Full-length genome characterization and genetic relatedness analysis of hepatitis A virus outbreak strains associated with acute liver failure among children.

Clinical infection by hepatitis A virus (HAV) is generally self-limited but in some cases can progress to liver failure. Here, an HAV outbreak investigation among children with acute liver failure in a highly endemic country is presented. In addition, a sensitive method for HAV whole genome amplification and sequencing suitable for analysis of clinical samples is described.

Decreased bone mineral density in HIV-infected patients is independent of antiretroviral therapy.

Objective: To describe the alterations in the bone metabolism of HIV-seropositive patients and evaluate the effects of antiretroviral therapies.

Design: Cross-sectional analytical study.

Method And Materials: A total of 142 subjects (113 male, 29 female), aged 20-45 years were divided into four groups: group A, 33 HIV-seropositive antiretroviral-naive patients; group B1, 36 HIV-seropositive patients on antiviral therapy for over 1 year, without protease inhibitors (PI); group B2, 42 HIV-seropositive patients on combined therapy containing PI for over 1 year; and group C, 15 healthy, HIV-seronegative subjects.