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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Joint replacement and human immunodeficiency virus

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-infected cases that need total joint replacement(TJR)is generally rising.On the other hand,modern management of HIV-infected cases has enabled them to achieve longevity while increasing the need for arthroplasty procedures due to the augmented degenerative joint disease and fragility fractures,and the risk of osteonecrosis.Although initial investigations on joint replacement in HIV-infected cases showed a high risk of complications,the recent ones reported acceptable outcomes.It is a matter of debate whether HIV-infected cases are at advanced risk for adverse TJR consequences;however,the weak immune profile has been associated with an increased probability of complications.Likewise,surgeons and physicians should be aware of the complication rate after TJR in HIV-infected cases and include an honest discussion of the probable unwelcoming complication with their patients contemplating TJR.Therefore,a fundamental review and understanding of the interaction of HIV and arthroplasty are critical.

Spectrophotometric Data in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Antiretroviral Drug Coated Blood Interactions

The spectrophotometric data in the interactions between the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and blood cells treated with antiretroviral drug were collected to be used to show the effects of antiretroviral drugs on the absorbance characteristics of HIV infected and uninfected blood. The methodology involved the serial dilution of the five different antiretroviral drugs (two HAART/FDC and three single drugs) and the subsequent incubation with the blood samples collected from ten HIV infected persons who had not yet commenced treatment with the antiretroviral drugs, ten HIV infected persons who had already commenced treatment with the antiretroviral drugs, and ten HIV negative persons, for the absorbance measurements using a digital Ultraviolet Visible MetaSpecAE1405031Pro Spectrophotometer. The peak absorbance data for various interacting systems were measured. These were used to show that the antiretroviral drug had the effect of increasing the peak absorbance values of both the uninfected and infected blood components, i.e., the drugs were made able to increase the light absorption capacity of the blood cells. The use of the findings of this work in drug design may be expected to yield good results.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)- Blood Interactions in Antiretroviral Drugs Environment—Surface Thermodynamics Approach

Hamaker coefficient approach was used as a surface thermodynamic tool in determining the HIV- blood interactions in the antiretroviral drug environment. The methodology involved the absorbance measurement using a digital Ultraviolet Visible MetaSpecAE1405031Pro Spectrophotometer of blood samples collected from ten HIV infected persons who had not commenced treatment with antiretroviral drugs (No ARV), ten HIV infected persons who had already commenced treatment with antiretroviral drugs (with ARV) and ten blood samples of uninfected persons all in each of five different antiretroviral drugs environment. The variables required for the computations with the Lifshiftz formula in the determination of Hamaker constants/coefficients were derived from the absorbance data. The values of the various Hamaker coefficients for each antiretroviral drug on both infected and uninfected blood samples were calculated. MATLAB software tools were employed in the computations. The absolute values for the combined Hamaker coefficient for the drugs ranged from -0.02481 × 10-21 Joule for drug 4 to -0.05845 × 10-21 Joule for drug 3. The negative senses of the absolute combined Hamaker coefficient imply net negative van der Waals forces indicating a possible repulsion between HIV and drug coated lymphocyte cells. For the virus interacting with blood samples not coated with the drugs, the Hamaker coefficients are positive indicating the vulnerability of the lymphocytes in the absence of the drugs. This effect suggests effective coating or binding of the lymphocytes with the drugs is needed for possible blocking of the virus from the surface of the lymphocyte cell. A thermodynamic criterion for HIV-drug interaction prediction was suggested and found to be a valuable tool in HIV-blood interaction study. The use of the findings of this work by pharmaceutical industries may be possible in the area of drug design.

The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection (HIV) on Lymphoma in South Africa

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is endemic in South Africa. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) occurs with increased frequency in HIV seropositive individuals. The increase in NHL has been more marked in the last decade, with HIV being the major contributor to this increase. More than 70% of the adult NHL patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), Soweto, Johannesburg, are HIV seropositive. In addition, HIV has impacted on the clinical presentation—being more aggressive and atypical. Histologically, HIV-NHL typically manifests as B-cell, high grade lymphomas, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL);Burkitt lymphoma (BL);B-cell lymphoma, unclassifiable, with features intermediate between DLBCL and BL and plasmablastic lymphoma. The latter two entities, which were previously rare or unknown, have gained prominence in the last decade, occurring primarily in HIV seropositive individuals. HIV-NHL, being associated with all these adverse prognostic factors results in a poorer overall survival.

