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Exercise is vital in managing sarcopenia in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study explores the role of exercise in reducing sarcopenia in HIV patients. A systematic search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identifed relevant articles published in English up to April 2024. Inclusion criteria were: 1) humans aged 18 or older, 2) clinical trials involving exercise interventions, 3) outcomes addressing aging-related effects, and 4) English-language original articles. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).Ten studies with 2039 participants met the criteria. Exercise interventions included resistance training, cardiorespiratory training, and combined approaches at various intensities. Regular exercise can help prevent muscle wasting in PLWH and mitigate age-related sarcopenia. HIV itself is a risk factor for sarcopenia, but resistance training combined with moderate to high-intensity cardiorespiratory training, can increase muscle mass, reducing sarcopenia risk and improving life expectancy in PLWH. The findings emphasize the effectiveness of exercise, particularly combined resistance and cardiorespiratory training, in mitigating sarcopenia in PLWH. Healthcare providers are urged to promote exercise interventions as a preventive measure against sarcopenia in this clinical population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Implementation level of long-acting injectable agents cabotegravir/rilpivirine (LAI CAB/RPV) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment in Italy is still not known. The aim of this study is to identify the status of implementation of LAI CAB-RPV and its barriers. Materials and methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among infectious diseases (ID) physicians and nurses belonging to the ICONA network in Italy. Three validate 4-items measures were used: Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM), Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM) and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Results Out of 61 ICONA centres, 38 (62%) completed the survey: 57.9% were academic centres, 42.1% were hospital-based. In total, 104 respondents were ID physicians (57.4%), 77 were nurses (42.5%); 4.5% of all PWH followed at the 38 centres started LAI CAB/RPV at time of study. Centres taking care of >1000 PWH reported 95% application of procedures for LA implementation, higher than other centres (P  = 0.009). Mean score of AIM was (16.0, standard deviation, SD, 3.3), of IAM (16.0, SD 3.0) and FIM (16.0, SD 2.9). A linear correlation was found between AIM and the number of people with HIV who started LAI CAB/RPV (25–50 versus <25, coefficient of correlation [b] 2.57, 95%CI 0.91–4.60, P  = 0.004), academic versus hospital-based centres (b −1.59, 95%CI −2.76–0.110044, P  = 0.007) and the absence of preliminary systematic assessment of staff (b −1.98, 95%CI −3.31–0.65, P  = 0.004). Implementation barriers were not significantly different according to the number of PWH/centre. Conclusions LAI CAB/RPV implementation was low, with a great variability according to centre size. Tailored and centre-specific interventions to address barriers and to optimize the LA treatment implementation should be designed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Drug–drug interactions between antiretroviral treatment (ART) and cytostatics may have a negative impact in the prognosis of people with HIV (PWH) and cancer. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of the implementation of interdisciplinary management and the type of ART in PWH diagnosed with lymphoid neoplasms. Methods This is a multicentric, retrospective observational cohort study including PWH diagnosed with lymphoid neoplasm who started first-line chemotherapy between 2008 and 2020. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic variables were obtained from the electronic medical records and associated with 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) using Cox proportional hazard models. Results A total of 118 individuals were included. Boosted ART was being used in 55 (46.6%) cases at the time of neoplasm diagnosis. The Infectious Diseases or the Pharmacy Department was consulted before starting chemotherapy in 79/118 (66.9%) cases. Interdisciplinary management resulted in fewer subjects taking boosted ART (17.7% versus 71.8%, P  < 0.001) and more subjects using unboosted integrase strand transfer inhibitor–based ART (74.7% versus 7.7%, P  < 0.001). The use of boosted ART with chemotherapy was associated with worse 5-year PFS (P  = 0.003) and 5-year OS (P  = 0.016). There was a trend towards better 5-year PFS and OS when interdisciplinary management was implemented, with significant differences for individuals receiving boosted ART at neoplasm diagnosis (P  = 0.0246 and P  = 0.0329, respectively). Conclusions Our findings underscore the significant impact of the type of ART on the prognosis of PWH undergoing chemotherapy. Encouraging collaborative