to register to ART clinic closer to their homes, and develop a reminding system to remind patients to take ARV on time.

The burden of HIV/AIDS in Iran is not as high as in the other countries with high prevalence; however, the number of cases of HIV/AIDs is increasing in this region. According to a recent report, Iran had 5000 (1400–13,000) new cases of HIV infection with 4000 (2500–6200) AIDS-related deaths. Individuals affected by HIV/AIDS are highly susceptible for developing opportunistic infections, e.g. the cerebral complications related to pathogenic free-living amoebae and colonization of free-living amoebae (FLA) can be a serious hazard for patients living with HIV/AIDS. In the present study, a total of 70 oral and nasal mucosal samples were obtained from HIV/AIDS patients referred to the reference hospitals in Iran and tested for the presence of potentially pathogenic FLA using culture and PCR/sequencing-based methods. To discern the taxonomic status of Acanthamoeba genotypes a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed and tolerance assays were performed for the positive Acanthamoeba strains. Among the patients with HIV/AIDS referred to the reference hospitals from 2017 to 2019, 7.1% were found positive for pathogenic free-living amoebae. Three strains (HA3, HA4, and HA5) belonged to the T4 genotype, one strain (HA1) was related to the T5 genotype assigned as A. lenticulata, and another strain (HA2) had high homology to Vermamoeba vermiformis. The tolerance assay used for Acanthamoeba strains (HA1, HA3, and HA4) classified these amoebae as highly pathogenic strains. For the most part, the encephalitis cases occurring in HIV/AIDS patients in Iran remain undiagnosed due to lack of awareness of the practitioners on the available diagnostic tools for this lethal infection; therefore, the true incidence of GAE in this region is unknown. A possible colonization with FLA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of suspected cases of CNS infections among HIV/AIDS patients. This study is the first worldwide comprehensive study attempting to isolate and identify the FLA colonization in HIV/AIDS patients. This study highlights the fact that clinicians should be aware of the differential diagnosis of cerebral disease related to FLA in patients with HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Histoplasmosis is a frequent fungal infection in HIV/AIDS patients, with high morbimortality rates when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Antibody detection, which is faster than the gold standard culture test, hastens the laboratory investigation. Objectives: To evaluate the role of WB for antibody detection in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis among HIV/AIDS patients. Patients and Methods: Fifty patients with proven or probable histoplasmosis were included. Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data were described in the same population after a review of their medical records. WB was performed using deglycosylated histoplasmin. Results: About 82% of patients were adult males and the mean age was 39.3 years. CD4+ T lymphocyte count less than 150 cells/mm3 was observed in 62% patients. Antibodies against Histoplasma capsulatum M antigen were detected in 62% of patients, and against both M and H antigens in 28% of individuals. Sera from 10% of patients were nonreactive. Histoplasmosis was the first opportunistic infection in 38% of the cases. Disseminated and pulmonary histoplasmosis occurred in 84% and 16% of patients, respectively. The overall mortality was 16%. Conclusion: WB could be useful for the histoplasmosis diagnosis in HIV/AIDS patients because of its easefulness and good sensitivity in a population where antibody production is hampered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Tropical Medicine is the property of China Tropical Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Data about correlation of interleukins (IL-1 α, IL-1 β, IFN γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), resistin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in HIV/AIDS patients are still limited. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlations of serum levels of PAI-1, leptin and ferritin with HOMA in HIV/AIDS patients treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods This cross-sectional study included 64 HIV/AIDS patients, all Caucasians, receiving cART at the HIV/AIDS Centre, Belgrade, Serbia. PAI-1, leptin, ferritin and insulin levels were measured using the Metabolic Syndrome Array I (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK), while adiponectin and resistin levels were measured using Metabolic Syndrome Array II (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK), interleukins (IL-1 α, IL-1 β, IFN γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10), MCP-1, TNF-α as well as VEGF was measured using Cytokine Array I (Randox Laboratories