Category Archives: Other
Immune responses to vaginal candidiasis in African women: A scoping review of cytokine profiles, T-cell activation, and gene expression
Background Recent immunological studies of vaginal candidiasis in African populations have revealed complex host‒pathogen interactions with implications for therapeutic development and HIV acquisition risk. Objective This scoping review synthesized evidence...
Adolescents’ sexual health during the COVID-19 outbreak: A systematic review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted adolescents’ access to sexual health services, resulting in a decline in their overall sexual well-being. This systematic review explored adolescent sexual...
Exploring a rare association: Systematic review of hypercalcemia in nontuberculous mycobacterial infections
Hypercalcemia represents a rare complication of nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) infections, particularly in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity. This systematic review examines NTM infections associated with hypercalcemia, including the...
Aging and HIV: Recent findings in contributing factors
Background: Aging among people living with HIV (PLWH) presents multifaceted challenges influenced by antiretroviral therapy (ART), chronic inflammation, viral coinfections, stigma, multimorbidity, and immunosuppression. Methods: This review synthesizes recent research...
Efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised patients: A targeted literature review
Individuals who are immunocompromised (IIC) may have impaired infection prevention/resolution, potentially causing increased disease severity, complications, and healthcare-system strain. Exclusion of IIC from COVID-19 vaccine trials and limited real-world Novavax...
Pneumocystis infection in pregnant women: A scoping review
Pneumocystis jirovecii is an opportunistic fungus that causes severe pneumonia in immunosuppressed individuals. While Pneumocystis colonization, a subclinical form of infection, has been studied in different populations, its implications during...
Insights into gastrointestinal manifestation of human immunodeficiency virus: A narrative review
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) modifies CD4-positive cells, resulting in immunodeficiency and a wide range of gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations. The burden of HIV-related GI illnesses has significantly evolved with the widespread...
Gastrointestinal Escherichia coli in men who have sex with men: A systematic review
OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to explore any demographic, biological and behavioural characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) with diarrhoeagenic E.coli. DESIGN/METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and...
Prevalence of HHV-6 detection among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a ubiquitous virus with significant implications for immunocompromised individuals, particularly people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HHV-6 detection...
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum and associated factors in high-income nations: A mixed-methods systematic review
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the HIV care continuum (HCC), presenting challenges while also driving positive transformations globally. This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCC...
Invasive Neisseria meningitidis subtype C in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men: A systematic review
INTRODUCTION: Outbreaks of invasive Neisseria meningitidis subtype C in networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported. We aimed to explore any...
Preventing unintended pregnancies and HIV through self-care interventions in east and southern Africa: Findings from a structured review
OBJECTIVE: To identify promising interventions targeting young people in East and Southern Africa through self-care practices, with a focus on prevention of unintended pregnancies and HIV and develop four evidence-based...