management between oncologists, pharmacists and HIV teams for these patients enhances PFS and OS rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the mortality rate and associated comorbidities in a nationwide population-based cohort of persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) and to compare it with mortality in an age and gender-matched cohort of non-HIV individuals in France. Methods Using data from the French national health data system, we identified and included 173 712 PLWHIV (66.5% men) and 173 712 non-HIV participants (66.5% men) matched for age and gender. PLHIV were identified based on ICD-10 HIV diagnoses, HIV-specific laboratory tests, and/or prescriptions for antiretroviral therapy specific to HIV. Hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality were assessed using multiple Cox regression models. Results During the 13 years of follow-up (2006–18), we observed 20 018 deaths among PLWHIV compared with 6262 deaths among non-HIV participants (11.52% vs. 3.60%, P  < 0.001). The over-mortality of PLWHIV was expressed by univariable HR = 2.135 (2.072–2.199), which remained significant after adjustment for region, Complementary Universal Health Insurance and AME, with multivariable HR = 2.182 (2.118–2.248). The results remained significant after adjusting for comorbidities, including infectious diseases [HR = 1.587 (1.538–1.638)]. Notably, PLWHIV were more importantly associated with mortality in women [HR = 2.966 (2.767–3.180)], compared in men [HR = 1.961 (1.898–2.027)]. Conclusion Although the life expectancy of PLWHIV has globally increased, the causes of death should be prioritized in prevention policies and care management. Gender-specific policies should be highlighted, as we observed a higher impact of HIV mortality in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To evaluate polypharmacy, anticholinergic burden (ACB) and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in people with four-class-resistant HIV (4DR-PWH). Methods We performed a cross-sectional study, including 4DR-PWH from the PRESTIGIO Registry taking at least one non-antiretroviral drug. Polypharmacy was defined as taking five or more non-antiretroviral drugs. ACB was calculated using the ACB scale: 0 = no AC effect, 1–2 = low/moderate risk, ≥3 = high AC risk. Participants' characteristics by ACB score were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess linear relationships. DDIs were evaluated using the Liverpool database. Results Overall, 172 4DR-PLWH were evaluated: 75.6% males, median age 49.9 years (IQR = 45.6–56), 62 (27.1%) on polypharmacy, 124 (72.1%) using a boosting agent and 72 (41.8%) with four or more antiretrovirals. Based on ACB, 128 (74.45%), 33 (19.2%) and 11 (6.4%) had a no, low/moderate and high AC risk, respectively. The most common AC drugs were β-blockers (12.2%), diuretics (8.7%) and antidepressants (8.7%). The high ACB was significantly related to the number of drugs/person (r  = 0.33, P  <   0.0001) and the number of clinical events (r  = 0.222, P  = 0.004). Overall, 258 DDIs were found between antiretrovirals and co-medications in 115 (66.8%) PWH, and 14 (8.1%) PWH received contraindicated drug combinations. Conclusions In 4DR-PWH, polypharmacy, DDIs and the proportion of people with moderate/high AC burden were high. In 4DR-PWH undetectability achievement and maintenance is the priority and use of boosted PIs is common. A strict collaboration (infectious diseases specialists, virologists, pharmacologists) is needed to limit the risk of ACB and DDIs and to explore the advantages of new antiretrovirals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection represents a significant global health challenge, being one of the most interesting areas of current medicine regarding immunosuppression. Objective. The purpose of this study is to clinically evaluate the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) manifestations in HIV-positive patients and to determine the outcomes after surgical treatment of these manifestations. Methods. The clinical study sample included 223 HIV-positive patients from several hospitals in Romania, collected between 2018 and 2022, who presented with ENT complications and were treated for the remission of these manifestations. Results. The most common ENT complications diagnosed in HIV patients include persistent oral candidiasis, later-ocervical adenopathies, acute tonsillitis, acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, otomycosis, and acute suppurative otitis media. Conclusion. HIV-positive patients require regular follow-up by an otorhinolaryngologist. Surgical interventions for immunosuppressed patients necessitate a multidisciplinary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has a profound impact worldwide, with approximately 75.7 million individuals suffering and around 32.7 million individuals dead attributed to AIDS-related causes. HIV/AIDS impacts the gastrointestinal system with various symptoms influenced by infections, and the introduction of modern Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has significantly changed the prevalence of these GI disorders. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of endoscopic findings in HIV patients with dysphagia. Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of General Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Medical Teaching Institute (MTI), Peshawar from July to December 2020. Methodology: The study included 136 HIV-infected patients with dysphagia who underwent upper GI endoscopy. All patients underwent upper GI endoscopy following informed consent. The baseline Information, including demographic data, including age, gender, and duration of HIV infection, was collected for each patient. Data analysis was performed using (SPSS) version 23. Results: According to the findings, gastric erythema (18.4%), Candida esophagitis (30.1%), peptic ulcer (9.6%), hiatal hernia (21.3%), erosions (5.1%), and Candida antral gastritis (16.9%) were the most frequent endoscopic findings. The mean age of the patients was 43.316±6.92 years, the mean duration of HIV infection was 12.632±5.26 months, and the mean weight was 80.345±6.56 Kg. Conclusion: According to the study's findings, most HIV patients who experienced gastrointestinal symptoms also had opportunistic infections and altered upper GI mucosa. Early endoscopic and histological evaluation is recommended for these individuals in order to support fast detection and treatment of upper GI issues, which will enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To assess the effectiveness of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) among people poorly represented in clinical trials and potentially at higher risk of suboptimal response to ART. Methods Observational cohort study on persons with HIV (PWH) enrolled in ICONA who started BIC/FTC/TAF as initial therapy or as switching regimen while virologically suppressed. Primary endpoint was time to treatment failure (TF): new AIDS/death or virological failure (VF) or discontinuation for toxicity/failure. Secondary endpoints were time to treatment discontinuation for toxicity (TDT) and to VF. Groups of interest were those aged >50 years, female sex, and advanced HIV disease at first ART start. Probability of the events overall and according to groups and adjusted HR for every endpoint were calculated by Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models. Results Nine hundred and thirty-three ART-naive and 1655 ART-experienced PWH initiated BIC/FTC/TAF. Over a median follow-up of 69.8 weeks, 89 (9.6%) PWH at their first regimen experienced TF. PWH aged >50 years had 1.83-fold (95% CI: 1.19–2.83) higher risk of TF; PWH with advanced HIV disease had 2.21-fold (95% CI: 1.53–3.82) higher risk; there were no differences in TF according to sex. Over a median follow-up of 146.3 weeks, 109 (6.6%) out of 1655 switching PWH experienced TF; no differences were found in the risk of TF, TDT and VF according to groups of interest. Conclusions Overall, BIC/FTC/TAF is well tolerated and virologically effective in the real-world scenario for ART-naive and -experienced PWH. Older ART-naive PWH and those with advanced HIV disease may respond less well as the burden of diseases might compromise treatment efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has a profound impact worldwide, with approximately 75.7 million individuals suffering and around 32.7 million individuals dead attributed to AIDS-related causes. HIV/AIDS impacts the gastrointestinal system with various symptoms influenced by infections, and the introduction of modern Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has significantly changed the prevalence of these GI disorders. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of endoscopic findings in HIV patients with dysphagia. Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of General Medicine, Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Medical Teaching Institute (MTI), Peshawar from July to December 2020. Methodology: The study included 136 HIV-infected patients with dysphagia who underwent upper GI endoscopy. All patients underwent upper GI endoscopy following informed consent. The baseline Information, including demographic data, including age, gender, and duration of HIV infection, was collected for each patient. Data analysis was performed using (SPSS) version 23. Results: According to the findings, gastric erythema (18.4%), Candida esophagitis (30.1%), peptic ulcer (9.6%), hiatal hernia (21.3%), erosions (5.1%), and Candida antral gastritis (16.9%) were the most frequent endoscopic findings. The mean age of the patients was 43.316±6.92 years, the mean duration of HIV infection was 12.632±5.26 months, and the mean weight was 80.345±6.56 Kg. Conclusion: According to the study's findings, most HIV patients who experienced gastrointestinal symptoms also had opportunistic infections and altered upper GI mucosa. Early endoscopic and histological evaluation is recommended for these individuals in order to support fast detection and treatment of upper GI issues, ...........

