•Long-acting injectable antiretroviral agents are being developed as potential alternatives to pill-based treatment regimens for HIV.•Two of these agents, cabotegravir and rilpivirine, have been ...demonstrated as tolerable and efficacious at managing infection when administered in combination.•Other long-acting injectable antiviral agents are at various stages of development.
The development of potent antiretroviral drugs has significantly reduced morbidity and mortality associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection, however, the effectiveness of these medications depends upon consistent daily oral intake. Non-adherence can lead to the emergence of resistance, treatment failure and disease progression. This has necessitated the development of long-acting antiretroviral formulations administrable via an infrequent dosing regimen. Long-acting injectable forms of cabotegravir and rilpivirine have reached various stages in clinical trials both for the treatment and prevention of HIV. Other long-acting agents are at various stages of development. This review evaluates the current research on the development of long-acting injectable antiretroviral agents for the treatment and prevention of HIV.
Introduction: Breast tuberculosis (TB) is a rare extra-pulmonary presentation of tuberculosis. In the western world, this accounts for less than 0.1% of breast conditions (all breast conditions, not ...limited to TB or extra-pulmonary TB), but can be up to 3-4% in regions endemic for TB such as in Africa and Asia. Case presentation: We report a case of a 54-year- old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive lady who presented with six months history of multiple masses on the left breast which were initially suspected to be cancer of the breast. However, histology report of the mass confirmed TB of the breast. Conclusions: Presentation of TB can be non-specific and atypical in patients with HIV infection, especially when it presents in extra-pulmonary forms.
Background
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against infections. Unlike traditional vaccines, this unique type of vaccine elicits robust and persistent innate and ...humoral immune response with a unique host cell‐mediated pathogen gene expression and antigen presentation.
Methods
This offers a novel approach to combat poxviridae infections. From the genome of vaccinia and Mpox viruses, three key genes (E8L, E7R, and H3L) responsible for virus attachment and virulence were selected and employed for designing the candidate mRNA vaccine against vaccinia and Mpox viral infection. Various bioinformatics tools were employed to generate (B cell, CTL, and HTL) epitopes, of which 28 antigenic and immunogenic epitopes were selected and are linked to form the mRNA vaccine construct. Additional components, including a 5′ cap, 5′ UTR, adjuvant, 3′ UTR, and poly(A) tail, were incorporated to enhance stability and effectiveness. Safety measures such as testing for human homology and in silico immune simulations were implemented to avoid autoimmunity and to mimics the immune response of human host to the designed mRNA vaccine, respectively. The mRNA vaccine's binding affinity was evaluated by docking it with TLR‐2, TLR‐3, TLR‐4, and TLR‐9 receptors which are subsequently followed by molecular dynamics simulations for the highest binding one to predict the stability of the binding complex.
Results
With a 73% population coverage, the mRNA vaccine looks promising, boasting a molecular weight of 198 kDa and a molecular formula of C8901H13609N2431O2611S48 and it is said to be antigenic, nontoxic and nonallergic, making it safe and effective in preventing infections with Mpox and vaccinia viruses, in comparison with other insilico‐designed vaccine for vaccinia and Mpox viruses.
Conclusions
However, further validation through in vivo and in vitro techniques is underway to fully assess its potential.
The article presents the development of a novel messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine targeting poxviridae infections. Through bioinformatics analysis and molecular simulations, the vaccine construct containing 28 antigenic epitopes was designed, with safety measures to avoid autoimmunity. The mRNA vaccine demonstrated promise, showing potential for preventing infections with Mpox and vaccinia viruses.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important global public health challenge, and the burden of the disease is huge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the majority of people ...with this condition reside. Undiagnosed DM is more prevalent in LMICs. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors for DM in Ekiti State.
A cross-sectional, household-based survey using a four-stage multistage sampling design and the World Health Organization (WHO)-STEPS survey manual was conducted from July to September 2020 as a part of the Ekiti State coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survey. Of the 5,145 sampled households, 4,726 individuals gave consent to participate in the survey. Out of these, 3043 had fasting plasma glucose results available and were included in the analysis.
There were 2257 (74.2%) women and 786 (25.8%) men. The prevalence of DM was 6.5% (6.5% in males and 6.6% in females, P = 0.946). Diabetes was found to be more prevalent among those with a secondary school education or higher (10.9%); employed in the formal sector (13.4%); separated, divorced, or widowed (8.5%); with raised blood pressure (9.3%); and who were aged 30-59 years (all P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression showed that age, education, occupation, and hypertension were all positively and significantly associated with an increased risk of DM.
The prevalence of DM in Ekiti State is high, and its predictors include advancing age, hypertension, education, and occupation. This calls for scaling up public health interventions for controlling DM, targeting the identified risk factors among the people of Ekiti.
Hepatitis B virus infection is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease in Nigeria with its attendant complications. Majority of Nigerians do not know their status, therefore there is a need to ...routinely screen the populace to detect those who are infected. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among the participants of a public health outreach. This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted by the Enlightenment Initiative on Viral Hepatitis during the 2022 World Hepatitis Day. Consenting patients attending the General Out-Patient Clinic of the hospital were counselled and screened for HBsAg and Anti-HCV using Rapid Test Kits. Consenting members of staff of the hospital were also counselled and screened. A total number of 171 patients participated in the free screening exercise; 53 males (31%) and 118 females (69%) with a mean(±SD) age of 37.27±13.65. Seventy-five members of staff of the hospital also participated in the free screening exercise; 29 males (38.7%) and 46 females (61.3%) with a mean(±SD) age of 43.36±6.48. All the 171 patients were screened for HBsAg and 7(4.1%) were found to be reactive. Similarly, all the 75 members of staff were screened for HBsAg and 1 (1.3%) was found to be reactive. Furthermore, 50 of the patients were screened for anti-HCV and 3(6.0%) of them were found to be reactive. Hepatitis B and C viruses are very much prevalent in our environment. The importance of routine screening for these viruses in our population cannot be overemphasized
Background: Early career doctors (ECDs) are a dynamic and highly mobile group of medical and dental practitioners who form a significant proportion of the health workforce in Nigeria. The challenges ...of residency training and ECDs in Nigeria CHARTING Phase I study explored limited challenges affecting ECDs under the broad themes of demography, workplace issues, and psychosocial issues. The CHARTING II was expanded to provide wider insight into the challenges of ECDs in Nigeria. Objective: This protocol aims to provide clear objectives including description of objectives, design, and rationale for the conduct of the proposed CHARTING II study which seeks to explore other components under the various themes of demographic, workplace, psychosocial issues affecting the ECDs in Nigeria, and which were not explored under CHARTING I. Methodology: This shall be a mixed study design that will combine qualitative and quantitative methods, to investigate 27 subthemes among 2000 ECDs spread across 31 centers, accredited by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors. Participants shall be selected using the multistage sampling method. The primary data will be generated using structured proforma and validated questionnaires, while administrative sources would serve as a source of secondary data. Data will be entered and analyzed using appropriate statistical software. Conclusion: CHARTING II study would provide more robust data and insight into the problems encountered by ECDs in Nigeria. This would in turn build a platform for institutional engagement and advocacy in order to drive relevant policies to mitigate these challenges.
