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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Advantages of Chinese Medicine for Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Rural Central China

Objective： To analyze the effect of Chinese medicine （CM） on mortality and quality of life （QOL） of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome （AIDS） patients treated with combined antiretroviral therapy （cART）. Methods： A random sample of AIDS patients enrolled in the National Chinese Medicine Treatment Trial Program （NCMTP） that met the inclusion criteria was included in this study. NCMTP patients were included as the CM＋cART group, and those not in the NCMTP were included as the cART group. Survival from September 2004 to September 2012 was analyzed by retrospective cohort study. QOL was analyzed by cross-sectional study. Results： The retrospective cohort study included 528 AIDS patients, 322 in the CM＋cART group and 206 in the cART group. After 8 years, the mortality in the CM＋cART group was 3.3/100 person-years, which was lower than the cART group of 5.3/100 person-years （P〈0.05）. The hazard ratio （HR） for mortality in the cART group was 1.6 times that of the CM＋cART group by Cox proportional hazard model analysis. After controlling for gender, age, marital status, education, and CD4＋ T-cell count, the HR was 1.9 times higher in the cART group compared with the CM＋cART group （P〈0.05）. The cross-sectional study investigated 275 AIDS patients. The mean scores of all QOL domains except spirituality/personal beliefs were higher in the CM＋cART group than in the cART group （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： For AIDS patients, CM could help to prolong life, decrease mortality, and improve QOL. However, there were limitations in the study, so prospective studies should be carded out to confirm our primary results.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevalence,incidence,and mortality in China,1990 to 2017:a secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 data

Background:Despite almost two decades of well-funded and comprehensive response efforts by the Chinese Government,human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS)remains a major problem in China.Yet,few studies have recently examined long-term trends in HIV/AIDS prevalence,incidence,and mortality at the national level.This study aimed to determine the prevalence,incidence,and mortality trends for HIV/AIDS over the past 28 years in China.Methods:We conducted a descriptive,epidemiological,secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases,Injuries,and Risk Factors Study 2017 data.To evaluate trends in prevalence,incidence,and mortality over the study period from 1990 to 2017,we calculated values for annual percentage change(APC)and corresponding 95%confidence intervals(CIs)using joinpoint regression analysis.Results:A significant increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence was observed for 1990 to 2009(APC:10.7;95%CI:10.4,11.0;P<0.001),and then remained stable for 2009 to 2017(APC:0.7;95%CI:-0.3,1.7;P=0.1).A significant increase in HIV incidence was also observed for 1990 to 2005(APC:13.0;95%CI:12.6,13.4;P<0.001),and then a significant decrease was detected for 2005 to 2017(APC:-6.5;95%CI:-7.0,-6.1;P<0.001).A significant increase in AIDS-related mortality rate was detected for 1990 to 2004(APC:10.3;95%CI:9.3,11.3;P<0.001),followed by a period of stability for 2004 to 2013(APC:1.3;95%CI:-0.7,3.3;P=0.2),and then another significant increase for 2013 to 2017(APC:15.3;95%CI:8.7,22.2;P<0.001).Conclusions:Although prevalence has stabilized and incidence has declined,AIDS-related mortality has risen sharply in recent years.These findings suggest more must be done to bring people into treatment earlier,retain them in treatment more effectively,actively seek to reenter them in treatment if they dropout,and improve the quality of treatment and care regimens.

Prevalence of liver injury among patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy in China

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of liver injury among patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) who received highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART) in rural Henan Province in China, and to explore whether Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) treatment based on HAART would increase this risk.METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. We collected medical information on patients with AIDS from two treatment databases in2014. Criteria established by the AIDS Clinical Trials Group in 1996 were used for grading liver injury,classified based on the limit of normal(ULN) for alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase:grade 1(1.25-2.5 × ULN); grade 2(2.6-5 × ULN);grade 3(5.1-10 × ULN); and grade 4(> 10 × ULN).Factors associated with liver injury were evaluated using a logistic regression model.RESULTS: A total 6953 patients with AIDS(3324 male and 3629 female patients) were enrolled into this study. The prevalence of liver injury was 22.0%(18.0% grade 1, 3.1% grade 2, 0.9% grade 3). In multivariate analysis, patients aged 34-45 years were more likely to have liver injury than patients in other age groups [adjusted odds ratio(AOR), 1.39; 95%CI, 1.01-1.91)]. Other factors associated with liver injury included male sex(AOR, 1.64; 95% CI,1.46-1.85), HIV infection via blood(AOR, 1.47; 95%CI, 1.19-1.82), hepatitis B virus antibody positive(AOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.85-1.36), and hepatitis C virus(HCV) antibody positive(AOR, 2.76; 95% CI,2.28-3.34).CONCLUSION: The prevalence of liver injury was relatively high among HAART-experienced patients. Several factors associated with liver injury included male sex, age 35-45 years old, HIV infection through blood, and concurrent HCV infection. TCM had no relationship with liver injury in patients receiving HAART.

