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Sarcocystis myopathy in a patient with HIV-AIDS

Anderson D, Nathoo N, Lu JQ, Kowalewska-Grochowska KT, Power C

J Neurovirol, 2018 06;24(3):376-378.
PMID: 29508303 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-018-0620-x

Sarcocystosis is a zoonotic infection that causes intestinal and muscular illnesses in humans. Sarcocystosis was until recently considered rare in humans. To complete their life cycle, Sarcocystis species require both a definitive and an intermediate host. Humans are the definitive host when infected by one of two species: Sarcocystis hominis (from eating undercooked beef) or Sarcocystis suihominis (from eating uncooked pork). Infection with either of these species results in intestinal sarcocystosis, causing a self-limited disease characterized by nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Humans act as the intermediate host when infected by Sarcocystis nesbitti, resulting in the markedly different clinical picture of muscular sarcocystosis. Most documented cases of muscular sarcocystosis were assumed to be acquired in Malaysia, in addition to other regions of Southeast Asia and India. Published cases of muscular sarcocystosis from the Middle East, Central and South America, and Africa are all rare. Although the clinical presentation of muscular sarcocystosis remains to be fully characterized, fever, myalgia, and headache are among the most common symptoms. Here, we report a patient from sub-Saharan Africa with chronic Sarcocystis myopathy and well-controlled HIV-AIDS.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext A cross-section study of the knowledge, risk behaviours and attitude toward HIV/AIDS among factory workers in three states. [Kajian hirisan lintang mengenai pengetahuan, tingkah laku berisiko dan sikap terhadap HIV/AIDS di kalangan pekerja kilang di tiga buah negeri]

Anita S, Khalijah MY, Mahanim MY, Abd Rashid K, Rahimah MA, Ahmad Razin AM, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2004;4(1):40-46.
MyJurnal

HIV/AIDS is a global issue and the fourth biggest killer worldwide. Report from Ministry Of Health Malaysia showed factory workers are among the social group that are mostly infected (10.4%). A cross~sectional study was carried out to determine the socio-demographic factor and its relationship with knowledge, attitude and HIV-related risk behavior among factory workers in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and MaIacca. This study involved 3300 factory workers selected randomly and were given self-guided questionnaire. With response rate about 95.4% (3148), the level of knowledge was high (97.3%) and the attitude was positive (81 %). However there was still an amount of fear towards HIV/AlDS patient. Logistic regression showed significant difference (p<0.05) between level of knowledge and ethnic group, income and level of education and between attitude and income and level of knowledge. About 27.7% of respondents smoked cigarette. 4.2% involved with drugs of which 0.7% administered intravenously, 2.3% were homosexuals, 2.5% were bisexuals and 3.1% were hererosexuals. HIV/AIDS prevention and control intervention should take into consideration the local socio-cultural factors and commitment from the top level management in the factory·

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext Hiv infection among fishermen in Terengganu

Fauziah, M.N., Anita, S., Shaari, N., Ahamad, J., Senan, Pratap, Muhammad Amir, K.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2002;2(1):21-25.
MyJurnal

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of HI V iryfection, risk factors and to measure the knowledge on AIDS among fishermen in Terengganu. In this survey fishermen registered with the Malaysian Fishery Development Board in Terengganu were studied. There were 600 eligible fishermen based on a list provided by the Malaysian Fishery Development Board (MFDB). Study sites were at 6 loading centres where health personnel awaited returning fishermen between 4. 00pm —7. 00 pm during a period of one month, A total of 542 registeredfshermen were studied and this corresponded to a response rate of 90.3 %. The majority of the fishermen were Malays (98.6%}, Nine fishermen were tested positive to HIV antibody and this corresponds to a
g prevalence of I. 7%. Prevalence of HIV is higher among those with a positive history of drug use, single marital status and also among the unskilled workers who represented the socio-economically poorer group of fishermen. Almost 89% of respondents have heard about HIV/AIDS and among these, 93% received information through TV and radio. The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among fishermen admitting to drug taking, sex with prostitutes, and those who have had at least a secondary school education. The Prevalence of HIV infection among fishermen is higher than in the general population. Risk characterisation of HI V injection was statistically signyicant onlv among fishermen who gave positive history of drug used. Findings also suggest that poorer fishermen based on multiple indicators to socioeconomic status had a higher risk of being HIV positive as well as being less knowledgeable about AIDS, Health promotion strategies should focus on the use of TV and radio as an interactive medium to reach out to risk groups among fishermen as its popularity has been determined by this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext Baseline adherence, socio-demographic, clinical, immunological, virological and anthropometric characteristics of 242 HIV positive patients on ART in Malaysia

