Effect of coinfections on neurocognitive functioning among people with clade C HIV infection in Zambia.

Despite the fact that many coinfections in people with HIV (PWH) are treatable or suppressible, they may still impact neurocognitive (NC) functioning. Here, we aim to evaluate the presence of latent/treated coinfections and their association with NC functioning in a cohort of PWH in Zambia. We carried out a cross-sectional, nested study involving 151 PWH with viral suppression, and a normative sample of 324 adults without HIV. Plasma samples from PWH who underwent a comprehensive NC assessment were evaluated for the presence of treated/latent coinfections that are common in Zambia. Information about treated pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) was obtained from participants' clinical charts. Overall, PWH differed significantly from the HIV seronegatives on all neuropsychological domains except for fine motor control. ANOVA comparisons of all 3 HIV + groups' demographically corrected mean NC T-scores showed that the HIV + /TB + group had the poorest NC functioning in the following domains: executive functioning (F = 4.23, p = 0.02), working memory (F = 5.05, p = 0.002), verbal fluency (F = 4.24, p = 0.006), learning (F = 11.26, p < 0.001), delayed recall (F = 4.56, p = 0.01), and speed of information processing (F = 5.16, p = 0.005); this group also was substantially worse on the total battery (global mean T-scores; F = 8.02, p < 0.001). In conclusion, treated TB coinfection in PWH was associated with worse NC performance compared to both those with antibodies against other coinfections and without. PWH with antibodies for other coinfections (HIV + /CI +) showed somewhat better NC performance compared to those without (HIV + /CI -), which was not expected, although comparisons with the HIV + /CI + group are limited by its lack of specificity regarding type of coinfection being represented.

Neurocognitive impairment is worse in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals with liver dysfunction.

Infections with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can individually and jointly contribute to neurocognitive impairment (NCI). Rates of NCI in HIV/HCV-coinfected persons range from 40 to 63% but its correlates have not been described. In this study, we examined HIV/HCV-coinfected adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with undetectable HIV RNA in blood (n = 412) who were assessed using a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Demographics, host and viral biomarkers, and markers of liver dysfunction were compared between impaired (n = 198) and unimpaired (n = 214) participants using logistic regression. The cohort was predominantly middle-aged men, half of whom (48%) had NCI. The odds of NCI increased by almost two-fold when serum albumin was < 4 g/dL, 1.7-fold when alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were > 50 IU/L, and 2.2-fold with every unit increase in log10 AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI). These readily available clinical biomarkers of NCI measure hepatic injury and/or dysfunction, suggesting a mechanism for the effects of HCV infection on NCI. They may identify patients at increased risk of NCI who could be prioritized for early initiation of HCV treatment to protect or improve cognition.

Neurocognitive functioning among HIV-positive adults in southern India.

The validity of a comprehensive international neuropsychological (NP) test battery for detection of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in a Tamil speaking southern Indian cohort (69 HIV+ and 67 HIV-) was explored. The prevalence of HAND was significantly higher in the HIV+ vs. HIV- group (33 vs.13%; p < 0.01). Impairment rates were highest in the motor and speed of information processing domains. An NP battery translated into Tamil appears to be a valid tool for assessing HAND because the prevalence it found of HAND in southern India is similar to that found elsewhere.

Latent Toxoplasma Infection and Higher Toxoplasma gondii Immunoglobulin G Levels Are Associated With Worse Neurocognitive Functioning in HIV-Infected Adults.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders persist despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Because latent Toxoplasma infection (LTI) may adversely impact brain function, we investigated its impact on neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in people living with HIV disease. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-three HIV-infected adults underwent comprehensive neurocognitive assessments and had anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin G (anti-Toxo IgG) measured by qualitative and quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Participants were mostly middle-aged white men who were taking ART (70%). LTI was detected in 30 (11.4%) participants and was associated with a significantly greater prevalence of global NCI (LTI positive [LTI+] = 57% and LTI negative [LTI-] = 34%) (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-2.40; P = .017). Deficits were more prevalent in the LTI+ vs the LTI- group in 6 of 7 cognitive domains with statistical significance reached for delayed recall (P < .01). The probability of NCI increased with higher CD4+ T-cell counts among LTI+ individuals but with lower CD4+ T-cell counts in LTI- persons. A strong correlation (r = .93) between anti-Toxo IgG levels and global deficit score was found in a subgroup of 9 patients. Biomarkers indicative of central nervous system inflammation did not differ between LTI+ and LTI- participants. CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional analysis, LTI was associated with NCI, especially in those with higher CD4+ T-cell counts. Longitudinal studies to investigate the role of neuroinflammation and neuronal injury in LTI patients with NCI and trials of anti-Toxoplasma therapy should be pursued.

Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Function in People with HIV and Toxoplasmic Encephalitis or Latent toxoplasma Infection.

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) may occur during and persist even after recovery from HIV-related CNS co-infections such as toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE). The long-term cognitive effects of TE and latent toxoplomasmic infections (LTI) among persons with HIV (PWH) are unknown. We measured longitudinal effects on NC functioning in PWH with TE compared to LTI or no toxoplasmal infection. METHODS: PWH (n = 345) followed in two longitudinal cohort studies underwent comprehensive neurocognitive assessments and an anti-Toxoplamic IgG assay. Participants were classified into one of three groups: TE+ (n = 39), LTI+ (n = 34), LTI- (n = 272). The primary outcome was change in neurocognitive function between baseline and 7-year visit. RESULTS: The mean age was 48 ±â€Š11 years, mean educational level 13 ±â€Š3 years, and 13% were female. TE+ patients were less likely to have undetectable viral loads (≤50 copies/mL) and had lower absolute CD4 counts. The TE+ group had the highest prevalence of NCI globally and in domains of verbal, executive function, learning, recall, working memory, processing speed and motor at baseline and at 7-year follow-up. Changes in longitudinal NC function over 7 years were small and did not differ significantly among all groups, except that speed of information processing improved more in TE+ compared with LTI- participants. CONCLUSIONS: PWH with a history of TE had cognitive impairment over a broad range of severity at both baseline and last follow-up. Changes in cognition from baseline to last examination in all groups were minimal and did not differ significantly among the groups with the exception of speed of information processing.

Correlates of HIV and malaria co-infection in Southern India.

BACKGROUND: Malaria and HIV co-infection adversely impact the outcome of both diseases and previous studies have mostly focused on falciparum malaria. Plasmodium vivax contributes to almost half of the malaria cases in India, but the disease burden of HIV and P. vivax co-infection is unclear. METHODS: HIV-infected subjects (n=460) were randomly selected from the 4,611 individuals seen at a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Chennai, India between Jan 2 to Dec 31 2008. Malaria testing was performed on stored plasma samples by nested PCR using both genus-specific and species-specific primers and immunochromatography-based rapid diagnostic test for detecting antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. RESULTS: Recent malaria co-infection, defined by the presence of antibodies, was detected in 9.8% (45/460) participants. Plasmodium vivax accounted for majority of the infections (60%) followed by P. falciparum (27%) and mixed infections (13%). Individuals with HIV and malaria co-infection were more likely to be men (p=0.01). Between those with and without malaria, there was no difference in age (p=0.14), CD4+ T-cell counts (p=0.19) or proportion CD4+ T-cell below 200/mL (p=0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective testing of stored plasma samples for malaria antibodies can facilitate identification of populations with high rates of co-infection, and in this southern India HIV-infected cohort there was a considerable burden of malaria co-infection, predominantly due to P. vivax. However, the rate of P. falciparum infection was more than 6-fold higher among HIV-infected individuals than what would be expected in the general population in the region. Interestingly, individuals co-infected with malaria and HIV were not more likely to be immunosuppressed than individuals with HIV infection alone.

