Recombinant HIV-1 RT Fragment (M:A1 BA23)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the leading presentations of head and neck cancer (HNC). The first part of this review will describe the highlights of the oral microbiome in health and normal development while demonstrating how both the oral and gut microbiome can map OSCC development, progression, treatment and the potential side effects associated with its management. We then scope the dynamics of the various microorganisms of the oral cavity, including bacteria, mycoplasma, fungi, archaea and viruses, and describe the characteristic roles they may play in OSCC development. We also highlight how the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) may impinge on the host microbiome and increase the burden of oral premalignant lesions and OSCC in patients with HIV. Finally, we summarise current insights into the microbiome-treatment axis pertaining to OSCC, and show how the microbiome is affected by radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and also how these therapies are affected by the state of the microbiome, potentially determining the success or failure of some of these treatments.

Objective To determine the prevalence, risk factors and impact of non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sexual partners among HIV-positive patients at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study to enrol HIV-positive adults with one or more regular sexual partners during the past 3 months. We obtained personal information via anonymous questionnaire and clinical data of those receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for >= 12 months via chart-review. Results A total of 328 HIV-positive participants were enrolled. Approximately half were female and in the symptomatic HIV stage at diagnosis, with an average age 44.08 +/- 8.59 years. Approximately one-third of participants (35.7%) reported that they had not disclosed their HIV serostatus to their sexual partners. The non-disclosure group had a higher rate of poor ART adherence owing to fear of revealing their HIV serostatus to their partner (12.0% vs. 1.9%; P < 0.001), as compared with the disclosure group. Rates of immunological and virological failure did not differ between groups. Multivariate analysis [adjusted odds ratio (OR); 95% confidence interval (CI); P-value] revealed having an occupation as a teacher (4.08; 1.40-16.61; P = 0.01) and reporting acquisition of HIV infection through blood transfusion (4.08; 1.31-12.68; P = 0.02) were independent risk factors. Furthermore, a longer duration of the sexual relationship (0.997; 0.994-0.999; P = 0.02), having a seropositive sexual partner (0.57; 0.33-0.99; P = 0.04), living in their partner's house (0.53; 0.31-0.90; P = 0.02) and having a higher mean Pictorial Thai Self-Esteem Scale (PTSS) score (0.62; 0.38-0.99; P = 0.05) were identified as independent protective factors. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of HIV serostatus non-disclosure, which was associated with poorer ART adherence. Appropriately focusing interventions on high-risk populations with aforementioned risk factors is important for improved HIV care.