Abiola, Abdulrahman Surajudeen, Lekhraj Rampal, Norlijah Othman, Faisal Ibrahim, Hayati Kadir@Shahar, Anuradha P. Radhakrishnan

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2015;11(2):45-58.
MyJurnal

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents disease progression, and the emergence of resistant mutations. It also reduces morbidity, and the necessity for more frequent, complicated regimens which are also relatively more expensive. Minimum adherence levels of 95% are required for treatment success. Poor adherence to treatment remains a stumbling block to the success of treatment programs. This generates major concerns about possible resistance of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to the currently available ARVs. This paper aims to describe baseline results from a cohort of 242 Malaysian patients receiving ART within the context of an intervention aimed to improve adherence and treatment outcomes among patients initiating ART. A single-blinded Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial was conducted between January and December, 2014 in Hospital Sungai Buloh. Data on socio-demographic factors, clinical symptoms and adherence behavior of respondents was collected using modified, pre-validated Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group (AACTG) adherence questionnaires. Baseline CD4 count, viral load, weight, full blood count, blood pressure, Liver function and renal profile tests were also conducted and recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 and R software. Patients consisted of 215 (89%) males and 27 (11%) females. 117 (48%) were Malays, 98 (40%) were Chinese, 22 (9%) were Indians while 5 (2%) were of other ethnic minorities. The mean age for the intervention group was 32.1 ± 8.7 years while the mean age for the control group was 34.7 ± 9.5 years. Mean baseline adherence was 80.1 ± 19.6 and 85.1 ± 15.8 for the intervention and control groups respectively. Overall mean baseline CD4 count of patients was 222.97 ± 143.7 cells/mm³ while overall mean viral load was 255237.85 ± 470618.9. Patients had a mean weight of 61.55 ± 11.0 kg and 61.47 ± 12.3 kg in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Males account for about 90% of those initiating ART in the HIV clinic, at a relatively low CD4 count, high viral load and sub-optimal medication adherence levels at baseline.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Active human Herpesvirus-6 infections and associated diseases

Yadav, M.

Malaysian Journal of Child Health, 1991;3(1):11-22.
MyJurnal

Human Herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infections are ubiquitous in human populations with an antibody prevalence of 30-85 percent in normal adults. The virus in vivo infects T-lympho-cytes, at various stages of differentiation and is cytopathic to host cell during productive infection. In culture the virus is pleiotropic for several established cell lines including T and B lymphocytes, macrophages and neural cells. Primary viral infection occurs mostly in early childhood. The saliva is the primary source of infection. The infection remains clinically silent in majority but it establishes a lifelong latent presence. However, in about 30 percent of infants, probably a varient HHV-6, causes exanthem subitum (roseola infantum). If the primary infection of HHV-6 is delayed until adolescence it is accompanied by clinical manifestation of an Epstein-Barr virus like infectious mononucleosis in some individuals. Depressed host immune functions may reactivate the latent HHV-6 infection and further aggravation of the primary disease. Since the virus is cytopathic to the host cell the presence of HHV-6 in AIDS patients and other lympholiferative disorders may increase the severity and pathogenicity of the primary disease. Antibodies to the HHV-6 are enhanced in autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, progressive lymphoroliferative disorders and organ transplant patients on immunosuppressive drugs therapy. While considerable basic immunovirological information has been obtained in the last 4 years, large gaps in knowledge still exist on the biologic interaction of HHV-6 with the host.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext Knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS among transsexuals in Kuantan, Pahang

