Clinical characteristics and risk factors of Talaromyces marneffei infection in human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-negative patients with Talaromyces marneffei(T. marneffei) infection.METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical information of HIV-negative patients with T. marneffei infection from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2019, and analyzed the related risk factors of poor prognosis.RESULTS: Twenty-five cases aging 22 to 79 years were included. Manifestations of T. marneffei infection included fever, cough, dyspnea, chest pain or distress, lymphadenopathy, ear, nose, and throat(ENT) and/or skin lesions, bone or joint pain, edema and pain in the lower extremities, digestive symptoms, icterus, malaise, and hoarseness. Two cases had no comorbidity, while 23 cases suff ered from autoimmune disease, pulmonary disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Sixteen cases had a medication history of glucocorticoids, chemotherapy or immunosuppressors. Pulmonary lesions included interstitial infiltration, nodules, atelectasis, cavitary lesions, pleural effusion or hydropneumothorax, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary edema, and consolidation. The incidence of osteolytic lesions was 20%. Eight patients received antifungal monotherapy, and 11 patients received combined antifungal agents. Fifteen patients survived and ten patients were dead. The Cox regression analysis showed that reduced eosinophil counts, higher levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), myoglobin(Mb), procalcitonin(PCT), and galactomannan were related to poor prognosis(hazard ratio [HR]>1, P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Bone destruction is common in HIV-negative patients with T. marneffei infection. Defective cell-mediated immunity, active infection, multiple system, and organ damage can be the risk factors of poor prognosis.

Prevalence and risk factors for Candida esophagitis among human immunodeficiency virus-negative individuals

BACKGROUND Candida esophagitis(CE) is among the commonest esophageal infections and is known as an opportunistic fungal infection mostly affecting people living with the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).However,some medical conditions might predispose HIV-negative individuals to esophageal candidiasis.The epidemiology and associated endoscopic findings of CE among people without HIV have rarely been reported.AIM To investigate the prevalence of CE among HIV-negative persons,and determine risk factors predicting CE.METHODS Between January 2015 and December 2018,all consecutive outpatients who underwent routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy as part of health check-ups at their own expense at the Health Check-up Center of the Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital,Taiwan,were recruited in this study.Those with positive HIV serology results were excluded.Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics including age,gender,economic status,smoking history,alcohol consumption,tea and coffee consumption,underlying diseases,body fat percentage,body mass index,endoscopic findings,and Helicobacter pylori infection status were carefully reviewed.CE was confirmed by endoscopic biopsy and pathological assessment with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acidSchiff staining.To evaluate independent factors predicting the development of CE,we conducted a univariate analysis of clinical characteristics.The variables found to be significant via univariate analysis were subsequently included in a multivariable analysis of potential risk factors for CE development.RESULTS A total of 11802 participants were included in this study.Forty-seven(0.4%) were confirmed as having CE by pathological examination.Univariate analysis identified older age,the presence of chronic kidney disease,alcohol consumption,and steroid use(P = 0.023,< 0.001,0.033,and 0.004,respectively) as significantly associated with CE.Multivariable analysis revealed older age [adjusted odds ratio(OR) = 1.027;95%CI:1.001-1.053;P = 0.045],chronic kidney disease(adjusted OR = 13.470;95%CI:4.574-39.673;P < 0.001),alcohol consumption(adjusted OR = 2.103;95%CI:1.151-3.844;P = 0.016),and steroid use(adjusted OR = 24.255;95%CI:5.343-110.115;P < 0.001) as independent risk factors for CE development.The presence of dysphagia was associated with severe CE(P = 0.021).CONCLUSION The prevalence of CE among HIV-negative persons was 0.4% in Taiwan.Independent risk factors for CE were older age,chronic kidney disease,alcohol consumption,and steroid use.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteremia in a human immunodeficiency virus-negative patient with liver cirrhosis:A case report

BACKGROUND With the increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),the incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis(M.tuberculosis)bacteremia has also increased.As a common affliction of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients,M.tuberculosis infection is associated in these patients with severe sepsis and high mortality.In contrast,M.tuberculosis bacteremia is rarely seen in HIVnegative patients,and M.tuberculosis has never been reported from the blood of patients with liver cirrhosis.CASE SUMMARY We evaluated a 55-year-old Chinese male patient who had been admitted to the hospital with abdominal distension of unknown cause of one-week duration,accompanied by diarrhea,shortness of breath,and occasional fever.Based on these indicators of abnormal inflammation and fever,we suspected the presence of an infection.Although evidence of microbial infection was not found in routine clinical tests and the patient did not show typical clinical symptoms of infection with M.tuberculosis,next-generation sequencing of blood samples nevertheless demonstrated the presence of M.tuberculosis,which was subsequently isolated from blood samples grown in conventional Bac T/ALERT FA blood culture bottles.CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that HIV-negative liver cirrhosis patients can also be infected with M.tuberculosis.