Ltd., London, UK). Insulin resistance was determined using the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA). Multicollinearity of independent variables in multivariate model was analyzed using Variance Inflation Factor. Results Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between HOMA and waist circumference, body mass index, patients' age, number of cART combinations and triglycerides (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.050, p = 0.044, p = 0.002, respectively). HOMA negatively correlated with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) (Rho = −0.282; p = 0.025). PAI-1 (Rho = 0.334; p= 0.007) and leptin (Rho = 0.492; p = 0.001) together with ferritin (Rho = 0.396, p = 0.001) positively and significantly correlated with HOMA. Levels of IL-1 α, IL-1 β, IFN γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, adiponectin, MCP-1, resistin, TNF-α, CRP and VEGF did not significantly correlate with HOMA. Further, multiple logistic regression showed that there is a statistically significant correlation between PAI, leptin and ferritin with HOMA levels (p = 0.042; p < 0.001, p = 0.009). Conclusions We showed significant correlation between PAI-1, leptin and ferritin, independently of each other with HOMA, in HIV/AIDS patients on cART. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Reluctance of dentists to treat HIV/AIDS patients represents a major concern.The present study was aimed to determine predictive factors of intention of dentists for providing dental care to HIV/AIDS-infected patients based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) constructs. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 80 dentists in the city of Shahriar, near Tehran, were selected through census. A scale based on PMT constructs was developed and validated through qualitative content analysis by a panel of experts and its reliability by Alpha Cronbach. Data was analyzed using SPSS16 and tests such as Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, independent-samples t tests and multiple linear regression using the stepwise method. Results: The mean age of participants was 38.21 (±7.57) years old 31 (38.8%) of the participants were women. Participants had an average of 117.98 (± 71.83) months of working experience. Among PMT constructs, self-efficacy could predict 54% variance of intention among the subjects (R2= 0.54, F= 24.28, p< 0.001) Conclusion: For increasing the intention of dentists willing to provide dental care to HIV/AIDS-infected patients should be focused on developing interventions aimed at to increase their self-efficacy. Paper Type: Research Article

Objective: Present study is aimed at assessing the supply chain management (SCM) of drugs in selected public health facilities in Dire Dawa City Administration, Harari Region and Jigjiga Zone in Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the public health facilities from each of the corresponding study areas. Quantitative data were collected using both retrospective and prospective structured observational checklist and structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using EPI INFO Version 3.5.1 and SPSS version 16.0. Results: A total of 384 HIV/AIDS patients (47.9% males and 52.1% females) were included in the study from three hospitals and seven health centers with mean age of 32.8 years (SD ± 11.9 years). Ninety percent of the health facilities dispensed the ARV drugs to patients when they came for resupply within 1-3 months. Only thirty percent of the health facilities had received all the ordered quantities of ARV drugs. Zidovudine/ Lamivudine/Nevirapine, Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Efavirenz and Zidovudine/ Lamivudine/Efavirenz combinations were the most commonly prescribed ARV regimens with 31.9%, 19.8% and 15.1%, respectively. Patients who used substances such as khat, cigarette and alcohol along with the ARV drugs were 4.6 times more likely to miss their proper daily dose usage as compared to those who did not use (AOR = 4.619 [95% CI: 2.069-10.313]). Conclusions: The patients should adhere to the right dose at the right time but the health facilities sometimes received not all the quantities of ARV drugs that they have ordered. Zidovudine containing ARV regimen was the most commonly prescribed regimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnitude of concurrent malaria infection and the impact it has on hematological abnormalities, such as anemia in people living with HIV/AIDS, is not well studied in Ethiopian set up. In this cross sectional study, therefore, we assessed the prevalence of concurrent malaria infection and anemia among highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) naive people living with HIV/AIDS between October, 2012 to May, 2013 in Northern Ethiopia. After obtaining consent, socio demographic, clinical, immunological and behavioural data was obtained. The overall prevalence of concomitant