Ramli, M., Mohd Aznan, M.A., Maliya. S., Muhamad Shaiful Lizam, M.A., Muhammad Salman, M.H., Mohamad Faqihuddin, H., et al.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2016;15(1):45-50.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Lack of knowledge and negative attitude towards HIV/AIDS may be the risk factors for HIV infection among transsexuals. Research on knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection in transsexual communities is very limited at both local and international levels. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection among the male-to-female transsexual community in Kuantan, Pahang.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from July to August 2014 among 33 male-to-female transsexuals in Kuantan, Pahang. Convenience sampling was used. Participants who gave consent answered a self-administered questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed with descriptive statistics, χ2-test, and independent sample t test.
Results: The majority of the subjects in this study were 29 years and below (48.5%), Muslims (93.9%), and had completed up to secondary education (60.6%). Most of them were sex workers (60.6%), and had relatively low income (no income to RM 3000, mean of RM1528). A total of 87.9% of the subjects demonstrated good knowledge and also positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS. Level of education was significantly associated with scores in knowledge (p=0.01).
Conclusions: Despite the positive outcome from this study, misconceptions towards HIV/AIDS still exist among transsexuals. Education and interventions from multiple directions on HIV/AIDS are essential to deliver the correct information to this population, so as to emphasize prevention, early detection, and holistic medical care. Transsexuals also require attention from religious bodies and non-governmental organizations to help them in employment, financial, spiritual, and psycho-social issues.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy and associated factors among people living with HIV in Omdurman City, Sudan

Yassin Ibrahim, Rosnah Sutan, Khalib Bin Abdul Latif, Al - Abed A. Al - Abed, Amara, Ahmed, Adam, Ishag

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(1):90-101.
MyJurnal

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays an important role in the treatment outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Poor adherence would result in failure to prevent viral replication as well as an increased risk of developing drug resistance. Adherence to a life long treatment such as antiretroviral therapy is usually a complicated issue that requires careful and continuous collaboration of patient, family and healthcare provider. The objective of this study was to assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among people living with HIV. This is a health facility-based cross sectional study conducted among adults’ people living with HIV in Omdurman HIV/AIDS centre, Sudan. Data was collected through direct interview using semi-structured questionnaire. There were only 144/846 (17.02%) who adhered to antiretroviral therapy as prescribed by their doctors. The remaining 51.18% were taking the therapy but not regularly, 31.21% were taking it but currently not and 0.59% stated that they have never taken any antiretroviral therapy. Factors associated with poor adherence that have been identified include female gender (Adj. OR = 3.46 (95%CI: 1.46-8.21), P = 0.005), younger age (Adj. OR = 1.14 (95%CI: 1.02-1.28), P = 0.022), being unemployed (Adj. OR = 5.94 (95%CI: 1.51-23.40), P = 0.011), those who were divorced, separated or widowed (Adj. OR = 11.35 (95%CI: 1.74-73.96), P = 0.011) and respondents who perceived that their health status is poor (Adj. OR = 5.21 (95%CI: 1.44-18.81), P = 0.012) or very poor (Adj. OR = 4.04 (95%CI: 1.27-12.81), P = 0.018). Educational level and social support against HIV-related stigma and discrimination were not significantly associated with adherence. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among the respondents is very poor. Urgent interventions based on modifiable factors and mainly targeting females and younger age group are needed to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext Attitude towards sex: study of secondary schoolchildren in Selangor state

Maha, A., Azhar, M. Z., Sherina, M. S., Sharmili, V., Rampal, L., Abdah, A., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2010;6(1):33-61.
MyJurnal

