New Subtype B Containing HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant of sub-Saharan Africa Origin in Nigerian Men Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) is characterised by a vast genetic diversity classified into distinct phylogenetic strains and recombinant forms. We describe the HIV-1 molecular epidemiology and evolution of 129 consecutive HIV-1 positive migrants living in Milan (northern Italy). Polymerase gene sequences of 116 HIV-1 subtype-B positive patients were aligned with HIV-1 reference sequences (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) by using MAFFT alignment and edited by using Bioedit software. A maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree was performed by MEGA7 and was visualised by using FigTree v1.4.3. Of 129 migrants, 35 were born in Europe (28 in Eastern Europe), 70 in the Americas (67 in South America), 15 in Africa and nine in Asia; 76.4% were men who have sex with men (MSM). The serotype HIV-1-B prevailed (89.9%), followed by -C, -F1, -D and -A. Compared with 116 HIV-B patients, the 13 with HIV-non-B showed lower Nadir of CD4+ cell/mmc (P = 0.043), more frequently had sub Saharan origin (38.5 vs. 1.72%, P = 0.0001) and less frequently were MSM (40 vs. 74.5%, P = 0.02). The ML phylogenetic tree of the 116 HIV-1 subtype-B positive patients showed 13 statistically supported nodes (bootstrap > 70%). Most of the sequences included in these nodes have been isolated from male patients from the Americas and the most common risk factor was MSM. The low number of HIV-1 non-B subtype patients did not allow to perform this analysis. These results suggest a shift of HIV-1 prevention projects' focus and a continuous monitoring of HIV-1 molecular epidemiology among entry populations. Prevention efforts based on HIV molecular epidemiology may improve public health surveillance setting.

Download Full-text

Transmission clusters, predominantly associated with men who have sex with men, play a main role in the propagation of HIV-1 in Northern Spain (2013-2018)

10.1101/2021.09.28.21264185 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Horacio Gil ◽

Elena Delgado ◽

Sonia Benito ◽

Leonidas Georgalis ◽

Vanessa Montero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Measures ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Effective Control ◽

Main Role ◽

Northern Spain ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Phylogenetic Relations ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Hiv 1

Viruses of HIV-1-infected individuals whose transmission is related group phylogenetically in transmission clusters (TCs). The study of the phylogenetic relations of these viruses and the factors associated with these individuals is essential to analyze the HIV-1 epidemic. In this study, we examine the role of TCs in the epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in Galicia and the Basque County, two regions of Northern Spain. A total of 1158 newly HIV-1-diagnosed patients (NDs) from both regions diagnosed in 2013-2018 were included in the study. Partial HIV-1 pol sequences were analyzed phylogenetically by approximately-maximum-likelihood with FastTree 2. In this analysis, 10,687 additional sequences from samples from HIV-1-infected individuals collected in Spain in 1999-2019 were also included to assign and determine the TCs sizes. TCs were defined as those which included viruses from ≤4 individuals, at least 50% of them Spaniards, and with ≤0.95 Shimodaira-Hasegawa-like node support in the phylogenetic tree. Factors associated to TCs were evaluated using odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Fifty one percent of NDs grouped in 162 TCs. Male patients (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5-4.7) and men having sex with men (MSM) (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4-3.2) had higher odds of belonging to a TC compared to female and heterosexual patients, respectively. Individuals from Latin America (OR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2-0.4), North Africa (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-1.0), and especially Sub-Saharan Africa (OR: 0.02; 95% CI: 0.003-0.2) were inversely associated to belonging to TCs compared to native Spaniards. Differences in distribution and sizes of local TCs were observed in both regions reflecting a different epidemic pattern. Our results show that TCs play an important role in the spread of HIV-1 infection in the two Spanish regions studied, where transmission between MSM is predominant. The majority of migrants were infected with viruses not belonging to TCs that expand in Spain. Molecular epidemiology is essential to identify local peculiarities of HIV-1 propagation. The early detection of TCs and prevention of their expansion, implementing effective control measures, could reduce HIV-1 infections.

