Comparison of particle swarm and bacterial foraging optimization algorithms for therapy planning in HIV/AIDS patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 1650024 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Kamalanand ◽  
P. Mannar Jawahar
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Drug Dosage ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Therapy Planning ◽  
Cd4 Cells ◽  
Bacterial Foraging Optimization ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Optimal Drug ◽  
Hiv Aids

In HIV/AIDS patients, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used for reducing the viral load and helps in increasing the life span of the individual. However, severe side effects are associated with the use of antiretroviral drugs. Hence, a treatment schedule, using minimal amount of drugs, is required for maintaining a low viral load and a healthy immune system. The objective of this work is to compute the optimal dosage of antiretroviral drugs for therapy planning in HIV/AIDS patients, using intelligent optimization techniques. In this work, two computational swarm intelligence techniques known as the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and bacterial foraging optimization (BFO) in conjunction with the three-dimensional mathematical model of HIV/AIDS have been used for estimating the optimal drug dosage for administering therapy by minimization of viral load as well as the total drug concentration. Results demonstrate that, using the proposed method, it is possible to achieve minimal viral load and an improved immune system, with the estimated drug dosage. Further, it was observed that the efficiency of BFO (CD4 cells [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cells/mm3 at seventh year of infection) for estimation of optimal drug dosage is higher than the PSO method (CD4 cells [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cells/mm3 at seventh year of infection). This work seems to be of high clinical relevance since, at present, ART is the widely used procedure for treatment of HIV infected patients.

scholarly journals Factors associated with prognostic or treatment outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients with and without hypertension in Eswatini

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabelo Bonginkosi Dlamini ◽  
Hans-Uwe Dahms ◽  
Ming-Tsang Wu
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
P Value ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Large Hospital ◽  
Hypertensive Patients ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Cd4 Cell Counts ◽  
Cd4 Cell ◽  
Hiv Aids

AbstractNon-communicable diseases are increasing faster in HIV/AIDS patients than in the general population. We studied the association between hypertension and other possible confounding factors on viral load and CD4-cell counts in hypertensive and non-hypertensive HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at a large hospital in Eswatini over a 4-year period. We performed a retrospective longitudinal review of the medical records of 560 ART patients divided into non-hypertension and hypertension groups (n = 325 and n = 235) from July 27 to September 8, 2018. Generalized Estimated Equation was used to analyze the longitudinal data. Hypertensive patients were more likely to have improved CD4-cell counts than non-hypertensive patients (OR = 1.83, [1.37–2.44]). ART patients with hypertension were more likely to have detectable viral loads, though not significant (OR = 1.37 [0.77–2.43]). In non-hypertensive patients, second line ART was significantly associated with viral load (OR = 8.61 [2.93–25.34]) and adverse side effects (OR = 3.50 [1.06–11.54]), while isoniazid preventive therapy was significantly associated with CD4-cell counts (OR = 1.68 [1.16–2.45]). In hypertensive patients, factors associated with viral load were WHO HIV stage (OR = 2.84 [1.03–7.85]) and adherence (OR = 8.08 [1.33–49.04]). In both groups, CD4-cell counts significantly and steadily increased over time (p-value < 0.001). Results show a significant association between hypertension and CD4 cell counts but not viral load. In ART patients with and without hypertension, the factors associated with prognostic markers were different. More attention may need to be paid to ART patients with well controlled HIV status to monitoring and controlling of hypertension status.

scholarly journals Anti-HIV and Anti-Candidal Effects of Methanolic Extract from Heteropterys brachiata