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is one of the leading health problems worldwide. There is an increasing rate among the ages between 13 to 49 years old. School based intervention is an important component of community-based interventions for HIV/AIDS and is the best stage to promote abstinence which is best maintained among those not sexually experienced. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine attitude towards sex among secondary school children in Selangor state. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Four out of nine districts in Selangor state were selected at random. Students were divided according to gender, academic performance (good or poor) with no behavioural problems
and students with evidence of behaviour problems (at risk). Results: Out of 149 students, the majority (56.4%) were females. The majority of students did not think sex should be discussed in depth and do not speak to parents, teachers, religious teachers, counselors, relatives, doctors or nurses but speak to friends regarding sex. More than half watch pornography. A significantly higher percentage of male students in the weak and at-risk group admit to thinking of intimacy (hugging and kissing) with the opposite gender. A higher number of these students would try sex out of curiosity, for fun, because it was difficult to say ‘no’ to and that they would like it. A significantly higher percentage will try sex because they did not want to hurt their girlfriends’ feeling by saying ‘no’. While the majority of students think intimacy will end in sex, a significantly higher percentage of male at-risk students think just talking with the opposite gender will end in sex. The majority of male students responded feeling attracted to the picture of a girl in sexy clothing but a significantly higher percentage of at-risk students also felt attracted to the picture of a girl properly attired. A significantly higher percentage of male at-risk students say parents do not say sex before marriage is wrong and a significantly higher percentage of
male students of weak and at-risk groups say girlfriends say sex before marriage is okay. A significantly higher percentage of weak and at-risk students speak to doctors regarding sex and think sex should be discussed in depth. Conclusion: Weak and at-risk male students appeared to have a more vulnerable attitude towards sex. This may predispose them to risky sexual behaviours leading to HIV/AIDS. Poor academic performance and behaviour problems may not be different as potential sexual risk predictors. The information obtained will be useful in designing intervention programmes in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext Malaysian youth sexuality: issues and challenges

Low, W.Y.

JUMMEC, 2009;12(1):3-14.
MyJurnal

Youth sexuality is a great concern for many. Sexual health issues facing our youths are: premarital sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted and unsafe pregnancies and abortions, sexual diversity, HIV/AIDS, and cybersex. Various factors lead to risky sexual and reproductive health behavior, particularly among those unmarried youths: lack of sexual and reproductive health information and skills in negotiating sexual relationships and the inaccessibility of youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services. Growing peer pressure of pre-marital sex plays a major role in sexual and reproductive health related decision-making among youths. Another factor is the issue of sexuality education which is still considered a sensitive topic and thus impinging on its implementation, due to cultural and religious constraints. Misunderstanding and a lack of information on sexual diversity have caused a concern for many, as there is a tendency for judgments, stereotypes, discriminations and prejudices towards homosexuality in the society. Online sexual activities or cybersex have become the next sexual revolution. Negative consequences are shown for those hooked on cybersex. Healthy youths are fundamental to the prevention initiatives. Promoting the sexual and reproductive needs and rights of our youths is warranted.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukaemia virus infection in Malaysia: a retrospective study

Sivagurunathan A, Atwa AM, Lobetti R

JFMS Open Rep, 2018 03 13;4(1):2055116917752587.
PMID: 29568541 DOI: 10.1177/2055116917752587

Objectives: Feline ownership is popular and represents the largest segment of the pet population in Malaysia. Most feline owners own, on average, 2-3 cats, with some having >10 cats per household. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are two clinically important viral infections in cats. Documenting the prevalence of these diseases in the feline population is important for both veterinarians and the public.

Methods: This was a retrospective study, using data collected from the domestic cat population seen at a 24 h private veterinary hospital in Malaysia, to determine the prevalence of FIV and FeLV in an urban area and risk factors associated with these infections. Between 2010 and 2016, 2230 blood samples were collected and tested for FIV antibodies and FeLV antigen using commercially available ELISA test kits.

Results: In total, 10.0% (n = 224; 95% confidence interval [CI] 8.80-11.26) were seropositive for FIV; 12.0% (n = 267; 95% CI 10.62-13.32) were seropositive for FeLV; and 2.6% (n = 58; 95% CI 2.01-3.17) were seropositive for both.

Conclusions and relevance: The prevalence of FIV is lower and FeLV higher than previously documented for this region. Because of the immunosuppressive potential of both viruses, client education and use of appropriate control strategies such as routine screening, vaccination and eradication should be considered.