Current status of liver transplantation for human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in China's Mainland

According to the report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection exceeded 1.2 million individuals by the year 2022,with an annual increase of about 80000 cases.The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among individuals co-infected with HIV reached 13.7%,almost twice the rate of the general population in China.In addition to the well-documented susceptibility to opportunistic infections and new malignancies,HIV infected patients frequently experience liver-related organ damage,with the liver and kidneys being the most commonly affected.This often leads to the development of end-stage liver and kidney diseases.Therefore,organ transplantation has emerged as an important part of active treatment for HIV infected patients.However,the curative effect is not satisfactory.HIV infection has been considered a contraindication for organ transplantation.Until the emergence of highly active anti-retroviral therapy in 1996,the once intractable replication of retrovirus was effectively inhibited.With prolonged survival,the failure of important organs has become the main cause of death among HIV patients.Therefore,transplant centers worldwide have resu-med exploration of organ transplantation for HIV-infected individuals and reached a positive conclusion.This study provides an overview of the current landscape of HIV-positive patients receiving liver transplantation(LT)in main-land China.To date,our transplant center has conducted LT for eight end-stage liver disease patients co-infected with HIV,and all but one,who died two months postoperatively due to sepsis and progressive multi-organ failure,have survived.Comparative analysis with hepatitis B virus-infected patients during the same period revealed no statistically significant differences in acute rejection reactions,cytomegalovirus infection,bacteremia,pulmonary infections,acute kidney injury,new-onset cancers,or vascular and biliary complications.

Retrospective analysis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with human immunodeficiency virus infection after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide,with a 5-year relative survival rate of approximately 18%.The similarity between incidence and mortality(830000 deaths per year)underscores the bleak prognosis associated with the disease.HCC is the fourth most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death in China.Most patients with HCC have a history of chronic liver disease such as chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)or hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection,alcoholism or alcoholic steatohepatitis,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.Early diagnosis and effective treatment are the keys to improving the prognosis of patients with HCC.Although the total number of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected patients is declining globally the incidence of HCC is increasing in HIVinfected patients,especially those who are coinfected with HBV or HCV.As a result,people infected with HIV still face unique challenges in terms of their risk of developing HCC.AIM To investigate the survival prognosis and clinical efficacy of surgical resection in patients with HCC complicated with HIV infection.METHODS The clinical data of 56 patients with HCC complicated with HIV admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2013 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Among these,27 patients underwent hepatectomy(operation group)and 29 patients received conservative treatment(nonoperation group).All patients signed informed consents in line with the provisions of medical ethics.The general data,clinicopathological features and prognoses for the patients in the two groups were analyzed and the risk factors related to the prognoses of the patients in the operation group were identified.RESULTS The median disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)of HIV-HCC patients in the surgical group were 13 months and 17 months,respectively,and the median OS of patients in the nonsurgical group was 12 months.The OS of the surgical group was significantly longer than that of the control group(17 months vs 12 months,respectively;P<0.05).The risk factors associated with DFS and OS in the surgical group were initial HIV diagnosis,postoperative microvascular invasion(MVI),a CD4+T-cell count<200/μL,Barcelona stage C-D,and men who have sex with men(MSM;P<0.05).CONCLUSION Hepatectomy can effectively prolong the survival of patients with HIV-HCC but MVI identified during postoperative pathological examination,late tumor detection,late BCLC stage,CD4+T<200/μL and MSM are risk factors affecting the survival and prognosis of patients undergoing hepatectomy.In addition,there were significant differences between the surgical group and the nonsurgical group in terms of the initial diagnosis of HIV,Child-Pugh score,alpha-fetoprotein measurement value,and HART-efficient antiretroviral therapy after the diagnosis of HIV(P<0.05).Therefore,these factors may also affect the survival and prognosis of patients.

