Background: The differing magnitude of the HIV-1 and HIV-2 epidemics is likely a consequence of differing transmission rates between the two viruses. Similar to other sexually transmitted pathogens, risk of HIV-1 and HIV-2 transmission is likely associated with the presence and amount of HIV in the genital tract. Thus, understanding patterns of, and risk factors for HIV genital tract shedding is critical to effective control of HIV transmission.
Methods: We evaluated HIV DNA and RNA detection in cervicovaginal specimens among 168 HIV-1 and 50 HIV-2-infected women in Senegal, West Africa. In a subset of 31 women (20 with HIV-1, 11 with HIV-2), we conducted a prospective study in which cervicovaginal specimens were taken at 3-day intervals over a 6-week period.
Results: We found significantly lower rates and levels of HIV-2 RNA (58% shedding; 13% with >1000 copies/ml) in the female genital tract than HIV-1 RNA (78% shedding; 40% with >1000 copies/ml) (P = 0.005 and 0.005, respectively), and shedding correlated with plasma viral load irrespective of virus type (odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-2.8 for each log10 increase in HIV viral RNA). Plasma viral load, not HIV type, was the strongest predictor of genital viral load. Over 80% of closely monitored women, regardless of HIV type, had at least intermittent HIV RNA detection during every 3-day sampling over a 6-week time period.
Conclusion: These data help in explaining the different transmission rates between HIV-1 and HIV-2 and may provide new insights regarding prevention.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/QAD.0b013e328315cdbc | DOI Listing |
Nat Commun
December 2024
Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Lactobacillus species dominance of the vaginal microbiome is a hallmark of vaginal health. Pathogen displacement of vaginal lactobacilli drives innate immune activation and mucosal barrier disruption, increasing the risks of STI acquisition and, in pregnancy, of preterm birth. We describe differential TLR mediated activation of the proinflammatory transcription factor NF-κB by vaginal pathogens and commensals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAndrology
December 2024
Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
Background: Evidence indicates a wide range of andrological alterations in patients with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Aim: To provide an update on the andrological effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19.
Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE and Institutional websites were searched for randomized clinical trials, non-systematic reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
Ethiop J Health Sci
October 2024
Department of Pathology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the deadliest infectious disease globally, with the kidneys being the most frequently affected organ in the genitourinary system. Isolated prostate involvement by tuberculosis is rare and may mimic prostate cancer. This case report aims to highlight the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic responses associated with isolated prostate tuberculosis, particularly in the context of significantly elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a TB-endemic region.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
November 2024
Department of Pharmacology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad, IND.
Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) arises from infection and can rarely be caused by or atypical mycobacteria. FGTB usually arises from tuberculosis (TB) that affects the lungs or other organs. The infection can enter the vaginal tract directly from abdominal TB or by hematogenous or lymphatic pathways.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Complete bicorporeal uterus, double cervix and obstructive longitudinal vaginal septum (classified as U3bC2V2 according to ESHRE/ESGE classification) is a rare congenital anomaly of the genital tract. This condition is typically associated with ipsilateral renal agenesis and is known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome or OHVIRA (Obstructed HemiVagina and Ipsilateral Renal Anomaly) syndrome. The primary symptoms include dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain, which usually manifest after menarche due to haematocolpos in the obstructed hemivagina.
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