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7270
Author(s):  
Maira Huerta-Reyes ◽  
Luis O. Sánchez-Vargas ◽  
Getsemaní S. Villanueva-Amador ◽  
Luis A. Gaitán-Cepeda
Keyword(s):  
Standardized Test ◽  
Methanolic Extract ◽  
Colorimetric Method ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Anti Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Nowadays, the HIV pandemic is far from controlled. HIV+/AIDS patients show a serious risk of developing resistance to HIV antiretroviral drugs and to be orally colonized by albicans and non-albicans Candida strains resistant to antifungals. As a consequence, new drugs that possess anti-candidal and anti-HIV effects would represent an alternative in the comprehensive treatment of HIV+/AIDS patients. The present study evaluates the possible anti-HIV and anti-Candida effects of a methanolic extract from Heteropterys brachiata (Hb MeOH), an American tropical plant. The anti-HIV effect of Hb MeOH was tested using a non-radioactive colorimetric method (Lenti RT® Activity Assay; Cavidi Tech) that uses reverse transcriptase of HIV-1 enzyme as enzymatic target. The anti-candidal effect of HbMeOH extract was evaluated by following a standardized test protocol of microdilution for yeast using the Candida albicans strain ATCC® 90028. The Hb MeOH at 1 mg/mL concentration shows 38.5% RT-HIV inhibition, while Hb MeOH at 10 mg/mL concentration produced 98% C. albicans growth inhibition. Our findings show that the Hb MeOH possesses a strong anti-candidal activity and moderate anti-HIV effect and suggests that the plant extract could be considered as a potential candidate for HIV/AIDS treatment.

scholarly journals Intestinal Microsporidiosis Among HIV/AIDS Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Sana’a City, Yemen: First Report on Prevalence and Predictors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwkab A. R. Al-Barhami ◽  
Rashad Abdul-Ghani ◽  
Salah A. Al-Qobati
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Cd4 Cells ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Intestinal Microsporidiosis ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Background: Intestinal microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection associated with persistent diarrhea among HIV/AIDS patients. In Yemen, however, its epidemiology is unknown. Therefore, this study determined its prevalence and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sana'a city, Yemen.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 402 patients receiving ART at Al-Jomhori Educational Hospital in Sana'a from November 2019 to December 2020. Data about demographics, clinical characteristics and risk factors were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for microsporidian spores using the Gram-chromotrope Kinyoun staining. Blood samples were also collected and used for CD4 cell counting by flow cytometry. Univariate analysis was used to test the association of patients’ characteristics and risk factors with intestinal microsporidiosis. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to identify the independent predictors of infection. Statistical significance was considered at P-values <0.05. Results: Intestinal microsporidiosis was prevalent among 14.2% (57/402) of HIV/AIDS patients but was not significantly associated with any of the studied demographics, source of drinking water, bathing and/or swimming outdoors, contact with soil, presence of domestic animals or indiscriminate defecation. However, it was significantly associated with diarrhea (OR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.7–6.6; P=0.001) and <200 CD4 cells/µl (OR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–5.0; P=0.001). The significant independent predictors of infection were <200 CD4 cells/µl (AOR=3.2, 95% CI: 1.5–6.9; P=0.003), not washing hands after contacting soil (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.1–5.4; P=0.026) and before eating (AOR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.5–6.4; P=0.003), eating unwashed raw produce (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.2–5.3; P=0.017) and absence of indoor latrines (AOR=6.2, 95% CI: 1.5–25.9; P=0.012).Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients in Sana'a is high and comparable to that several other countries, being prevalent among approximately 14.0% of patients and significantly associated with diarrhea. It could be predicted among patients who have <200 CD4 cells/µl, poor hand hygiene after contacting soil and before eating, usually eat unwashed raw produce and do not possess indoor latrines. Large-scale studies on its epidemiology and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients across the country are warranted.

scholarly journals Impact of default rate of antiretroviral use on viral load among HIV/AIDS patients in Tamale and Sunyani

