Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-567X/1510027
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections in the Middle East and North Africa: Prevalence, Risk, Prevention and Challenges
Ahmed A Abd-Rabou
Article Type: Review Article | First Published: September 27, 2016
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has few recorded outputs regarding the prevalence of the human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infections associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). When we went through the HIV/AIDS in MENA, we found a hole in the scientific publications. Attention towards this issue progressed recently though, with few pre-clinical studies conducted. In the current review, we collected comprehensive data of HIV epidemiology in MENA and discussed the main ch...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-567X/1510026
Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Democratic Republic of Congo: Implementation of 'Test &Treat' Approach at Primary Health Centers
Mulamba Diese, Susie Villeneuve, Emile Numbi, Freddy Salumu, Guy Clarysse, Hilo Ilunga, Franck Fwamba, Theodore Assani and Abel Mukengeshayi Ntambue
Article Type: Review Article | First Published: July 30, 2016
The 'Test & Treat' approach, also called option B+, using combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) has been very effective in controlled clinical trials in resource-limited settings. We report on our experiences with implementing this approach at primary healthcare settings in Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective of this study was to evaluate 'Test & Treat' approach for PMTCT interventions implemented betwee...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-567X/1510025
The Monitoring of Lymphocyte Populations may be Optional in Patients with Suppressed Viremia: A Two Years Observational Study
Carlos Tornero, Marina Llopis, Julian Diaz and Mariangeles Martinez
Article Type: Commentary | First Published: July 25, 2016
The determination of lymphocyte populations (LPs) traditionally has been included in the routine follow-up of HIV-infected patients as an indicator of the degree of immune suppression and of the need to start treatment, select the type of therapy, or prescribe preventive measures against opportunistic infections. However, the variability of the technique produces variations in patients with undetectable viremias that have no clinical consequences but which nevertheless generate uncertainty among...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-567X/1510024
HIV Exposed Uninfected Children at School Age: Developing Country Context
Gwendoline Q Kandawasvika, Felicity Z Gumbo and Patience Kuona
Article Type: Review Article | First Published: July 14, 2016
With the success of chemoprophylaxis for the prevention of perinatal transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), an increasing number of HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children will have in utero and post-partum exposure to antiretroviral drugs and survive beyond infancy. The long term effect of antiretroviral drug exposure is however not fully understood. A few studies from developing countries have reported on growth, morbidity, mortality, nutrition, immunological profiles, neuro...
Open Access DOI:10.23937/2469-567X/1510023
Determinants of Survival in HIV Patients: A Retrospective Study of Dilla University Hospital HIV Cohort
Solomon Hailemariam, Girma Tenkolu, Henok Tadese and Prabhanjan Kumar Vata
Article Type: Research Article | First Published: July 01, 2016
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has remarkably improved the survival of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients though it is not sufficient alone to achieve better HIV related clinical outcomes. There are many other modifiable factors that might have an impact on survival of HIV-infected patients. So far, few studies with small sample size have tried to assess the survival experience of HIV positive patients who are on treatment in Ethiopia. This study assessed the determinants ...
