HLA-DQB1*05:03 is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 progression in the Bulgarian population.

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak represents a global health problem. The different infection rates are heavily influenced by host genetic factors, such as variability in the HLA region. The aim of our study was to investigate whether certain HLA alleles in the Bulgarian population contribute to COVID-19 progression and their role in anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity.

Relationship between Modern ART Regimens and Immunosenescence Markers in Patients with Chronic HIV Infection.

The increased life expectancy of PLHIV (People Living with HIV) and the successful highly combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) poses new clinical challenges regarding aging and its co-morbid condition. It is commonly believed that HIV infection "accelerates" aging. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is characterized by inflammation and immune activation that persists despite cART, and that may contribute to the development of co-morbid conditions.

Immune Cell Subsets Evaluation as a Predictive Tool for Hepatitis B Infection Outcome and Treatment Responsiveness.

Background: The patient's immune response is one of the major factors influencing HBV eradication or chronification, and it is thought to be responsible for the treatment success.

Aim: Our study aimed to investigate whether cellular defense mechanisms are associated with the course of HBV infection (spontaneous recovery [SR] or chronification [CHB]) and with the therapeutic approach.

Patients And Methods: A total of 139 patients (118 with CHB, 21 SR) and 29 healthy individuals (HI) were immunophenotyped by flowcytometry.