Spatial variability of mother-to-child human immunodeficiency virus transmission in a province in the Brazilian Rainforest: An ecological study.

The mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a serious public health problem in the Brazilian Rainforest. This study aimed to spatially analyze this type of infection between 2007 and 2018 in Pará, which is the second-largest Brazilian state in the Brazilian Rainforest and also has the highest MTCT of HIV in Brazil. We analyzed the incidence rates of HIV (including the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) by MTCT as the main route of infection in children younger than 13 years old and whose mothers live in Pará. We employed spatial autocorrelation, spatial scanning, and geographic-weighted spatial regression techniques. In the period of this study, 389 new HIV/AIDS were noted, with territorial expansion of the incidence rates in the municipalities in northern and southern Pará having the highest rates. São Francisco do Pará had high spatial risk and high-spatiotemporal risk clusters comprising municipalities in western and south-western Pará between 2013 and 2016. The spatial variability of HIV/AIDS incidence rates was found to be common in the number of men and women with formal jobs; unemployed ≥18 years old people; elementary school pupils; and families enrolled in the "Single Registry for Social Programs". The social equity approach in Pará guarantee pregnant women access to preventive, diagnostic and treatment health services and their children should be supported to eliminate the MTCT of HIV in Pará.

HIV/AIDS-Pneumonia Codynamics Model Analysis with Vaccination and Treatment.

In this paper, we proposed and analyzed a realistic compartmental mathematical model on the spread and control of HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coepidemic incorporating pneumonia vaccination and treatment for both infections at each infection stage in a population. The model exhibits six equilibriums: HIV/AIDS only disease-free, pneumonia only disease-free, HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coepidemic disease-free, HIV/AIDS only endemic, pneumonia only endemic, and HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coepidemic endemic equilibriums. The HIV/AIDS only submodel has a globally asymptotically stable disease-free equilibrium if ℛ 1 < 1. Using center manifold theory, we have verified that both the pneumonia only submodel and the HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coepidemic model undergo backward bifurcations whenever ℛ 2 < 1 and ℛ 3 = max{ℛ 1, ℛ 2} < 1, respectively. Thus, for pneumonia infection and HIV/AIDS-pneumonia coinfection, the requirement of the basic reproduction numbers to be less than one, even though necessary, may not be sufficient to completely eliminate the disease. Our sensitivity analysis results demonstrate that the pneumonia disease transmission rate ß 2 and the HIV/AIDS transmission rate ß 1 play an important role to change the qualitative dynamics of HIV/AIDS and pneumonia coinfection. The pneumonia infection transmission rate ß 2 gives rises to the possibility of backward bifurcation for HIV/AIDS and pneumonia coinfection if ℛ 3 = max{ℛ 1, ℛ 2} < 1, and hence, the existence of multiple endemic equilibria some of which are stable and others are unstable. Using standard data from different literatures, our results show that the complete HIV/AIDS and pneumonia coinfection model reproduction number is ℛ 3 = max{ℛ 1, ℛ 2} = max{1.386, 9.69 } = 9.69 at ß 1 = 2 and ß 2 = 0.2 which shows that the disease spreads throughout the community. Finally, our numerical simulations show that pneumonia vaccination and treatment against disease have the effect of decreasing pneumonia and coepidemic disease expansion and reducing the progression rate of HIV infection to the AIDS stage.

Analysis of Related Factors of Mother-to-Child Transmission of AIDS and Evaluation of Measures to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission.

AIDS is still a major public health facing the world. With the implementation of AIDS prevention projects and the continuous maturity of technology, more and more HIV-positive women choose to have children. However, the children born to these women are a special group. Exposure to HIV and antiviral drugs during the fetal period can increase the success rate of children's elimination of the mother, which is worthy of attention and research. This article focuses on the analysis of the related factors of mother-to-child transmission of AIDS and the evaluation of mother-to-child blocking measures, using the method of field research to conduct experiments on AIDS patients in this city who are pregnant and provide them with antidrug treatment and some barrier measures. Then, the mother-to-child transmission rate was recorded, and the experimental results showed that the antidrug treatment plan is related to mother-to-child transmission. After antidrug treatment, the transmission rate of single-drug treatment is reduced by 5%, and the transmission rate of combined drug treatment is reduced by 10%. It can be seen from this that antidrug treatment is an effective measure to block mothers and babies.

