Current HIV Research - Volume 14, Issue 4, 2016

Purpose: The purpose of this study was formulation and optimization of vaginal film formulation containing abacavir (ABC), a potent nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. Methods: Vaginal films were prepared by solvent evaporation method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) blended with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Various physicochemical parameters of the prepared films such as drug content, thickness, ten Read More

Background: Today a broad range of antiretroviral drug regimens are applicable for the successful suppression of virus replication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected people. However, there still remains an obstacle in therapy: the high mutation rate of the HI virus under drug pressure leads to resistant variants causing failure of permanent and effective treatment. Therefore, resistance testing is therefore inev Read More

Background: The semen of HIV-1 infected men represents the main vector of HIV-1 spread following sexual transmission of cell-free or cell-associated virions. Objective: The present study aimed to assess the impact of HAART on HIV-1 RNA/DNA and on inflammatory environment in the semen of long-term HAART-experienced men. Methods: Forty-five paired samples of semen and blood were obtained from 37 consentin Read More

Background: Both family history of dementia (FHD) and lower levels of Aβ-42 are indepentently associated with worse neurocognitive functioning in HIVinfected patients. Objective: To examine the relationships between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ-42 and FHD with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Methods: One hundred eighty-three HIV+ adults underwent neuropsychological and neuromedical assessments, and Read More

Myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) play a complex role in HIV infection regardless of viral replication. The aim of our study was to analyse mDCs in long term antiretroviral therapy (ART)- suppressed HIV-infected patients. We evaluated the numbers of mDCs and slanDC in the context of different degree of CD4+ T cell recovery, persistent T cell activation (as HLA-DR+/CD38+ expression) and monocyte-macrophage activation asse Read More

Background: HIV-1 virus is known to infect the host mainly through CD4+ T-lymphocyte cells, by interactions among the viral envelope proteins, CD4 receptor and HIV-1 coreceptors, such as chemokines receptors. Variations in the genes encoding HIV-1 coreceptors and their natural ligands have been shown to modify HIV-1 infection susceptibility and disease progression. Methods and Results: We analysed the distribution of Read More

Background: Late diagnosis represents a major challenge in the control of HIV epidemics. The rate of disease progression is higher among late presenters. In Europe, HIV Clinical Indicator Diseases (CIDs) have been proposed to improve early diagnosis. Objectives: Our observational study evaluated the presence of these HIV CIDs prior to HIV diagnosis among a population of late presenters and assessed its correlation to di Read More

Background: Saliva rapid point of care HIV tests have proven advantages over blood-based HIV tests in terms of quality, rapidity and convenience. Aim: To assess the sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility of saliva samples using the serum/ whole blood rapid test and to compare it with serum specimens. Material & Methods: 52 seropositive and 52 seronegative patients were included in the study. Stimulated and unstimulated s Read More

Background: Manipur is one of the highest HIV prevalence states of India because of its geographical location at the international border near the golden triangle of South-East Asia, but no study on drug resistance associated mutations (DRAMs) has been reported yet. Objective: A population-based study on DRAMs of HIV-1 among the anti-retroviral therapy (ART) exposed HIV-1 infected individuals of Manipur was conducted. M Read More