Chronic Cystoisospora belli infection in an HIV/AIDS patient treated at the specialized assistance service in Porto Velho County - Rondônia

Abstract Cystoisospora belli infection manifests as diarrhea, and can potentially progress to malabsorption in HIV patients. Here, we report a case of C. belli infection in an HIV/AIDS patient with chronic diarrhea symptoms for at least 2 years. Coproscopic analyses based on direct technique and modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique without a commercial kit were performed. The current case report highlights the protocol to be adopted in coproscopic analyses applied to HIV patients. The importance of including the appropriate parasitological testing of patients with chronic intestinal isosporiasis in parasitological test routines must be considered.

Predictive factors for disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients with fever admitted to a reference hospital in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In many settings, the lack of sensitive biomarkers of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) leads to a clinical reliance on older diagnostic methods and delayed treatment initiation. The early recognition of DH is critical for survival, especially in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study aimed to identify clinical and laboratory findings associated with the definitive diagnosis of DH in low-income HIV patients in endemic areas. METHODS: Febrile AIDS patients with suspected DH who were admitted to a reference hospital in northeastern Brazil from January 2006 to January 2007 were evaluated for clinical and laboratory findings associated with DH diagnosis. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen patients with fever were included, and 48 (41%) cases of DH were determined by Histoplasma capsulatum identification. A higher fever (≥38.5ºC), maculopapular/papular rash, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, wheezing, hemoglobin ≤9.5g/dL, platelets ≤80,000/µL, CD4 count ≤75/µL, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level ≥2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥5times the ULN; and international normalized ratio (INR) >2 times the ULN were significantly associated with DH. A multivariable analysis identified hepatomegaly [adjusted (a) prevalence ratio (PR)= 1.96; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-3.16), CD4 count ≤75/µL (aPR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.06-3.83), LDH ≥5 times the ULN (aPR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.44-3.48), and maculopapular/papular rash (aPR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.02-2.83) were independent risk factors for DH. CONCLUSIONS: These easily assessed parameters can facilitate clinical decision-making for febrile AIDS patients with suspected DH in low socioeconomic and Histoplasma-endemic regions.

Paracoccidioidomycosis due to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 plus HIV co-infection

BACKGROUND Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America and the leading fungal cause of mortality in non-immunosuppressed individuals in Brazil. However, HIV/PCM co-infection can increase the clinical severity in these co-infected patients. This co-infection is rarely reported in the literature mainly because of the different epidemiological profiles of these infections. Furthermore, PCM is a neglected and non-notifiable disease, which may underestimate the real importance of this disease. The advent of molecular studies on the species of the genus Paracoccidioides has expanded the knowledge regarding the severity and the clinical spectrum in PCM. In this context, the development of studies to describe the association of the Paracoccidioides phylogenetic cryptic species in vulnerable populations, such as HIV-infected patients, appears relevant. OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical, epidemiological, therapeutic and prognostic aspects in HIV/PCM co-infected patients, along with the molecular identification of the Paracoccidioides species involved in these cases. METHODS The investigators performed a molecular and clinical retrospective study involving HIV/PCM co-infected patients, from a reference centre for PCM care in the endemic area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1998 to 2015. Molecular identification of the fungal strains was done by amplification of partial sequences of arf and gp43 genes. FINDINGS Of 89 patients diagnosed with PCM by fungal isolation in the culture, a viable isolate was recovered for molecular analysis from 44 patients. Of these 44 patients, 28 (63.6%) had their serum samples submitted for enzyme immunoassay tests for screening of HIV antibodies, and 5 (17.9%) had a positive result. All cases were considered severe, with a variable clinical presentation, including mixed, acute/subacute clinical forms and a high rate of complications, requiring combination therapy. Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1 was the species identified in all cases. CONCLUSIONS HIV/PCM co-infection can change the natural history of this fungal disease. The authors reinforce the need to include HIV screening diagnostic tests routinely for patients with PCM.