malaria infection was 17.4%. Rural residents and low to middle income class clients were more frequently co-infected with malaria (p < 0.0001). Utilization of insecticide treated nets (p = 0.0002) and co-trimoxazole intake (p = 0.006) were protective factors against Plasmodium infection. The overall prevalence of anemia was also high (43%), being significantly higher (91.3%) in malaria positive people living with HIV/AIDS compared to malaria free HIV patients (32.8%) (p < 0.0001). Female gender (p = 0.011), history of opportunistic infections (P = 0.0027) and late HIV stages (III and IV) (p = 0.0001) were also significantly associated with anemia in HIV patients. In conclusion, concurrent malaria represents a common condition and there was a significant difference in the odds of anemia between malaria positive and negative people living with HIV/AIDS in Northern Ethiopia indicating a need for routine screening of people living with HIV/AIDS living in malaria endemic-areas and close monitoring of co-infected patients. Indeed utilization of ITNs, malaria prophylaxis and early HIV diagnosis are highly encouraged in people living with HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The role of interleukins in the pathogenesis of lipodystrophy in HIV/AIDS-patients is still not understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of interleukins between HIV/AIDS-patients with or without lipodystrophy, as well as between different subgroups of lipodystrophy (lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy, mixed-fat-redistribution) and patients without lipodystrophy. Methods Cross-sectional study of 66 HIV/AIDS patients, all Caucasians. Serum levels of interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10) were measured using Cytokine-Array-1 on Evidence Investigator, Biochip Array Technology. The associations between interleukins and anthropometric and metabolic variables were estimated by Spearman-correlation. Analysis of covariance with bootstrapping method (ACBM) was used to examine relationship between interleukins and lipodystrophy categories adjusted for confounding variables. Results The lipodystrophy was observed in 29 (44%) patients, while 15 (52%) had lipoatrophy, 4 (14%) lipohypertrophy and 10 (34%) patients had mixed fat redistribution. There were 37 (56%) patients without lipodystrophy. Significantly lower levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were observed in lipodystrophy vs. non-lipodystrophy (p = 0.008; p = 0.027, respectively). No differences were found relating IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-8 levels in lipodystrophy vs. non-lipodystrophy. In patient subgroup with lipoatrophy, significantly lower levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were found when compared to non-lipodystrophy (p = 0.043; p = 0.031, respectively). In lipohypertrophy subgroup significantly lower levels of IL-4 were found when compared to non-lipodystrophy (p = 0.003). In order to estimate the correlation of IL-4 and IL-10 and the presence of lipodystrophy, ACBM showed that correlation of IL-4 levels in patients with lipodystrophy remains statistically significant (p = 0.004) in all types of lipodystrophy: lipoatrophy, lipohypertrophy and mix-fat-redistribution (p = 0.027; p = 0.009; p = 0.017, respectively) after adjustment for age, BMI. Conclusions IL-4 and IL-10 levels were significantly lower in lipodystrophy vs. non-lipodystrophy. According to our knowledge, we showed for the first time significant correlation between IL-4 levels and lipodystrophy development in HIV/AIDS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii has been suggested as an important opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised patients. We conducted a global meta-analysis to assess the prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) of T. gondii infection in immunocompromised individuals. Electronic databases were reviewed for T. gondii infection in HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, and transplant recipients, and meta-analyses were conducted to calculate overall estimated prevalence and ORs using random or fixed-effects models. Totally, 72 eligible studies were included. The estimated pooled prevalence of T. gondii infection in immunocompromised patients and the control was 35.9 and 24.7% (p < 0.001), with an OR of 2.24, i.e., 42.1 and 32.0% for HIV/AIDS patients and the control (p < 0.05), 26.0 and 12.1% for cancer patients and the control (p < 0.001), and 42.1 and 34.5% for transplant recipients and the control (p > 0.05), whose estimated pooled ORs were 1.92 (95% CI, 1.44–2.55), 2.89 (95% CI, 2.36–3.55), and 1.51 (95% CI, 1.16–1.95), respectively. This study is the first to demonstrate that the immunocompromised patients are associated with higher odds of T. gondii infection, and appropriate prevention and control measures are highly recommended for these susceptible populations.

