Seroprevalence of maternal HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis in a major maternity hospital in North Kordofan, Sudan.

Routine infectious diseases screening of Sudanese pregnant women has been patchy due to scarcity of healthcare resources and social stigma. We sought to determine the seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at El Obeid Maternity Hospital in western Sudan. We also explored the association between these infections and a set of socio-demographic and maternal variables.

Effect of immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy on risk of severe bacterial infections in HIV-positive people with CD4 cell counts of more than 500 cells per μL: secondary outcome results from a randomised controlled trial.

Background: The effects of antiretroviral therapy on risk of severe bacterial infections in people with high CD4 cell counts have not been well described. In this study, we aimed to quantify the effects of immediate versus deferred ART on the risk of severe bacterial infection in people with high CD4 cell counts in a preplanned analysis of the START trial.

Methods: The START trial was a randomised controlled trial in ART-naive HIV-positive patients with CD4 cell count of more than 500 cells per μL assigned to immediate ART or deferral until their CD4 cell counts were lower than 350 cells per μL.

A novel strategy to reduce very late HIV diagnosis in high-prevalence areas in South-West England: serious incident audit.

Background: Very late diagnosis of HIV is a serious public health issue. We used serious incident reporting (SIR) to identify and address reasons for late diagnoses across the patient pathway.

Methods: Cases of very late HIV diagnosis were reported via SIR in two 6-month batches between 2011 and 2012 in Bournemouth, Poole and Bristol.

A rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium marinum infection in a newly diagnosed HIV-1 individual.

Mycobacterium marinum is a rare non-tuberculous mycobacterium known commonly to cause fish tank granuloma. It is found in aquatic surroundings and is common in healthy individuals. We report a case and review the literature in an immunocompromised HIV-1 individual with a first reported case of a rifampicin-resistant M.

Effects of hydroxychloroquine on immune activation and disease progression among HIV-infected patients not receiving antiretroviral therapy: a randomized controlled trial.

Context: Therapies to decrease immune activation might be of benefit in slowing HIV disease progression.

Objective: To determine whether hydroxychloroquine decreases immune activation and slows CD4 cell decline.

Design, Setting, And Patients: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial performed at 10 HIV outpatient clinics in the United Kingdom between June 2008 and February 2011.