"Minha trajetória com HIV está aí, e eu estou trilhando": itinerários de jovens vivendo com HIV/aids / "My journey with HIV is there, and I'm walking it": Itineraries of young people living with HIV/aids

Este trabalho objetiva compreender os itinerários terapêuticos de jovens vivendo com HIV/aids por transmissão sexual no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Para tal, buscamos a) descrever e analisar as redes de interação que constituem seus itinerários terapêuticos, levando em consideração a multiplicidade de atores presentes; b) analisar como experimentam o mundo cotidiano, olhando para os deslocamentos, as ações, escolhas em interação e negociação dos jovens vivendo com HIV/aids no fluxo de seu cuidado (não restrito ao tratamento médico). Para atingir tais objetivos, foi realizado um estudo de Itinerário Terapêutico, a partir das considerações empreendidas por Alves (2015; 2016), tendo jovens vivendo com HIV/aids no Estado do Rio de Janeiro como interlocutores de pesquisa. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais abertas e síncronas via videochamada do WhatsApp e chamada comum do celular, e, depois, convidamos os participantes a fotografarem cenas, lugares e outros elementos que os ajudassem a narrar seu cotidiano e o viver com HIV. Também estabelecemos diálogos assíncronos através do aplicativo de mensagens. Com Biehl (2007; 2013a; 2013b; SCHUCH, 2016) encontramos inspiração para uma analítica a ser construída com e após o encontro com os participantes. Para discutir os dados construídos, exploramos as trajetórias dos interlocutores de pesquisa, evidenciamos alguns dos marcadores sociais que se sobressaem em suas narrativas, e por último, nos aprofundamos nos itinerários terapêuticos dos participantes através das práticas que estão envolvidos. Podemos notar que os jovens possuem diferentes trajetórias e experiências de viver com HIV, fruto da rede de interações específicas em que estão inseridos. Com isso, compreendemos a importância de fomentar saberes e práticas que levem em consideração as complexidades presentes nessas redes e permitam práticas de cuidados que se deem em colaboração.

[Characteristics and trends of HIV/AIDS cases with the non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission in Henan province, 2015-2020].

Objective: To analysis the characteristics and trends of non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS cases in Henan province between 2015 and 2020. Methods: Information of newly reported HIV/AIDS through non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission was collected from National Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Information system, using SPSS 22.0 to analyze the characteristics and tend of cases. Results: During 2015-2020, a total of 10 877 HIV/AIDS cases infected by non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission were newly reported in Henan province. This mode of infection increased from 32.6% in 2015 to 35.5% in 2020 (trend χ2=81.880,P<0.01). The male to female ratio was 1.9∶1 (7 105∶3 772). The mean age was (45.5±15.8) years, increasing annually (F=5.184,P<0.01). For female cases, the proportion of aged 15-50 years group was decreased annually (trend χ2=69.888, P<0.01). Most HIV/AIDS cases were distributed in the early HIV epidemic areas and Zhengzhou city, the same as the cases of the first CD4+T cells counts (CD4) below 200 cells/µl. The median (P25, P75) first CD4 count was 298 (143, 462) cells/µl. The proportion of the first CD4<200 cells/µl was no significant change annually, while the proportion of the first CD4≥500 cells/µl was decreasing annually (trend χ2=18.961,P<0.01). Conclusions: The reported cases through non-martial and non-commercial heterosexual transmission increased, with most of them were male, married, junior, farmer, migrant laborer, and aged 40-59 years. It is needed to focus on the rural district and the middle-aged population, combined with biological and social factors to control the prevalence of AIDS through comprehensive prevention and control measures.

AIDS and COVID-19 in southern Africa.

