The molecular epidemiology of HIV type 1 of men in Mexico.

Genotypic characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in Mexico were investigated in a multicenter study that involved centers in five geographic regions of the country. Study samples (n = 65) collected from male patients in 1998-1999 were sequenced within the C2-V5 region of the gp120 env gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that subtype B predominates in Mexico. The level of interpatient nucleotide diversity (mean value of 8.9%) was congruent with multiple introductions of the virus and the "aging" epidemic in Mexico. One-third of samples (30.8% of cases) showed polymorphism within the crown of the V3 loop demonstrating non-GPGR motifs. Two new motifs in the V3 loop crown - HPGG and GPEG - were observed. The evolution of the AIDS epidemic in Mexico should be closely monitored since non-B HIV-1 subtypes might be introduced. The nucleotide sequences were deposited in the GenBank under accession numbers AF200855-AF200869, AF200871-AF200892, and AF200894-AF200921.

Safety and efficacy of Virend for topical treatment of genital and anal herpes simplex lesions in patients with AIDS.

Virend (SP-303), a new topical antiviral agent with activity against herpesvirus, was evaluated in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study for safety and effectiveness against recurrent genital herpes lesions in patients with AIDS. The primary endpoints of this study were complete healing of lesions and time to healing. Patients had a history of recurrent genital or anogenital herpes with at least one lesion and positive HSV culture at enrollment. Participants received Virend (15% ointment; 24 patients) or matching placebo (21 patients) three times a day for 21 days. Excluding two patients in the Virend group who received an initial treatment but were lost to follow-up, 9 of 22 (41%) patients treated with Virend experienced complete healing of their lesions compared with three (14%) patients in the placebo group (P = 0.053). Viral culture revealed that 50% of Virend-treated patients and 19% of placebo-treated patients became culture-negative during treatment (P = 0.06). Based on these preliminary clinical findings, further evaluation of Virend for topical treatment of genital herpes in patients with AIDS is planned.

[The evolution of immunological markers in acute viral hepatitis B. A study in 177 patients]. / Evolución de los marcadores inmunológicos en la hepatitis viral aguda B. Estudio en 177 pacientes.

This is a report about 177 patients suffering acute viral hepatitis type B; 135 (76%) men and 42 (24%) women. Sequential monitoring was carried out of HBe Ag, HBs Ag and their corresponding antibodies until negativitation or positivitation. Even though the immune response was adequate, there were three kinds of response: a) Simultaneous, disappearance of antigens and appearance of antibodies at the same time; 46% for antigen e and 39% for s. b) Late the elimination of antigens preceded the appearance of the antibodies; 37% for antigen e and 34% for antigen s. c) Early, the antibodies anticipated negativitation of antibodies which enables both markers to be detected simultaneously; 17% for antigen e and 27% for antigen s.

[The importance of tuberculosis in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The clinical and therapeutic aspects]. / La importancia de la tuberculosis en el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida. Aspectos clínicos y terapéuticos.

These is presented a study of 50 patients suffering TB and AIDS. The universe was divided in two: group I, when TB was considered the first manifestation of AIDS; (27 males and 2 females). Group II, when TB was preceded by some opportunistic infection, some kind of cancer, or some clinical symptoms compatible with wasting syndrome; (20 males and 1 female). There was no difference between the two groups regarding epidemiology, since homo-bisexuality was the most frequent among males. Neither were significantly different the clinical features of TB in both groups, and the most frequent symptoms were: fever, productive cough and painful lymphadenopathy. Both groups showed miliary infiltration on the lung X-rays; lymph nodes were the most frequent extrapulmonary localization. The only significant difference was found when the mortality was compared group I, 10 patients (34.4%) vs 16 (76%) from group II (p less than 0.01). An other part of the study is related with the efficacy of rifampin and isoniazide (31 cases), compared to their efficiency when these drugs are used combined with a third one (10 cases); the results showed no significant difference.

[Posttransfusion hepatitis. A prospective study]. / Hepatitis post transfusión. Estudio prospectivo.

This prospective study was carried out on thirty patients transfused with blood or blood products, by ten (33.3%) posttransfusion hepatitis was diagnosed; this is 15.75 cases per 1,000 U transfused. Four patients developed jaundice; six remained asymptomatic. In nine patients (90%) non-A, non-B hepatitis was diagnosed and one (10%) case was classified as hepatitis B. Two patients with non-A, non-B hepatitis developed chronic hepatitis, corroborated through percutaneous liver biopsy.