AIDS
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To assess the immediate and longer-term effects of the use of hormonal contraception on the progression of HIV-1 disease in postpartum women. ⋯ Comprehensive contraceptive counselling for HIV-1-infected women requires an understanding of the effects of various contraceptive methods on HIV-1 disease progression. In this study, hormonal contraception reassuringly had no immediate or longer-term effects on the rate of disease progression in chronically HIV-1-infected postpartum women. This highly effective family planning method may provide a useful and safe option for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1.
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Multicenter Study
Polymorphisms in Toll-like receptor 9 influence the clinical course of HIV-1 infection.
The clinical course of HIV-1 infection is highly variable among individuals, at least in part as a result of genetic polymorphisms in the host. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a key role in innate immunity and mutations in the genes encoding these receptors have been associated with increased or decreased susceptibility to infections. ⋯ Rapid progression of HIV-1 infection was associated with TLR9 polymorphisms. Because of its potential implications for intervention strategies and vaccine developments, additional epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to confirm this association.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Perpetration of partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among young men in the rural Eastern Cape, South Africa.
To examine associations between the perpetration of intimate partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among young men in rural South Africa. ⋯ Young men who perpetrate partner violence engage in significantly higher levels of HIV risk behaviour than non-perpetrators, and more severe violence is associated with higher levels of risky behaviour. HIV prevention interventions must explicitly address the links between the perpetration of intimate partner violence and HIV risk behaviour among men, as well as the underlying gender and power dynamics that contribute to both.