Abstract Background Urinary tract infections, a prevalent global infectious disease, are clinical issues not well studied in HIV-positive individuals. UTIs have become a global drug resistance issue, but the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of UTI-causing bacteria among HIV patients in Tigray, Ethiopia, are poorly understood. This study aims to identify the prevalence of UTI-causing bacteria, their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors in HIV patients attending ART clinics at Mekelle General Hospital and Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Method Clean-catch midstream urine samples (10–15 mL) were collected from HIV patients who are attending ART clinics at Mekelle General Hospital and Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Samples were analyzed based on standard microbiological protocols using cysteine-lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar. Pure colonies of bacterial isolates were obtained by sub-culturing into Mac-Conkey, Manitol Salt agar and blood agar plates. The bacterial isolates were then identified using macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical, and Gram staining methods. Gram-negative bacteria were identified using biochemical tests like triple sugar iron agar, Simon’s citrate agar, lysine iron agar, urea, motility test, and indol test, whereas Gram-positive isolates were identified using catalase and coagulase tests. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results Among the 224 patients, 28 (12.5%) of them had been infected by UTIs-causing bacteria. E. coli was the dominant bacterium (16 (57%)) followed by K. pneumoniae (4 (14%)), and S. aureus (3 (11%)). Of the total bacterial isolates, 22 (78.6%) of them developed multi-drug resistance. All Gram-positive (100%) and 75% of Gram-negative bacterial isolates were found to be resistant to two or more drugs. Patients with a history of UTIs, and with CD4 count

Background: There exists literature that supports the positive correlation between the CD4+ count by flow cytometry and by TLC. However, some studies oppose this concept and correlations. Hence, there is a strong need to determine the correlation. Objective: The present study was undertaken to observe whether the absolute lymphocyte count can be used as a predictor of CD4 count in HIV-infected patients on treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 135 HIV positive individuals (diagnosis based on serology, PCR) were part of the study after obtaining written informed consent. The blood samples were collected as per standard protocol. Sysmex-K21 was used to assess the complete blood count and total leucocyte count. CD4+ count was performed using a flow cytometry device. Results: A positive correlation was observed between the CD4+ count and WBC count, absolute lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte percentage. Conclusion: The study results support that the absolute lymphocyte count predicts CD4 count in HIV-infected patients on treatment. However, further detailed studies with larger sample sizes and involving multiple centers are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ABCG2 421C/A polymorphism contributes significantly to the distribution and absorption of antiretroviral (ARV) regimens and is associated with the undesirable side effects of efavirenz. Methods: To investigate this, we examined ABCG2 34G/A (rs2231137) and 421C/A (rs2231142) genetic variations in 149 HIV‐infected patients (116 without hepatotoxicity, 33 with ARV‐induced hepatotoxicity) and 151 healthy controls through the PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) technique. Results and Discussion: The ABCG2 34GA genotype and 34A allele indicated a risk for antiretroviral therapy‐associated hepatotoxicity development (p = 0.09, OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 0.93–2.69; p = 0.06, OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 0.98–2.30). The haplotype GA was associated with hepatotoxicity (p = 0.042, OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.04–5.43; p = 0.042, OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.04–5.96). Moreover, when comparing HIV patients with hepatotoxicity to healthy controls, the haplotype GA had an association with an elevated risk for the development of hepatotoxicity (p = 0.041, OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.02–2.93). Additionally, the association of the ABCG2 34GA genotype with the progression of HIV (p = 0.02, OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.07–3.63) indicated a risk for advanced HIV infection. Furthermore, the ABCG2 421AA genotype was linked to tobacco users and featured as a risk factor for the progression of HIV disease (p = 0.03, OR = 11.07, 95% CI: 1.09–270.89). Conclusion: The haplotype GA may enhance the risk of hepatotoxicity development and its severity. Individuals with the ABCG2 34A allele may also be at risk for the development of hepatotoxicity. Additionally, individuals with an advanced stage of HIV and the ABCG2 34GA genotype may be at risk for disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Decreasing medication burden with raltegravir plus lamivudine in virologically suppressed persons with HIV (PWH) maintained efficacy and was well tolerated at 24 weeks, but more comprehensive data over longer follow-up are required. Methods Prospective 48 week extension phase of the raltegravir plus lamivudine arm from a previous 24 week pilot randomized clinical trial in which virologically suppressed PWH were randomized 2:1 to switch to fixed-dose combination 150 mg lamivudine/300 mg raltegravir twice daily or to continue therapy. In this 48 week extension phase, raltegravir was dosed at 1200 mg/day and lamivudine 300 mg/day. Primary outcome was the proportion of PWH with treatment failure at Week 48. Secondary outcomes were changes in ultrasensitive plasma HIV RNA, HIV DNA in CD4 cells, serum IL-6, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and sCD14, body composition, sleep quality, quality of life and adverse effects. Results Between May 2018 and June 2019, 33 PWH were enrolled. One participant experienced virological failure without resistance mutations and re-achieved sustained virological suppression without therapy discontinuation, and two others discontinued therapy due to adverse effects. Treatment failure was 9% (95% CI 2%–24%) and 3% (95% CI 0%–17%) in the ITT and on-treatment populations. There were significant changes between baseline and Week 48 in serum cytokines but not in other secondary outcomes. Conclusions Switching to raltegravir and lamivudine in PWH with virological suppression maintains efficacy and is well tolerated. This maintenance regimen might be a cost-effective option for PWH at risk of drug–drug interactions or needing to avoid specific toxicities of certain antiretroviral drugs or their negative impact on comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mikiyas Zike,1 Abdurahaman Mohammed Ahmed,2 Awraris Hailu,2 Bedru Hussien3 1Debre Berhan Town Health Facilities, MoH, Debre Berhan, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia; 3Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University, Goba, Oromia National Regional State, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Bedru Hussien, Department of Public Health, Madda Walabu University, P.O. Box 302, Goba, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, Tel +251911997287, Email bedru1964@gmail.comBackground: The majority of multidrug-resistant organisms found in immunocompromised patients are enterococci. The rise of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) poses a significant threat to public health. There is a scarcity of information regarding the prevalence of VRE in Ethiopia.Purpose: This study aims to determine the prevalence of VRE in fecal samples from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive individuals, to identify associated factors, and to assess their susceptibility to selected commonly prescribed medications.Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to July 15, 2023, on 170 HIV-positive clients at Debre Berhan Town. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Stool sample was collected by trained health workers, and processed by standard microbiological techniques. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data entry and analysis was carried out by SPSS Version 25. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess the associated factors. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered to be significantly associated with the outcome variables and the results were displayed with tables.Results: From the total of 170 study participants, colonization of Enterococcus species was observed among 95 (55.9%). Vancomycin resistance was found in 13 (13.8%) of them with 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.4– 22.1. History of hospitalization Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 11.9 (95% CI 1.11– 127.53); habit of eating uncooked food (AOR: 15.34 (95% CI 2.36– 99.63)) and invasive procedures (AOR: 23.07 (95% CI 3.54– 150)) were among the predictors of VRE. MDR (multidrug resistance) was observed in 83 (87.4%) of the isolates. The highest rate of resistance was observed for ampicillin with 72 (74.6%).Conclusion: Vancomycin and multidrug resistance of enterococci among HIV patients are significant in ART clinics of Debre Berhan Town. These warrant applicable infection prevention guidelines in the health facilities and health education on food hygiene.Keywords: Enterococci, vancomycin resistant, HIV patients, Ethiopia