Effectiveness of onsite and online education in enhancing knowledge and use of human immunodeficiency virus pre-and postexposure prophylaxis

BACKGROUND Enhancing awareness and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP)and postexposure prophylaxis(PEP)is vital to curb human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)spread.High-risk behaviors prevalent among sexually transmitted infection clinic outpatients underscore the need for increased PrEP/PEP education in this group.AIM To investigate the effects of both onsite and online health education on the knowledge of,and willingness to use,PrEP and PEP among individuals receiving PEP services.METHODS Participants were drawn from a cohort study on PEP service intervention at an STD/AIDS outpatient clinic in designated HIV/AIDS hospitals in Beijing,conducted from January 1 to June 30,2022.Health education was provided both onsite and online during follow-up.Surveys assessing knowledge of,and willingness to use,PrEP/PEP were administered at baseline and again at 24 wk post-intervention.RESULTS A total of 112 participants were enrolled in the study;105 completed the follow-up at week 24.The percentage of participants with adequate knowledge of,and willingness to use,PrEP significantly increased from 65.2%and 69.6%at baseline to 83.8%and 82.9%at the end of the intervention(both P<0.05).Similarly,those with adequate knowledge of,and willingness to use,PEP increased from 74.1%and 77.7%at baseline to 92.4%and 89.5%at week 24(P<0.05).Being between 31 years and 40 years of age,having a postgraduate degree or higher,and reporting a monthly expenditure of RMB 5000 or more were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of PrEP and PEP(both P<0.05).CONCLUSION The findings show that both onsite and online health education significantly improved the knowledge of,and increased willingness to use,PrEP and PEP in individuals utilizing PEP services.

Oncological features and prognosis of colorectal cancer in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Due to the prolonged life expectancy and increased risk of colorectal cancer(CRC)among patients with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection,the prognosis and pathological features of CRC in HIV-positive patients require examination.AIM To compare the differences in oncological features,surgical safety,and prognosis between patients with and without HIV infection who have CRC at the same tumor stage and site.METHODS In this retrospective study,we collected data from HIV-positive and-negative patients who underwent radical resection for CRC.Using random stratified sampling,24 HIV-positive and 363 HIV-negative patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma after radical resection were selected.Using propensity score matching,we selected 72 patients,matched 1:2(HIV-positive:negative=24:48).Differences in basic characteristics,HIV acquisition,perioperative serological indicators,surgical safety,oncological features,and long-term prognosis were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Fewer patients with HIV infection underwent chemotherapy compared to patients without.HIV-positive patients had fewer preoperative and postoperative leukocytes,fewer preoperative lymphocytes,lower carcinoembryonic antigen levels,more intraoperative blood loss,more metastatic lymph nodes,higher node stage,higher tumor node metastasis stage,shorter overall survival,and shorter progression-free survival compared to patients who were HIV-negative.CONCLUSION Compared with CRC patients who are HIV-negative,patients with HIV infection have more metastatic lymph nodes and worse long-term survival after surgery.Standard treatment options for HIV-positive patients with CRC should be explored.

Hepatitis C virus eradication in people living with human immunodeficiency virus:Where are we now?

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)co-infection still involves 2.3 million patients worldwide of the estimated 37.7 million living with HIV,according to World Health Organization.People living with HIV(PLWH)are six times greater affected by HCV,compared to HIV negative ones;the greater prevalence is encountered among people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men:the risk of HCV transmission through sexual contact in this setting can be increased by HIV infection.These patients experience a high rate of chronic hepatitis,which if left untreated progresses to end-stage liver disease and hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC)HIV infection increases the risk of mother to child vertical transmission of HCV.No vaccination against both infections is still available.There is an interplay between HIV and HCV infections.Treatment of HCV is nowadays based on direct acting antivirals(DAAs),HCV treatment plays a key role in limiting the progression of liver disease and reducing the risk of HCC development in mono-and coinfected individuals,especially when used at an early stage of fibrosis,reducing liver disease mortality and morbidity.Since the sustained virological response at week 12 rates were observed in PLWH after HCV eradication,the AASLD has revised its simplified HCV treatment algorithm to also include individuals living with HIV.HCV eradication can determine dyslipidemia,since HCV promotes changes in serum lipid profiles and may influence lipid metabolism.In addition to these apparent detrimental effects on the lipid profile,the efficacy of DAA in HCV/HIV patients needs to be considered in light of its effects on glucose metabolism mediated by improvements in liver function.The aim of the present editorial is to describe the advancement in HCV treatment among PLWH.