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 87-91
Author(s):  
James Abugri
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Hematological Parameters ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Full Blood Count ◽  
P Value ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Persons Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is the gold standard for the management of HIV patients. Purportedly, patients who are not on HAART or defaulted from its use have adverse effects compared to those who adhere to the intake of HAART. Compliant individuals have improved quality of life and show healthy hematological parameters and HIV load as compared to HAART naïve individuals and defaulters. Supplementary and supportive treatment is crucial in HIV/AIDS patients on patients on antiretroviral therapy? Objective: This study was conducted to assess the consistency and default of HAART intake and other supportive treatments and its relationship with viral load on hematological parameters in two different geographical sites. Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained from Navrongo Health Research Centre. Questionnaires were administered to participants for their consent, demographic data, consistency of taking antiretrovirals, and types of antiretrovirals used. Full blood count and HIV load tests were carried out using Urit 5250 and Cobas Taqman / Cobas ampliprep fully automated analysers respectively. Results: Defaulters had a significant (p value=0.003) rise in their viral load (845334.38±409285.62) copies/mL in comparison to adherents in HAART intake 49571.69±30548.89) copies/mL. The hemoglobin level (10.51±0.60 g/dL) of defaulters was significantly (p-value = 0.007) lower than that of adherent (12.04±0.17 g/dL). The default rates in the two study sites were close (9.8% in Sunyani and 9.4% in Tamale). Conclusion: Antiretroviral default does not only lead to an increase in HIV load but also causes a reduction in hemoglobin levels. Hematinics supplementation therapy may help normalize hematological parameters in HIV infection

scholarly journals Agnihotra as an inexpensive method to treat HIV/AIDS – A pilot study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
S. A. Ramadass ◽  
Lancy D’souza ◽  
Karthik Pandit ◽  
Madhu Karnat S ◽  
Ulrich Berk
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Good Potential ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trail ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Hiv Aids

Background: Despite four decades of searching, no vaccine exists yet for HIV/AIDS, and it is still a big problem in many countries of the world. Purpose: Finding a simple method which is affordable, and which could help avoid side effects which the commonly used antiretroviral drugs often show, is the need of the moment. Method: A group of HIV positive children have been performing daily sunrise/sunset Agnihotra themselves under supervision for two years. Data were collected on viral load and CD4 counts before and after that. Repeated measure ANOVA was employed to find out the effectiveness of Agnihotra on reduction of viral load and increase in CD4 count. Results: Data shows general health improved measurably as viral load went down and CD4 values increased. Conclusion: These preliminary results show good potential of Agnihotra for HIV/AIDS patients and a randomized controlled trail is suggested.

scholarly journals The Association of CD4, CD8, and CD4/CD8 Ratio with Thyroid Dysfunction in HIV/AIDS

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 326
Author(s):  
Sri Mulyani ◽  
MI. Diah Pramudianti ◽  
Dian Ariningrum
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Thyroid Dysfunction ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cd4 Counts ◽  
Hiv Rna ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Hiv Aids

Incidence of thyroid dysfunction increases in HIV/AIDS patients. It can be a hypothyroid or hyperthyroid, with subclinical hypothyroid predomination. Thyroid dysfunction is associated with the progression of HIV and low CD4 counts. There has been controversy over how HIV affects thyroid function. Opportunistic infections and HBV/HCV co-infections might increase the probability of thyroid dysfunction. Medication of HIV is also an important factor of thyroid dysfunction. Research shows that the use of ART increases the probability of thyroid dysfunction. This study aimed to analyze the association between CD4 counts, CD8, CD4/CD8 ratio, and HIV RNA viral load with thyroid dysfunction in HIV/AIDS patients. An observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted from August to September 2020 in Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta on 60 HIV/AIDS patients. All subjects were 18-60 years old. The research data were analyzed with a 2x2 test table to determine the Prevalence Ratio (PR) of each variable, then multivariate analysis with logistic regression was continued. The study showed 6.7% thyroid dysfunction in HIV/AIDS patients, 5% subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 1.7% subclinical hypothyroidism. The CD4 counts [PR 13.36 (95% CI: 1.53-116,65; p=0.017) and CD8 counts [PR 0.91 (95% CI: 3 0.02-0.51; p=0.032)] significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction in HIV/AIDS patients. CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm and 3 CD8 counts ≥500 cells/mm were associated with the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in HIV/AIDS patients, while CD4/CD8 ratio and HIV RNA viral load were not associated. CD4 count was not an independent predictor of thyroid dysfunction in HIV/AIDS patients.

