scholarly journals The Impact of Human Pegivirus on CD4 Cell Count in HIV-Positive Persons in Botswana

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kombo F N’Guessan ◽  
Motswedi Anderson ◽  
Bonolo Phinius ◽  
Sikhulile Moyo ◽  
Alyyah Malick ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Human pegiviruses (HPgV)—formerly known as hepatitis G virus or GB virus C (GBV-C)—are common single-stranded RNA viruses that may have a beneficial impact on slowing HIV disease progression. The data on HPgV in resource-limited regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Thus, we conducted the first study of HPgV in Botswana as part of a natural history study of HIV subtype C disease progression. Methods Plasma samples from 133 HIV-positive adults were evaluated for HPgV RNA, and the 5’UTR was sequenced to determine the HPgV genotype. Results HPgV RNA was detected in 41 (30.8%) individuals. While the presence of HPgV RNA had no impact on baseline HIV viral load, a significant difference in baseline CD4 cell count was observed. HPgV genotypes were determined for 27 individuals and included 5 individuals (18.5%) with genotype 1 and 22 (81.5%) with genotype 5. Baseline CD4 cell counts were significantly higher for persons infected with HPgV genotype 5 compared with genotype 1. Conclusions These data suggest that HPgV infection is common among HIV-positive individuals in Botswana and has a significant impact on CD4 cell count. This difference in CD4 cell count based on HPgV genotype suggests that HPgV genotype should be evaluated as a possible predictor of HIV disease progression and highlights the need for additional studies of this virus in resource-limited settings.

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (12) ◽  
pp. 2114-2121 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. S. Martinez ◽  
A. Campa ◽  
H. Bussmann ◽  
S. Moyo ◽  
J. Makhema ◽  
...  

AbstractAn obesity paradox has been proposed in many conditions including HIV. Studies conducted to investigate obesity and its effect on HIV disease progression have been inconclusive and are lacking for African settings. This study investigated the relationship between overweight/obesity (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and HIV disease progression in HIV+ asymptomatic adults not on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Botswana over 18 months. A cohort study in asymptomatic, ART-naïve, HIV+ adults included 217 participants, 139 with BMI of 18·0–24·9 kg/m2 and seventy-eight participants with BMI≥25 kg/m2. The primary outcome was time to event (≥25 % decrease in cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell count) during 18 months of follow-up; secondary outcomes were time to event of CD4 cell count<250 cells/µl and AIDS-defining conditions. Proportional survival hazard models were used to compare hazard ratios (HR) on time to events of HIV disease progression over 18 months. Higher baseline BMI was associated with significantly lower risk of an AIDS-defining condition during the follow-up (HR 0·218; 95 % CI 0·068, 0·701; P=0·011). Higher fat mass at baseline was also significantly associated with decreased risk of AIDS-defining conditions during the follow-up (HR 0·855; 95 % CI 0·741, 0·987; P=0·033) and the combined outcome of having CD4 cell count≤250/µl and AIDS-defining conditions, whichever occurred earlier (HR 0·918; 95 % CI 0·847, 0·994; P=0·036). All models were adjusted for covariates. Higher BMI and fat mass among the HIV-infected, ART-naïve participants were associated with slower disease progression. Mechanistic research is needed to evaluate the association between BMI, fat mass and HIV disease progression.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1574-1574
Author(s):  
Haley Martin ◽  
Sabrina Sales Martinez ◽  
Vitalii Stebliankin ◽  
Javier Tamargo ◽  
Adriana Campa ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Distinct dietary components and microbiome metabolites may affect liver disease progression, a common comorbidity among people living with HIV (PLWH). Similarly, diet composition, including micronutrients, have been associated with markers of HIV disease progression (CD4 cell count). The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between dietary components, plasma metabolites, and liver fibrosis in PLWH. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study that enrolled 50 PLWH on antiretroviral therapy from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. Diet quality was measured with the USDA Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and liver fibrosis was measured via the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4). Microbiome metabolites were measured from plasma samples via metabolomics-non-targeted gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis included T-test, Chi-square, Spearman correlation, and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Results The participants’ mean age was 55 ± 6.81, 58% were male, and 68% were African Americans. FIB-4 and HEI seafood/plant protein score were inversely correlated (rho = -0.320, P = 0.022). There were also trends towards significance between CD4 cell count and seafood/plant protein score (rho = 0.251; P = 0.078), and CD4 cell count and greens/beans HEI score (rho = 0.269; P = 0.059). Microbiome metabolites that differed between the high and the low FIB-4 group using PLS-DA included 3-methylhistidine and phosphatidylcholine (PC) metabolites, often associated with meat consumption. Conclusions Lower liver fibrosis and higher CD4 cell count, a measure of HIV disease progression, were associated with consumption of foods typically high in micronutrients and fiber (seafood, plant protein, greens, and beans) in PLWH. Additionally, higher levels of 3-methylhistidine and PC metabolites, biomarkers associated with higher meat intake, were associated with higher liver fibrosis scores. These relationships confirm similar findings in the literature. Higher meat and lower vegetable intake are known risk factors for liver disease. These findings may provide the basis for larger studies and potential targets for dietary intervention in this population. Funding Sources National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.


