HIV-1 and HTLV-1 Transmission Modes: Mechanisms and Importance for Virus Spread

So far, only two retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (type 1 and 2) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), have been recognized as pathogenic for humans. Both viruses mainly infect CD4+ T lymphocytes. HIV replication induces the apoptosis of CD4 lymphocytes, leading to the development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). After a long clinical latency period, HTLV-1 can transform lymphocytes, with subsequent uncontrolled proliferation and the manifestation of a disease called adult T-cell leukemia (ATLL). Certain infected patients develop neurological autoimmune disorder called HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, also known as tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Both viruses are transmitted between individuals via blood transfusion, tissue/organ transplantation, breastfeeding, and sexual intercourse. Within the host, these viruses can spread utilizing either cell-free or cell-to-cell modes of transmission. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and importance of each mode of transmission for the biology of HIV-1 and HTLV-1.

Total elbow arthroplasty for active primary tuberculosis of the elbow: a curious case of misdiagnosis

The incidence of musculoskeletal tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise due to the current Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. Spine is the most common osseous site, followed by other joints. TB identified in the elbow accounts for 2%–5% of skeletal TB cases, which are secondary to pulmonary TB. Primary elbow TB is rare. We report a case of primary TB of the elbow which had a negative synovial biopsy. A 46-year-old right-hand dominant female patient with chronic pain and disability of the right elbow was diagnosed with chronic non-specific arthritis based on an arthroscopic synovial biopsy. The case was diagnosed retrospectively as active TB from bone cuts post total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) was given postoperatively for 12 months. The patient reported good functional outcomes at 3 years of follow-up. Such atypical presentations of osteoarticular TB are challenging to diagnose. Therefore, particularly in endemic areas, clinicians should be careful before excluding such a diagnosis even after a negative biopsy. Further research should investigate whether active TB of small joints such as the elbow can be treated with ATT, and early arthroplasty should be a focus of this research.

HIV-child with disseminated Talaromyces Marneffei (Penicillium marneffei) infection: a rare severe case report

Background Talaromyces Marneffei (Penicillium marneffei, T.marneffei) has been frequently reported in patients with adult acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Still, cases of children with HIV combined with T.marneffei infection are very rare. This report describes the case of a HIV-child who is a girl from China. Her special clinical manifestations and laboratory diagnosis results can provide clinicians with the basis for diagnosis and treatment of T.marneffei related rare diseases. Case presntation We reported a single case of 7-year-old Chinese female patient who presented with fever, abdominal pain, multiple lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, left lower extremity ecchymosis, and bloody stool. The patient received anti-inflammatory therapy; however, her symptoms did not improve. Consequently, she was diagnosed with T.marneffei and HIV infection; it was also confirmed that her mother did not undergo HIV blocking therapy during pregnancy. Yet, the child’s family refused all treatment, after which the child was discharged from the hospital. The patient died a few days later. Conclusion This case suggested that children with AIDS suffering from fever, lymphadenopathy and coagulation dysfunction, penicilliosis should be suspected. Clinicians should diagnose the disease early through laboratory and imaging results, which can help reduce the mortality, prolong the survival time and improve the quality of life of children.

Mechanisms of immune aging in HIV

Massive CD4+ T-cell depletion as well as sustained immune activation and inflammation are hallmarks of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 infection. In recent years, an emerging concept draws an intriguing parallel between HIV-1 infection and aging. Indeed, many of the alterations that affect innate and adaptive immune subsets in HIV-infected individuals are reminiscent of the process of immune aging, characteristic of old age. These changes, of which the presumed cause is the systemic immune activation established in patients, likely participate in the immuno-incompetence described with HIV progression. With the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-seropositive patients can now live for many years despite chronic viral infection. However, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related opportunistic infections have given way to chronic diseases as the leading cause of death since HIV infection. Therefore, the comparison between HIV-1 infected patients and uninfected elderly individuals goes beyond the sole onset of immunosenescence and extends to the deterioration of several physiological functions related to inflammation and systemic aging. In light of this observation, it is interesting to understand the precise link between immune activation and aging in HIV-1 infection to figure out how to best care for people living with HIV (PLWH).

Clinical characteristics of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome having respiratory symptoms as the initial manifestations: A retrospective study

The aim of the study was to investigate clinical features of patients with AIDS having respiratory symptoms as initial manifestations and help in the early diagnosis. Eighty-eight patients admitted to the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital were included in the study. General data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, chest computed tomography (CT) imaging features, treatments, and prognosis were analyzed. Peripheral leukopenia, lymphopenia, hypoxemia, and reduced percentage of CD4+ T lymphocytes were found in 25.6%, 43.6%, 27.5%, and 94.9% of the patients, respectively. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) was the most frequent cause of opportunistic pulmonary infection. Patients with PCP had more bilateral lung involvement and ground-glass shadow in CT manifestations. A follow-up of the 43 patients transferred to the Public Health Center showed improvement in 27 (62.8%), stabilization in 4 (9.3%), worsening in 1 (2.3%), and death in 11 (25.6%) patients. Detailed medical history recording, screening of human immunodeficiency virus antibody, and flow cytometry would improve the diagnostic efficiency of AIDS in patients with diffuse ground-glass shadow in chest CT. Early and empirical treatment could improve the prognosis.