Concomitant use of medicinal plants with antiretroviral drugs among HIV/AIDS patients in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66
Author(s):  
Arebu Issa Bilal ◽  
Bruck Messele ◽  
Dawit Teshome ◽  
Zelalem Tilahun ◽  
Teferi Gedif Fenta
Keyword(s):  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Modern Medicine ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Keywords Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

In spite of an increase in the health service coverage of the country, studies reported that significant proportion of the Ethiopian population still relies on traditional medicine, particularly on the herbal aspect, for their healthcare. The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of the concomitant use of herbal medicines with modern antiretroviral medicines and identify the commonly used herbs among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June, 2017 among HIV/AIDS patients in five hospitals selected from four regions and one city Administration (Addis Ababa). A total of 768 HIV/AIDS patients were successfully interviewed and included in the analysis. Most 480 (62.5%) of them were on tenofovir-disoproxil fumarate (TDF) plus lamivudine (3TC)and efavirenz (EFV) regimen. Two hundred nineteen (28.5%) patients reported that they had used herbal medicines to treat their illness; of these 145 (66.2%) used herbal products along with modern medicine. Of those who reported to have used herbal medicine with modern medicine, 53 (40.8%) claimed that they took the herbal medicines for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, while 51(39.2%) used for treating co-morbid diseases. Only 33 (15.0%) of those who used herbal medicines along with modern drugs discussed the issue either with their physicians or pharmacists. A total of 31 plant species were reported to be used for the treatment as well as alleviation of symptoms associated with the disease. The most commonly cited herbal medicines that  have been used by HIV/AIDS patients to treat their comorbid diseases were Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod. (Moringaceae) (35.6%) followed by Ocimum lamiifolium Hochst. (Lamiaceae) (18.0%), Zheneria scabra Sond. (Cucurbitaceae) (7.2%), Allium sativum L. (Alliaceae) (5.7%), and Ruta chalapensis L. (Rutaceae) (5.7%). The study revealed that close to one-third of HIV/AIDS patients interviewed reported use of herbal medicine and almost two-thirds of them did so concomitantly with modern medicine. Only small percentage of the patients who used herbal medicines along with modern drugs disclose the use either to their treating physicians or to counselling pharmacists. Practitioners involved in antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics, therefore, need to inquire information related to the use of herbal medicines and accordingly advise the patients. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, medicinal plant, cross-sectional study, concomitant use, Ethiopia  

scholarly journals Detection of HIV-1 viral load in tears of HIV/AIDS patients

Infection ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 929-933
Author(s):  
Yujing Qian ◽  
Zunyou Wu ◽  
Chao Chen ◽  
Kuifang Du ◽  
Wenbin Wei
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Count ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Plasma Viral Load ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Laboratory Test Results ◽  
Hiv 1 ◽  
Hiv Aids

Abstract Objectives The tear, as an important bodily secretion, plays a crucial role in preventing infection and maintaining homeostasis of ocular surfaces. Although accumulating studies have reported on the HIV-1 viral load profile among varying bodily fluids and secretions, little was known concerning HIV-1 dynamics in tears. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the HIV-1 viral load in tears of HIV/AIDS patients and study factors influencing their tear viral load. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted. 67 patients with a confirmed HIV-1 infection or AIDS were recruited from the Beijing You’an Hospital, China between April 2018 and September 2018. Socio-demographic information and laboratory test results were collected. At the same time, ophthalmic examinations were carried out and tear samples were tested. Results Of 30 highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naïve patients, 53.3% had detectable HIV-1 RNA in tears. Of 37 patients on HAART, HIV-1 RNA was undetectable in their tears, regardless of treatment duration and blood viral load. Tear viral load ranged from TND (target not detected) to 13,096 copies/mL. Viral load was lower in tears than in blood plasma (p < 0.001), and was significantly correlated with plasma viral load (Rho = 0.566, p < 0.001) and AIDS stage (Rho = 0.312, p = 0.01), but negatively correlated with CD4 + T cell count, CD4 +/CD8 + T cell count, and duration of HIV infection (Rho = -0.450, Rho = − 0.464, Rho = − 0.565; p < 0.001). Conclusions HIV-1 RNA is present in tears of more than half of the HAART-naïve patients, whereas absent in tears of patients on HAART. Tear viral load is positively associated with plasma viral load while it is negatively correlated with CD4 cell count. This study provides novel insights into the area with limited understanding–HIV-1 viral load in tears.

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