Histoplasmosis diseminada e infección por VIH: serie de casos en un hospital peruano / Disseminated histoplasmosis and HIV infection: case series in a Peruvian hospital

Resumen Introducción: La histoplasmosis es una infección fúngica endémica en Perú, y la co-infección con VIH conlleva dificultades diagnósticas y alta mortalidad asociada. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y desenlace clínico en pacientes con infección por VIH con diagnóstico de histoplasmosis diseminada (HD) en el Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima-Perú. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo; se obtuvo información del registro informático de pacientes con infección por VIH con diagnóstico de HD, durante el período 1996-2014. Se describieron características clínicas, epidemiológicas, tratamiento y desenlace. Resultados: Se encontraron 27 pacientes, 25 (92,6%) fueron varones, con edad media de 36,7 años (± 9,4 años) y 22 (81,5%) tuvieron antecedente epidemiológico. Dieciséis (59,3%) tuvieron HD como enfermedad indicadora de SIDA. El recuento medio de LT CD4+ fue de 65 céls/mm3 (RIQ 15-92). Sólo siete (25,9%) recibían al momento del diagnóstico terapia anti-retroviral combinada. La presentación clínica más frecuente fue con fiebre (66,7%), diarrea crónica (40,7%) y linfoadenopatías (33,3%); el diagnóstico fue realizado principalmente mediante histopatología. Seis (22,2%) fallecieron en la etapa aguda de la enfermedad. Siete (25,9%) fueron tratados inicialmente de forma empírica como tuberculosis. Conclusiones: Se describen las características clínicas de un grupo de pacientes que tuvieron HD como co-infección de VIH, siendo esto aún una realidad cuasi endémica en los pacientes que sufren esta patología.

Background: Histoplasmosis is an endemic fungal infection in Peru and HIV coinfection leads to difficult diagnoses and high associated mortality. Aim: To describe clinical, epidemiological and clinical outcomes in patients with HIV infection with diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis (DH) at Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, Lima, Peru. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study; information was obtained from the computer registry of patients with HIV infection diagnosed with DH, during the period 1996-2014. Clinical, epidemiological, treatment and outcome characteristics were described. Results: We found 27 patients, 25 (92.6%) were male, with a mean age of 36.7 years (± 9.4 years) and 22 (81.5%) had an epidemiological history contact. Sixteen patients (59.3%) had DH as an AIDS defining disease. The median CD4 count was 65 cells/mm3 (IQR 15-92). Only 7 (25.9%) received combination antiretroviral therapy at diagnosis. The most common clinical presentation was fever (66.7%), chronic diarrhea (40.7%) and lymphadenopathy (33.3%). The diagnosis was made mainly by histopathology. Six (22.2%) patiens died in the acute stage of the disease. Seven (25.9%) were initially treated empirically as tuberculosis. Conclusion: We describe the clinical characteristics of a group of patients who had DH as HIV coinfection and this is still a quasi endemic reality in patients suffering from this pathology.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea and associated factors among women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Brazil: a multicenter study

Abstract Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) cause infections in the female genital tract, increasing susceptibility to and infectiousness of HIV. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CT and GC infection among HIV-infected women in Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted from March to December 2015, including HIV-infected women attending referral centers in nine states of Brazil, aged 18-49 years, nonpregnant. An interview was conducted including socio-demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics. After the interview, gynecological examination was conducted to collect cervical cytology and vaginal secretion to C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae tests through molecular biology. Results: A total of 802 (89.1%) women participated. The prevalence of CT was 2.1% (17/802) and CG was 0.9% (7/802). The prevalence of a positive test for both CT and/or GC was 2.7%. The factors associated with positive CT/GC test in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were abnormal Papanicolau smear (OR 4.1; 95% CI: 1.54-11.09) and the presence of abnormal cervical discharge (OR 2.6; 95% CI: 1.02-6.71). Among 377 women who reported previous STI 245 (65.0%) reported using condom more frequently after being diagnosed. 62 (16.4%) discovered the STI after the partner told he was infected; 157 (41.6%) had STI symptoms and looked for care, and 158 (41.9%) discovered it in a routine consultation for another reason. Conclusions: The control of STI represents a unique opportunity to improve reproductive health of women living with HIV. STI diagnosis can change their behavior and reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and bacterial STI.