By the end of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, in February 2021, the numbers of cases and deaths in southern Africa were low in absolute and relative numbers. The BBC ran a story (which was later retracted) headlined "Coronavirus in Africa: Could poverty explain mystery of low death rate?". A heading in the New York Post said: "Scientists can't explain puzzling lack of coronavirus outbreaks in Africa". Journalist Karen Attiah concluded: "It's almost as if they are disappointed that Africans aren't dying en masse and countries are not collapsing". We wondered if the knowledge that southern African countries have acquired in their struggle against AIDS has contributed to a more effective approach against COVID-19. The viral origins of the diseases through zoonotic events are similar; neither has a cure, yet. In both diseases, behaviour change is an important prevention tool, and there are specific groups that are more vulnerable to infection. Equally, there are important differences: most people with COVID-19 will recover relatively quickly, while people living with HIV will need lifelong treatment. COVID-19 is extremely infectious, while HIV is less easily transmitted.

Evaluation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission national health information system for HIV/AIDS, in southern region of Mozambique, April to November 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Mozambique has a generalized HIV epidemic, among pregnant women, HIV prevalence is estimated at 15.8% with a vertical transmission rate of 14%, more than double global targets. We evaluate electronic national health information system (SIS-MA) performance to verify if the data flow procedures met its objectives and evaluated the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) surveillance system to access its attributes and usefulness. METHODS: we conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional evaluation of the PMTCT surveillance system in eight facilities in Gaza and Inhambane provinces using the centers for disease control and prevention guidelines (2001). For data quality, we cross-referenced patient registries from health facilities against the SIS-MA. We also interviewed 34 health technicians, using a Likert scale, to assess the following attributes of the PMTCT surveillance system: simplicity, stability, flexibility, acceptability, timeliness and data quality, usefulness of the system and knowledge of PMTCT. RESULTS: regarding the simplicity measure, we verified that the registry books contain more than 30 variables. The system was 83% flexible in maintaining functionality with the introduction of new health facilities in the system. The completeness of the data was 50% and concordance of data from the register book and monthly reports was 89%. CONCLUSION: the PMTCT SIS-MA is useful in supporting the collection, analysis, interpretation and continuous and systematic dissemination of health data that are used to define and monitor public health policies in Mozambique. However, continued efforts are needed to improve data quality to ensure that the SIS-MA can adequately monitor the PMTCT program and contribute to reduced vertical transmission.

What will it take to end AIDS in Asia and the Pacific region by 2030?

The 2016 global commitments towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 require the Asia-Pacific region to reach the Fast-Track targets by 2020. Despite early successes, the region is well short of meeting these targets. The overall stalled progress in the HIV response has been further undermined by rising new infections among young key populations and the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines the HIV situation, assesses the gaps, and analyses what it would take the region to end AIDS by 2030. Political will and commitments for ending AIDS must be reaffirmed and reinforced. Focused regional strategic direction that answers the specific regional context and guides countries to respond to their specific needs must be put in place. The region must harness the power of innovative tools and technology in both prevention and treatment. Community activism and meaningful community engagement across the spectrum of HIV response must be ensured. Punitive laws, stigma, and discrimination that deter key populations and people living with HIV from accessing health services must be effectively tackled. The people-centred public health approach must be fully integrated into national universal health coverage while ensuring domestic resources are available for community-led service delivery. The region must utilise its full potential and draw upon lessons that have been learnt to address common challenges of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics and achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, in fulfillment of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Demographic features of identified PLWHA infected through commercial and nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact in China from 2015 to 2018: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the demographic characteristics of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) infected through commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) or nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact (NMNCHC) is important for HIV/AIDS prevention and control. METHODS: Cases reported through the Chinese HIV/AIDS Case Reporting System (CRS) from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. A descriptive and preliminary inferential analysis were performed for those demographic characteristics deemed of interest. RESULTS: Overall, 523,121 identified PLWHA between 2015 and 2018 in the CRS were analyzed. The constituent ratio of heterosexual transmission increased from 66.25% in 2015 to 71.48% in 2018. The proportion of CHC heterosexual transmission decreased from 40.18% in 2015 to 37.99% in 2018, while that of NMNCHC increased from 46.33% in 2015 to 49.02% in 2018. PLWHA infected through NMNCHC were significantly younger than those who were infected through CHC (Student's t test, P < 0.0001), with an average age gap ranging from 5.63 (2015) to 7.46 (2018) years, and the average age of both groups increased annually. The frequency of newly identified PLWHA who were infected through CHC had a remarkable increase among the ages of 65 and above. Gender distribution was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 8909.00(2015), 9941.90(2016), 11,004.00 (2017), 12,836.00(2018), all P < 0.0001), and the ratio of men to women in the NMCHC group was 1.50:1 (2015), 1.51:1 (2016), 1.54:1 (2017), and 1.52:1 (2018), while in the commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) group, these ratios were 11.45:1 (2015), 12.08:1 (2016), 12.53:1 (2017), and 13.28:1 (2018). Marital status was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 94.67 (2015), 109.88(2016), 58.18(2017), 152.38(2018), all P < 0.0001). As the educational level improved, the proportion of NMNCHC also increased (Cochran - Armitage test, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that heterosexual transmission was the primary mode of HIV transmission in China from 2015 to 2018. PLWHA infected through CHC and NMNCHC had different characteristics in age, gender, marital status, and educational level. The frequency of PLWHA infected through CHC increased substantially in the age group of 65 and above. This study provides useful baseline data for future studies on the heterosexual transmission of HIV in China.