Matched MeSH terms: Feline Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext A cross-sectional survey of knowledge and attitude towards HIV/AIDS patients among nursing students in teaching hospital

Hamidah Othman, Noor Azizah Mohd Ali

The Malaysian Journal of Nursing, 2017;8(3):27-34.
MyJurnal

HIV/AIDS is a matter of concern and has become a pandemic disease that threatens the world population. It
has remained one of the priorities in global public health challenges. Caring for people with HIV/AIDS
requires clinical expertise as well as high-quality skills for health care providers. The purpose of the study was
to examine knowledge and attitude on HIV/AIDS patients among nursing students. A cross-sectional study
was conducted in Public University at Wast Cost Malaysia. The 126 respondents of nursing students agreed to
participate in the study using a self-administered questionnaire that was designed and modied after reading
and referring to articles, books, and journals. The results of the research revealed that nursing students, in
general, have a satisfactory knowledge (mean score 30.71), but had a moderate attitude toward HIV/AIDS
patient with total mean score 2.34. Most of the students (89.3%) get the knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS
through the internet. The majority of the students knew that blood transfusion (99.4%) and sharing
needles/syringe (99%) were the higher sources HIV/AIDS modes of transmission. Most of the students agreed
that peoples with HIV/AIDS should be treated in society with support from the community (97.0%). Although
the knowledge level of nursing students seems to be satisfactory, but they still showed the moderate attitude
towards HIV/AIDS patients. Thus, structured education programmes should be conducted by nursing faculty
to ensure that nursing students gain the necessary accurate knowledge and an appropriate attitude towards the
care of HIV/AIDS patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext The level of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS among young mothers. [Tahap pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan terhadap pencegahan HIV/AID dalam kalangan ibu muda.]

Norfazilah Ahmad, Mohd Rohaizat Hassan, Incham Manggat, Mohd Rizam Abdul Rahman, Hazlina Mohd Miskam, Sazman Wahab, et al.

Int J Public Health Res, 2018;8(1):913-923.
MyJurnal

Introduction The Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and a disease with high morbidity and mortality.Young mothers are sub-populations that are at high risk for HIV through sexual activity. In addition, information on the level of knowledge, attitude and practice among young mothers in Malaysia regarding HIV/AIDS prevention is still limited.Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS among young mothers and the factors that influence them.
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in a city center among 147 young mothers aged 18-30 years old at the Post Natal and Obstetrics and Gynecology Ward (O & G). Data collection was conducted in April-November 2014 and the respondents' selection was based on simple random sampling. A questionnaire containing validated instruments was used in this study. Approval for conducting research has been obtained from the UKM Research Ethics Committee before the data collection procedure is implemented.
Results Majority of the young mothers have good knowledge (78.8%) and practice (71.2%) towards HIV/AIDS prevention. While more than half of them (56.7%) have positive attitude towards the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Living in the urban area and being married are significantly associated with having good knowledge and positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS prevention. While, mothers who are 5 years older compared to the younger ones and being married are significantly associated with having good practice towards HIV/AIDS prevention.
Conclusions The level of knowledge, attitudes and practices as well as the associated factors could be the baseline to formulate health intervention to prevent HIV/AIDS among this vulnerable group.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
An Islamic Microfinance Approach to Scaling up the Economic Life of Vulnerable People with HIV/AIDS in the Muslim Society

Islam R, Ahmad R, Ghailan K, Hoque KE

J Relig Health, 2020 Jun;59(3):1327-1343.
PMID: 31134517 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00832-8

People with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) commonly pose problems to their family as well as to society because of their vulnerable health and economic conditions. Contrarily, PLWHA encounter social discrimination and adverse realities while finding it difficult to continue in their jobs. These complex phenomena interact to push them into a low economic status. A microfinance program can hopefully assist poor patients to cope with the negative economic consequences of this disease. But the conventional market-oriented microfinance institutions show reluctance to serve this group of people due to the possibilities of having credit risk. In this paper, we propose an alternative microfinancing technique that can provide a better economic life of the PLWHA while absorbing the credit risks. A comprehensive model is designed using specific Islamic financial instruments in conjugation with household economic portfolio theory. Critical realism method was adopted to construct this model. We concluded that the application of Islamic microfinance can enhance income of HIV patients while reducing the productivity-loss. This model can be useful to the microfinance practitioners and policymakers for addressing a different market segment, diversifying products, and formulating policy.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease screening and management protocols among adult HIV clinics in Asia

Boettiger DC, Law MG, Ross J, Huy BV, Heng B, Ditangco R, et al.