Anogenital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in HIV-infected men and women in Salvador, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections throughout the world. These sexually transmitted infections are a growing problem in people living with HIV/AIDS. However, the presence of these agents in extra genital sites, remains poorly studied in our country. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae anal and genital infection in people living with HIV/AIDS followed in a reference center in Salvador, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study, from June 2013 to June 2015. Proven HIV-infected people attending this reference center were invited. Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained through interview with standardized form. Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae screening was performed using qPCR (COBAS 4800® Roche). Results: The frequency of positive cases of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae was 12.3% in total, 9.2% cases amongst women and 17.1% amongst men. We found 14.0% of positive cases in anus and 3.1% in genital region in men, while 5.6% and 3.6%, in women, respectively. Among men, anal infection was associated with age <29 years (p = 0.033), report of anal intercourse (p = 0.029), pain during anal intercourse (p = 0.028). On the other hand, no association between genital infection and other variables were detected in bivariate analysis. Among women, we detected an association between Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection and age <29 years (p < 0.001), younger age at first sexual intercourse (p = 0.048), pregnancy (p < 0.001), viral load >50 copies/mL (p = 0.020), and no antiretroviral use (p = 0.008). Anal infection in women was associated with age <29 years old (p < 0.001) and pregnancy (p = 0.023), and was not associated with report of anal intercourse (p = 0.485). Conclusion: Missed opportunities for diagnosis in extra genital sites could impact on HIV transmission. The extra genital sites need to be considered to break the HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infections chain-of-transmission.

Prevalence and factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women with HIV in São Paulo

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection among women with HIV in São Paulo. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included women with HIV who were receiving care from sixteen public health services in São Paulo (October 2013 to March 2014). All participants answered a questionnaire regarding their sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics. A urine sample was tested for CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) using the polymerase chain reaction. The chi-square test and a logistic regression model were used to test the associations with CT or NG infections. RESULTS: We evaluated 853 women and ultimately included 836 (98%) women. The mean age was 40.5 ± 0.34 years, and the prevalences of CT and NG infections were 1.8% and 0.5%, respectively. CT infection was associated with CD4+ T-cell counts of <350 cells/mm3 [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj): 24.5], age of 18-25 years (ORadj: 23.2), the non-use of condoms during the last 6 months (ORadj: 10.2), a self-reported history of a sexually transmitted infection (ORadj: 9.4), and having two or more sexual partners during the last year (ORadj: 6.1). CONCLUSIONS: Although we observed a low prevalence of CT infection among women with HIV, younger age was associated with a high risk of infection. Therefore, it may be appropriate to include screening for CT as part of the routine care for this population.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii serodiagnosis in human immunodeficiency virus carriers

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii belong to the Sarcocystidae family, and both have one definitive and various intermediary hosts. Owing to their weak immune systems, immunocompromised persons might be prone to opportunistic infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti- N. caninum and anti- T. gondii antibodies in immunocompromised individuals.METHODS:This cross-sectional study investigated the rates of N. caninum and T. gondii , as assessed using immunofluorescent antibody reaction (IFAT) with 1:50 and 1:16 dilution, respectively, in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).RESULTS:The seropositivity for N. caninum was 26.1% (81/310) in Mato Grosso do Sul and 31.2% (10/32) in Paraná and for T. gondii was 76.8% (238/310) in Mato Grosso do Sul and 68.7% (22/32) in Paraná.CONCLUSIONS:There is evidence of anti- N caninum and anti- T. gondii antibodies in patients with HIV. Other aspects of T. gondii , which is a zoonosis, and N. caninum , which might affect immunodeficient individuals, need to be evaluated and reported.

Chlamydia trachomatis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men treated at a referral hospital for sexually transmitted diseases in the Amazonas, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the Chlamydia trachomatis prevalence and to identify the demographic, behavioural and clinical factors associated with C. trachomatis in human immunodeficiency virus infected men. STUDY: This was a cross-sectional study of C. trachomatis prevalence among human immunodeficiency virus-infected men enrolled at the Outpatient clinic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome of the Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. C. trachomatis deoxyribonucleic acid from urethral samples was purified and submitted to real time polymerase chain reaction to identify the presence of C. trachomatis. RESULTS: A total of 276 human immunodeficiency virus-infected men were included in the study. The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 12% (95% confidence interval 8.1%-15.7%). The mean age of the participants was 34.63 (standard deviation 10.80) years. Of the 276 human immunodeficiency virus-infected men, 93 (56.2%) had more than one sexual partner in the past year and 105 (38.0%) reported having their first sexual intercourse under the age of 15 years. Men having sex with men and bisexuals amounted to 61.2% of the studied population. A total of 71.7% had received human immunodeficiency virus diagnosis in the last three years and 55.1% were using antiretroviral therapy. Factors associated with C. trachomatis infection in the logistic model were being single (p<0.034), men having sex with men (p<0.021), and having previous sexually transmitted diseases (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of C. trachomatis infection among human immunodeficiency virus-infected men highlights that screening human immunodeficiency virus-infected men for C. trachomatis, especially among men having sex with men, is paramount to control the spread of C. trachomatis infection. .

