Interactions between human immunodeficiency virus and herpes viruses within the oral mucosa

ABSTRACTThere is evidence from clinical case reports and epidemiological studies that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transmitted through oral sex. Herpes viruses that appear in the oral mucosa might influence the oral replication of HIV. A review of data suggesting that interactions occur between HIV and herpes viruses indicates that such interactions might operate in the oral mucosa. Defining the mechanisms by which herpes viruses interact with HIV in the oral mucosa should permit intervention measures to be targeted more precisely

Sexual behavior of HIV-positive women in Cameroon

This study aimed at describing the sexual behavior of HIV-positive women in Cameroon. In a cross-sectional study, 282 HIV-infected women were enrolled in 3 HIV-treatment clinics in Cameroon. Of the 282 participants, 257 had been diagnosed with HIV for more than 6 months. Approximately half (46.8%) of these 257 women reported no sex partners in the 6 months before the study; 42.9% had 1 partner; and 1.5% had more than 1 partner. There was a significant decrease in the number of partners, new partners, and an increase in condom use with these partners following HIV diagnosis (P value < .05). However, more than half (55.2%) of the sexually active participants reported inconsistent or no condom use during sexual intercourse. Although HIV-positive women tend to adopt less risky behavior after HIV diagnosis, a substantial proportion of sexually active ones still have risky behaviors. Reinforcing risk reduction programs for these women is imperative

Afriflu--international conference on influenza disease burden in Africa, 1-2 June 2010, Marrakech, Morocco

Item does not contain fulltextThe burden of influenza disease is to a large extent unknown for the African continent. Moreover, the interaction of influenza with common infectious diseases in Africa remains poorly described. Solid scientific evidence on the influenza disease burden in Africa is critical for the development of effective influenza vaccine policies. On 1st and 2nd June 2010 in Marrakech, Morocco, over eighty surveillance and influenza experts from 22 African countries as well as Europe and America met at the 'Afriflu' conference to discuss influenza challenges and solutions for the continent. During the meeting, participants exchanged their experiences and discussed a wide variety of topics related to influenza in Africa, including diagnosis, surveillance, epidemiology, and interventions. The meeting concluded with a pledge to improve influenza knowledge and awareness in Africa, with an emphasis on accurate determination of disease burden to help orient public health policies