Las bacterias gramnegativas se consideran como causa frecuente de neumonía en pacientes VIH/sida. La emergente y elevada proporción de microorganismos resistentes obliga a utilizar el antibiograma como un método que definirá la terapéutica de estos pacientes. Objetivos: identificar las bacterias gramnegativas que causan neumonía en pacientes VIH/sida y determinar la sensibilidad antimicrobiana de los microorganismos aislados. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo en el Instituto "Pedro Kourí" de 85 pacientes con VIH/sida y diagnóstico presuntivo de neumonía bacteriana por criterios clínicos y radiológicos. Se recogieron muestras de esputo y sangre para cultivo. Las bacterias aisladas y la sensibilidad antimicrobiana se determinaron por el sistema semiautomatizado miniApi (bioMérieux). Resultados: se aislaron 74 bacterias potencialmente patógenas de las que 32 (43,2 %) se clasificaron como gramnegativas. Predominaron Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 cepas: 34,3 %), Pseudomonas spp. (8 cepas: 25 %) y Escherichia coli (4 cepas: 12,5 %). Escherichia coli mostró el mayor porcentaje de resistencia y el 75 % de las cepas fue sensible frente a la amikacina. No se encontró resistencia al meropenem y más del 50 % de las enterobacterias identificadas con excepción de E.coli fueron sensibles a las cefalosporinas de tercera generación, ciprofloxacina, amikacina y cotrimoxazol. Pseudomonas spp. presentó resistencia al cotrimoxazol (87 %) y ticarcilina (75 %). Conclusiones: las bacterias gramnegativas causan en un porcentaje no despreciable neumonía en pacientes con VIH/sida. Aunque persisten cepas resistentes frente a diversos antimicrobianos, las cefalosporinas, quinolonas y los carbapenémicos muestran una adecuada actividad frente a estas bacterias.Gramnegative bacteria are considered to be a common cause of pneumonia in HIV/AIDS patients. The emergence of a large number of resistant microorganisms has made it necessary to use antibiograms to decide what treatment will be applied to these patients. Objectives: identify gramnegative bacteria causing pneumonia in HIV/AIDS patients and determine the antimicrobial sensitivity of the microorganisms isolated. Methods: a prospective descriptive study of 85 patients with HIV/AIDS and presumed diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia was carried out at "Pedro Kouri" Institute applying clinical and radiological criteria. Sputum and blood samples were collected to be cultured. The bacteria isolated and their antimicrobial sensitivity were determined using the mini-Api (bioMérieux) semiautomated system. Results: seventy-four potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated, of which 32 (43.2 %) were classified as gramnegative. The prevailing ones were Klebsiella pneumoniae (11 strains: 34.3 %), Pseudomonas spp. (8 strains: 25 %) and Escherichia coli (4 strains: 12,5 %). Escherichia coli exhibited the highest resistance percentage. 75 % of the strains were sensitive to amikacin. No resistance was found to meropenem, and more than 50% of the enterobacteria identified, with the exception of E. coli, were sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, amikacin and cotrimoxazol. Pseudomonas spp. showed resistance to cotrimoxazol (87 %) and ticarcillin (75 %). Conclusions: gramnegative bacteria cause pneumonia in HIV/AIDS patients to a considerable extent. There continue to be strains which are resistant to various antimicrobial drugs. However, cephalosporins, quinolones and carbapenemics exhibit adequate activity against these bacteria.

Introducción: En los pacientes VIH/sida son múltiples los factores de riesgo que se involucran en la aparición de la neumonía bacteriana de diversa etiología, sin que en ocasiones se conozca el germen causal del cuadro respiratorio. Métodos: Se estudiaron 85 pacientes VIH/sida con diagnóstico de neumonía bacteriana según criterios clínicos, radiológicos y de laboratorio en el Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Pedro Kourí", entre noviembre de 2007 y abril de 2008. Resultados: Se identificaron con mayor frecuencia S. pneumoniae (40,5 %), las enterobacterias (28,3 %) y los bacilos no fermentadores (13,5 %). Prevalecieron los individuos menores de 50 años de edad (91,7 %), fumadores (65,9 %), con un conteo de linfocitos TCD4 menor de 200 cél/mm³ (64,7 %)y que emplearon terapia antirretroviral de alta eficacia (54,7 %). Constituyeron factores de riesgo para presentar una neumonía bacteriana por enterobacterias, la edad ³ 50 años (OR 2,50; IC= 95 % 1,40-15,1) y la desnutrición (OR 2,53; IC= 95 % 1,83-7,91). Conclusiones: Se demostró que los agentes etiológicos identificados en esputos de pacientes VIH/sida cubanos con NB, son similares a los descritos por otros autores a nivel internacional, siendo más probable que los enfermos mayores de 50 años y desnutridos presenten una NB causada por enterobacterias que por el resto de los microorganismos.Introduction: In HIV/AIDS patients are many the risk factors involved in appearance of the bacterial pneumonia (BP) of different origin without to know the causal germ of respiratory picture. Methods: Authors studied 85 HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed with BP according the clinical, radiological and laboratory criteria in the "Pedro Kourí" Tropical Medicine Institute between November, 2007 and April, 2008. Results: S. pneumoniae (40,5 %), enterobacteria (28,3%) and no-fermented bacilli (13,5 %) were the more frequent identified. There was prevalence of subjects aged under 50 (91,7 %), smokers (65,9 %), with a TDC4 lymphocytes count under 200 cél/mm3 (64,7 %) with a high-performance anti-retroviral therapy (54,7 %). Risk factors of BP due to enterobacteria included age ³ 50 years (OR 2,50; 95 % CI 1,40-15,1) and malnutrition (OR 2,53; 95 % CI 1,83-7,91). Conclusions: It was demonstrated that the etiological agents identified in sputum from HIV/AIDS Cuban patients presenting with BP are similar to those described by other authors at international level, being more probable that the ill persons aged over 50 and also malnourished have a BP due to enterobacteria than remainder microorganisms.

