Comparative analysis of cytomegalovirus retinitis and microvascular retinopathy in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

AIM：To compare the clinical manifestation of cytomegalovirus（CMV）retinitis and microvascular retinopathy（MVR）in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome（AIDS）in China.METHODS：A total of 93 consecutive patients with AIDS,including 41 cases of CMV retinitis and 52 cases of MVR were retrospectively reviewed.Highly active antiretroviral therapy（HAART）status was recorded.HIV and CMV immunoassay were also tested.CD4＋T-lymphocyte count and blood CMV-DNA test were performed in all patients.Aqueous humor CMV-DNA test was completed in 39patients.Ophthalmological examinations including best corrected visual acuity（BCVA,by International Standard Vision Chart）,intraocular pressure（IOP）,slit-lamp biomicroscopy,indirect ophthalmoscopy were performed.RESULTS：In MVR group,the anterior segment examination was normal in all patients with a mean BCVA of 0.93±0.13.Blood CMV-DNA was 0（0,269 000）and 42 patients（80.77%）did not receive HAART.In CMV retinitis group,13 patients（31.71%）had anterior segment abnormality.The mean BCVA was 0.64±0.35 and blood CMV-DNA was 3470（0,1 450 000）.Nineteen patients（46.34%）had not received HAART.MVR group and CMV retinitis group the positive rates of aqueous CMV-DNA were 0 and 50%,respectively.Two patients with MVR progressed to CMV retinitis during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION：In comparison of CMV,patients with MVR have relatively mild visual function impairment.Careful ophthalmological examination and close follow-up are mandatory,especially for patients who have systemic complications,positive CMV-DNA test and without received HAART.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome: Using drug from mathematical perceptive

Entry of acquired immune deficiency syndrome virus into the host immune cell involves the participation of various components of host and viral cell unit. These components may be categorized as attachment of the viral surface envelope protein subunit, gp120, to the CD4+ receptor and chemokine coreceptors, CCR5 and CXCR4, present on T cell surface. The viral fusion protein, gp41, the second cleaved subunit of Env undergoes reconfiguration and the membrane fusion reaction itself. Since the CD4+ T cell population is actively involved; the ultimate outcome of human immunodeficiency virus infection is total collapse of the host immune system. Mathematical modeling of the stages in viral membrane protein-host cell receptor-coreceptor interaction and the effect of antibody vaccine on the viral entry into the susceptible host cell has been carried out using as impulsive differential equations. We have studied the effect of antibody vaccination and determined analytically the threshold value of drug dosage and dosing interval for optimum levels of infection. We have also investigated the effect of perfect adherence of drug dose on the immune cell count in extreme cases and observed that systematic drug dosage of the immune cells leads to longer and improved lives.

Drug-induced erythroderma in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

BACKGROUND: To explore the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) complicated with drug-induced erythroderma.METHODS: The clinical data of 12 AIDS patients with drug-induced erythroderma in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The general information, offending medications, complications, modified severity-of-illness score for toxic epidermal necrolysis(SCORTEN) scores, and disease outcome spectrums were analyzed.RESULTS: Drug-induced erythroderma was mostly caused by antiviral drugs, antituberculosis drugs, antibiotics, traditional Chinese medicine, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The spectrum of sensitizing drugs was broad, the clinical situation was complex, and infections were common. The affected areas were greater than 40% body surface area in all patients. The modified SCOTERN score averaged 3.01±0.99. All patients were treated with glucocorticoids, and nine patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) pulse therapy at the same time. The average time to effectiveness was 7.08±2.23 days, and the average hospital stay was 17.92±8.46 days. Eleven patients were cured, and one patient died of secondary multiple infections, who had a modified SCORTEN score of 5 points. The mortality rate in this study was 8.3%.CONCLUSIONS: The clinical situation of AIDS patients with drug-induced erythroderma in hospitalized patients is complex and the co-infection rate is high. The use of modified SCORTEN score may objectively and accurately assess the conditions, and the use of glucocorticoid combined with IVIG therapy may improve the prognosis.

Differential Diagnosis and Association of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Systemic Erythematous Lupus: A Brief Review

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and lupus erythematosus are multisystem diseases that can affect several organs and systems at different stages of disease evolution. Both diseases share common clinical manifestations, which may lead to diagnostic difficulties, especially at the onset of the disease. Another additional challenge is when there is an association of the two pathologies. The objective of this brief review is to describe the clinical manifestations of the diseases and to make considerations regarding the moment of onset of symptoms. Knowledge of these common manifestations and their peculiarities may alert clinicians to possible diagnoses and avoid errors in the evaluation and conduction of these patients.