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibody in HIV/AIDS-infected individuals in Maputo, Mozambique / Seroprevalencia de IgG anti- Toxoplasma gondii en personas infectadas por el VIH/SIDA Maputo, Mozambique / Soroprevalência de IgG anti- Toxoplasma gondii em pessoas infectadas pelo HIV/Aids em Maputo, Moçambique

OBJECTIVE To analyze the prevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in patients infected with HIV/AIDS and the association of demographic and social variables. METHODS Descriptive cross-sectional study that included the analysis of sociodemographic data and laboratory findings of 200 patients infected with HIV/AIDS treated in a laboratory unit in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2010. Individual data for all participants were collected with a self-administered questionnaire. Plasma samples were tested for IgG testing of anti- T. gondii using hemagglutination for the analysis of antibodies. RESULTS The seroprevalence of IgG anti- T. gondii was 46.0% (95%CI 39.2;52.9), 39.3% (95%CI 29.5;50.0) in men and 50.9% (95%CI 41.9;59.8) in women, with no difference between sex (OR 1.30; 95%CI 0.95;1.77; p = 0.12). Ages ranged from 10 to 60 years, with a higher prevalence of infection in older age groups, but with no significant difference between them. Regularly consuming cattle meat (OR 1.74; 95%CI 1.04;2.89, p = 0.05), breeding cats/dogs (OR 6.18; 95%CI 3.60;10.62, p < 0.000) and having regular contact with soil (OR 3.38; 95%CI 2.19;5.21; p < 0.000) were significantly associated with risk of latent infection. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasmosis is an infection with high prevalence in Mozambique. Cultural and behavioral aspects increase the risk. Toxoplasmosis can be responsible in our environment by the great burden of morbidity and mortality associated with meningoencephalic injuries in patients with HIV/AIDS. .

OBJETIVO Evaluar la prevalencia de anticuerpos IgG anti- Toxoplasma gondii en personas infectadas por VIH/SIDA y la asociación de variables demográficas y sociales. MÉTODOS Estudio transversal que incluyó el análisis de datos sociodemográficos y de laboratorio de 200 personas infectadas por VIH/SIDA, atendidas en unidad de laboratorio en 2010 en la Provincia de Maputo, Mozambique. Los datos fueron colectados por medio de cuestionario auto llenado por todos los participantes. Para el análisis de anticuerpos, las muestras de plasma colectadas fueron confirmadas para evaluación anti- T. gondii por hemaglutinación. RESULTADOS La seroprevalencia de IgG anti- T. gondii fue de 46% (IC95% 39,2;52,9), 39,3% (IC95% 29,5;50,0) en hombres y de 50,9% (41,9-59,8%) en mujeres, sin diferencia entre sexo (OR 1.30; IC95% 0.95;1.77; p = 0.12). La edad varió de 10 a 60 años, con mayor prevalencia de infección en grupos etarios más ancianos, pero sin haber diferencia significativa entre ellos. Consumir carne de ganado bovino regularmente (OR 1,74; IC95% 1,04;2,89, p = 0,05), poseer cria de gatos/perros (OR 6,18; IC95% 3,60;10,62, p < 0,000) y tener contacto regular con la tierra (OR 3,38; IC95% 2,19;5,21, p < 0,000) estuvieron significativamente asociados al riesgo de infección latente. CONCLUSIONES La infección por toxoplasmosis presenta alta prevalencia en la población de Mozambique, cuyo riesgo se amplía por los aspectos culturales y de comportamiento. La toxoplasmosis puede ser responsable por la gran carga de morbi-mortalidad asociada a lesiones meningoencefálicas en personas con VIH/SIDA en el país. .