Approximately two-thirds of Romanian HIV patients were parenterally infected with the F subtype of HIV in early childhood. They are now in the context of immunological aging, with immunosuppression posing an additional challenge in developing the most effective and well-tolerated regimens. The risk of an improper immune recovery is higher in these patients than in newly diagnosed patients. The primary goal of this retrospective study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the immune recovery, measured at three time points, on 462 HIV-infected patients who were registered at the "Matei Balş National Institute of Infectious Diseases", Bucharest, Romania, between 2018 and 2021, as follows: darunavir (DRV) 600 mg plus ritonavir (RTV) 100 mg (twice daily) was given to 384 patients, while DRV 800 mg plus cobicistat (COBI) 150 mg was given to 78 patients (once daily). The immune response was assessed by counting T lymphocytes, CD4 count cells/mm3, and the CD4/CD8 lymphocyte count ratio. Additionally, the study assessed the relationship between the immune and virological responses to therapy. Using various statistical tests, the results revealed that the immune response is normal in both groups, but with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for the DRV/c group. Statistical associations between RNA viral plasma load and immune response (CD4 count and CD4/CD8 ratio) were assessed at all three visits and showed an insignificant association for the first two time points; however, at the final visit, the outcomes changed and reached statistical significance for both groups. [Display omitted] • The natural physiological implication of aging is an additional challenge for HIV patients. • A comparative analysis of the immune recovery, measured in three time points of 2 groups of patients, is provided. • Treatment regimens also contained pharmacokinetically enhanced DRV with RTV or COBI. • By determining the T lymphocytes no., CD4 count cells/mm3, and the lymphocyte ratio CD4/CD8, the immune response was obtained. • The study analyzed the correlation regarding the immune/virological response to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to examine health problems of HIV/AIDS patients in hospitals in Songkhla province, the complementary methods of healing used in HIV/AIDS patients, and the results of using the complementary methods. A sample of 80 HIV/AIDS patients in this survey was purposively selected from 13 hospitals in Songkhla province. Data were collected from July to October 2004 by employing questionnaires eliciting data on the health problems of the HIV/AIDS patients and any complementary methods used in the treatment of the patients. The instruments were examined for content validity by 5 experts. The reliability of the complementary methods healing questionnaire was assessed by test-retest methods with a resulting correlation coefficient of 0.86. The data were analyzed using percentage and mean. The findings were as follows: The three most common physical health problems were weariness and fatigue (40.0%), which the patients healed by exercising with a good outcome, while those who lost their appetite (40.0%) took dietary supplements as their remedy with either a good outcome or no effect. The three most common psychosocial health problems were feeling stress (21.1%), anxiety (21.1%) and alienation (25.0%), and the three most common spiritual health problems were hopelessness (21.3%), selfworthlessness (22.4%) and aimlessness (20.0%). The patients healed themselves of the psychosocial problems and spiritual problems by practising meditation, with the outcome of purifying the mind. The research found that, besides the treatment by a medical doctor, the HIV/AIDS patients used complementary methods of treatment. Health care personnel, therefore, have to understand health problems and promote the use of complementary healing methods for effective treatment.