Role of viruses in periodontitis:An extensive review of herpesviruses,human immunodeficiency virus,coronavirus-19,papillomavirus and hepatitis viruses

Periodontitis is the inflammation of the supporting structures around the dentition.Several microbial agents,mostly bacteria,have been identified as causative factors for periodontal disease.On the other hand,oral cavity is a rich reservoir for viruses since it contains a wide variety of cell types that can be targeted by viruses.Traditionally,the focus of research about the oral flora has been on bacteria because the most widespread oral diseases,like periodontitis and dental caries,are outcomes of bacterial infection.However,recently and especially after the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019,there is a growing tendency toward including viruses also into the scope of oral microbiome investigations.The global high prevalence of periodontitis and viral infections may point out to a concomitant or synergistic effect between the two.Although the exact nature of the mechanism still is not clearly understood,this could be speculated through the manipulation of the immune system by viruses;hence facilitating the furthermore colonization of the oral tissues by bacteria.This review provides an extensive and detailed update on the role of the most common viruses including herpes family(herpes simplex,varicella-zoster,Epstein-Barr,cytomegalovirus),Human papillomaviruses,Human immunodeficiency virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the initiation,progression and prognosis of periodontitis.

Human immunodeficiency virus cascade–continuum of care stages and outcomes in a hospital in southern Brazil

BACKGROUND The human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)continuum of care cascade illustrates the 90-90-90 goals defined by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(UNAIDS).The care cascade includes the following five steps:Diagnosis,linkage to care,retention in care,adherence to antiretroviral therapy(ART),and viral suppression.AIM To elaborate the HIV cascade of patients diagnosed with HIV at the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital(HNSC)and to determine possible local causes for the loss of patients between each step of the cascade.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with HIV infection from January 1,2015 to December 31,2016 and followed up until July 31,2019.The data were analyzed by IBM SPSS software version 25,and Poisson regression with simple robust variance was used to analyze variables in relation to each step of the cascade.Variables with P<0.20 were included in multivariable analysis,and P<0.05 was considered significant.Pearson’sχ^(2) test was used to compare the groups of patients followed up at the HNSC and those followed up at other sites.RESULTS The results were lower than those expected by the UNAIDS,with 94%of patients linked,91%retained,81%adhering to ART,and 84%in viral suppression.Age and site of follow-up were the variables with the highest statistical significance.A comparison showed that the cascade of patients from the HNSC had superior results than outpatients,with a significant difference in the last step of the cascade.CONCLUSION The specialized and continued care provided at the HNSC was associated with better results and was closer to the goals set by the UNAIDS.The development of the HIV cascade using local data allowed for the stratification and evaluation of risk factors associated with the losses occurring between each step of the cascade.

Outcomes of ABO-incompatible liver transplantation in end-stage liver disease patients co-infected with hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-positive patients coinfected with hepatitis B virus(HBV)are eligible for liver transplantation(LT)in Africa and Southeast Asia,particularly China.However,the outcome of HIV-HBV coinfected patients referred for ABO-incompatible LT(ABOi-LT)is unknown.AIM To clarify the outcome of ABOi-LT for HIV-HBV coinfected patients with endstage liver disease(ESLD).METHODS We report on two Chinese HIV-HBV coinfected patients with ESLD who underwent A to O brain-dead donor LT and reviewed the literature on HIV-HBV coinfected patients treated with ABO-compatible LT.The pretransplantation HIV viral load was undetectable,with no active opportunistic infections.Induction therapy consisted of two sessions of plasmapheresis and a single dose of rituximab in two split doses,followed by an intraoperative regimen of intravenous immunoglobulin,methylprednisolone,and basiliximab.Post-transplant maintenance immunosuppressive agents consisted of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil,and prednisone.RESULTS At the intermediate-term follow-up,patients showed undetectable HIV viral load,CD4(+)T cell counts greater than 150 cells/μL,no HBV recurrence,and stable liver function.A liver allograft biopsy showed no evidence of acute cellular rejection.Both patients survived at 36-42 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION This is the first report of ABOi-LT in HIV-HBV recipients with good intermediate-term outcomes,suggesting that ABOi-LT may be feasible and safe for HIV-HBV coinfected patients with ESLD.