OBJETIVO Avaliar a prevalência de anticorpos IgG anti- Toxoplasma gondii em pessoas infectadas pelo HIV/Aids e a associação de variáveis demográficas e sociais. MÉTODOS Estudo transversal que incluiu a análise de dados sociodemográficos e laboratoriais de 200 pessoas infectadas por HIV/Aids, atendidas em unidade laboratorial em 2010 na Província de Maputo, Moçambique. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário autopreenchido por todos os participantes. Para a análise de anticorpos, amostras de plasma coletadas foram confirmadas para testagem de IgG anti- T. gondii por hemaglutinação. RESULTADOS A soroprevalência de IgG anti- T. gondii foi de 46,0% (IC95% 39,2;52,9), 39,3% (IC95% 29,5;50,0) em homens e de 50,9% (IC95% 41,9;59,8) em mulheres, sem diferença entre sexo (OR 1.30; IC95% 0.95;1.77; p = 0.12). A idade variou de 10 a 60 anos, com maior prevalência de infecção em grupos etários mais idosos, mas sem haver diferença significativa entre eles. Ter consumo regular de carne de gado bovino (OR 1,74; IC95% 1,04;2,89, p = 0,05), possuir criação de gatos/cães (OR 6,18; IC95% 3,60;10,62, p < 0,000) e ter contato regular com a terra (OR 3,38; IC95% 2,19;5,21, p < 0,000) estiveram significativamente associados ao risco de infecção latente. CONCLUSÕES A infecção por toxoplasmose apresenta alta prevalência na população de Moçambique, cujo risco amplia-se pelos aspectos culturais e comportamentais. A toxoplasmose pode ser responsável pela grande carga de morbimortalidade associada a lesões meningoencefálicas em pessoas com HIV/Aids no país. .

Diarrea recurrente por Cystoisopora belli en pacientes con infección por VIH con TARGA / Recurrent diarrhea due to Cystoisopora belli in HIV/AIDS patients receiving HAART

La Cystoisospora belli, antes denominada Isospora belli, es el agente etiológico de la cystoisosporiasis, una infección oportunista que afecta a pacientes inmunodeprimidos, caracterizada por diarrea crónica y pérdida ponderal. La incidencia de diarrea crónica por este agente, en pacientes infectados por el VIH, ha disminuido considerablemente. Ello gracias al advenimiento de la terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA), con la que se ha logrado mejorar la respuesta inmunológica del paciente y disminuir su carga viral. Se presentan seis casos de cystoisosporiasis recurrente y refractaria en pacientes con infección por VIH, en quienes se diagnosticó cystoisosporiasis pese a que previamente se encontraban recibiendo profilaxis con trimetropin/sulfametoxazol (TMP/SMX). Cinco de ellos evolucionaron de manera tórpida y fallecieron, a pesar de una buena respuesta al TARGA (adecuado incremento de CD4 y disminución de la carga viral hasta rangos indetectables), y de tratamiento con TMP/SMX por vía oral y otros medicamentos de segunda línea.

The Cystoisospora belli, before denominated as Isospora belli, is the etiologic agent of cystoisosoporiasis, an opportunistic infection affecting immunocompromised patients, characterized by chronic diarrhea and weight loss. The incidence of chronic diarrhea for this agent, in HIV patients, has decreased considerably. This thanks to the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which has improved the patient’s immune response and decrease viral load. We present six cases of cystoisosoporiasis recurrent and refractory to treatment in HIV patients, who was being treated with with trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole (TMP / SMX) orally as a prophylaxis. Five of these patients passed away due to the infection, despite of the fact that they had a good response to HAART (adequate increase in CD4 and viral load undetectable) and they had been treated with second line drugs.

Human immunodeficiency virus/Leishmania infantum in the first foci of urban American visceral leishmaniasis: clinical presentation from 1994 to 2010

INTRODUCTION: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection with Leishmania infantum or Leishmania donovani, the agents of visceral leishmaniasis (or kala-azar), has become a fatal public health problem in the tropics where kala-azar is endemic. METHODS: The clinical presentation of patients with HIV and L. infantum coinfection is described using two unique databases that together produce the largest case series of patients with kala-azar infected with HIV in South America. First, a retrospective study paired the list of all patients with kala-azar from 1994 to 2004 with another of all patients with HIV/AIDS from the reference hospital for both diseases in the City of Teresina, State of Piauí, Brazil. Beginning in 2005 through to 2010 this information was prospectively collected at the moment of hospitalization. RESULTS: During the study, 256 admissions related to 224 patients with HIV/L. infantum coinfection were registered and most of them were males between 20-40 years of age. Most of the 224 patients were males between 20-40 years of age. HIV contraction was principally sexual. The most common symptoms and signs were pallor, fever, asthenia and hepatosplenomegaly. 16.8% of the cohort died. The primary risk factors associated to death were kidney or respiratory failure, somnolence, hemorrhagic manifestations and a syndrome of systemic inflammation. The diagnosis of HIV and kala-azar was made simultaneously in 124 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The urban association between HIV and kala-azar coinfection in South America is worrisome due to difficulty in establishing the diagnosis and higher mortality among the coinfected then those with either disease independently. HIV/L. infantum coinfection exhibits some singular characteristics and due to its higher mortality it requires immediate assistance to patients and greater research on appropriate combination therapy. .