Linhas de cuidados em saúde às crianças expostas ao HIV / Health care priorities for children exposed to HIV / Prioridades de atención médica para niños expuestos al VIH

Objetivo: identificar na literatura os principais cuidados às crianças expostas ao HIV. Método: estudo bibliográfico, descritivo, tipo revisão integrativa, cuja questão norteadora foi: quais os principais cuidados às crianças expostas ao HIV? A busca ocorreu na biblioteca Scielo e nas bases Lilacs e BDEnf, em que se selecionaram estudos publicados entre 2013 e 2017, de acordo com os critérios de seleção, e avaliados conforme os critérios Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) para os níveis de evidência, analisando-os de forma descritiva e apresentando-os em forma de figuras. Resultados: amostra final foi composta por treze artigos, constituída por nove (69,2%) estudos com abordagem qualitativa e quatro (30,8%) com enfoque quantitativo. Os principais cuidados se concentraram em quatro grupos norteadores: Cuidados com a prevenção da transmissão vertical; Cuidados relacionados à terapia medicamentosa; Cuidados relacionados aos fatores ambientais e familiar; e Cuidados com a alimentação. Conclusão: o estudo contribui para o entendimento das linhas de cuidados prioritários às crianças expostas ao HIV e expande ideias para novas pesquisas nessa perspectiva.(AU)

Objective: to identify the main health care actions for children exposed to HIV, in the literature. Method: a bibliographic, descriptive, and integrative review study was conducted with the following guiding question: what are the main health care actions for children exposed to HIV? The search took place in the Scielo library and at the Lilacs and BDEnf databases. Studies published from 2013 to 2017 were selected based on selection criteria and evaluated according to the levels of evidence proposed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The studies were analyzed descriptively, and results were presented in figures. Results: the final sample consisted of thirteen articles from which nine (69.2%) had a qualitative approach and four (30.8%) had a quantitative approach. The main health care actions were divided in four groups: Prevention of vertical transmission, Drug therapy, Management of environmental and family factors, and Nutrition. Conclusion: the study contributes to understanding the health care priorities for children exposed to HIV and expands ideas for new research in this perspective.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar las principales acciones de atención a la salud de niños expuestos al VIH, en la literatura. Método: se realizó un estudio de revisión bibliográfica, descriptiva e integradora con la siguiente pregunta orientadora: ¿Cuáles son las principales acciones de atención a salud de niños expuestos al VIH? La búsqueda se realizó en la biblioteca Scielo y en las bases de datos Lilacs y BDEnf. Fueron seleccionados estudios publicados de 2013 a 2017 en base a criterios de selección y estos fueron evaluados de acuerdo con los niveles de evidencia propuestos por la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Los estudios se analizaron de forma descriptiva y los resultados se presentaron en figuras. Resultados: la muestra final constó de trece estudios de los cuales nueve (69,2%) tenían un enfoque cualitativo y cuatro (30,8%) tenían un enfoque cuantitativo. Las principales acciones asistenciales se dividieron en cuatro grupos: Prevención de la transmisión vertical, Farmacoterapia, Manejo de factores ambientales y familiares y Nutrición. Conclusión: el estudio contribuye a comprender las prioridades de atención a la salud de niños expuestos al VIH y amplía las ideas para nuevas investigaciones en esta perspectiva.(AU)