The Value of Support Group Participation in Influencing Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Advances in antiretroviral therapy for both Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment and prevention have increased interest in adherence to HIV treatment. This is because the individual patient and public health benefits of antiretroviral treatment?(ART) greatly depend on the extent to which people living with HIV (PLHIV) adhere to the prescribed daily dosing regimens. Studies have shown that nonadherence to ART increases drug resistance, morbidity and person-to-person HIV transmission. Public health experts are trying different innovations to enhance ART adherence, including promoting support groups of PLHIV. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of support group participation in enhancing ART adherence. The study used a cross-sectional design to compare ART adherence among PLHIV who participate in support group activities and those who do not. Respondents were adults who were initiated on ART between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012. Multistage probability sampling was used to select study sites and respondents. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 1676 respondents between February and May 2014. Data was analyzed using STATA. Univariate analysis was carried out to generate descriptive statistics, while Chi-square tests were used to examine if there was an association between participation in support group activities and antiretroviral treatment adherence. ART adherence was self-reported by 745/788 (95%) and 814/888 (92%) respondents who had ever and had never participated in support group activities respectively. Among respondents who reported nonadherence to ART, 74/117 (8%) had never participated in support group activities compared to just 43/117 (5%) who participated in support group activities. These findings suggest that PLHIV who participate in support group activities are more likely to adhere to ART than those who do not participate. This implies that there is value in participating in support groups by PLHIV in terms of ART adherence.

The Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection on Low Birth Weight, Mother to Child HIV Transmission and Infants’ Death in African Area

Background: It is yet a controversy subject whether low birth weight and infant death are associated to human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection. Objective: To appreciate association between low birth weights, mother to child HIV transmission and infant mortality in HIV-1 infected pregnant women delivering between 2011 and 2016. Materials: We conducted 6 years cohort study in urban Mali. Outcome included preterm delivery, small for gestational age, infant survival status and HIV transmission. Comparison concerned women clinical WHO stage, mother viro-immunological status, and newborn anthropometric parameters. Results: HIV-1 infected women who delivered low birth weight newborn were 20.9% (111/531) versus 16.5% (1910/11.546) in HIV negative patients (p = 0.016). CD4 T cell counts low than 350 T cells count were strongly associated to LBW (p = 0.000;RR = 3.03;95% CI [1.89 - 3.16]). There is no significant association between ART that was initiated during pregnancy (p = 0.061, RR = 0.02;CI 95% (1.02 - 1.99)) or during delivery (p = 0.571;RR = 1.01;CI 95% (0.10 - 3.02)) and LBW delivery. In multivariate analysis ART regimens containing protease inhibitor (PI) were lone regimens associated with LBW ((p = 0.030;RR = 1.001;95% confidence interval [1.28 - 3.80]). Very low birth weight was statistically associated to women HIV infection (adjusted relative risk, 2.02;p = 0.000;95% confidence interval (2.17 - 4.10)). There is no significant difference between mother to child HIV transmission rate in the two HIV-infected pregnant women (10 infected children in group 2: MTCT rate 4.5%) and 3 infected children in group 1 (MTCT rate: 2.7%) (p = 0.56;RR, 0.59;CI 95% (0.18 - 4.39)). In multivariate analysis, LBW was associated with infant death (p = 0.001;RR = 2.04;CI 95% [1.04 - 5.05]). The median weight of infant at the moment of death in group 1 was 851 g (IQR: 520 - 1833 g). Significant relationship was found between infant death among LBW newborn with mother WHO stage 2 (p = 0.004;adjusted RR = 3.22;CI 95% [2.25 - 6.00]), CD4 T cells count 3 (p = 0.005;RR = 2.81;CI 95% [1.20 - 4.11]), PI regimens (p = 0.030;RR = 1.00;CI 95% [1.28 - 3.80]). Conclusion: We confirm increased risk of low birth weight and mother HIV-1 infection and we identified strongest association between mortality in infant born to HIV-1 infected mother and LBW.

Forecasting the Monthly Reported Cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) at Minna Niger State, Nigeria

There has been a moderate increase in newly diagnosed HIV-infected Minna populace, which calls for serious attention. This study used time series data based on monthly HIV cases from January 2007 to December 2018 taken from the statistical data document on HIV prevalence recorded in General Hospital Minna, Niger State. The methodology employed to analyze the data is based on mathematical models of ARMA, ARIMA and SARIMA which were computed and diagnosed. From the results of parameter estimation of the models, ARMA(2, 1) model was the best model among the other ARMA models using information criteria (AIC). Diagnostic test was run on the ARMA(2, 1) model where the results show that the model was adequate and normally distributed using Box-Lung test and Q-Q plot respectively. Furthermore, ARIMA of first and second differences was estimated and ARIMA(1, 0, 1) was the best model from the result of the AIC and diagnostic test carried out which revealed that the model was adequate and normally distributed using Box-Lung and Q-Q plot respectively. Furthermore, the results obtained in the ARMA and ARIMA models were used to arrive at a combined model given as ARIMA(1, 0, 1) × SARIMA(1, 0, 1)12 which was subsequently estimated and found to be adequate from the result of the Box-Lung and Q-Q plot respectively. Post forecasting estimation and performance evolution were evaluated using the RMSE and MAE. The results showed that, ARIMA(1, 0, 1) × SARIMA(1, 0, 1)12 is the best forecasting model followed by ARIMA(1, 0, 2) on monthly HIV prevalence in Minna, Niger state.