Asymptomatic Malaria Co-infection of HIV-Infected Adults in Nigeria: Prevalence of and Impact on Cognition, Mood, and Biomarkers of Systemic Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: HIV and malaria are associated with immunological perturbations and neurocognitive disorders even when asymptomatic. However, the effect of asymptomatic malaria (AM) in HIV-infected adults on neurocognitive impairment (NCI) is not well understood. This study investigated the biomarkers of systemic inflammation and neurocognition in dually infected Nigerian adults. METHODS: We assessed the HIV and AM status of 269 adults and measured their global and domain-specific neurocognition and depression using standardized measures. Blood levels of sCD14 and sCD163 were also measured. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants (n = 269) was 33 years, 62% were women, and AM among HIV+ and HIV- was similar (36% versus 37%). NCI was found in 23% (62/269) of participants. HIV+/AM+ had a higher prevalence of impaired learning and executive functions and were more depressed than HIV-/AM- or HIV+/AM-. HIV+ with CD4 T-cell counts ≤200/µL were more impaired in the learning domain than those with >200/µL. HIV+/AM+ group had higher levels of sCD14 compared to the other 3 groups and higher levels of sCD163 than the HIV-/AM- group. Higher levels of sCD14 and sCD163 were each associated with NCI. The sCD163 (log10) levels were higher for those with 1+ versus 2+ parasitemia level. CONCLUSIONS: HIV and AM coinfection was associated with an increased risk of reduced learning and executive functions, and elevated systemic inflammation. Mood was more depressed in HIV patients with than those without AM. The mechanisms and long-term effects on neurocognition and depression among HIV+/AM+ individuals should be studied because this coinfection is common globally.

Impact of Latent Tuberculosis Infection on Neurocognitive Functioning and Inflammation in HIV-Infected and Uninfected South Indians.

BACKGROUND: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder persists in some people living with HIV despite optimal antiretroviral therapy. Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) may cause systemic inflammation and immune activation that may impair brain function. We assessed cognition and biomarkers of inflammation in both HIV+ and HIV- South Indians with and without LTBI. METHODS: Adults (≥18 years old) with and without HIV infection were screened for LTBI by interferon-gamma release assays, completed comprehensive neurocognitive assessments, and underwent measurement of serum inflammatory biomarker levels. RESULTS: The participants (n = 119) were HIV+/LTBI+ (n = 15), HIV+/LTBI- (n = 50), HIV-/LTBI+ (n = 26), and HIV-/LTBI- (n = 28). HIV+ participants, regardless of LTBI status, had more impaired global deficit scores than HIV- participants (odds ratio = 3.42, P = 0.028, adjusted for sex and education differences). Neither global deficit scores nor impairment rates differed in the LTBI+ group compared with the LTBI- group (P = 0.79 and P = 0.41, respectively). The mean log10 interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 values were significantly higher and high sensitivity C-reactive protein lower in the LTBI+ group than the LTBI- group (P = 0.044, 0.023, and 0.03, respectively, adjusting for HIV status and sex). CONCLUSIONS: In this cross-sectional study of South Indians, HIV infection, but not LTBI, was associated with increased neurocognitive impairment. Proinflammatory biomarkers (IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, but not tumor necrosis factor-α) were elevated in the LTBI+ groups compared with the LTBI- groups. Biomarkers of immune activation (interferon-γ, macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß, IL-2, interferon gamma inducible protein-10, RANTES, and IL-22) did not differ between these groups. Larger longitudinal studies should be conducted to confirm our findings that the effect of LTBI on systemic inflammation or neurocognitive impairment is likely small.

Polymerase chain reaction detection of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum DNA from stored serum samples: implications for retrospective diagnosis of malaria.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of Plasmodium DNA is highly sensitive in diagnosing malaria. The specimen of choice for this assay has been whole blood samples from malaria patients. To retrospectively determine malaria infection rates in populations or cohorts for whom stored serum samples are available, we determined the ability of a nested PCR assay to detect Plasmodium DNA in stored serum samples. The PCR result was positive in 20 of 23 serum samples from patients with microscopy-confirmed malaria and negative in 8 of 8 healthy controls, resulting in a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 100%. In all positive samples, species were correctly identified by PCR except for one case where a mixed infection was detected. The PCR is able to detect Plasmodium DNA in serum samples frozen up to 2.5 years and has the potential for the retrospective identification of malaria parasitemia in patient cohorts to determine potential interactions of malaria and other diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Laryngitis and Oral Lesions in a Patient with Laryngeal Carcinoma.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is increasingly being promoted as a nutritional supplement by health food enthusiasts and is also recommended as prophylaxis against antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, severe opportunistic infections due to S. cerevisiae have been reported in patients with chronic disease, cancer, and immunosuppression. Fungemia, endocarditis, pneumonia, peritonitis, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and esophagitis have been described. It is important to consider infections due to S. cerevisiae in appropriate clinical settings. Here, we describe the first case of S. cerevisiae laryngitis in a patient with a history of laryngeal carcinoma who also had oral lesions.