Reservoir of human immunodeficiency virus in the brain:New insights into the role of T cells

Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection of the central nervous system(CNS)has attracted significant attention because it contributes to severe complications of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS)and seriously impairs the life quality of infected patients.In this review,we briefly describe the latent infection of HIV in CNS and focus on the role of the important immune cells,such as T cells,in the formation and maintenance of the HIV reservoir in CNS.This review explores the mechanisms by which T cells enter CNS and establish latent infection of HIV in the CNS.In conclusion,we summarize the role of these cells in the interaction between HIV and CNS.With our better understanding of the underlying mechanisms,we propose future directions for the development of novel strategies to eliminate HIV reservoirs in the CNS based on cellular components.

Benign lymphoepithelial cyst of parotid gland without human immunodeficiency virus infection:A case report

BACKGROUND Benign lymphoepithelial cyst(BLEC)of the parotid gland is a rare benign embryonic-dysplastic cystic tumor in the anterolateral neck that occurs most commonly in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-positive adults and rarely in non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients.The main presentation is a slow-growing,painless mass,and secondary infection may cause acute inflammatory symptoms.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old Chinese male patient presented with a 1-year history of a mass in the left side of the neck.On physical examination,a mass similar in size and shape to a quail egg was found in the left parotid gland.The mass was tough,without tenderness,and easily moveable.The results of HIV tests,including antibody and nucleic acid tests and CD4+T cell examination,were negative.Imaging examination revealed a left parotid gland mass.The patient underwent surgical treatment,and BLEC was diagnosed based on postoperative pathology.After 2years of follow-up,the patient survived well without related discomfort.CONCLUSION The detailed characteristics of a BLEC in a patient without HIV infection contribute to an improved understanding of this rare disease.

Glucose metabolism continuous deteriorating in male patients with human immunodeficiency virus accepted antiretroviral therapy for 156 weeks

BACKGROUND The dynamic characteristics of glucose metabolism and its risk factors in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus(PLWH)who accepted primary treatment with the efavirenz(EFV)plus lamivudine(3TC)plus tenofovir(TDF)(EFV+3TC+TDF)regimen are unclear and warrant investigation.AIM To study the long-term dynamic characteristics of glucose metabolism and its contributing factors in male PLWH who accepted primary treatment with the EFV+3TC+TDF regimen for 156 wk.METHODS This study was designed using a follow-up design.Sixty-one male treatmentnaive PLWH,including 50 cases with normal glucose tolerance and 11 cases with prediabetes,were treated with the EFV+3TC+TDF regimen for 156 wk.The glucose metabolism dynamic characteristics,the main risk factors and the differences among the three CD4+count groups were analyzed.RESULTS In treatment-naive male PLWH,regardless of whether glucose metabolism disorder was present at baseline,who accepted treatment with the EFV+3TC+TDF regimen for 156 wk,a continuous increase in the fasting plasma glucose(FPG)level,the rate of impaired fasting glucose(IFG)and the glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)level were found.These changes were not due to insulin resistance but rather to significantly reduced isletβcell function,according to the homeostasis model assessment ofβcell function(HOMA-β).Moreover,the lower the baseline CD4+T-cell count was,the higher the FPG level and the lower the HOMA-βvalue.Furthermore,the main risk factors for the FPG levels were the CD3+CD8+cell count and viral load(VL),and the factors contributing to the HOMA-βvalues were the alanine aminotransferase level,VL and CD3+CD8+cell count.CONCLUSION These findings provide guidance to clinicians who are monitoring FPG levels closely and are concerned about IFG and decreased isletβcell function during antiretroviral therapy with the EFV+3TC+TDF regimen for long-term application.

Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor-associated membranous nephropathy with human immunodeficiency virus infection treated with telitacicept:A case report

BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor-associated membranous nephropathy(anti-PLA2R-MN)and human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection is a rare clinical scenario,presenting significant challenges in terms of management and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old Chinese male diagnosed with HIV infection presented with a clinical history of proteinuria persisting for over two years.A kidney biopsy demonstrated subepithelial immune complex deposition and a thickened glomerular basement membrane,indicative of stage I-II membranous nephro-pathy.Immunofluorescence staining revealed granular deposition of PLA2R(3+)along the glomerular capillary loops,corroborated by a strongly positive anti-PLA2R antibody test(1:320).Initial treatment involving losartan potassium,rivaroxaban,tacrolimus,and rituximab was discontinued due to either poor effec-tiveness or the occurrence of adverse events.Following a regimen of weekly subcutaneous injections of telitacicept(160 mg),a marked decline in the 24 h urine protein was observed within a three-month period,accompanied by a rise in serum albumin level.No significant reductions in peripheral blood CD3+CD4+T and CD3+CD8+T cell counts were detected.The patient's physical and psychological conditions showed significant improvements,with no adverse events reported during the treatment course.CONCLUSION Telitacicept might offer a potential therapeutic avenue for patients diagnosed with anti-PLA2R-MN concomitant with HIV infection.