Currently, there is no cure for Human immunodeficiency virus /Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) but, there are medications to control HIV and prevent opportunistic infections. Clinicians must be vigilant enough to extract history and send rele

Currently, there is no cure for Human immunodeficiency virus /Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) but, there are medications to control HIV and prevent opportunistic infections. Clinicians must be vigilant enough to extract history and send relevant laboratory investigations to diagnose the disease in early stage. Patient may not have known his /her diagnosis or intentionally avoided to reveal the disease status which further complicates the diagnosis and treatment. This is case of a 51 years male, where social stigma forces the patient to hide his diagnosis and reluctant to seek medical treatment ultimately reaps the life. Hence, government and concerned authority must work up for wide availability of HIV/AIDS medications and motivate people to seek medical advices as soon as possible. Concerned authority must motivate people to consider it as any other treatable disease.

PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP PASANGAN USIA SUBUR DALAM PENCEGAHAN HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are still health problems faced by both developed and developing countries. One of the main factors that become obstacles is the stigma and discrimination against HIV sufferers in Indonesia which is still high. The age group most infected with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia is included in the population of couples of childbearing age. EFA is a couple (male and female) who are mature enough in all respects, especially their reproductive organs that are already functioning properly. At this time EFA must be able to maintain and utilize its reproduction properly. The purpose of this study is to describe the knowledge and attitudes of couples of childbearing age in preventing HIV/AIDS in the Work Area of ??the South Cilacap Health Center II. This study used a descriptive research design with a cross sectional approach. Samples were taken by random sampling technique, amounting to 30 respondents with univariate analysis. The results of this study were sufficient knowledge of respondents about HIV/AIDS 16 respondents (53.3%), both 12 respondents (40%) and less than 2 respondents (6.7%) as well as positive attitudes 24 respondents (80%) and negative attitudes 6 respondents (20%).

Antimicrobial effect of Siddha preparation Vazhai kizhangu neer and Amuri against common urinary pathogens

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection.It occurs in any part of the urinary tract mostly affects lower urinary tract which is common in women. Almost half of all women will experience UTI once during their lifetime. The elderly, patients with diabetes or multiple sclerosis, patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/human immunodeficiency virus, patients with spinal cord injuries and/or catheters are at high risk for UTI. Resistance development, adverse reactions of antibiotics, and other problems lead to find out the alternative approaches like remedies from natural resources in controlling UTIs. This study is aimed to validate the anti-microbial effect of natural products VazhaiKizhangu Neer and Amuri obtained from plantain tree (Musa paradisiaca Linn.) which are used for UTI in siddha system. The both samples were subjected to antimicrobial activity by well diffusion method. The result shows that, the zone of inhibition (in mm) for VazhaiKizhangu Neer and Amuri against common urinary pathogens E.coli, Pseudomonas aeuriginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 14, 15; 9, 11; 0, 12; 14,13 respectively. These results revealed that both samples are potentially effective in suppressing microbial growth of urinary pathogens. Comparatively, the Antimicrobial activity of Amuri was almost equal to VazhziKizhzngu Neer. This study may authenticate the usage of VazhaiKizhangu Neer and Amuri for the management of Urinary Tract Infections.

Prevalence of Pneumocystosis in Sub-Saharan Africa and Helminth Immune Modulation

Sub-Saharan Africa is the region of the world with the highest prevalence of helminth infections. To protect themselves from the defensive mechanisms of their respective hosts, helminths modulate their immune responses. This modulation has relevant clinical and epidemiological consequences, including the inhibition of inflammatory processes that characterize infection by other microorganisms. Severe Pneumocystis pneumonia is characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction that can lead to death. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is the main predisposing factor to the development of pneumocystosis. Although the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has led to a notable decline in the incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated complications, pneumocystosis continues to be an important global health problem. Despite the high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in the sub-Saharan region, the prevalence of Pneumocystis pneumonia there has been lower than expected. Several factors, or combinations thereof, may contribute to this evolution. Here, we hypothesize the possible role of helminth immune modulation as an important issue at play. On the other hand, and looking ahead, we believe that the immune modulation achieved by helminths may be an important factor to consider during the design and evaluation processes of vaccines against Pneumocystis jirovecii to be used in Sub-Saharan Africa. The requirements of a balanced triggering of different types of immune responses for controlling the infection produced by this microorganism, as observed during experiments in animal models, support this final consideration.

Pendampingan Remaja Dalam Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Pencegahan HIV/AIDS Di Daerah Pesisir Kabupaten Sumenep

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a growing health problem in Indonesia. From 1987 to 2019, there were 102,667 AIDS sufferers. Adolescents aged 15-24 years are a group that is vulnerable to HIV. The purpose of PKM is for universities to play a role in developing public knowledge about reproductive health and the spread of HIV/AIDS among adolescents infection. Adolescents are a group that is more likely to transmit HIV/AIDS because they are vulnerable to risky behavior problems, such as premarital sex and substance abuse. Methods: The target of service is youth in coastal areas. Problems are solved in three stages of activity, namely preparation, implementation and evaluation. Preparation is done by conducting a preliminary survey to see conditions in the field. The implementation is carried out by training, using the lecture method, namely the presentation technique, followed by question and answer discussions and exercises as a form of PKM activities. Evaluation of activities is carried out for each stage by collecting and concluding data from each stage of activity. Results: Before distributing 24 questionnaires containing information about adolescent reproductive function and HIV/AIDS to counseling participants, the result was 65%. Meanwhile, from the results of a survey of all participants to assess expansion achievement, it was found that 84%. A significant increase in participants' knowledge was 18%. Conclusion: By providing knowledge to parents, we can reach youth to avoid problems related to HIV/AIDS.