Adherencia terapéutica en pacientes con VIH/SIDA del municipio Media Luna / Therapeutic adherence in patients with HIV/AIDS from Media Luna municipality

Introducción: el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) se mantiene como un serio problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Actualmente, alrededor de 34 millones de personas viven con el VIH en el mundo, lo que constituye un reto para la población y las autoridades de salud. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de la adherencia terapéutica en los pacientes con VIH/SIDA del municipio Media Luna en el período enero-junio de 2018. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. La población estuvo conformada por 32 pacientes con VIH/SIDA, que constituyen la totalidad de los pacientes atendidos con esta patología en el municipio en la actualidad. Para la obtención de la información se empleó el análisis documental a partir de la revisión de historias cínicas y registros médicos. En el procesamiento de la información se empleó el cálculo porcentual en el resumen de la información estadística. Resultados: se destacaron el predominio del grupo etáreo de 36 a 50 años, con mayoría de los pacientes del sexo masculino y nivel escolar preuniversitario, el tratamiento más empleado fue por vía oral y la adherencia terapéutica en la mayoría de los pacientes es adecuada. Conclusiones: la adherencia terapéutica se comporta de manera adecuada en la mayoría de los pacientes seleccionados para el estudio, pero se debe trabajar de manera sistemática para incluir a los pacientes no adherentes(AU)

Introduction: the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a serious public health problem worldwide. Currently, around 34 million people are living with HIV in the world, which constitutes a challenge for the population and the health authorities. Objective: to determine the behavior of therapeutic adherence in patients with HIV/AIDS in the Media Luna municipality in the period January-June 2018. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. The population was made up of 32 patients with HIV/AIDS, which constitute the totality of patients treated with this pathology in the municipality today. To obtain the information, documentary analysis was used from the review of clinical histories and medical records. In the information processing, the percentage calculation was used in the summary of the statistical information. Results: the predominance of the age group between 36 and 50 years of age stood out, with most of the patients male and pre-university school level, the most used treatment was orally and therapeutic adherence in most of the patients is adequate. Conclusions: therapeutic adherence behaves appropriately in most of the patients selected for the study, but work should be done systematically to include non-adherent patients(EU)

HIV/AIDS knowledge among Iranian Health Care Workers.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS remains a major public health concern globally and Health Care Workers (HCWs) are in the frontline of preventing and providing care in the health care system. The aim of this study was to evaluate HIV/AIDS knowledge among Iranian HCWs. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 HCWs who were randomly selected from health care centers in Kermanshah city, west of Iran, 2018. HCWs filled out a self-administered questionnaire including the socio-demographic characteristics and HIV/AIDS knowledge items. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using bivariate correlations, t-test, and ANOVA statistical tests. RESULTS: The mean score of HIV/AIDS knowledge was 29.73 [95% CI: 28.79, 30.67], ranged from 0 to 40 (74.3% of total percent). There was no significant association and correlation between HIV/AIDS knowledge and sex, education level, marital status, age and job history. Up to 50% had inadequate knowledge about HIV/AIDS status and transmission in Iran. CONCLUSIONS: HCWs HIV/AIDS knowledge was average and it seems need to be educating regarding HIV/AIDS status and transmission in Iran.

High level risky sexual behavior among persons living with HIV in the urban setting of the highest HIV prevalent areas in Ethiopia: Implications for interventions.