Penile and scrotal strangulation by stainless steel rings in an human immunodeficiency virus positive man: A case report

BACKGROUND Penoscrotal constriction devices are either used as autoerotic stimuli or to increase sexual pleasure or performance by maintaining an erection for a longer period,and a variety of metallic and non-metallic objects are used.On the other hand,penile strangulation is a rare urologic emergency that requires prompt evaluation and intervention to prevent long-term complications.The goal of treating penile incarceration is to remove the foreign object as soon as possible.On the other hand,removal can be very challenging,and often requires resourcefulness and a multidisciplinary approach.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old man who has sex with men was transferred to our hospital for persistent phallodynia and scrotal pain,accompanying swelling due to strangulation by stainless steel rings.His medical history included acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.One day prior,he had put three stainless steel rings on his penis and scrotum before sexual intercourse.After sexual intercourse,he was unable to remove them,due to swelling of his penis and scrotum.The swelling persisted,and he felt pain in the affected area the next day,then he was transferred to our hospital by ambulance.The emergency department found that his penis and scrotum were markedly engorged and swollen.We established a diagnosis of penile and scrotal strangulation by stainless steel rings.We unsuccessfully attempted to cut the rings using a cutter,then requested a rescue team via emergency medical service.They cut through each ring in two places,using an electric-powered angle grinder,and successfully removed all of the pieces.Finally,he was discharged and went home.CONCLUSION We report the first case of penile and scrotal strangulation by stainless steel rings in an human immunodeficiency virus positive person.

Human immunodeficiency virus patients with low CD4 counts are more likely to have precancerous polyps identified during index colonoscopy

BACKGROUND Antiretroviral treatment(ART)has improved the life expectancy of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).As these patients age,they are at increased risk for developing non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome defining malignancies(NADMs)such as colon cancers.AIM To determine which factors are associated with the development of precancerous polyps on screening colonoscopy in patients with HIV and to investigate whether HIV disease status,measured by viral load and CD4 count,might influence precancerous polyp development.METHODS A retrospective review of records at two urban academic medical centers was performed for HIV patients who had a screening colonoscopy between 2005-2015.Patients with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps,poor bowel preparation,or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded.Demographic data such as sex,age,race,and body mass index(BMI)as well as information regarding the HIV disease status such as CD4 count,viral load,and medication regimen were collected.Well-controlled patients were defined as those that had viral load<50 copies,and poorly-controlled patients were those with viral load≥50.Patients were also stratified based on their CD4 count,comparing those with a low CD4 count to those with a high CD4 count.Using colonoscopy reports in the medical record,the size,histology,and number of polyps were recorded for each patient.Precancerous polyps included adenomas and proximal serrated polyps.Data was analyzed using Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression through SAS 3.8 software.RESULTS Two hundred and seven patients met our inclusion criteria.The mean age was 56.13 years,and 58%were males.There were no significant differences in terms of age,race or ethnicity,insurance,and smoking status between patients with CD4 counts above or below 500.BMI was lower in patients with CD4 count<500 as compared to those with count>500(P=0.0276).In patients with CD4>500,53.85%of patients were female,and 70.87%of patients with CD4<500 were male(P=0.0004).Only 1.92%of patients with CD4≥500 had precancerous polyps vs 10.68%of patients with CD4<500(P=0.0102).When controlled for sex,BMI,and ART use,patients with CD4<500 were 9.01 times more likely to have precancerous polyps[95%confidence interval(CI):1.69-47.97;P=0.0100].Patients taking non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were also found to be 10.23 times more likely to have precancerous polyps(95%CI:1.08-97.15;P=0.0428).There was not a significant difference noted in precancerous polyps between those that had viral loads greater or less than 50 copies.CONCLUSION Patients with low CD4 counts were more likely to have precancerous polyps on their screening colonoscopy although the etiology for this association is unclear.We also found an increased risk of precancerous polyps in patients taking non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,which is contradictory to prior literature showing ART has decreased the risk of development of NADMs.However,there have not been studies looking at colorectal cancer and ART by drug class,to our knowledge.Further prospective studies are needed to determine the effect of HIV control and therapies on polyp development.