Investigation of perceived stigma among people living with human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Henan Province, China

Purpose:To investigate the level of and factors influencing perceived stigma and discrimination among people living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(PLWHA)in Henan Province.Methods:In total,161 PLWHA from Zhengzhou and Zhenping were investigated using the Berger HIV stigma scale.Results:The mean Berger stigma scale score was 105.70±15.20,indicating a middle stigma level.Among the four subscales of the Berger stigma scale,the disclosure concerns score was highest,while the negative self-image score was lowest.Multivariate analyses showed that factors influencing perceived HIV stigma included the level of education and route of infection.Conclusion:The level of perceived HIV stigma and discrimination among PLWHA in Henan Province is moderate and was affected by the level of education and route of infection.Special intervention should be established to address this problem.

Epidemiological characterization and geographic distribution of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome infection in North African countries

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection is a major global public health concern.North African countries carry a disproportionate burden of HIV representing one of the highest rates in Africa.AIM To characterize the epidemiological and spatial trends of HIV infection in this region.METHODS A systematic review was carried out on all the published data regarding HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in North African countries over ten years(2008-2017)following the PRISMA guidelines.We performed a comprehensive literature search using Medline PubMed,Embase,regional and international databases,and country-level reports with no language restriction.The quality,quantity,and geographic coverage of the data were assessed at both the national and regional levels.We used random-effects methods,spatial variables,and stratified results by demographic factors.Only original data on the prevalence of HIV infection were included and independently evaluated by professional epidemiologists.RESULTS A total of 721 records were identified but only 41 that met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis.There was considerable variability in the prevalence estimates of HIV within the countries of the region.The overall prevalence of HIV ranged from 0.9%[95%confidence interval(CI)0.8-1.27]to 3.8%(95%CI 1.17-6.53).The highest prevalence was associated with vulnerable groups and particularly drug abusers and sexually promiscuous individuals.The dense HIV clustering noted varied from one country to another.At least 13 HIV subtypes and recombinant forms were prevalent in the region.Subtype B was the most common variant,followed by CRF02_AG.CONCLUSION This comprehensive review indicates that HIV infection in North African countries is an increasing threat.Effective national and regional strategies are needed to improve monitoring and control of HIV transmission,with particular emphasis on geographic variability and HIV clustering.

^(99m)Tc-ECD brain SPECT imaging in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndromes

In order to investigate the changes of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndromes (AIDS), 99mTc-ECDbrain SPECT imaging was performed in 5 patients with AIDS and 16 sex and agematched normal controls, and the rCBF percentages compared to the cerebellum werecalculated using a semi-quantitative processing software. Hypoperfusions in the rightand left frontal, temporal, porietal lobe, basal ganglia and left thalamus were seen in1 patient with dementia. Hypoperfusions in the right and left frontal and temporallobe were seen in 4 asymptomatic patients. The rCBF in the right and left frontal.temporal, porietal lobe, basal ganglia and thalamus, front and pons were decreasedsignificantly in patients with AIDS than those of the control subjects (p ＜0.005). Itis concluded that there exists reduced cortico-subcortical rCBF in AIDS patients.

Improvement in human immunodeficiency virus-1/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients' well-being following administration of “Phyto V7”

AIM:To corroborate the capacity of Phyto V7,a complex of phytochemicals,to improve the physical well-being of human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1) infected and acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) patients not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.METHODS:Two hundred and thirty nine HIV-1 seropositive male and female voluntary inmates were recruited through the Uruguay National Program of AIDS.The study participants received for 90 consecutive days every eight hours two tablets(760 mg/each) of Phyto V7,containing a mix of the following phytochemicals:flavonols(Kaempferol,Quercetin),flavones(Apigenin,Luteolin),hydroxycinnamic acids(ferrulic acid),carotenoids(Lutein,Lycopene,Beta carotene) and organosulfur compounds,all from vegetal origin.The participants did not receive any antiretroviral treatment during the study.At days 0,30,60 and 90(± 2 d) the participants were evaluated for body mass index(BMI),tolerance to Phyto V7 and Index of Quality of Life based on the Karfnosky scale.ANOVA,Tukey Post-test,χ2 test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test were used to analyze the effect of treatment.RESULTS:One hundred and nighty nine study participants finished the study.Already after 30 d of Phyto V7 consumption,the weight,BMI and Karnofsky score statistically significantly improved(P < 0.001),and continued to improve until the end of the study.The mean weight gain per participant during the 90 d wasof 1.21 kg(approximately 2% of body weight).The overall increase in the mean Karnofsky score after 90 d was 14.08%.The lower the BMI and Karnofsky score of the participants were at the beginning of the study,the more notorious was the improvement over time.For example,the mean increment of Index of Quality of Life,among the participants with an initial Karnofsky score of 5 or below(n = 33) from day 0 to day 90,was of 35.67%(0.476 ± 0.044 vs 0.645 ± 0.09; P < 0.001).The tolerability to Phyto V7 was very good and no adverse reactions were recorded or reported.CONCLUSION:Administration of the Phyto V7 can be an important tool to improve the well-being of HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients,not undergoing antiretroviral treatment.

