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International Journal of STD & AIDS Mar 2022Afghanistan adopted a "test and treat" strategy for all people living with HIV (PLWH) in 2016. In this study, we presented demographic and clinical characteristics of...
BACKGROUND
Afghanistan adopted a "test and treat" strategy for all people living with HIV (PLWH) in 2016. In this study, we presented demographic and clinical characteristics of all people diagnosed between 2013 and 2019 and evaluated progress towards 90-90-90 UNAIDS targets and identified program gaps among PLWH in Afghanistan diagnosed in 2018.
METHODS
We used clinical, behavioral, and demographic data from national HIV surveillance for 1394 patients diagnosed from 2013 through 2019. We also tracked 184 patients diagnosed with HIV in 2018 over 15 months to assess their enrollment in care, antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, retention on ART, and viral suppression.
RESULTS
Of 1394 patients diagnosed from 2013 through 2019, 76.0% were male, 73.7% were older than 24 years, and 33.4% acquired HIV through heterosexual sex. Of the 184 patients diagnosed in 2018, 94.6% were enrolled in care, 88.6% received ART, 84.2% were retained on ART for at least 12 months, and 33.7% received a viral load test. Of those with a viral load test, 74.2% were virally suppressed. Patients who were 35-44 years old (52.0%, -value .001), acquired HIV through unsafe injection (62.5%, -value .413), were co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) (60.0%, -value .449), and with CD4 > 500 at diagnosis (64.7%, -value .294) were less likely to be virally suppressed 12 months after diagnosis.
CONCLUSION
Nearly 95% of people diagnosed with HIV in Afghanistan in 2018 were linked to care and nearly 90% were on ART. Viral testing and viral suppression remain low with notable disparities for middle-aged patients, and possibly for those who injected drugs. Addressing barriers to HIV programs in Afghanistan, particularly for people who inject drugs (PWID), are urgently needed to reach the 90-90-90 global targets. Surveillance data on the number of people with undiagnosed HIV is needed to assess the first 90 target.
Topics: Adult; Afghanistan; Continuity of Patient Care; HIV Infections; Heterosexuality; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Viral Load
PubMed: 34907832
DOI: 10.1177/09564624211055299 -
Nutrients Mar 2020Vitamin D (VD) plays an essential role in mineral homeostasis and bone remodeling. A number of different VD-related genes (VDRG) are required for the metabolic... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D (VD) plays an essential role in mineral homeostasis and bone remodeling. A number of different VD-related genes (VDRG) are required for the metabolic activation of VD and the subsequent induction of its target genes. They include a set of genes that encode for VD-binding protein, metabolic enzymes, and the VD receptor. In addition to its well-characterized skeletal function, the immunoregulatory activities of VD and the related polymorphisms of VDRG have been reported and linked to its therapeutic and preventive actions for the control of several viral diseases. However, in regards to their roles in the progression of viral diseases, inconsistent and, in some cases, contradictory results also exist. To resolve this discrepancy, I conducted an extensive literature search by using relevant keywords on the PubMed website. Based on the volume of hit papers related to a certain viral infection, I summarized and compared the effects of VD and VDRG polymorphism on the infection, pathogenesis, and treatment outcomes of clinically important viral diseases. They include viral hepatitis, respiratory viral infections, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and other viral diseases, which are caused by herpesviruses, dengue virus, rotavirus, and human papillomavirus. This review will provide the most current information on the nutritional and clinical utilization of VD and VDRG in the management of the key viral diseases. This information should be valuable not only to nutritionists but also to clinicians who wish to provide evidence-based recommendations on the use of VD to virally infected patients.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Polymorphism, Genetic; Receptors, Calcitriol; Virus Diseases; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D-Binding Protein
PubMed: 32235600
DOI: 10.3390/nu12040962 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2022Cell death by apoptosis is a major cellular response in the control of tissue homeostasis and as a defense mechanism in the case of cellular aggression such as an... (Review)
Review
Cell death by apoptosis is a major cellular response in the control of tissue homeostasis and as a defense mechanism in the case of cellular aggression such as an infection. Cell self-destruction is part of antiviral responses, aimed at limiting the spread of a virus. Although it may contribute to the deleterious effects in infectious pathology, apoptosis remains a key mechanism for viral clearance and the resolution of infection. The control mechanisms of cell death processes by viruses have been extensively studied. Apoptosis can be triggered by different viral determinants through different pathways as a result of virally induced cell stresses and innate immune responses. Zika virus (ZIKV) induces Zika disease in humans, which has caused severe neurological forms, birth defects, and microcephaly in newborns during the last epidemics. ZIKV also surprised by revealing an ability to persist in the genital tract and in semen, thus being sexually transmitted. Mechanisms of diverting antiviral responses such as the interferon response, the role of cytopathic effects and apoptosis in the etiology of the disease have been widely studied and debated. In this review, we examined the interplay between ZIKV infection of different cell types and apoptosis and how the virus deals with this cellular response. We illustrate a duality in the effects of ZIKV-controlled apoptosis, depending on whether it occurs too early or too late, respectively, in neuropathogenesis, or in long-term viral persistence. We further discuss a prospective role for apoptosis in ZIKV-related therapies, and the use of ZIKV as an oncolytic agent.
Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Apoptosis; Cell Death; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Interferons; Microcephaly; Virus Physiological Phenomena; Virus Replication; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection
PubMed: 35163212
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031287 -
Medecine Sciences : M/S Dec 2022Virology was born at the end of the 19 century from the recognition of so-called filterable infectious agents that passed through filters designed to retain bacteria....
Virology was born at the end of the 19 century from the recognition of so-called filterable infectious agents that passed through filters designed to retain bacteria. The study of these agents, in particular the tobacco mosaic virus and bacteriophages, has shown the originality of their structural and physico-chemical properties while stimulating the development of molecular biology. Animal viruses, in addition to their own characterization, have served as probes to explore the molecular functioning of eukaryotic cells, including genome organization, transcriptional regulation and mechanisms of oncogenesis. In the early 1960s, a precise definition of virions and mode of virus replication as well as an internationally recognized classification based on the molecular properties of these agents were published. Understanding the pathophysiology of viral infections over the past decades has led to the identification of many new viruses and the development of standardized procedures for virological diagnosis, specific antiviral chemotherapy and effective vaccinations. Combined with the success of more basic studies, these advances have contributed to the exceptionally positive record of virology over the past hundred year.
Topics: Animals; History, 20th Century; Tobacco Mosaic Virus; Viruses; Bacteriophages; Molecular Biology; Bacteria; Virology
PubMed: 36692273
DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2022162 -
International Journal of Molecular... May 2023Globally, viral infections substantially contribute to cancer development. Oncogenic viruses are taxonomically heterogeneous and drive cancers using diverse strategies,... (Review)
Review
Globally, viral infections substantially contribute to cancer development. Oncogenic viruses are taxonomically heterogeneous and drive cancers using diverse strategies, including epigenomic dysregulation. Here, we discuss how oncogenic viruses disrupt epigenetic homeostasis to drive cancer and focus on how virally mediated dysregulation of host and viral epigenomes impacts the hallmarks of cancer. To illustrate the relationship between epigenetics and viral life cycles, we describe how epigenetic changes facilitate the human papillomavirus (HPV) life cycle and how changes to this process can spur malignancy. We also highlight the clinical impact of virally mediated epigenetic changes on cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Oncogenic Viruses; Epigenome; Neoplasms; Epigenesis, Genetic; Viruses; DNA Methylation
PubMed: 37298494
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119543 -
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2022Since ancient times, plants have been used for their medicinal properties. They provide us with many phytomolecules, which serve a synergistic function for human... (Review)
Review
Since ancient times, plants have been used for their medicinal properties. They provide us with many phytomolecules, which serve a synergistic function for human well-being. Along with anti-microbial, plants also possess anti-viral activities. In Western nations, about 50% of medicines were extracted from plants or their constituents. The spread and pandemic of viral diseases are becoming a major threat to public health and a burden on the financial prosperity of communities worldwide. In recent years, SARS-CoV-2 has made a dramatic lifestyle change. This has promoted scientists not to use synthetic anti-virals, such as protease inhibitors, nucleic acid analogs, and other anti-virals, but to study less toxic anti-viral phytomolecules. An emerging approach includes searching for eco-friendly therapeutic molecules to develop phytopharmaceuticals. This article briefly discusses numerous bioactive molecules that possess anti-viral properties, their mode of action, and possible applications in treating viral diseases, with a special focus on coronavirus and various nano-formulations used as a carrier for the delivery of phytoconstituents for improved bioavailability.
PubMed: 35564239
DOI: 10.3390/nano12091530 -
Journal of Virology Feb 2023Viruses have brought humanity many challenges: respiratory infection, cancer, neurological impairment and immunosuppression to name a few. Virology research over the...