Experimental infection of the neotropical malaria vector Anopheles darlingi by human patient-derived Plasmodium vivax in the Peruvian Amazon.

Malaria transmission from humans to mosquitoes is modulated by human host immune factors. Understanding mechanisms by which the human host response may impair parasite infectivity for mosquitoes has direct implications for the development of transmission-blocking vaccines. We hypothesized that despite a low transmission intensity of malaria in the Peruvian Amazon region of Iquitos, transmission-blocking immunity against Plasmodium vivax might be common, given an unexpectedly high proportion of asymptomatic parasitemic individuals in this region. To test this hypothesis, the ability of symptomatic P. vivax malaria patients to experimentally infect wild-caught outbred Anopheles darlingi mosquitoes was tested using the indirect membrane feeding technique. Only half (52/102) of P. vivax parasitemic patients successfully infected mosquitoes. Transmitters were more likely to have gametocytes (OR 6.35, P = 0.003), high parasitemia (OR 3.79, P = 0.024), and, in terms of basic clinical parameters, a slower pulse rate (mean +/- SD: 82.3 +/- 12.3 versus 88.7 +/- 13.5, P = 0.016) than non-transmitters. Log(10) gametocytemia and log(10) real-time reverse transcriptase Pvs25 PCR quantifying gametocytes were significantly and positively correlated with oocyst counts (correlation coefficient 0.505, R2 = 0.26, P = 0.001). These experiments are the first to establish a system of determining transmission patterns in experimental infection of outbred natural neotropical malaria vectors in the Amazon region. Patients with P. vivax inefficiently infect outbred An. darlingi mosquitoes, raising the possibility that some degree of naturally occurring transmission-blocking immunity is present on a population basis in the Peruvian Amazon, an area of low intensity of malaria transmission.

Fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with HIV disease, methamphetamine use, and neurocognitive functioning.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and methamphetamine use commonly affect neurocognitive (NC) functioning. We evaluated the relationships between NC functioning and two fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in volunteers who differed in HIV serostatus and methamphetamine dependence (MAD). METHODS: A total of 100 volunteers were categorized into four groups based on HIV serostatus and MAD in the prior year. FGF-1 and FGF-2 were measured in cerebrospinal fluid by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays along with two reference biomarkers (monocyte chemotactic protein [MCP]-1 and neopterin). Comprehensive NC testing was summarized by global and domain impairment ratings. RESULTS: Sixty-three volunteers were HIV+ and 59 had a history of MAD. FGF-1, FGF-2, and both reference biomarkers differed by HIV and MAD status. For example, FGF-1 levels were lower in subjects who had either HIV or MAD than in HIV- and MAD- controls (P=0.003). Multivariable regression identified that global NC impairment was associated with an interaction between FGF-1 and FGF-2 (model R(2)=0.09, P=0.01): higher FGF-2 levels were only associated with neurocognitive impairment among subjects who had lower FGF-1 levels. Including other covariates in the model (including antidepressant use) strengthened the model (model R(2)=0.18, P=0.004) but did not weaken the association with FGF-1 and FGF-2. Lower FGF-1 levels were associated with impairment in five of seven cognitive domains, more than FGF-2, MCP-1, or neopterin. CONCLUSION: These findings provide in vivo support that HIV and MAD alter expression of FGFs, which may contribute to the NC abnormalities associated with these conditions. These cross-sectional findings cannot establish causality and the therapeutic benefits of recombinant FGF-1 need to be investigated.

Leptospirosis: a zoonotic disease of global importance.

In the past decade, leptospirosis has emerged as a globally important infectious disease. It occurs in urban environments of industrialised and developing countries, as well as in rural regions worldwide. Mortality remains significant, related both to delays in diagnosis due to lack of infrastructure and adequate clinical suspicion, and to other poorly understood reasons that may include inherent pathogenicity of some leptospiral strains or genetically determined host immunopathological responses. Pulmonary haemorrhage is recognised increasingly as a major, often lethal, manifestation of leptospirosis, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear. The completion of the genome sequence of Leptospira interrogans serovar lai, and other continuing leptospiral genome sequencing projects, promise to guide future work on the disease. Mainstays of treatment are still tetracyclines and beta-lactam/cephalosporins. No vaccine is available. Prevention is largely dependent on sanitation measures that may be difficult to implement, especially in developing countries.