INTRODUCTION: Data on the sexual behavior among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) dwelling at HIV prevalent setting located at the periphery of Ethiopia is lacking. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate sexual practice of patients following their antiretroviral therapy (ART) service and factors affecting their behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study design was employed to assess risky sexual practice and associated factors among HIV positive adults attending ART clinics in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia. Risky sexual practice is defined as a custom of getting in at least one of the following practices such as condom-unprotected sex with any partner, having two or more sexual partners and practicing casual sex in the last three months. A total of 352 randomly selected clients were interviewed by using a structured questionnaire. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the association between covariates and the outcome variable. RESULTS: Majority of the study participants were engaged at least in one of the risky sexual practices (79.8% confidence interval (CI): 75.3% - 83.9%). The multivariable analysis found that the odds of risky sexual practice were higher among individuals who use substances ('khat' users (AOR: 3.82, 95%CI:1.30-11.22), smoke cigarette (AOR:4.90, 95%CI:1.19-12.60), consume alcohol (AOR: 2.59, 95%CI:1.28-5.21)); those who never discuss about safe sex with their partner/s (AOR: 2.21, 95%CI:1.16-4.21); those who have been in attachment for longer duration (more than four years) with their partner (AOR: 3.56, 95%CI: 1.32-9.62); and groups who desire to bear children in their future life (AOR: 3.15, 95%CI:1.40-7.04) as compared to their respective comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of participants were engaged at least in one of the risky sexual practices which potentially result in super infection by a new or/and drug resistant viral strain/s, and onward transmission of the virus. Thus, an HIV intervention program which focuses on the identified factors has to be implemented to mitigate risk of unsafe sexual behavior of this population group and move towards ending the HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic.

Nanosystems Applied to HIV Infection: Prevention and Treatments.

Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) are a global health concern worldwide as they cause acute diseases, infertility, and significant mortality. Among the bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens that can be sexually transmitted, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has caused one of the most important pandemic diseases, which is acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). 32.7 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. Moreover, in 2019, 38 million people were living with HIV worldwide. The need to deal with this viral infection becomes more obvious, because it represents not only a problem for public health, but also a substantial economic problem. In this context, it is necessary to focus efforts on developing methods for prevention, detection and treatment of HIV infections that significantly reduce the number of newly infected people and provide a better quality of life for patients. For several decades, biomedical research has been developed allowing quick solutions through the contribution of effective tools. One of them is the use of polymers as vehicles, drug carrier agents, or as macromolecular prodrugs. Moreover, nanosystems (NSs) play an especially important role in the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy against HIV infection. The purpose of this work is to review recent research into diverse NSs as potential candidates for prevention and treatment of HIV infection. Firstly, this review highlights the advantages of using nanosized structures for these medical applications. Furthermore, we provide an overview of different types of NSs used for preventing or combating HIV infection. Then, we briefly evaluate the most recent developments associated with prevention and treatment alternatives. Additionally, the implications of using different NSs are also addressed.

Knowledge, attitude and stigma towards HIV patients: a survey among medical students in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

INTRODUCTION: This survey aims to assess knowledge, attitude and stigma towards HIV patients, among medical students in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also aimed to assess potential risk factors for HIV infection among fourth year medical students. METHODOLOGY: Data were collected from specific questionnaire that was completed by 171 students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Tuzla. A multivariable logistic regression was performed. RESULTS: Majority of students (79%) had a good knowledge of HIV, (median value of correct answers was 9 (95%) with at least 6 correct responses). Also, majority of students (73.6%) had a positive attitude towards HIV patients and the median positive value was 6 (95% CI: 6-7). More than a third of students considered that all hospitalized patients should be tested for HIV. Total of 81% of students considered that they should inform the sexual partner of HIV positive patient, although she/he disagrees. 61.4% of students had a discriminatory attitude towards HIV, with the median values of 3 (95% CI: 3-3). Multivariate regression analysis identified positive attitude towards HIV patients as an independent predictor for a non-discriminatory attitude. Moreover, an overall attitude towards HIV patients defines student`s determination to work with AIDS population. Male gender, and older age, were identified as predictors of risky behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive measures, including better HIV education, are crucial. Knowledge can increase awareness of HIV infection, decrease the incidence and reduce stigma towards HIV patients.