Crohn’s disease in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is an autoimmune condition treated with immunosuppressive drugs.However,the need for immune system suppression becomes questionable when infection with the human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)occurs simultaneously and impacts the course of IBD.Our reported case represents the clinical course,prescribed treatment and its effect,as well as clinical challenges faced by physicians in a combination of such diseases.We also present a comprehensive literature review of similar cases.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old woman suffering from a newly diagnosed Crohn’s disease was hospitalized due to exacerbated symptoms(abdominal pain,fever,and weight loss).During her hospital stay,she tested positive for HIV.With conservative treatment,the patient improved and was discharged.In the outpatient clinic,her HIV infection was confirmed as stage C3,and antiretroviral treatment was initiated immediately.That notwithstanding,soon the patient was rehospitalized with pulmonary embolism and developed a series of complications because of the subsequent coexistence of IBD and HIV.After intensive and meticulous treatment,the patient’s condition has improved and she remains in remission.CONCLUSION The paucity of studies and data on the coexistence of HIV and IBD leaves clinicians doubting the optimal treatment options.

Preferences for oral-vs blood-based human immunodeficiency virus self-testing:A scoping review of the literature

BACKGROUND The evidence on preferences for oral-vs blood-based human immunodeficiency virus self-testing(HIVST)has been heterogenous and inconclusive.In addition,most evaluations have relied on hypothetical or stated use cases using discreet choice experiments rather than actual preferences among experienced users,which are more objective and critical for the understanding of product uptake.Direct head-to-head comparison of consumer preferences for oral-versus bloodbased HIVST is lacking.AIM To examine the existing literature on preferences for oral-vs blood-based HIVST,determine the factors that impact these preferences,and assess the potential implications for HIVST programs.METHODS Databases such as PubMed,Medline,Google Scholar,and Web of Science were searched for articles published between January 2011 to October 2022.Articles must address preferences for oral-vs blood-based HIVST.The study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist to ensure the quality of the study.RESULTS The initial search revealed 2424 records,of which 8 studies were finally included in the scoping review.Pooled preference for blood-based HIVST was 48.8%(9%-78.6%),whereas pooled preference for oral HIVST was 59.8%(34.2%-91%)across all studies.However,for male-specific studies,the preference for blood-based HIVST(58%-65.6%)was higher than that for oral(34.2%-41%).The four studies that reported a higher preference for blood-based HIVST were in men.Participants considered blood-based HIVST to be more accurate and rapid,while those with a higher preference for oral HIVST did so because these were considered non-invasive and easy to use.CONCLUSION Consistently in the literature,men preferred blood-based HIVST over oral HIVST due to higher risk perception and desire for a test that provides higher accuracy coupled with rapidity,autonomy,privacy,and confidentiality,whereas those with a higher preference for oral HIVST did so because these were considered non-invasive and easy to use.Misinformation and distrust need to be addressed through promotional messaging to maximize the diversity of this new biomedical technology.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus serological markers among pregnant women in Africa, 1984-2020

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)is a major public health concern,particularly in Africa where HIV rates remain substantial.Pregnant women are at an increased risk of acquiring HIV,which has a significant impact on both maternal and child health.AIM To review summarizes HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa.It also identifies regional and clinical characteristics that contribute to study-specific estimates variation.METHODS The study included pregnant women from any African country or region,irrespective of their symptoms,and any study design conducted in any setting.Using electronic literature searches,articles published until February 2023 were reviewed.The quality of the included studies was evaluated.The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to determine HIV pooled seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa.Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics,and publication bias was assessed with Egger's test.RESULTS A total of 248 studies conducted between 1984 and 2020 were included in the quantitative synthesis(meta-analysis).Out of the total studies,146(58.9%)had a low risk of bias and 102(41.1%)had a moderate risk of bias.No HIV-positive pregnant women died in the included studies.The overall HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was estimated to be 9.3%[95%confidence interval(CI):8.3-10.3].The subgroup analysis showed statistically significant heterogeneity across subgroups(P<0.001),with the highest seroprevalence observed in Southern Africa(29.4%,95%CI:26.5-32.4)and the lowest seroprevalence observed in Northern Africa(0.7%,95%CI:0.3-1.3).CONCLUSION The review found that HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in African countries remains significant,particularly in Southern African countries.This review can inform the development of targeted public health interventions to address high HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in African countries.