Psoríase associada à infecção pelo HIV/aids / Psoriasis associated with HIV / AIDS

Psoríase é enfermidade inflamatória crônica, de alta prevalência e mediada por fenômenos imunes. A ocorrência da psoríase associada à infecção pelo HIV é relatada com frequência maior do que na população geral.A psoríase pré-existente pode se tornar mais grave ou se tornar mais resistente à terapêutica na medida em que agrava a depleção imune no paciente infectado pelo HIV.A psoríase pode se manifestar desde o início como quadro grave e atípico em paciente infectado pelo HIV. A psoríase grave e rapidamente evolutiva pode ser a manifestação clínica sugestiva de infecção pelo HIV subjacente e insuspeita.O tratamento antirretroviral e a consequente recuperação imune contribuem para melhoria clínica da psoríase associada à infecção pelo HIV.

Frequency and types of human papillomavirus among pregnant and non-pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus infection in Recife determined by genotyping

Women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection present a higher risk of infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. To determine HPV genotypes and frequencies among HIV-positive women, an analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 147 women (51 were pregnant and HIV-positive, 45 pregnant and HIV-negative and 51 HIV-positive and not pregnant), who were attended at a maternity hospital in Recife between April 2006-May 2007. They answered a questionnaire and underwent a gynaecological examination, with samples collected for HPV investigation by PCR, hybrid capture II, oncotic colpocytology (Papanicolau) and colposcopy. The frequency of HPV DNA was 85.3 percent (122/143), with a high proportion of HPV types that have been identified as high risk for cervical cancer. Among HIV-positive pregnant women, there was an HPV prevalence of 96 percent (48/50), of whom 60.4 percent (29/48) were high-risk. HPV 16, 58, 18, 66 and 31 were the most frequent types. Colpocytological abnormalities were observed in 35.3 percent (18/51) of HIV-positive non-pregnant women, 21.6 percent (11/51) of HIV-positive pregnant women and 13.3 percent (6/45) of HIV-negative pregnant women with a predominance of low-level lesions. A high prevalence of HPV infection was identified, especially with the high-risk types 16, 58, 18 and 66. This study identified high-risk HPV types in all three groups examined (HIV-positive pregnant women, HIV-negative pregnant women and HIV-positive not pregnant), characterising its distribution in this setting.

First survey for detecting the presence of human herpesvirus 8 infection (HHV-8) in Maputo, Mozambique

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), is endemic in parts of the sub-Saharan, and KS has increased concomitantly with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In Mozambique (MZ), no data concerning HHV-8 infection was available, thus the main of this work was to investigate, for the first time, the presence of HHV-8 infection in Maputo, MZ. Latent and lytic HHV-8-specific antibodies were assessed in blood samples from 189 individuals from the Central Hospital of Maputo, MZ, using "in-house" immunofluorescence assays conducted in São Paulo, Brazil. The results obtained were analyzed according to socio-demographic and clinical variables using the Chi-square test and logistic regression. An HHV-8 seropositivity of 1.8 percent and 9.7 percent was detected among 57 medical students and 31 individuals from the staff, respectively, in contrast to 16.4 percent detected among 67 out-patients. Concerning 34 hospitalized patients from the Dermatology Unit, 47.1 percent were HHV-8-seropositive overall, while the rate was 85.7 percent among KS patients. The present survey, conducted in Maputo, MZ, demonstrates great variation in HHV-8 infection frequencies depending on the group analyzed and epidemiological variables. An association between HHV-8 seropositivity and male gender (OR 5.72), the central origin of patients (OR 5.33), blood transfusions (OR 3.25), and KS (OR 24.0) was detected among hospitalized patients, and primary school (OR 7.18) and HIV-1 infection (OR 8.76) among out-patients.

