Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus 2 co-presence severely dysregulates miRNA expression.

This cross-sectional study evaluated the expression of miR-let-7b, miR-21, miR-125b, miR-143, miR-145, miR-155, miR-182, miR-200c, p53 gene, Ki67, SCCA1 and CD4+ T-cell counts among 319 women, to Epstein-Barr virus, human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus 2 mono-infections and co-infections, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction methods. This study suggests that malignancies associated with viral co-infection could be diagnosed early by monitoring cluster of differentiation 4+ T-cell counts and serum expression of miR-145 and miR-182.

A Mother-to-Child Transmission Study in Nigeria: The Impact of Maternal HIV Infection and HAART on Plasma Immunoglobulins, Cytokine Profiles and Infant Outcome.

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HARRT) allows the HIV pregnant mothers to have vaginal delivery and breastfeed. Here we investigated the maternal plasma immunoglobulin, cytokine secretion and the outcome of the exposed infants among the HIV HAART treated pregnant women in Nigeria. In this study, different plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines were measured in the HIV HAART treated pregnant mothers.

Cryptococcus neoformans seropositivity and some haematological parameters in HIV seropositive subjects.

Background: Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that causes meningitis worldwide and may be fatal in immunocompromised subjects. In Nigeria, cases have been reported with prevalence between 4 and 13.1% in Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients depending on the study subjects.

Comparable expression of miR-let-7b, miR-21, miR-182, miR-145, and p53 in serum and cervical cells: Diagnostic implications for early detection of cervical lesions.

Objective: The high mortality associated with cervical cancer is due to low uptake of Pap smear test, lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and less-invasive approach, and late presentation of the disease. This study evaluated the expression of hsa-miR-let-7b, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-143, hsa-miR-145, hsa-miR-146a, hsa-miR-155, hsa-miR-182, hsa-miR-200c, and p53 in serum and cervix in relation to classes of Pap smear, in a bid to identify a serum panel for early diagnosis of cervical lesions.

Methodology: This study included 329 women; 159 healthy women (HW), 46 cervicitis, 46 atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), 40 low-grade squamous cell intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 28 high-grade squamous cell intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and 10 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

The effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the serum levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in HIV infected subjects.

Background: Cytokines play an important role in controlling the homeostasis of the immune system and infection with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to deregulated production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study was designed to determine the effects of HIV and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) on the levels of pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in HIV infected subjects.

Method: A total of 50 HIV infected and 50 HIV seronegative control participants were recruited for the study.

Evaluation of some haemostatic parameters in falciparum malaria and HIV co-infection.

Background: Studies from sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic have observed high incidences of malaria and HIV co-infection. It has long been accepted that malaria causes alterations in haemostatic parameters and that HIV is associated with a wide range of haematological changes. We assessed the effect of the overlap of these infections on routine haemostatic parameters.

Antioxidant activity in HIV and malaria co-infected subjects in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.

Objective: To determine the antioxidant status of HIV and malaria co-infected participants.

Methods: Blood samples collected from the 193 randomly recruited participants were used for HIV screening, Plasmodium falciparum antigen screening, malaria parasite density count, CD4(+) T cell count, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant status measurement. Standard laboratory methods were used for the analysis.