Salivary gland disease in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: A review

The effect of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection on salivary glands has diagnostic and prognostic significance. HIV-salivary gland disease(HIV-SGD) is comprehensively ascertained amongst the major critical acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS)-relatedoral manifestation and causes substantial morbidity. Parotid gland swelling due to sicca syndrome, parotid lipomatosis, sialadenitis, diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome, benign lymphoepithelial lesions, neoplasms(benign or malignant) of salivary gland, parotid gland inflammation, diminished flow rates of saliva and xerostomia have been documented that also affects the health- associated characteristics of life in subjects infected with HIV. There is a necessity for health care researchers to diagnose it, particularly as it might worsen if left undiagnosed. The precise characteristic of alterations in dynamics of salivary gland structure and functionality with long-standing usage of highly active anti-retroviral therapy still remains unknown. HIV positive children also present with bilateral parotid enlargement and the syndrome state with classical clinical and cytological features of predominated lymphoid hyperplasia. Though various case reports and studies have been extensively published on different aspects of HIV-SGD, it has not been described solely, thus leading to occasional confusion of nomenclature and clinical presentation of HIV-SGD. This article reviews the pathogenesis of HIV-related SGD and its components and various other miscellaneous disorders affecting the salivary glands in HIV/AIDS.

Bilateral Central Retinal Vein Occlusions Combined with Artery Occlusions in A Patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Purpose: This is the first report of a bilateral nonischemic central retinal vein occlusionscombined with artery occlusions in a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS). Methods: Case report. Results: A 22-year-old Chinese(male) with a positive human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infection developed bilateral nonischemic central retinal vein occlusions combinedwith artery occlusions and severe vision loss. The manifestations of the fundus andfluorescein angiography were similar in both eyes.Conclusion: This case report provides the evidences that central retinal vein and arteryocclusions are probably part of the spectrum of AIDS vascular diseases.

Hepatic portal venous gas due to cryptosporidiosis in a patient with acquired immunodefi ciency syndrome

Although the presence of hepatic portal venous gas (HPVG) on computed tomography (CT) is typically an ominous finding, HPVG may sometimes be less catastrophic. The clinical significance of HPVG is variable, and it depends primarily on the underlying pathol ogy. We report a case of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who was found to have HPVG on CT as a presumed result of gastrointestinal cryp tosporidiosis, an association that, to our knowledge, has not been reported. This case illustrates another cause of HPVG that should be considered in patients with AIDS.

The default mode network is affected in the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection:a longitudinal study

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection can lead to cognitive dysfunction represented by changes in the default mode network.Most recent studies have been cross-sectional and thus have not revealed dynamic changes in the default mode network following acquired immune deficiency syndrome infection and antiretroviral therapy.Specifically,when brain imaging data at only one time point are analyzed,determining the duration at which the default mode network is the most effective following antiretroviral therapy after the occurrence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.However,because infection times and other factors are often uncertain,longitudinal studies cannot be conducted directly in the clinic.Therefore,in this study,we performed a longitudinal study on the dynamic changes in the default mode network over time in a rhesus monkey model of simian immunodeficiency virus infection.We found marked changes in default mode network connectivity in 11 pairs of regions of interest at baseline and 10 days and 4 weeks after virus inoculation.Significant interactions between treatment and time were observed in the default mode network connectivity of regions of interest pairs area 31/V6.R and area 8/frontal eye field(FEF).L,area 8/FEF.L and caudal temporal parietal occipital area(TPOC).R,and area 31/V6.R and TPOC.L.ART administered 4 weeks after infection not only interrupted the progress of simian immunodeficiency virus infection but also preserved brain function to a large extent.These findings suggest that the default mode network is affected in the early stage of simian immunodeficiency virus infection and that it may serve as a potential biomarker for early changes in brain function and an objective indicator for making early clinical intervention decisions.