Caracterização da tuberculose em portadores de HIV/AIDS em um serviço de referência de Mato Grosso do Sul / Characterization of tuberculosis among HIV/AIDS patients at a referral center in Mato Grosso do Sul

Investigou-se a tuberculose quanto à apresentação clínica, desfecho de tratamento e perfil sociodemográfico dos infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana atendidos em 2003-2005 em um serviço de referência sulmatogrossense. Analisaram-se 66 prontuários de pacientes maiores de 14 anos e informações do Sistema de Informação Nacional de Agravos de Notificação para Tuberculose e do Sistema de Informações de Mortalidade. Predominaram indivíduos do sexo masculino, cor branca, pouca escolaridade e procedência do meio urbano. Identificou-se incremento da apresentação clínica extrapulmonar e sua relação com o comprometimento imunológico. Sobressaíram-se como formas de encerramento da tuberculose a cura (alcançada com acompanhamento mais longo que o previsto) e o óbito (de seis pacientes no início do tratamento da tuberculose). Observaram-se lacunas de preenchimento nas notificações de tuberculose e nos prontuários. Detectou-se a necessidade de diagnosticar precocemente a tuberculose em soropositivos para HIV, de aperfeiçoar os registros nos prontuários e de acompanhar os casos além do período recomendado, por alteração da evolução clínica da tuberculose em co-morbidade com a infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida.

Tuberculosis was investigated regarding its clinical presentation, treatment outcome and sociodemographic profile among HIV patients attended at a referral center in Mato Grosso do Sul, in 2003-2005. Sixty-six medical files on patients over 14 years of age and data from the Brazilian National Information System for Notifiable Diseases relating to tuberculosis and from the Mortality Information System were analyzed. Most of the patients were male, white, of low schooling level and from urban areas. Increased extrapulmonary clinical presentation was found and it correlated with the degree of immunological competence. The main reasons for ceasing treatment were cure (reached after longer-than-expected follow-up) and death (of six patients at the beginning of the tuberculosis treatment). Information gaps were found in the tuberculosis notification records and medical files. The study revealed the need for early diagnosis of tuberculosis among HIV-positive patients, improvements in medical records and follow-up beyond the recommended duration, because of changes to the clinical evolution of tuberculosis in cases of comorbidity with HIV.

Histoplasmose: [revisão] / Histoplasmosis: [review]

A histoplasmose é uma micose causada por fungo dimórfico, o Histoplasma capsulatum. É considerada classicamente uma micose endêmica, embora o fungo tenha um comportamento oportunístico em pacientes com depressão da imunidade celular. O homem adquire a infecção através da inalação de conídeos presentes na natureza (cavernas com morcegos, galinheiros, etc). O quadro clínico pode variar, desde infecções assintomáticas até quadros graves disseminados, que acometem pacientes com Aids, transplantados ou com neoplasias hematológicas. O diagnóstico baseia-se no encontro do fungo em fluidos orgânicos (escarro, sangue, líquor) ou tecidos (histopatologia), na cultura de materiais biológicos e na sorologia. O tratamento das formas agudas graves, respiratória crônica ou de formas localizadas pode ser feito com azólicos orais (itraconazol) e nas disseminadas, a Anfotericina B (preferencialmente as formulações lipídicas) constitui a droga da eleição para iniciar a terapia. A histoplasmose representa, hoje uma das micoses sistêmicas mais importantes nas Américas, com ampla distribuição em todas as regiões do Brasil.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. It is classically considered an endemic mycosis, even though the fungus has an opportunistic behavior in immunocompromised patients. People acquired the infection through the inhalation of conidial forms present in the environmental, such as caves dwelling bats and soils inhabited by chickens. The clinical features may vary from asymptomatic infections to disseminated severe forms that affect patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or hematological malignancies and allograft recipients. The diagnosis is based on the detection of the fungus in organic fluids (sputum, blood, liquor) or tissues (histopathological assays), in the culture of biological samples and serological assays. The treatment of severe chronic respiratory acute or localized forms can be performed with oral azolic (itraconazol) and in the disseminated forms, the amphotericin B (preferentially the lipidic formulations) consists in the elected drug to initiate the therapy. Nowadays, histoplasmosis represents one of the most important systemic mycosis in the Americas, with broad distribution in all regions of Brazil.