Download Full-text

Non-B HIV-1 subtypes in sub-Saharan Africa: impact of subtype on protease inhibitor efficacy

Biological Chemistry ◽

10.1515/hsz-2014-0162 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 395 (10) ◽

pp. 1151-1161 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Previn Naicker ◽

Yasien Sayed

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Resistance Mutations ◽

Subtype C ◽

Subtype B ◽

Aids Pandemic ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Immunodeficiency Syndrome ◽

Living With Hiv ◽

Hiv 1

Abstract In 2012, 25 million people [71% of global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection] were estimated to be living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. Of these, approximately 1.6 million were new infections and 1.2 million deaths occurred. South Africa alone accounted for 31% of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. This disturbing statistic indicates that South Africa remains the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, compounded by the fact that only 36% of HIV-positive patients in South Africa have access to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Drug resistance mutations have emerged, and current ARVs show reduced efficacy against non-B subtypes. In addition, several recent studies have shown an increased prevalence of non-B African HIV strains in the Americas and Europe. Therefore, the use of ARVs in a non-B HIV-1 subtype context requires further investigation. HIV-1 subtype C protease, found largely in sub-Saharan Africa, has been under-investigated when compared with the subtype B protease, which predominates in North America and Europe. This review, therefore, focuses on HIV-1 proteases from B and C subtypes.

Download Full-text

Pharmacokinetics and predicted neutralization coverage of VRC01 in HIV-uninfected participants of the Antibody Mediated Prevention (AMP) trials

10.1101/2020.09.02.20182881 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yunda Huang ◽

Logashvari Naidoo ◽

Lily Zhang ◽

Lindsay Nicole Carpp ◽

Erika Rudnicki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neutralizing Antibody ◽

Volume Of Distribution ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Study Cohort ◽

Mixed Effects Modeling ◽

Cohort Differences ◽

Transgender Persons ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Hiv 1

The phase 2b AMP trials are testing whether the broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01 prevents HIV-1 infection in two cohorts: women in sub-Saharan Africa, and men and transgender persons who have sex with men (MSM/TG) in the Americas and Switzerland. We used nonlinear mixed effects modeling of longitudinal serum VRC01 concentrations to characterize pharmacokinetics and predict HIV-1 neutralization coverage. We found that body weight significantly influenced clearance, and that the mean peripheral volume of distribution, steady state volume of distribution, elimination half-life, and accumulation ratio were significantly higher in MSM/TG than in women. Neutralization coverage was predicted to be higher in the first (versus second) half of a given 8-week infusion interval, and appeared to be higher in MSM/TG than in women overall. Study cohort differences in pharmacokinetics and neutralization coverage provide insights for interpreting the AMP results and for investigating how VRC01 concentration and neutralization correlate with HIV incidence.

Download Full-text

Cost effectiveness of single-dose nevirapine regimen for mothers and babies to decrease vertical HIV-1 transmission in sub-Saharan Africa

The Lancet ◽

10.1016/s0140-6736(99)07420-6 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 354 (9185) ◽

pp. 803-809 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

E Marseille

Keyword(s):

Single Dose ◽

Cost Effectiveness ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Single Dose Nevirapine ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Hiv 1

Download Full-text

Active Components from Cassia abbreviata Prevent HIV-1 Entry by Distinct Mechanisms of Action

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22095052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (9) ◽

pp. 5052

Author(s):

Yue Zheng ◽

Xian-Wen Yang ◽

Dominique Schols ◽

Mattia Mori ◽

Bruno Botta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crude Extract ◽

Female Genital Tract ◽

Binding Activity ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Active Components ◽

Chemical Structures ◽

3D Space ◽

In Silico Study ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Hiv 1

Cassia abbreviata is widely used in Sub-Saharan Africa for treating many diseases, including HIV-1 infection. We have recently described the chemical structures of 28 compounds isolated from an alcoholic crude extract of barks and roots ofC. abbreviata, and showed that six bioactive compounds inhibit HIV-1 infection. In the present study, we demonstrate that the six compounds block HIV-1 entry into cells: oleanolic acid, palmitic acid, taxifolin, piceatannol, guibourtinidol-(4α®8)-epiafzelechin, and a novel compound named as cassiabrevone. We report, for the first time, that guibourtinidol-(4α®8)-epiafzelechin and cassiabrevone inhibit HIV-1 entry (IC50 of 42.47 µM and 30.96 µM, respectively), as well as that piceatannol interacts with cellular membranes. Piceatannol inhibits HIV-1 infection in a dual-chamber assay mimicking the female genital tract, as well as HSV infection, emphasizing its potential as a microbicide. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) showed that pharmacophoric groups of piceatannol are strictly required to inhibit HIV-1 entry. By a ligand-based in silico study, we speculated that piceatannol and norartocarpetin may have a very similar mechanism of action and efficacy because of the highly comparable pharmacophoric and 3D space, while guibourtinidol-(4α®8)-epiafzelechin and cassiabrevone may display a different mechanism. We finally show that cassiabrevone plays a major role of the crude extract of CA by blocking the binding activity of HIV-1 gp120 and CD4.