Coinfección VIH y COVID 19 en niños: teporte de casos / HIV and COVID 19 Coinfection in Children: Case Report

Honduras reportó sus dos primeros casos de COVID-19 el 11 de marzo del 2020, actualmente reporta un total de 64, 352 casos confirmados con 2,006 fallecidos que estiman una tasa letalidad de 3.1%. La presencia de comorbilidades que debiliten el sistema inmune está asociado a un incremento en la severidad y mortalidad de la enfermedad, es por esto que se ha cuestionado si la infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana incrementa el riesgo de contagio y severidad del cuadro de la COVID-19 debido a la presencia de bajo recuento de células CD4. En Honduras para mayo del 2020 se registraron 38,291 casos de VIH acumulados de los cuales 2,086 corresponden a menores de 14 años. En el presente reporte se incluyeron 2 pacientes pediátricos con VIH coinfectados con COVID-19 tratados en el Hospital Nacional Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas (HNMCR) desde el inicio de la pandemia en marzo hasta septiembre del 2020. Ambos pacientes fueron hospitalizados por su estado clínico crítico y la necesidad de apoyo con oxígeno. Ambos pacientes recibían terapia antirretroviral, sin embargo, el paciente numero 2 presentaba mala adherencia y se encontraba con inmunosupresión severa y falleció 2 días posteriores a su ingreso hospitalario. En conclusión, una vez más sigue siendo importante la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en los niños con VIH con el fin de lograr la indetectabilidad en su carga viral mejorando su estado inmunológico, y evitando las infecciones oportunistas asociadas al VIH, así como también respondiendo adecuadamente a cualquier otra enfermedad...(AU)

Social Network Interventions for HIV Transmission Elimination.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Network interventions for HIV prevention represent a potential area for growth in a globalizing world, where persons are more easily connected to one another through social media and networking applications. The basic tenets of network interventions such as (1) selection of a change agent, (2) segmentation, (3) induction, and (4) alteration represent myriad ways to structure network interventions for HIV prevention with the potential for large public health impact. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have employed the use of social networking websites such as Facebook to identify key persons to recruit others and disseminate information aimed at decreasing HIV transmission and improving safe sex practices among groups who are more vulnerable to HIV acquisition. Many of these interventions have successfully decreased HIV risk behaviors as well as decreased the spread of HIV among intervention cohorts. Network interventions for HIV prevention provide more opportunities to reach populations who have not been reached through typical efforts employed in clinical and public health settings, though they are not currently widely employed by the public health community and other stakeholders.

Prevalence and determinants of virological failure, genetic diversity and drug resistance among people living with HIV in a minority area in China: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture is one of the areas that most severely affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in China, and virological failure on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is serious in this area. Analyses of prevalence and determinants of ART failure, the genetic diversity and drug resistance among people living with HIV (PLWH) helps improve HIV treatment efficiency and prevent HIV transmission. METHODS: A total of 5157 PLWH were recruited from 2016 to 2017. The venous blood samples were subjected to RT-PCR, followed by sequencing of the HIV-1 pol gene, targeting the protease and reverse transcriptase fragments. HIV-1 diversity was analyzed using the DNAStar software and drug resistance mutations were analyzed using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. RESULTS: A total of 2156 (41.81%) PLWH showed virological failure on ART. Males (ORm = 1.25), heterosexual behaviors and drug injection (ORm = 1.44) and mother to child transmission routes (ORm = 1.58), the clinical stage of AIDS (ORm = 1.35), having used illicit drugs and shared the needles (1-4 times: ORm = 1.34; more than 5 times: ORm = 1.52), having ever replaced ART regimen (ORm = 1.48) increased the risk of virological failure among PLWH, while higher education lever (ORm = 0.77) and ≥ 12 months on ART (12 ~ 36 months: ORm = 0.72; ≥36 months: ORm = 0.66) was associated with lower likelihood of virological failure. The data revealed that CRF07_BC (1508, 95.62%) were the most common strains, and the drug-resistant rate was 32.10% among PLWH with virological failure in this area. The high frequencies of drug resistance were found in EFV and NVP of NNRTIs, ABC, FTC and 3TC of NRTIs, and TPV/r in PIs. The most common mutations in NNRTIs, NRTIs and PIs were K103N/KN (64.69%), M184V/MV/I (36.29%) and Q58E/QE (4.93%), respectively. CONCLUSION: We concluded that surveillance of virological failure, HIV-1 subtypes, and drug resistance to understand HIV-1 epidemiology and guide modification of ART guidelines, and target prevention and control strategies should be formatted to reduce the virological failure and drug resistance to promote viral suppression and prevent HIV-1 transmission.