Factors Associated With Peripartum Virologic Suppression in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: This study describes the characteristics of pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the rate of peripartum virologic suppression in a large prevention of mother-to-child transmission cohort who delivered in some selected maternity centers in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In addition, the study examines the factors associated with virologic suppression in the cohort.

Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cross-sectional analysis included medical data of 1709 women with human immunodeficiency virus between September 2015 and May 2016 in Eastern Cape Province.

Late diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection is linked to higher rates of epilepsy in children in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive children may present with a wide range of neurological disorders. Among these, epilepsy is of key concern because of its lifelong impact and potential for damage to the central nervous system (CNS). Few studies in developing regions have investigated the prevalence and aetiology of epilepsy in HIV-infected children as a key population.

Demographic, clinical and behavioural determinants of HIV serostatus non-disclosure to sex partners among HIV-infected pregnant women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Objectives: Drawing from a baseline sample of a cohort study, the study examines the extent and correlates of serostatus non-disclosure to sex partners and family members, and reasons for non-disclosure among HIV-infected pregnant women in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Methods: This longitudinal cohort study recruited 1709 pregnant women living with HIV who attended three of the largest maternity centres in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, for delivery between September 2015 and May 2016. Relevant items on demographics, serostatus awareness, disclosure to sex partners and family members, and lifestyle behaviours were obtained using structured interviews.

Retention of South African Adolescents in a 54-Month Longitudinal HIV Risk Reduction Trial.

Retention of participants in clinical trials is a central concern of HIV/STI behavioral researchers and research sponsors. This article describes the strategies used for addressing the challenges in retaining South African adolescents for a 54-month longitudinal study. The objective of the South African adolescent health promotion long-term follow-up trial was to test the sustainability of the effects of an HIV/STI risk reduction intervention, "Let Us Protect Our Future," on young adolescents as they aged into middle and late adolescence.

Lamivudine Monotherapy: Experience of Medium-term Outcomes in HIV-infected Children Unable to Adhere to Triple Therapy.

Background: HIV-infected children in resource-poor settings who fail or default from first-line antiretroviral therapy have limited alternative options. By preferentially selecting the M184V mutation, lamivudine monotherapy (LM) is occasionally used while awaiting patient readiness for second- or third-line therapy, but this strategy has not been widely studied.

Methods: A retrospective review of all eligible LM events (≥3 months) from a cohort of two linked health facilities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was undertaken.

Lamivudine monotherapy as a safe option for HIV-infected paediatric clients with adherence challenges: new evidence from a large South African cohort.

Introduction: HIV-infected children in resource-poor settings comprise a unique population who require antiretroviral therapy (ART) in careful consideration of social and structural barriers to compliance. Given these aggregate challenges and emerging research into "holding" treatment options, we investigated the efficacy of lamivudine monotherapy (LM) as an alternative to more complex second and third line therapies.

Methods: A retrospective review of all eligible LM events (=6 months) from a cohort of two linked health facilities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was undertaken.

HIV/STI risk-reduction intervention efficacy with South African adolescents over 54 months.

Objective: Little research has tested HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk-reduction interventions' effects on early adolescents as they age into middle and late adolescence. This study tested whether intervention-induced reductions in unprotected intercourse during a 12-month period endured over a 54-month period and whether the intervention reduced the prevalence of STIs, which increase risk for HIV.

Method: Grade 6 learners (mean age = 12.

Theory-based behavioral intervention increases self-reported physical activity in South African men: a cluster-randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether a health-promotion intervention increases South African men's adherence to physical-activity guidelines.

Method: We utilized a cluster-randomized controlled trial design. Eligible clusters, residential neighborhoods near East London, South Africa, were matched in pairs.

Cluster-randomized controlled trial of an HIV/sexually transmitted infection risk-reduction intervention for South African men.

Objectives: We tested the efficacy of a sexual risk-reduction intervention for men in South Africa, where heterosexual exposure is the main mode of HIV transmission.

Methods: Matched-pairs of neighborhoods in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, were randomly selected and within pairs randomized to 1 of 2 interventions based on social cognitive theory and qualitative research: HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk-reduction, targeting condom use, or attention-matched control, targeting health issues unrelated to sexual risks. Sexually active men aged 18 to 45 years were eligible.

Inability of plasmacytoid dendritic cells to directly lyse HIV-infected autologous CD4+ T cells despite induction of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand.

The function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) in chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection remains controversial with regard to its potential for sustained alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) production and induction of PDC-dependent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated cytotoxicity of HIV-infected cells. We address these areas by a study of chronically HIV-1-infected subjects followed through antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption and by testing PDC cytolytic function against autologous HIV-infected CD4(+) T cells. Rebound in viremia induced by therapy interruption showed a positive association between TRAIL and viral load or T-cell activation, but comparable levels of plasma IFN-alpha/beta were found in viremic ART-treated and control subjects.