Molecular epidemiology of Kaposi�s sarcoma-associated herpes virus, and risk factors in HIV-infected patients in Tehran, 2014

Background: Kaposi�s sarcoma (KS) remains themostcommonmalignancyamongHIV-infected patients. Humanherpesvirus type- 8 (HHV-8) is regarded as the infectious etiological agent of Kaposi�s sarcoma (KSHV). Diagnostic procedures associated with KSHV are not routinely performed in HIV-infected subjects. Objectives: The main objective of this study is to obtain information on KSHV epidemiology in Iranian HIV-infected individuals. Patients and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 109 patients with established HIV infection, who visited a governmental and referral center for HIV screening in Tehran (Tehran west health center (TWHC)) between May 2014 and July 2015 were enrolled according to the convenience sample strategy. After peripheral blood collection, isolation of plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) compartments, DNA extraction was performed. KSHV DNA was analyzed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) using primers from ORF-26 (virus minor capsid). Results: Among all 109 HIV-infected patients, 67 (61.5) were male, with an age range of 2 - 64 years (mean±standard deviation 35.8 ±13.3). KSHV DNA was found in PBMC and plasma samples of six (5.5) and four (3.6) patients, respectively. Conclusions: This study revealed a considerable prevalence of KSHV DNA, during latent and lytic phases, among HIV-infected patients. Risk factors for KSHV infection acquisition and concurrent. 0+infection with HIV were also evaluated. Diagnosis of KSHV in the group could be helpful for prognosis of Kaposi�s sarcoma and clinical management. © 2016, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Distribution of different hepatitis C virus genotypes in patients with hepatitis C virus infection

Aim: To investigate the presence of mixed infection and discrepancy between hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and liver biopsy specimens. Methods: From September 2008 up to April 2009, 133 patients with chronic hepatitis C referred to Firouzgar hospital for initiation of an antiviral therapy were recruited in the study. Five milliliters of peripheral blood was collected from each patient and liver biopsy was performed in those who gave consent or had indications. HCV genotyping was done using INNO-LiPATM HCV II in serum, PBMCs, and liver biopsy specimens and then confirmed by sequencing of 5-UTR fragments. Results: The mean age of patients was 30.3 ± 17.1 years. Multiple transfusion was seen in 124 (93.2) of patients. Multiple HCV genotypes were found in 3 (2.3) of 133 plasma samples, 9 (6.8) of 133 PBMC samples, and 8 (18.2) of 44 liver biopsy specimens. It is notable that the different genotypes found in PBMCs were not the same as those found in plasma and liver biopsy specimens. Conclusion: Our study shows that a significant proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C are affected by multiple HCV genotypes which may not be detectable only in serum of patients. © 2010 Baishideng