Viruses have brought humanity many challenges: respiratory infection, cancer, neurological impairment and immunosuppression to name a few. Virology research over the last 60+ years has responded to reduce this disease burden with vaccines and antivirals. Despite this long history, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented attention to the field of virology. Some of this attention is focused on concern about the safe conduct of research with human pathogens. A small but vocal group of individuals has seized upon these concerns - conflating legitimate questions about safely conducting virus-related research with uncertainties over the origins of SARS-CoV-2. The result has fueled public confusion and, in many instances, ill-informed condemnation of virology. With this article, we seek to promote a return to rational discourse. We explain the use of gain-of-function approaches in science, discuss the possible origins of SARS-CoV-2 and outline current regulatory structures that provide oversight for virological research in the United States. By offering our expertise, we - a broad group of working virologists - seek to aid policy makers in navigating these controversial issues. Balanced, evidence-based discourse is essential to addressing public concern while maintaining and expanding much-needed research in virology.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Information Dissemination; Pandemics; Policy Making; Research; SARS-CoV-2; Virology; Virus Diseases; Viruses
PubMed: 36700640
DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00089-23 -
Annual Review of Biomedical Data Science Aug 2023MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that can regulate all steps of gene expression (induction, transcription, and translation). Several virus families, primarily... (Review)
Review
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that can regulate all steps of gene expression (induction, transcription, and translation). Several virus families, primarily double-stranded DNA viruses, encode small RNAs (sRNAs), including miRNAs. These virus-derived miRNAs (v-miRNAs) help the virus evade the host's innate and adaptive immune system and maintain an environment of chronic latent infection. In this review, the functions of the sRNA-mediated virus-host interactions are highlighted, delineating their implication in chronic stress, inflammation, immunopathology, and disease. We provide insights into the latest viral RNA-based research-in silico approaches for functional characterization of v-miRNAs and other RNA types. The latest research can assist toward the identification of therapeutic targets to combat viral infections.
Topics: Humans; MicroRNAs; Viruses; RNA, Viral; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 37159873
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-122220-111429 -
Viruses Aug 2019The last decade has been marked by two eminent discoveries that have changed our perception of the virology field: The discovery of giant viruses and a distinct new... (Review)
Review
The last decade has been marked by two eminent discoveries that have changed our perception of the virology field: The discovery of giant viruses and a distinct new class of viral agents that parasitize their viral factories, the virophages. Coculture and metagenomics have actively contributed to the expansion of the virophage family by isolating dozens of new members. This increase in the body of data on virophage not only revealed the diversity of the virophage group, but also the relevant ecological impact of these small viruses and their potential role in the dynamics of the microbial network. In addition, the isolation of virophages has led us to discover previously unknown features displayed by their host viruses and cells. In this review, we present an update of all the knowledge on the isolation, biology, genomics, and morphological features of the virophages, a decade after the discovery of their first member, the Sputnik virophage. We discuss their parasitic lifestyle as viruses of the giant virus factories, genetic parasites of their genomes, and then their role as a key component or target for some host defense mechanisms during the tripartite virophage-giant virus-host cell interaction. We also present the latest advances regarding their origin, classification, and definition that have been widely discussed.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Genome, Viral; Genomics; Giant Viruses; History, 21st Century; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Interspersed Repetitive Sequences; Life Cycle Stages; Metagenomics; Research; Virology; Virophages
PubMed: 31398856
DOI: 10.3390/v11080733 -
Viruses Aug 2021Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) infections lead to chronic diseases and remarkable economic losses undermining health and welfare of animals and the sustainability... (Review)
Review
Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) infections lead to chronic diseases and remarkable economic losses undermining health and welfare of animals and the sustainability of farms. Early and definite diagnosis of SRLVs infections is the cornerstone for any control and eradication efforts; however, a "gold standard" test and/or diagnostic protocols with extensive applicability have yet to be developed. The main challenges preventing the development of a universally accepted diagnostic tool with sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to be integrated in SRLVs control programs are the genetic variability of SRLVs associated with mutations, recombination, and cross-species transmission and the peculiarities of small ruminants' humoral immune response regarding late seroconversion, as well as intermittent and epitope-specific antibody production. The objectives of this review paper were to summarize the available serological and molecular assays for the diagnosis of SRLVs, to highlight their diagnostic performance emphasizing on advantages and drawbacks of their application, and to discuss current and future perspectives, challenges, limitations and impacts regarding the development of reliable and efficient tools for the diagnosis of SRLVs infections.
Topics: Animals; Arthritis-Encephalitis Virus, Caprine; Goat Diseases; Goats; Lentivirus; Lentivirus Infections; Ruminants; Seroconversion; Serologic Tests; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Virology; Visna-maedi virus
PubMed: 34578292
DOI: 10.3390/v13091711