A detailed characterization of drug resistance during darunavir/ritonavir monotherapy highlights a high barrier to the emergence of resistance mutations in protease but identifies alternative pathways of resistance.

Background: Maintenance monotherapy with ritonavir-boosted darunavir has yielded variable outcomes and is not recommended. Trial samples offer valuable opportunities for detailed studies. We analysed samples from a 48 week trial in Cameroon to obtain a detailed characterization of drug resistance.

Why Consider Self-Sampling for Cervical Cancer Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries?

Molecular detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in genital cells is being widely endorsed as a preferred tool for cervical cancer screening globally. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where cervical cancer remains a leading killer, HPV testing is an appealing, accessible alternative to traditional cytology (ie, Pap smear) screening that enables women to self-collect specimens. This article examines self-sampling and its suitability as a strategy for cervical cancer prevention in LMICs that would promote equitable access to cervical cancer screening.

An apparent paradox: resistance mutations in HIV-1 DNA predict improved virological responses to antiretroviral therapy.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, detecting resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) at failure of first-line ART with two NRTIs plus an NNRTI predicts improved virological responses to second-line therapy with two NRTIs plus a ritonavir-boosted PI (PI/r). This indicates residual NRTI activity in the presence of RAMs, although additional factors may contribute to the effect.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of pre-existing RAMs on the outcomes of maintenance monotherapy with ritonavir-boosted darunavir within a randomized trial in Cameroon.

Performance of alternative strategies for primary cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.

Objective: To assess and compare the accuracy of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VILI), and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as alternative standalone methods for primary cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.

Data Sources: Systematic searches of multiple databases including Medline, Embase, and Scopus for studies published between January 1994 and June 2014.