Category Archives: Co-infections
Meta-analysis: IL-28B genotype and sustained viral clearance in HCV genotype 1 patients
Background Polymorphisms in the IL-28B region are a strong predictor of sustained virologic response (SVR) in individual studies of HCV genotype 1 patients receiving peginterferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin. Aim To...
Clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa and established standards of care: A systematic review of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria trials
Context: The minimum standard of care required for participants in clinical trials conducted in resource-poor settings is a matter of controversy; international documents offer contradictory guidance. Objective: To determine whether...
An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the treatment of active tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection
Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection increases the risk of poor outcomes in active tuberculosis. We updated a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the effects of duration of rifamycins, schedule...
Interferon-gamma release assays for active pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis in adults in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: The diagnostic value of interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) for active tuberculosis in low- and middle-income countries is unclear. METHODS: We searched multiple databases for studies published through May 2010...
Provider-initiated testing and counselling programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of their operational implementation
OBJECTIVE: The routine offer of an HIV test during patient-provider encounters is gaining momentum within HIV treatment and prevention programmes. This review examined the operational implementation of provider-initiated testing and...
Herpes simplex virus 2 infection increases HIV acquisition in men and women: Systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the sex-specific effect of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) on the acquisition of HIV infection. BACKGROUND: The increased number of longitudinal studies available since the last...
Effect of coinfection with STDs and of STD treatment on HIV shedding in genital-tract secretions: Systematic review and data synthesis
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether coinfection with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) increases HIV shedding in genital-tract secretions, and whether STD treatment reduces this shedding. DESIGN: Systematic review and data synthesis of...
Oral human papillomavirus infection in women with cervical HPV infection: New data from an Italian cohort and a metanalysis of the literature
A key issue in oral HPV infection is whether it can be associated with a genital HPV infection, or whether it can be considered as an independent event. This analysis...
Trends in overall opportunistic illnesses, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, cerebral toxoplasmosis and Mycobacterium avium complex incidence rates over the 30 years of the HIV epidemic: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: The natural history of HIV infection has changed dramatically after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Currently, opportunistic illnesses still represent a major cause of death and hospitalization...