Effect of treatment course of comprehensive intervention with Traditional Chinese Medicine on mortality of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients treated with combined antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of a treatment course of comprehensive intervention with Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) on the mortality of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) treated with combined antiretroviral therapy(c ART).METHODS:AIDS patients who had taken c ART in a national TCM human immunodeficiency virus treatment trial program(NTCMTP) before 2009 were enrolled in this study and followed for 36 months from November 2009.Patients enrolled in the NTCMTP in 2004 were taken as the first group,those enrolled in 2006 as the second group,and those enrolled in 2009 as the third group.Cumulative survival rates were calculated by the life table method.Survival curves for subgroups were compared by the log-rank test.Hazard ratios were calculated with a Cox proportional hazards model.RESULTS:A total of 1443 AIDS patients were followed for 3 years(4198 person-years).During this period,91(6.3%) patients died and 13(0.9%) were lost to follow-up.The total mortality rate was 2.17/100 person-years.The mortality rate of patients enrolled in the NTCMTP in 2004 was 1.49/100 person-years,which was lower than that of patients enrolled in 2006(2.23/100 person-years) and 2009(3.48/100 person-years).After adjusting for other factors,a shorter time of treatment with TCM,male sex,older age,lower CD4 + T-cell counts,and long-term treatment with c ART were risk factors of mortality.CONCLUSION:Long-term treatment with TCM decreased the mortality risk of AIDS patients.Factors such as being male,older age,CD4+ T-cell counts,and time of treatment with TCM and c ART were correlated with mortality.

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.

Traditional Chinese Medicine etiology and pathogenesis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome in simian immunodeficiency virus-infected Chinese rhesus macaques

OBJECTIVE： To investigate the traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） etiology and pathogenesis of ac- quired immune deficiency syndrome （AIDS） by 18-month observation of Chinese rhesus macaques infected with simian immunodeficiency virus （SIV） mac239. METHODS： Thirty-five healthy Chinese rhesus ma- caques were divided into a model group （n=30） and a control group （n=5）. The model was estab- lished by inoculating monkeys intravenously with SIVmac239. Changes in TCM symptoms after SIV in- fection within 18 months were then observed and recorded. Routine blood tests, SIV viral load, T-lym-phocyte subsets, plasma triiodothyronine （T3）, tet- raiodothyronine （14）, adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH） and cortisol （Cor） were tested periodically during the experiment. RESULTS： During the acute infection period of SIV, model monkeys temporarily showed clinical symp- toms such as diarrhea, dysphoria and slight weight loss. Decrease percentages of CD4~ T-lymphocytes were observed but levels of T3, 14, Cot, and ACTH were relatively unchanged. Monkeys in the model group during the early and middle periods of infec- tion showed no obvious symptoms, except few monkeys exhibited transient diarrhea and reduced food intake. All variables at this stage showed nor- mal fluctuations. In the middle period model group monkeys showed chronic and persistent diarrhea, weight loss, reduced food intake and low levels of 13 and Cot. In the late period, symptoms including emaciation, weight loss, listlessness, crouching in corners and low levels of T3appeared. CONCLUSION： The results suggest that the rhesus monkey SIWSAIDS model can be applied to re- search on TCM etiology and pathogenesis of AIDS. According to this model, the etiology of disease is the SIV virus. The pathogenesis manifests as the in- vasion of SIV virus, incubation of the virus, balance between virus and healthy ＂Qi＂, damage to spleen and kidney as the disease progressed, exhaustion of vitality and finally the failure of five zang and six fu organs.