Tracking the rate of initiation and retention on isoniazid preventive therapy in a high human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis burden setting of Lesotho.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health problem, particularly in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Yet, efforts to reduce TB incidence using isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) have been curtailed by poor uptake of this intervention. This study reviewed the rate of IPT initiation in the sub-Saharan country of Lesotho, which has one of the highest TB incidences in the world.

Possible association between the stage of HIV disease, antiretroviral treatment and the nutrient composition of breast milk in the Mangaung area, South Africa.

Introduction: In South Africa where replacement feeding may not be affordable, feasible or sustainable, HIV-infected women are recommended to exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first six months of life. The question arises whether HIV disease progression and its metabolic impact on the mother will affect the nutrient composition of breast milk. The aim was to determine the possible association between HIV disease progression, as measured by the immunological markers, and the nutrient composition of breast milk.

The interrelationship between nutrition and the immune system in HIV infection: a review.

Available scientific evidence has revealed that macronutrients and micronutrients are critical for fighting HIV-infection, because they are required by the immune system and major organs to attack infectious pathogens, HIV inclusive. It is believed that weight gain or maintenance might be achieved through good nutrition and has helped to reduce the consequences of wasting in people living with HIV/AIDS. Nutrition has helped to strengthen the immune system and reduce the severity and impact of opportunistic infections in people living with HIV/AIDS.

The interplay between socio-demographic variables, nutritional and immune status of HIV-positive/AIDS patients.

This study examined the association between socio-demographic factors (educational level and employment status) and the nutritional and immune status of 35 HIV-positive/AIDS patients at baseline. Assessment of selected macro-and micronutrient dietary intake was done using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Evaluation of anthropometric profiles (body mass index, waist-hip ratio and percentage of body fat) was also evaluated.

A locally produced nutritional supplement in community-based HIV and AIDS patients.

This study examined the potential effect of a nutritional supplement on the anthropometric profiles (body measurements such as body mass index [BMI], fat percentage and waist-hip ratio) of HIV-positive/AIDS patients and the correlation between anthropometric profile, CD4+T cell count and viral load. At baseline, of the 35 patients recruited into the study, 32 (94.1%) showed a fat percentage below normal range.