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important pathogen in immunocompromised individuals where it causes end organ diseases leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCMV infection and its associated risk factors among HIV patients in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 HIV patients consisting of 80 males and 70 females were enrolled for this study. About 4 mL of venous blood was aseptically collected from each participant by venipuncture and was centrifuged to obtain serum. The serum was screened by ELISA for HCMV IgG and IgM antibodies. Results: The results obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20 for data analysis. An overall prevalence of 32.7% for HCMV IgM antibodies was recorded among the HIV patients. Males had a higher prevalence of 55.1% HCMV IgM antibodies than their female counterparts with 44.9% HCMV IgM antibodies. HCMV was more prevalent among the age group 60 years, and 40–59 years recorded a prevalence of 12.2% and 6.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The co-occurrence of HCMV IgG and IgM antibodies, religion and location significantly influenced the acquisition of HCMV infection among HIV patients. Integrating HIV prevention by spreading awareness and early diagnosis of HCMV is key to reducing complications from these viral infections in HIV disease patients.

Background: Claims from locals in Nigeria hold that Kunun zaki has some medicinal properties. The study was therefore carried out to investigate the inhibitory effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on multidrug resistant diarrheagenic bacteria in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. Method: Twenty-five stool samples of seropositive HIV patients from Plateau State Specialist Hospital confirmed to have chronic diarrhea were collected aseptically and bacteria were isolated and identified using microscopic and biochemical techniques. The antibiotics susceptibility tests of the isolates were also carried out using the disc diffusion method to determine drug resistance of the bacteria. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) used were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques and analytical profile index (API) kits. Diarrheagenic bacteria which showed multiple resistance to antibiotics were tested against lactic acid bacteria using agar well diffusion method. Results: The results showed that Shigella spp (36.0%), Salmonella spp (16.0%) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) (48.0%) were the diarrheagenic bacteria isolated from the HIV patients. The pathogens were most resistant to ampicillin (60%) and least resistant to tarivid (8%). Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from Kunun zaki demonstrated antibacterial activity against the pathogens with the effect of the two lactic acid bacteria (L. lactis Gb3ii and L. plantarum Ar1) being significantly higher than the individual LAB used respectively. Conclusion: Lactic acid bacteria from Kunun zaki had demonstrated antibacterial effects against multidrug resistant pathogens, hence could be potential probiotics for inclusion in the fermentation of Kunun zaki that HIV patients could consume.

Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important pathogen in immunocompromised individuals where it causes end organ diseases leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCMV infection and its associated risk factors among HIV patients in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 HIV patients consisting of 80 males and 70 females were enrolled for this study. About 4 mL of venous blood was aseptically collected from each participant by venipuncture and was centrifuged to obtain serum. The serum was screened by ELISA for HCMV IgG and IgM antibodies. Results: The results obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 20 for data analysis. An overall prevalence of 32.7% for HCMV IgM antibodies was recorded among the HIV patients. Males had a higher prevalence of 55.1% HCMV IgM antibodies than their female counterparts with 44.9% HCMV IgM antibodies. HCMV was more prevalent among the age group <19 years (51.0%), followed by the age group 20–39 years (30.6%), while the age groups >60 years, and 40–59 years recorded a prevalence of 12.2% and 6.1%, respectively. Conclusions: The co-occurrence of HCMV IgG and IgM antibodies, religion and location significantly influenced the acquisition of HCMV infection among HIV patients. Integrating HIV prevention by spreading awareness and early diagnosis of HCMV is key to reducing complications from these viral infections in HIV disease patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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