Estudo comparativo de mastócitos e células de Langerhans na doença periodontal em indivíduos HIV-positivos e negativos / Comparative study of Langerhans cells and mast cells in disease periodontal individuals to HIV-positive and negative

Este estudo tranversal, teve como objetivo avaliar quantitativamente e comparar a densidade e a frequência dos mastócitos c-kit+ e triptase+ e das células de Langerhans S100+ por meio da técnica de imunoistoquímica na gengivite e periodontite em indivíduos HIV-positivos e negativos. Adicionalmente, buscou-se avaliar a correlação entre a densidade e frequência destas células com níveis sanguíneos de linfócitos T (LT) CD4, CD8 e carga viral, nos indivíduos HIV-positivos. A amostra constou de 50 biópsias, divididos em quatro grupos: 1) 15 indivíduos com periodontite crônica moderada (PCM) HIV-positivos, 2) 15 indivíduos com PCM HIV-negativos, 3) 10 indivíduos com gengivite (G) HIV-positivos e 4) 10 indivíduos HIV-negativos com G. Todos os indivíduos HIV-positivos eram usuários de HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapies). Uma diminuição na frequência de mastócitos triptase+ com o aumento da inflamação tanto na gengivite com na periodontite foi observada em ambos os grupos. Não houve diferença na densidade e na frequência de mastócitos c-kit+ e triptase+ entre os grupos e neste caso, verificou-se uma diminuição com o aumento da inflamação apenas entre os casos de gengivite nos HIV-negativos. Na análise das células de Langerhans totais S100+, observou-se maior contagem no grupo com periodontite HIV-positivos em relação ao grupo com periodontite HIV-negativos. Ao realizar a análise por localização tecidual, não se observou diferença na contagem de células S100+. Não foi observado um aumento na contagem das células S100+ com o aumento da inflamação. Não houve correlação entre as células S100+, mastócitos c-kit e triptase+, com níveis sanguíneos de LT CD4, CD8 e carga viral. O uso de HAART parece ser a responsável pela manutenção de uma resposta imune eficaz nos indivíduos HIV-positivos. Desta forma, propicia densidade e frequência de mastócitos semelhantes com indivíduos HIV-negativos no tecido gengival acometido por gengivite e periodontite...

Clinical and epidemiological analysis of patients with HIV/AIDS admitted to a reference hospital in the northeast region of Brazil / Análise clínica e epidemiológica dos pacientes com HIV/AIDS internados em um Hospital de Referência na Região Nordeste do Brasil

The AIDS epidemic has become a worldwide phenomenon of enormous magnitude and extension, deeply transforming medical practices and public health initiatives. This retrospective survey aimed to analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with HIV/AIDS admitted to the Institute of Tropical Diseases Natan Portella, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, from January, 2001 through December, 2004. Of the 828 patients, 43 percent were from other states and 71.3 percent were men. Average patient age was 35.4 ± 11.5 years-old and 85.5 percent were illiterate or had primary education. The main form of exposure to HIV was heterosexual behavior (54.1 percent), while injectable drug use was confirmed by only 2.7 percent of registered cases. The most frequent infectious complications were candidiasis (42.4 percent) and pneumocystosis (22.2 percent). Sixty-eight cases (8.2 percent) of visceral leishmaniasis were registered. Using multivariate analysis, individuals aged over 40 years-old, patients with active tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and central nervous system cryptococcosis showed increased risk of death. In this study, young male adults with low educational levels predominated and the most frequent opportunistic infections were candidiasis and pneumocystosis.

A epidemia de AIDS tornou-se um fenômeno mundial de grande magnitude e extensão, transformando profundamente a prática médica e as iniciativas em saúde pública. O estudo retrospectivo analisou as características clínicas e epidemiológicas dos pacientes com HIV/AIDS internados no Instituto de Doenças Tropicais Natan Portella, Teresina, Piauí, Brasil, de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2004 . Dos 828 pacientes, 43 por cento eram provenientes de outros estados e 71,3 por cento eram do sexo masculino. A idade média foi 35,4 ± 11,5 anos. Eram analfabetos ou cursaram até o ensino fundamental 85,5 por cento. A principal via de exposição ao HIV foi o comportamento heterossexual (54,1 por cento), enquanto o uso de drogas injetáveis foi observado em apenas 2,7 por cento dos casos registrados. As complicações infecciosas mais freqüentes foram candidíase (42,4 por cento) e pneumocistose (22,2 por cento). Foram computados 68 casos de leishmaniose visceral. Em análise multivariada, idade acima de 40 anos, portadores de tuberculose, pneumonia por Pneumocystis carinii, neurocriptococcose associaram-se a maior risco de evolução para o óbito. Predominaram, neste estudo, adultos jovens do sexo masculino, com baixa escolaridade, tendo como infecções oportunistas mais freqüentes candidíase e pneumocistose.