• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.71-75
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• 2008

The diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis has been carried out using coprologic techniques in the Republic of Korea. However, antibody responses to Cryptosporidium have rarely been studied. Serum antibodies from HIV-positive/oocyst-positive Korean patients recognized significantly 31 and 27 kDa antigens, and HIV-negative/oocyst-positive individuals clearly reacted to 15/17 kDa antigens. Compared with oocyst-positive cases, 18.7% and 75.8% of sera from HIV-positive patients reacted to 31 and 27 kDa antigens. Only 11.1% of HIV-negative individuals reacted to 15/17 kDa. Based on these findings, serum antibody responses were different between HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals infected with Cryptosporidium, and it is suggested that HIV-positive patients are more frequently exposed to C. parvum compared to HIV-negative individuals.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: Globally, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is responsible for one of the most serious pandemics to date. The vulnerability of the vestibular system in individuals with HIV has been confirmed, and central vestibular impairments have been frequently reported. However, there are disagreements on the impact of HIV on peripheral vestibular function. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence of peripheral vestibular impairment, specifically related to the semi-circular canals (SCCs), in HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Subjects and Methods: A total of 92 adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years (divided into two groups) participated in the study. The first group comprised HIV-positive individuals receiving ARV treatment (n₁=60), and the second group comprised HIV-negative participants (n₂=32). The video head impulse test was used to conduct the head impulse paradigm (HIMP). Results: Bilateral normal HIMP results were obtained in 95% of the HIV-positive participants and all HIV-negative participants. The gain of the left posterior SCCs was significantly lower in the HIV-positive group, while the gains of all other canals between the two groups were comparable. Conclusions: The prevalence of peripheral vestibular impairment in the HIV-positive group was not significantly different from that of the HIV-negative group. The reduced prevalence in the current study may be attributed to participant characteristics, the test battery employed, and the central compensation of the vestibular dysfunctions at the later stages of infection.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2021

Background and Objectives: Globally, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is responsible for one of the most serious pandemics to date. The vulnerability of the vestibular system in individuals with HIV has been confirmed, and central vestibular impairments have been frequently reported. However, there are disagreements on the impact of HIV on peripheral vestibular function. Thus, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence of peripheral vestibular impairment, specifically related to the semi-circular canals (SCCs), in HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Subjects and Methods: A total of 92 adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years (divided into two groups) participated in the study. The first group comprised HIV-positive individuals receiving ARV treatment (n₁=60), and the second group comprised HIV-negative participants (n₂=32). The video head impulse test was used to conduct the head impulse paradigm (HIMP). Results: Bilateral normal HIMP results were obtained in 95% of the HIV-positive participants and all HIV-negative participants. The gain of the left posterior SCCs was significantly lower in the HIV-positive group, while the gains of all other canals between the two groups were comparable. Conclusions: The prevalence of peripheral vestibular impairment in the HIV-positive group was not significantly different from that of the HIV-negative group. The reduced prevalence in the current study may be attributed to participant characteristics, the test battery employed, and the central compensation of the vestibular dysfunctions at the later stages of infection.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.776-782
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• 2015

It is believed that surgery on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients is dangerous and should be avoided due to the possibility of postoperative infection of the patients or HIV occupational transmission to the medical staff. We discuss here the preparations and measures needed to conduct surgery safely on HIV-positive patients, based on our experience. We performed sex reassignment surgery on two HIV-positive patients from January 2013 to January 2015. Both of them were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy and were asymptomatic, with a normal CD4 count ($>500cells/{\mu}L$). The HIV-RNA was undetectable within the bloodstream. All the staff wore protective clothing, glasses, and three pairs of protective gloves in the operating room because of the possibility of transmission. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered to the patients, and antiviral therapy was performed during their perioperative course. Neither of the patients had postoperative complications, and none of the medical staff experienced accidental exposure. Both patients had satisfactory surgery outcomes without complications. HIV-positive patients can undergo surgery safely without increased risk of postoperative complications or HIV transmission to the staff through the proper use of antibiotics, active antiretroviral therapy, and supplemental protective measures with post-exposure prophylaxis for the staff in case of HIV exposure.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.142-150
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was to identify the attitude of Korean HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)-positive men toward death. Methods: A Q-methodology was performed with 20 HIV-positive male individuals. Participants were asked to select and answer questions among a set of 40 Q-statements using a 9-point scale. The collected data were analyzed using the PC QUANL program. Results: Participants' attitudes toward death were categorized into four types. Type I was characterized by respect for life, type II by reality orientation, type III by pain evasion and type IV religious beliefs. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop an assessment tool and an intervention program for HIV-positive individuals.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.225-229
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• 2019

Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection present with unique intraoral manifestations of various neoplasms. Intraoral HIV-associated Burkitt's lymphoma is a rare presentation, especially in patients of Indian origin and may present as an initial sign of HIV. The objective of this paper is to report a rare case of Burkitt's lymphoma in an HIV-positive Indian patient along with a special emphasis on differential diagnosis. A 30-year-old Indian female presented with a solitary, well-defined, exophytic mass extending anteroposteriorly and buccolingually from the 35th to 38th regions with no evidence of intraosseous extension. An incisional biopsy was performed, and histopathology showed sheets of neoplastic lymphoid cells with numerous tingible body macrophages with clear cytoplasm, presenting a starry sky appearance, suggesting a diagnosis of BL. The tumor cells were positive for CD10, CD20, c-myc, and Epstein-Barr virus, with a nearly 100% Ki-67 proliferative index. The patient tested positive for HIV. This report indicates the importance of immunohistochemical analysis to differentiate Burkitt's lymphoma from other similar lesions like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Thorough knowledge of the clinical presentation, etiopathogenesis, histopathology, and immunoprofile of intraoral HIV-associated Burkitt's lymphoma is essential among clinicians and pathologists.