Th17和调节性T细胞在人类免疫缺陷病毒疾病进展中的作用及其调控机制

目的本研究通过观察人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)感染者外周血Th17、Treg细胞及其相关转录因子、细胞因子的表达,进一步揭示Th17、Treg细胞的调控机制及其在HIV感染者疾病进展中的作用。方法选取2019年1月—2019年10月河南省上蔡县HIV感染者80例作为研究组,选取同地区健康人群20例作为对照组。采用流式细胞术检测外周血CD4^(+)T、CD8^(+)T及外周血单个核细胞Th17、Treg,酶联免疫吸附试验检测血浆中细胞因子白细胞介素-17(IL-17)、IL-23水平,实时聚合酶链反应检测转录因子ROR-γt及Foxp3 mRNA表达,Pearson法分析Th17、Treg与CD4^(+)T的相关性。结果研究组CD4^(+)T、CD4^(+)T/CD3+T、CD4^(+)T/CD8^(+)T低于对照组(P<0.05),CD8^(+)T和CD8^(+)T/CD3+T高于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组Th17/CD4^(+)T、Th17/Treg低于对照组(P<0.05),Treg/CD4^(+)T高于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组ROR-γtmRNA高于对照组(P<0.05),Foxp3mRNA低于对照组(P<0.05)。研究组IL-17、IL-23水平低于对照组(P<0.05)。Pearson相关性分析结果表示,Th17细胞百分比与CD4^(+)T细胞计数呈正相关(r=0.293,P<0.05),Treg细胞百分比与CD4^(+)T细胞计数呈负相关(r=-0.198,P<0.05)。结论HIV感染能降低Th17细胞、升高Treg细胞,破坏机体免疫平衡,其机制与调控转录因子ROR-γt、Foxp3及细胞因子IL-17、IL-23表达有关,Th17细胞、Treg细胞与HIV感染者疾病进展密切相关。

An Experimental Model for Screening Anti-AIDS Drugs with Bovine Immunodeficiency Virus

The assays for bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) induced syncytium formation and BIV long terminal repeat (LTR) directed luciferase (Luc) gene expression were applied to screen and evaluate anti AIDS drugs. Frequency of the syncytium formation and BIV LTR directed Luc activity were in proportion to the number of input BIV infected cells. AZT inhibited the syncytium formation and the BIV LTR directed Luc gene expression level. Its inhibitory effects were dosedependent with the IC 50 being 0.24 and 0.052 mmol / L, respectively.

Treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in non-human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients using a combination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and caspofungin

BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia(PJP)is an infectious disease common in immunocompromised hosts.However,the currently,the clinical characteristics of non-HIV patients with PJP infection have not been fully elucidated.AIM To explore efficacy of trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole(TMP-SMX)and caspofungin for treatment of non-human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected PJP patients.METHODS A retrospective study enrolled 22 patients with non-HIV-infected PJP treated with TMP-SMX and caspofungin from 2019 to 2021.Clinical manifestations,treatment and prognosis of the patients were analyzed.RESULTS Five patients presented with comorbidity of autoimmune diseases,seven with lung cancer,four with lymphoma,two with organ transplantation and four with membranous nephropathy associated with use of immunosuppressive agents.The main clinical manifestations of patients were fever,dry cough,and progressive dyspnea.All patients presented with acute onset and respiratory failure.The most common imaging manifestation was ground glass opacity around the hilar,mainly in the upper lobe.All patients were diagnosed using next-generation sequencing,and were treated with a combination of TMP-SMX and caspofungin.Among them,17 patients received short-term adjuvant glucocorticoid therapy.All patients recovered well and were discharged from hospital.CONCLUSION Non-HIV-infected PJP have rapid disease progression,high risk of respiratory failure,and high mortality.Combination of TMP-SMX and caspofungin can effectively treat severe non-HIVinfected PJP patients with respiratory failure.