A concise panel of biomarkers identifies neurocognitive functioning changes in HIV-infected individuals.

Neurocognitive (NC) impairment (NCI) occurs commonly in people living with HIV. Despite substantial effort, no biomarkers have been sufficiently validated for diagnosis and prognosis of NCI in the clinic. The goal of this project was to identify diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for NCI in a comprehensively characterized HIV cohort. Multidisciplinary case review selected 98 HIV-infected individuals and categorized them into four NC groups using normative data: stably normal (SN), stably impaired (SI), worsening (Wo), or improving (Im). All subjects underwent comprehensive NC testing, phlebotomy, and lumbar puncture at two timepoints separated by a median of 6.2 months. Eight biomarkers were measured in CSF and blood by immunoassay. Results were analyzed using mixed model linear regression and staged recursive partitioning. At the first visit, subjects were mostly middle-aged (median 45) white (58 %) men (84 %) who had AIDS (70 %). Of the 73 % who took antiretroviral therapy (ART), 54 % had HIV RNA levels below 50 c/mL in plasma. Mixed model linear regression identified that only MCP-1 in CSF was associated with neurocognitive change group. Recursive partitioning models aimed at diagnosis (i.e., correctly classifying neurocognitive status at the first visit) were complex and required most biomarkers to achieve misclassification limits. In contrast, prognostic models were more efficient. A combination of three biomarkers (sCD14, MCP-1, SDF-1α) correctly classified 82 % of Wo and SN subjects, including 88 % of SN subjects. A combination of two biomarkers (MCP-1, TNF-α) correctly classified 81 % of Im and SI subjects, including 100 % of SI subjects. This analysis of well-characterized individuals identified concise panels of biomarkers associated with NC change. Across all analyses, the two most frequently identified biomarkers were sCD14 and MCP-1, indicators of monocyte/macrophage activation. While the panels differed depending on the outcome and on the degree of misclassification, nearly all stable patients were correctly classified.

Clinical variables identify seronegative HCV co-infection in HIV-infected individuals.

BACKGROUND: A substantial number of people living with HIV (PLWH) are co-infected with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) but have a negative screening HCV antibody test (seronegative HCV infection, or SN-HCV). OBJECTIVE: To identify a concise set of clinical variables that could be used to improve case finding for SN-HCV co-infection among PLWH. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred HIV-infected participants of the CHARTER study were selected based on 7 clinical variables associated with HCV infection but were HCV seronegative. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Twenty-six (13%) participants had detectable HCV RNA. SN-HCV was associated with a history of IDU, elevated ALT and AST, low platelets, black ethnicity, and undetectable HIV RNA in plasma. Each of these clinical variables, except for abnormal AST, remained independently associated with SN-HCV in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. A composite risk score correctly identified SN-HCV with sensitivity up to 85% and specificity up to 88%. CONCLUSIONS: In a substantial minority of PLWH, seronegative HCV viremia can be predicted by a small number of clinical variables. These findings, after validation in an unselected cohort, could help focus screening in those at highest risk.

Malaria diagnosis by a polymerase chain reaction-based assay using a pooling strategy.

Pooling clinical specimens reduces the number of assays needed when screening for infectious diseases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays are the most sensitive tests to diagnose malaria, but its high cost limits its use. We adapted a pooling platform that could reduce the number of assays needed to detect malaria infection. To evaluate this platform, two sets of 100 serum samples, with 1% and 5% malaria prevalence, were tested. DNA, extracted from pooled samples, was amplified by malaria-specific PCR. Additional validation was performed by determining the level of PCR detection based on 1:10 and 1:100 dilution. The platform correctly detected all malaria samples in the two test matrices. The use of stored serum samples also has important implications for studies investigating malaria prevalence rates retrospectively. Field studies, using serum and whole blood specimens, are needed to validate this technique for the adaptation of these methods for clinical utility.