Current Issue : July-September Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 3 Articles : 6 Articles
Background and Clinical Significance: Optic neuritis, an inflammatory demyelinating condition affecting the optic nerve, can present as an isolated phenomenon or as a harbinger of an underlying systemic disorder. While often associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), optic neuritis has been reported in the context of various infectious and inflammatory conditions, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Case Presentation: We describe a case of bilateral optic neuritis that led to the diagnosis of acute HIV infection in a young man actively engaged in bodybuilding, anabolic steroid use, and high-risk sexual behavior. The patient initially presented with an acute onset of vision loss, headache, and photophobia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings confirmed demyelination of the optic nerves, and laboratory workup revealed acute HIV-1 infection. The patient improved following high-dose corticosteroids and initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Conclusions: This case highlights the need to consider systemic infections such as HIV in atypical presentations of optic neuritis....
Objective: To compare and analyze the chemotherapy tolerance and immune function changes between gynecological malignancy patients with HIV-positive and HIV-negative status, providing evidence-based guidance for individualized chemotherapy regimens tailored to different HIV infection statuses. Methods: Clinical data of 57 gynecological malignancy patients who received chemotherapy at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanning Fourth People’s Hospital from January 2022 to December 2025 were retrospectively collected. Based on HIV infection status, they were divided into an HIV-positive group (n = 44) and an HIV-negative group (n = 13). The baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory indicators (blood routine, immune function) before and after chemotherapy, and the occurrence of complications were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using independent samples t-test, χ 2 test, or Fisher’s exact test. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics such as age, disease type (cervical cancer proportion 90.9% vs 92.3%), clinical stage (stage I-II proportion 70.5% vs 69.2%), and chemotherapy regimen (paclitaxel plus cisplatin proportion 75.0% vs 76.9%) between the two groups (P > 0.05). After chemotherapy, the white blood cell count decreased from 7.02 ± 3.15 × 109/L to 5.13 ± 2.76 × 109/L in the HIV-positive group and from 7.35 ± 2.98 × 109/L to 5.42 ± 2.51 × 109/L in the HIV-negative group, with no significant difference in the magnitude of decrease between groups (P = 0.921). In the HIV-positive group, CD4+ T-lymphocyte count decreased from 482 ± 295 cells/μL to 395 ± 241 cells/μL (P < 0.05), while the HIV-negative group showed no significant changes in immune indicators. The incidence of grade III-IV neutropenia was 13.6% (6/44) in the HIV-positive group vs 7.7% (1/13) in the HIV-negative group (P = 0.682); the incidence of gastrointestinal reactions was 84.1% (37/44) vs 84.6% (11/13) (P = 0.967); and the incidence of infectious complications was 9.1% (4/44) vs 7.7% (1/13) (P = 0.885). Among the HIVpositive patients, 3 cases (6.8%) had a viral load ≥50 copies/mL. Of these, 2 developed mild gastrointestinal reactions and 1 had grade I neutropenia, with no severe infections or chemotherapy interruptions reported. Conclusion: With standard antiretroviral therapy, the chemotherapy tolerance of HIVpositive gynecological malignancy patients is comparable to that of HIV-negative patients, without an increased risk of severe chemotherapy toxicity or infectious complications. However, attention should be paid to the decline in CD4+ T-lymphocyte count in HIV-positive patients after chemotherapy, necessitating enhanced immune function monitoring....
Objective: This study explored the correlation between HIV/AIDS knowledge and condom use intention, and their influencing factors, among 923 freshmen at a Yunnan border university, to provide targeted recommendations for local HIV prevention and sexual health education. Methods: Using cluster sampling, an anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among 923 college students at a university in a border region from November 2024 to February 2025. R 4.3.0 software was employed to perform chi-square tests and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The HIV awareness rate among college students at a university in a frontier region was 65.87%, while the rate of unwillingness to use condoms was 33.15%. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in condom usage willingness based on factors including gender, HIV knowledge awareness, proactive acquisition of HIV knowledge, receipt of HIV education, freshman status, and history of same-sex intercourse. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicates that female gender (OR = 3.85, 95%CI: 2.881 - 5.156) and knowledge of AIDS (OR = 28.18, 95%CI: 19.498~40.722) are positively associated with condom use; lack of proactive HIV/AIDS knowledge acquisition (OR = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.040 - 0.124) and not having received AIDS health education (OR = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.032 - 0.117) were negatively associated factors for condom use. Conclusion: The awareness rate of AIDS among college students in borderland universities is relatively low, and multiple factors influence the willingness to use condoms. It is necessary to strengthen the dissemination of AIDS-related knowledge and sexual health education, with particular attention paid to male students and populations with limited awareness....