1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
M Alam ◽  
S Akbar ◽  
A Khan ◽  
M Aqbal

Introduction: Human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV) infection is a global health problem. Around 90% of infected persons live in developing countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Ocular manifestations occur in approximately 70% of these patients. The objective of this study was to document ocular manifestations in HIV positive patients attending Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan. Methodology: It was a descriptive case series. The study was conducted at Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from January to December 2007. A total of 14 patients were examined. These patients underwent complete ocular examination including assessment of visual acuity, pupillary reaction, ocular motility, ocular adnexa, anterior segment and posterior segment. CD4 count was done in all the patients. Results: Out of the 14 patients examined 6 (42.9%) had ocular manifestations, all of whom were male. The ocular manifestations included herpes simplex keratitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus with neurotrophic keratitis, iridocyclitis, HIV retinopathy, retinal vasculitis and cytomegalovirus retinitis in one patient each. Amongst those with ocular manifestations, 5 patients (83.3%) had CD4 cell count of 100/mm3 or less and 1 patient (16.7%) had CD4 count between 101 and 200/mm3; and the mode of transmission was homosexual contact in 5 patients (83.3%) and vertical transmission in 1 patient (16.7%). Conclusion: Ocular manifestations occur in a considerable number of HIV positive patients particularly in those with CD4 cell count less than 100/mm3. Therefore, all HIV positive patients should be screened for ocular manifestations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/saarctb.v8i2.5899 SAARCTB 2011; 8(2): 31-36


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie A Kujawski ◽  
Matthew R Lamb ◽  
Maria Lahuerta ◽  
Margaret L McNairy ◽  
Laurence Ahoua ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a prerequisite to maximizing individual and societal benefits of antiretroviral therapy. Methods Adults ≥18 years of age testing HIV positive at 10 health facilities in Mozambique and Swaziland received point-of-care CD4+ cell count testing immediately after diagnosis. We examined median CD4+ cell count at diagnosis, the proportion diagnosed with advanced HIV disease (CD4+ cell count ≤350 cells/μL) and severe immunosuppression (CD4+ cell count ≤100 cells/μL), and determinants of the latter 2 measures. Results Among 2333 participants, the median CD4+ cell count at diagnosis was 313 cells/μL (interquartile range, 164–484), more than half (56.5%) had CD4+ ≤350 cells/μL, and 13.9% had CD4+ ≤100 cells/μL. The adjusted relative risk (aRR) of both advanced HIV disease and severe immunosuppression at diagnosis was higher in men versus women (advanced disease aRR = 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16–1.48; severe immunosuppression aRR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.17–2.02) and among those who sought HIV testing because they felt ill (advanced disease aRR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.08–1.55; severe immunosuppression aRR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.35–2.26). Age 18–24 versus 25–39 was associated with a lower risk of both outcomes (advanced disease aRR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.59–0.84; severe immunosuppression aRR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41–0.95). Conclusions More than 10 years into the global scale up of comprehensive HIV services, the majority of adults diagnosed with HIV at health facilities in 2 high-prevalence countries presented with advanced disease and 1 in 7 had severe immunosuppression. Innovative strategies for early identification of HIV-positive individuals are urgently needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-290
Author(s):  
A. Amoko ◽  
P.O. Ajiboye ◽  
F.A. Olagunju ◽  
R.O. Shittu

Objective: Depression is a common mental health problem among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); because low count of lymphocytes with  cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4 cell count) is associated with severe symptoms of HIV infection, there are thoughts that low CD4 cells count can provoke depressive illness. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between CD4 count and depression among adult HIV positivepatients attending Family Medicine clinics at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria.Method: A hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study was done over a period of 6 months among 350 systematically randomly selected adult HIV-positive patients. PHQ-9 was used to obtain information on depression and the CD4 count was determined using a flow-cytometric method. Data were obtained and analyzed using SPSS-17. Chi-square was used to determine degree of association between the depression and the level of CD4 count. P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of depression among the respondents was 33.4%. The prevalence of depression was highest among respondents with low CD4 count (≤349cells/ul), 37.0%, and least among those with high CD4 count (≥500cells/ul), 28.3%. This relationship was however not statistically significant.Conclusion: The overall prevalence of depression was high among the respondents (33.4%) suggesting the need for routine depression screening among HIV positive patients. There was no statistically significant association between presence of depression and level of CD4 count (p-value=0.302). Keywords: Depression, CD4count, PLWHA, Family Medicine, UITH.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kingsley Kamvuma ◽  
Yusuf ademola ◽  
Warren Chanda ◽  
Christopher Newton Phiri ◽  
Sam Bezza Phiri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and M.tuberculosis are two intracellular pathogens that interact at the cellular, clinical and population levels. Since the recognition of AIDS in 1981, the number of reported cases of TB in the has increased substantially, especially in regions with high incidence of AIDS. The main aim of this study was to establish weather there is a relationship between sputum smear positives and low CD4 cell counts among HIV infected patients.Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study involving 473 participants. The patients recruited in this study were those who tested HIV positive and smear positive for TB. Their HIV status was determined by performing an HIV blood test, if they were HIV positive their CD4 cell count were then made.Results: This study examined the relation between smear positivity and low CD4 (below 200cells/µl) together with CD8 and CD3 markers as a measure of immune function among patients infected with HIV. The study participants’ constituted males 67% and females 33%. The overall mean age was 33.2 (SD 6.9) with the youngest and oldest participants being 18 and 60 respectively. It was found that smear positive results negatively (r=-0.13; p=0.021) correlated with CD4+ below 200 cells/µl. No correlation was observed between smear positives and CD8+ or CD3+ since the calculated correlation coefficient was not significant 0.007 (p=0.9) and 0.03 (p=0.6) respectively. There are more 3+ smear results below 200 cells/µl than the others while above 200 cells/µl 1+ was the most commonly reported smear result. The scanty smear positives were the least commonly reported result in the low and high CD4 counts. Conclusion: The smear positive result negatively correlated with a low CD4+ (r=-0.13; p=0.021) but no correlation with low CD+8 and CD+3 results was observed. The long held theory that low bacillary counts in patients with low CD4+ counts needs to be revisited. The reduction of CD4+ cell count parallels' that of the total lymphocyte count and is more marked in patients with high bacillary counts. Further, studies are required to confirm these findings


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