Comparison of Xpert MTB/RIF Assay and the Conventional Sputum Microscopy in Detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Northern Thailand.

Background. Despite low sensitivity in detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, sputum acid-fast smear remains the main diagnostic method. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay versus conventional sputum acid-fast smear.

Zinc finger protein designed to target 2-long terminal repeat junctions interferes with human immunodeficiency virus integration.

Integration of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome into the host chromosome is a vital step in the HIV life cycle. The highly conserved cytosine-adenine (CA) dinucleotide sequence immediately upstream of the cleavage site is crucial for integrase (IN) activity. As this viral enzyme has an important role early in the HIV-1 replication cycle, interference with the IN substrate has become an attractive strategy for therapeutic intervention.

Incidence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections and risk factors for acquisition among young methamphetamine users in northern Thailand.

Background: Southeast Asia is experiencing an epidemic of methamphetamine use, a drug associated with risky sexual behaviors, putting a large segment of the population at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV and in need of prevention efforts. Incidence estimates of STIs are rare in Southeast Asia, especially among newer risk groups.

Study Design: We enrolled methamphetamine users aged 18 to 25 years in a 12-month randomized behavioral intervention trial in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2005.

Correlates of incarceration among young methamphetamine users in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Objectives: We examined correlates of incarceration among young methamphetamine users in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2005 to 2006.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1189 young methamphetamine users. Participants were surveyed about their recent drug use, sexual behaviors, and incarceration.

Sexually transmitted infections and sexual and substance use correlates among young adults in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Background: Data on the prevalence of and associated behavioral risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in young adults in Asia have not been widely studied.

Study Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 2005--2006 among 658 sexually active participants aged 18 to 25 years, the majority having a history of recent methamphetamine (MA) use. Data were collected by interview and STI were detected using standard laboratory assays.

Genotype distribution of genital Chlamydia trachomatis in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Urogenital isolates (N=84) of Chlamydia trachomatis collected from high-risk STD subjects in Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas were investigated for genotype distribution. C. trachomatis genotypes were determined by the PCR-based RFLP technique and confirmed by nucleotide sequencing.