Download Full-text

Dying To Be Men: Masculinity and Early Cancer Detection Among Nigerian Men

International Quarterly of Community Health Education ◽

10.1177/0272684x211004938 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 0272684X2110049

Author(s):

Darlingtina Esiaka ◽

Candidus Nwakasi ◽

Kelsey Brodie ◽

Aaron Philip ◽

Kalu Ogba

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cancer Detection ◽

Attachment Styles ◽

Early Cancer ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Early Cancer Detection ◽

Anxious Attachment ◽

Incidence And Mortality ◽

Nigerian Men ◽

Sub Saharan

Cancer incidence and mortality in Nigeria are increasing at an alarming rate, especially among Nigerian men. Despite the numerous public health campaigns and education on the importance of early cancer detection in Nigeria, there exist high rate of fatal/advanced stage cancer diagnoses among Nigerian men, even among affluent Nigerian men. However, there is limited information on patterns of cancer screening and psychosocial predictors of early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. In this cross-sectional study, we examined demographic and psychosocial factors influencing early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. Participants (N = 143; Mage = 44.73) responded to survey assessing: masculinity, attachment styles, current and future cancer detection behaviors, and sociodemographic characteristics. We found that among the participants studied, education, masculinity and anxious attachment were significantly associated with current cancer detection behaviors. Additionally, education and anxious attachment were significantly associated with future cancer detection behaviors. Our finding is best served for clinicians and public health professionals, especially those in the field of oncology in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the study may be used as a groundwork for future research and health intervention programs targeting men in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Download Full-text

Continuing high levels of HIV diagnoses in men who have sex with men in the United Kingdom

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.13.14.08085-en ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 13 (14) ◽

pp. 3-4

Author(s):

B Rice ◽

A Nardone ◽

N Gill ◽

V Delpech

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Confidence Intervals ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Reporting Delays ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Sex With Men ◽

The Uk ◽

Almost All

The latest HIV data for 2007 has recently been published for the United Kingdom (UK). During the year, an estimated 6,840 (95% confidence intervals 6,600-7,050) persons (adjusted for reporting delays) were newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK. This represents a 12% decline from a peak of new HIV diagnoses reported in 2005 (7,800). Almost all this decline in new HIV diagnoses was in HIV-infected heterosexuals from sub-Saharan Africa who were probably infected in their country of origin.

Download Full-text

A Randomized Switch From Nevirapine-Based Antiretroviral Therapy to Single Tablet Rilpivirine/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Virologically Suppressed Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Infected Rwandans

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofw141 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sean E. Collins ◽

Philip M. Grant ◽

Francois Uwinkindi ◽

Annie Talbot ◽

Eric Seruyange ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Antiretroviral Therapy ◽

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Current Therapy ◽

Virologic Suppression ◽

Open Label ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Hiv 1

Abstract Background. Many human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients remain on nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) despite safety and efficacy concerns. Switching to a rilpivirine-based regimen is an alternative, but there is little experience with rilpivirine in sub-Saharan Africa where induction of rilpivirine metabolism by nevirapine, HIV subtype, and dietary differences could potentially impact efficacy. Methods. We conducted an open-label noninferiority study of virologically suppressed (HIV-1 ribonucleic acid [RNA] < 50 copies/mL) HIV-1-infected Rwandan adults taking nevirapine plus 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse-transcriptase inhibitors. One hundred fifty participants were randomized 2:1 to switch to coformulated rilpivirine-emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (referenced as the Switch Arm) or continue current therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was HIV-1 RNA < 200 copies/mL at week 24 assessed by the US Food and Drug Administration Snapshot algorithm with a noninferiority margin of 12%. Results. Between April and September 2014, 184 patients were screened, and 150 patients were enrolled; 99 patients switched to rilpivirine-emtricitabine-tenofovir, and 51 patients continued their nevirapine-based ART. The mean age was 42 years and 43% of participants were women. At week 24, virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA level <200 copies/mL) was maintained in 93% and 92% in the Switch Arm versus the continuation arm, respectively. The Switch Arm was noninferior to continued nevirapine-based ART (efficacy difference 0.8%; 95% confidence interval, −7.5% to +12.0%). Both regimens were generally safe and well tolerated, although 2 deaths, neither attributed to study medications, occurred in participants in the Switch Arm. Conclusions. A switch from nevirapine-based ART to rilpivirine-emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate had similar virologic efficacy to continued nevirapine-based ART after 24 weeks with few adverse events.

Download Full-text