The role of cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, restricted by human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles, is recognized as highly significant in the successful clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The frequency of class I alleles in females inoculated with HCV genotype 1b from a single source was examined for an association with outcome. Class I typing was performed using polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific primers in 227 female subjects: 141 had chronic infection and 86 had viral clearance. Statistical analysis included 2 testing and multiple logistic regression analysis. A*03, B*27, and Cw*01 occurred more frequently in those with viral clearance (39.5%, 14%, and 9.3%, respectively) compared with those with chronic infection (19.1%, 2.1%, and 1.4%, respectively; P < .005). B*08 occurred more often in those with chronic infection compared with viral clearance (39.7% vs. H epatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus with a high rate of chronic infection. It is known that progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma may take up to 20 years in individuals who are chronically infected and thus represents a leading cause of hepatocellular morbidity and mortality. [1][2][3][4] To date, viral factors (e.g., genotype) and host factors (e.g., age of acquisition, male sex, and alcohol consumption) are known to alter both the natural history of the disease and treatment outcomes. 2,4-6 As yet, no in vivo models of infection are available in HCV infection, therefore the pathogenic mechanism of disease remains unclear. 19.8%; P ‫؍‬ .002). In combination with previously reported class II allele associations, overIn HCV infection, recognition and elimination of infected cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) require the presentation of specific HCV antigens on the membrane of hepatocytes in the context of HLA-A, -B and -C antigens. In acute HCV infection, animal models suggest that viral clearance appears to be dependent on an intrahepatic CTL response directed against multiple HCV antigens restricted by several class I molecules. 7 Human studies on peripheral blood similarly report that viral clearance is associated with a strong initial HCV-specific

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In Australia and other developed countries there is poor adherence to guidelines recommending the introduction of complementary feeding to infants at 6 months of age. We aimed to investigate, via adopting a theory of planned behaviour framework and incorporating additional normative and demographic influences, mothers' complementary feeding intentions and behaviour. Participants were 375 primiparas who completed an initial questionnaire (infant age 13±3 weeks) that assessed the theory of planned behaviour constructs of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control, as well as group norm and additional maternal and infant variables of mothers' age, education level, weight status perception, current maternal feeding practices, and infant birth weight. Approximately, 3 months after completion of the main questionnaire, mothers completed a follow-up questionnaire that assessed the age in months at which the infant was first introduced to solids. The theory of planned behaviour variables of attitude and subjective norm, along with group norm, predicted intentions, with intention, mothers' age (older more likely), and weight status perception (overweight less likely) predicting behaviour. Overall, the results highlight the importance of attitudes, normative influences, and individual characteristics in complementary feeding decision-making which should be considered when designing interventions aimed at improving adherence to current maternal feeding guidelines.

The objective of this study was to characterize the class I human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genetic composition of the Ugandan population to better define its relationship with other African groups. Samples from 175 individuals from Kampala (Uganda) were subjected to class I HLA-A, -B, and -C sequence-based typing. The high concordance between the major alleles and haplotypes found in the current and Kenyan populations and interpopulation genetic distance analysis strongly supported the presence of an East African cluster that contained the current Ugandan population along with Kenyan Luo and Nandi populations. The congruence of major alleles in different populations would permit consideration of East Africa as an integrated setting when designing and evaluating much needed malaria, tuberculosis, and AIDS vaccines.