Journal of virus eradication, 2020 Feb 20;6(1):11-18.
PMID: 32175086

Objectives: Integration of HIV and non-communicable disease services improves the quality and efficiency of care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We aimed to describe current practices for the screening and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among adult HIV clinics in Asia.
Methods: Sixteen LMIC sites included in the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS - Asia-Pacific network were surveyed.
Results: Sites were mostly (81%) based in urban public referral hospitals. Half had protocols to assess tobacco and alcohol use. Protocols for assessing physical inactivity and obesity were in place at 31% and 38% of sites, respectively. Most sites provided educational material on ASCVD risk factors (between 56% and 75% depending on risk factors). A total of 94% reported performing routine screening for hypertension, 100% for hyperlipidaemia and 88% for diabetes. Routine ASCVD risk assessment was reported by 94% of sites. Protocols for the management of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, high ASCVD risk and chronic ischaemic stroke were in place at 50%, 69%, 56%, 19% and 38% of sites, respectively. Blood pressure monitoring was free for patients at 69% of sites; however, most required patients to pay some or all the costs for other ASCVD-related procedures. Medications available in the clinic or within the same facility included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (81%), statins (94%) and sulphonylureas (94%).
Conclusion: The consistent availability of clinical screening, diagnostic testing and procedures and the availability of ASCVD medications in the Asian LMIC clinics surveyed are strengths that should be leveraged to improve the implementation of cardiovascular care protocols.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Spectrum of opportunistic infections related to the central nervous system among AIDS patients in Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Nissapatorn V, Lee C, Khairul Anuar A

JUMMEC, 2000;5:89-92.

A relTospective study was conducted in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, May, 2001.49 (12.1%) of 406 AIDS patients were diagnosed as opportunistic infections related to the central nervous system. The sex ratio (M:F) was 7.2. The median age was 34 years. The predominant age group for male as same as female was 25-34 years.The majority of the study subjects were Chinese (79.6%), married (49%), unemployed (42.9%) and heterosexuals (95.9%) as the risk behavior related to HlV infection. The most frequent clinical manifestations was headache (71.4%). At the time of diagnosis, the greater number of patients 39 (79.6%) had CD4 count < 200 celVcumm. Outcome of acute therapy the patients had a complete (85.7%), treatment continued (10.3%), and transfer to other hospital (2.00/0). Toxoplasmic encephalitis (7.6%) and cryptococcosis (3.9%) were the frequent cause of focal intracerebral lesions and meningitis in these patients respectively. Oral candidiasis (32.7%) was the most common among other opportunistic infections in this study. KEYWORDS: AIDS, Opportunistic infections. central nervous system, clinical manifestations, outcome.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Malaysian society and health: issues and challenges in the 21st century

Wong YL, Mohd Amin J

JUMMEC, 2005;8:53-58.

Malaysia, like many aspiring developing countries, is undergoing a health transition that has seen the concomitant decrease in communicable diseases and increase in chronic diseases due to urbanization, modernization and ageing population. Health in the Malaysian society will thus increasingly focus on emerging problems that are both chronic and infectious in nature, such as, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS. Re-emerging diseases previously well-controlled, such as, tuberculosis for instance is another addition to these immediate health issues facing Malaysian society today. Despite the tremendous health gains and above average health status that Malaysians now enjoy, we are compelled to take stock of these urgent issues as well as to anticipate and handle serious challenges to our health in the 21st century. In this paper, we review the changing trends and discuss related challenges in disease pattern, environmental health, demographic impacts on health, migration influxes and health, effects of globalization on health, mental health and wellness as well as fundamental access and equality in health care. Being proactive, resilient and innovative, Malaysian society would forge ahead towards our Vision for Health in this new era. KEYWORDS: Society and health, health trends and issues, Vision for Health, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Fulltext The Health Status of Muslim Women with HIV/AIDS in Arab Countries

Salih, F.A.M., Haque, Q.M.