• Infection and chemotherapy
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.346-349
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• 2018

In 2015, rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing was implemented in all 25 public health centers in Seoul. During March and December 2015, 20,987 rapid HIV tests were performed, of which 116 (0.5%) were positive. Compared to those of the period before application of the rapid HIV test in place of conventional enzyme immunoassay method, the number of HIV tests performed and the number of positive results increased by sevenfold and twofold, respectively. In conclusion, expansion of the provision of rapid HIV tests in public health centers increased the number of voluntary HIV tests.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.266-275
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• 2023

Purpose: Although long-term viral suppression and antiretroviral therapy (ART) success depend on sustained adherence, adolescents' adherence rates are suboptimal. Optimal adherence is influenced by various factors. Since Sub-Saharan Africa is home to over 80% of adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and considering their unique characteristics and susceptibility to poor adherence, it is crucial to provide updated knowledge on adherence rates and their determinants among this population. This review aims to present up-to-date data on adherence rates and associated factors among HIV-positive adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed and Scopus databases were used to identify documents corresponding to the study's objectives. Eleven studies were included in this review after being selected from among all studies that were found online from 2017 to 2023. Results: The reported adherence rates ranged from 55% to 86%. In total, 32 factors were found to be related to adherence among HIV-positive adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa. These included 12 adherence-facilitating factors and 20 adherence-inhibiting factors. The most often mentioned factors affecting adherence were advanced World Health Organization clinical stage (i.e., stage IV), ART dose and regimens, a lack of support, and violence victimization. Conclusion: Our findings can help healthcare providers collaborate with HIV-positive adolescents to improve ART adherence and ensure the best possible health outcomes.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2011

Purpose: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global threat, and although the prevalence is comparatively still very low, the number of HIV-positive Koreans is increasing. However, there are no official guidelines as to how to treat people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) or how to screen for potentially infectious people. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes of dentists in Korea toward PLWHA, and their attitudes to screening patients for HIV infections. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective survey targeting dentists working in Korea was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A satisfactory level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and a relatively positive attitude toward PLWHA was found. Most of the respondents preferred rapid HIV testing using oral fluid as a specimen. The general attitude of dentists toward HIV/AIDS is sufficiently positive to enable provision of the best treatment to the patients in need. Conclusions: Most of the dentists require HIV testing in dental clinics. In spite of their needs, there are several obstacles. It is hoped that financial considerations and official legal requirements related to HIV testing strategies will be considered.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.554-561
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• 2006

Background: In AIDS patients, the respiratory tract is one of the most frequently involved site of by an opportunistic infection, and an even common, casual pulmonary infection manifests in a peculiar ways in AIDS patients. In Korea, because of the low prevalence of AIDS, there is insufficient data compared with other Southeast Asian counties. However, considering the sexual behavior of the younger generation, it is expected that it will not be long before AIDS becomes a major public health issue in Korea. This study examined the clinical manifestation of HIV positive people and AIDS patients. The pulmonary manifestion of HIV-positive was evaluated. This study focused on the differences in the clinical manifestation between AIDS patients with pulmonary disease and simple HIV positive people. The characteristics of common pulmonary infections in AIDS patients were also analyzed. Method: The medical records of 28 HIV positive patients who visited the hospital of ChungAng University Hospital from January, 2001 to February, 2006 were analyzed retrospectively. Result: Twenty-seven patients out of 28 HIV positive patients were male and the average age was 40.6(23-65). Patients in their thirties were most commonly affected. Elven patients had pulmonary diseases. Pulmonary tuberculosis (4 cases) and pneumocystis pneumonia (4 cases) were the most common respiratory infection. One patient showed a peculiar type of systemic cryptococcus. which was accompanied by lung and pleural dissemination. The CD4+lymphocyte count of patients with a pulmonary infection was significantly lower in patients with a pulmonary manifestation than those with only a HIV infection ($79.5/mm^3$ vs $400/mm^3$, respectively)(p<.05). Patients with pulmonary disease were in a more severe immunosuppressive state. There were 4 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 4 with pneumocystis pneumonia, 4 with secondary syphilis, 2 with primary syphilis, and 2 with HZV infection. The average CD4 lymphocyte counts was $56/mm^3$ in those with pulmonary tuberculosis, $42/mm^3$ in those with pneumocystis pneumonia, and $455/mm^3$ in those with secondary syphilis. Conclusion: This study examined the clinical manifestation of HIV positive patients, particularly AIDS patients with pulmonary disease, A more severe immunosuppressive status was observed in HIV-related pulmonary compared with those with HIV-related extrapulmonary disease, and the frequency of pulmonary tuberculosis in pulmonary disease was higher than expected. Respiratory infection in AIDS manifest in uncommon ways e.g. disseminated cryptococcosis involving the lung and pleura. Evidently, AIDS patients with a respiratory infection have a more severe form of immunosuppression than those with a simple HIV infection. As expected, patients with a pulmonary infection were in a more severe immunosuppressed state than those with a simple HIV infection. Opportunistic infections can show peculiar clinical presentations in AIDS patients.