Background: In West Africa, where the WHO “test and treat” policy has been implemented since 2016, evidence on adherence levels remains limited. Objectives: To systematically assess adherence to ART among people living with HIV. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2016 and December 2023. Eligible studies reported adherence rates to ART among populations in West Africa after implementation of the test and treat strategy. We did not specify standardized measurement tools for measuring adherence. All measurement methods were taken into account. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Pooled adherence proportions were estimated using a random- effects model. Publication bias was assessed with funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results: Of 385 records screened, seven studies from Nigeria (3), Ghana (2), Sierra Leone (1), and Burkina Faso (1) were included, comprising 4436 participants. Adherence definitions varied (self-report, caregiver report, medical records). The pooled adherence rate was 63% (95% CI 45% - 79%). Adults’ adherence was 78%, 95% CI 66% - 88% compared with children, 23%, 95% CI 0% - 71%. Funnel plot inspection and Egger’s test suggested possible publication bias. Conclusions: Adherence to ART in West Africa remains below optimal levels. Context-adapted interventions are urgently needed....
PIM kinases (PIM1, PIM2, PIM3) are serine/threonine kinases implicated in infection and reactivation of various viruses, but their roles in HIV-1 gene expression and particle production remain unclear. We examined their impact on HIV-1 and related viruses using co-transfection systems. PIM1 and PIM3, but not PIM2, markedly suppressed HIV-1 virion production without affecting infectivity. This inhibitory effect extended to transmitted/ founder HIV-1 clones and SIV, indicating broad activity across lentiviruses. Kinasedead mutants failed to reduce virion production, confirming the requirement for catalytic activity. Our data suggest that PIM1 and PIM3 act at distinct steps of HIV-1 gene expression: PIM1 reduces transcription, whereas PIM3 acts post-transcriptionally to diminish viral protein expression. Co-expression of PIM1 and PIM3 further enhanced suppression, suggesting complementary functions. Both kinases also inhibited expression from non- LTR promoters, implying involvement of general cellular factors. These findings reveal distinct and cooperative actions of PIM1 and PIM3 in limiting HIV-1 particle production, providing new insights into host kinase-mediated regulation of viral gene expression....
Background: Human polyomavirus JC (JCV) causes progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a deadly brain demyelinating illness stemming from oligodendrocyte lytic infection in immunocompromised patients, especially those with untreated HIV infection. Methods: We conducted a case series report on patients with HIV/AIDS who presented progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and were hospitalized at the “St. Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases in Iasi, northeastern Romania, to emphasize the comorbidities of HIV/AIDS cases. Hospital medical data from 10 January 2025 to 30 September 2025 served as the basis for this investigation. Results: We examined three cases that presented neurological symptoms (ataxia, aphasia, language comprehension, and expression disorders). The cases were evaluated imagistically via nuclear magnetic resonance, and we conducted a polymerase chain reaction test on the spinal fluid to confirm the presence of JCV. It was necessary to take a multidisciplinary approach with a neurologist or pneumologist. All cases were evaluated immunologically, revealing low Ly T CD4 levels and increased HIV viremia levels. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is an AIDSdefining disease, manifesting in immunocompromised patients, including late presenter cases, and patients who are non-adherent to their antiretroviral treatment. Therefore, it is important to test every patient who has mild to severe neurological symptoms for HIV. Furthermore, some cases require a multidisciplinary approach to ensure a better quality of life. Conclusions: Treating a patient with HIV requires a multidisciplinary strategy that includes a neurology specialist and access to antiretroviral treatment. To boost ART uptake, we must identify and remove barriers that impact patients and the healthcare system....
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