Elevated homocysteine levels in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients under antiretroviral therapy: A meta-analysis

AIM: To evaluate the association between the levels of homocysteine(Hcy), folate, vitamin B12 in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected patients who were treated with antiretroviral therapy(ART) or not treated with ART.METHODS: The Pub Med and Scielo databases were searched. Eligible studies regarding plasma Hcy level in HIV-infected patients were firstly identified. After careful analysis by two independent researches, the identified articles were included in the review according to two outcomes(1) Hcy, folate and vitamin B12 blood concentration in HIV-infected subjects vs health controls and;(2) Hcy blood concentration in HIV-infected subjects under ART vs not treated with ART. RevM an(version 5.2) was employed for data synthesis.RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were included in outcome 1(1649 participants, 932 cases and 717 controls). Outcome 1 meta-analysis demonstrated higher plasma Hcy(2.05 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.10 to 4.00, P < 0.01) and decreased plasma folate concentrations(-2.74 ng/m L; 95%CI:-5.18 to-0.29, P < 0.01) in HIV-infected patients compared to healthy controls. No changes in vitamin B12 plasma concentration were observed between groups. All studies included in the outcome 2 meta-analysis(1167 participants; 404 HIVinfected exposed to ART and 757 HIV-infected non-ART patients) demonstrated higher mean Hcy concentration in subjects HIV-infected under ART compared to nonART HIV subjects(4.13 μmol/L; 95%CI: 1.34 to 6.92, P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis demonstrated that the levels of Hcy and folate, but not vitamin B12, were associated with HIV infection. In addition, Hcy levels were higher in HIV-infected patients who were under ART compared to HIV-infected patients who were not exposed to ART. Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia should be included among the several important metabolic disturbances that are associated with ART in patients with HIV infection.

Hitting the bull’s eye of ending tuberculosis goal: The challenge of addressing tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus positive population in India

Eradicating tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus is all the more important to realise India’s ambitious goal of tuberculosis free India by 2025.Although,continuous efforts are being made to address tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus co-infection,it is imperative to closely monitor the implemented strategies,encourage and validate disease notification system in the country,and bring about societal change to view this disease as an ailment only and not as a stigma.

Factors Associated with Antiretroviral Therapy Defaulting among Adult Patients Receiving Care at Chikankata Mission Hospital, Chikankata District, Zambia

Background: Defaulting on antiretroviral therapy has been identified as the most important factor contributing to the antiretroviral therapy failure rate. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with defaulting on antiretroviral therapy among adult patients receiving care at Chikankata Mission Hospital antiretroviral therapy clinic. Method: Cross-sectional analytical study on 385 participants selected by a computer generated random numbers technique of simple random sampling from among the patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Chikankata Mission Hospital. Data collected were processed and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 27. Univariate and backward multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with antiretroviral therapy defaulting. The level of significance was set at 5% with a confidence level of 95%. Results: Over half (58.4%) of the study participants defaulted on antiretroviral therapy. About 65.8% of study participants indicated improved health as the reason they defaulted on antiretroviral therapy. Most participants indicated that it was important to always go for antiretroviral therapy services (Adjusted Odds Ratio 1.95;95% Confidence Interval: [1.14 - 3.33], p = 0.015). Very few participants indicated poor family support for antiretroviral therapy services (Adjusted Odds Ratio 4.08;95% Confidence Interval: [2.02 - 8.23], p Conclusion: Defaulting on antiretroviral therapy continues to be a significant problem and needs to be addressed as a matter of priority. More counselling and awareness-raising programmes are required to improve knowledge and understanding on the importance of attending scheduled antiretroviral therapy clinics and services as well as the consequences of defaulting on antiretroviral therapy.

Twenty years of human immunodeficiency virus care at the Mayo Clinic:Past,present and future

The Mayo human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) Clinic has been providing patient centered care for persons living with HIV in Minnesota and beyond for the past 20 years. Through multidisciplinary engagement, vital clinical outcomes such as retention in care, initiation of antiretroviral therapy and virologic suppression are maximized. In this commentary, we describe the history of the Mayo HIV Clinic and its best practices, providing a "Mayo Model" of HIV care that exceeds national outcomes and may be applicable in other settings.

Treatment of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome with Chinese Medicine in China： Opportunity, Advancement and Challenges~

Chinese medicine （CM） has been used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome （AIDS） for 30 years and the demonstrated therapeutic effects of CM, such as reducing plasma HIV viral load, increasing CD4＊T cell counts, promoting immunity reconstitution, ameliorating symptoms and signs, improving the health related quality of life （HRQOL） and counteracting against the effects of anti-retroviral drugs, were summarized and reviewed in this article. The authors point out that it had been a good opportunity to use CM for the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS in the past and also there are huge challenges ahead for CM research and clinicians to discover more effective CM and its underlying mechanisms for treatment of AIDS.