International Medical Journal Malaysia, 2007;6(2):1-5.
MyJurnal

The number of people worldwide living with human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) is more than 40 million, among them 17.7 millions are women (UNAIDS/WHO, 2006) The latest report from the Eastern Mediterranean Region shows that at least one million people are infected with HIV; among them 30% are women. The great majority of reported cases in the Region are men. However, the ratio of men to women cases varies in different countries. It ranges between “9:1 (as for example in Egypt), to 2:1” (as in Morocco and some parts of Yemen). Due to religious, social and cultural values regarding female purity, women and girls living with HIV and AIDS are subjected to greater discrimination than men. WHO reports show that a large percentage of the infected women in Arab countries have contacted the infection from their husbands especially migrants and drug abusers. In Arab countries, studies conducted show that 86% of women choose not to disclose their status of infection for the fear of abandonment, rejection, discrimination, violence, upsetting family members, and accusations of infidelity from their partners, families, and communities. As a result, many women only seek help at the last minute when they are already been terminally ill. Violence against women and girls in its different forms increases women's vulnerability to HIV infection and undermines AIDS control efforts. The fear of violence prevents many women from accessing HIV information, from getting testing and seeking treatment. Stigma and discrimination may also prevent them from carrying out their normal life activities. When women are blamed, this can lead to heightened levels of sexual and domestic violence, abandonment by families and communities, forced abortion or sterilization, dismissal from employment and loss of livelihood opportunities. A study of AIDS-related discrimination in Arab region found that over ten percent of women had lost financial support from family members since being diagnosed as HIV positive. There is a great deal of evidence to establish the significant link between gender-based violence and rising rates of HIV infection among women and girls throughout the world. HIV-positive women must be supported to make their own reproductive choices about whether and/or when to have children. Promote male involvement in sexual and reproductive health programmes. Finally the stigma, discrimination and violations must be stopped.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Oral histoplasmosis in Malaysia: A retrospective analysis of cases reported in Stomatology Unit, Institute for Medical Research during 1995-2016

Noratikah AH, Ajura AJ, Lau SH

Trop Biomed, 2018 Dec 01;35(4):1041-1048.
PMID: 33601851

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection caused by inhalation of Histoplasma capsulatum, which is mainly found in bird and bat droppings. Oral manifestation of histoplasmosis may be the only initial manifestation of the disease or associated with chronic disseminated histoplasmosis. The first review of oral histoplasmosis among Malaysian population from 1967 to 1994 (27 years) revealed the occurrence of 37 cases, reported by Ng and Siar in 1996. This current study is the updated overview of oral histoplasmosis cases in Malaysia. The objective of the study was to review and describe clinical and demographic profile of oral histoplasmosis in Malaysia and to correlate histopathological features of oral histoplasmosis with patient's immunity status. We reviewed oral histoplasmosis cases diagnosed in Stomatology Unit, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), Kuala Lumpur from 1995 until 2016. The data was retrieved from the Oral Pathology Information system (OPIS) Stomatology Unit, IMR, which is the largest oral pathology database in Malaysia. Information regarding patients' sociodemographic data, medical illness, clinical presentation, histopathological features, and referring healthcare institutions was extracted from the clinical information which accompanied the biopsy request form. A total of 39 cases of oral histoplasmosis were identified from 1995-2016. Majority of them were male (89.7%). The age ranges from 29 to 85 years with mean age of 57.8 years. Almost half of them were Malays (51.3%), followed by Chinese (33.3%), Indians (7.7%), and other races (7.7%). The most common sites of oral histoplasmosis were tongue, gingiva, palate, and alveolar ridge. The main clinical presentation was ulcer (61.5%) whereas 38.5% presented clinically as swelling. 17.9% of patients were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 12.8% had tuberculosis, 10.3% had diabetes mellitus, and 2.6% with hepatitis C. The incidence of oral histoplasmosis should raise suspicion of hidden immunodepression and may be the first manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Early recognition and diagnosis is crucial to reduce risk of morbidity and mortality.

Matched MeSH terms: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

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