BackgroundData on lipid profile abnormalities among patients receiving highly active antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia are very limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and characteristics of lipid profiles among patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using first-line highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Southern Ethiopia.MethodsThis cross sectional comparative group study was conducted between March and May 2012, and included 113 HIV infected patients treated for a minimum of one year with first-line HAART regimens that included Efavirenz and Nevirapine (HAART group) and others 113 who had never received HAART (pre-HAART group). Serum lipid profiles were determined after overnight fasting and dyslipidemia was assessed according to the United State National Cholesterol Education program-III guideline. For statistical analysis Chi-square, student’s t-test, and logistic regression were used using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.ResultNinety-three (82.3%) of HAART and 87 (76.9%) pre-HAART patients had at least one laboratory abnormality, which is compatible with a diagnosis of dyslipidemia. Total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl occurred in 43.4% of HAART and 15.9% pre-HAART patients (p=<0.0001), whereas HDL-cholesterol below 40 mg/dl occurred in 43.4% and in 63.7% respectively, (p=0.002). The LDL-cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl occurred in 33.6% of HAART and 15% pre-HAART patients (p=0.001), while triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl occurred in 55.8% and 31.0% respectively, (p=0.001). Receiving of HAART was significantly and positively associated with raised total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. The adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of HAART-treated vs. pre-HAART was 3.80 (1.34-6.55) for total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dl; 2.64 (1.31-5.32) for LDL- cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dl and 2.50 (1.41-4.42) for triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl.ConclusionUse of first-line antiretroviral therapy regimens that contain Efavirenz and Nevirapine were associated with raised total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, an established atherogenic lipid profiles. Lipid profiles should be performed at baseline before commencement of antiretroviral therapy and then periodically through treatment follow-up to monitor any rising trends.

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BackgroundSyphilis facilitates both HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) transmission and acquisition, reflecting the complex interplay between the two infections. Scarce information exists regarding syphilis epidemiology in Ethiopian context. Thus, this study determined the sero-prevalence of syphilis and associated risk factors in people with HIV infection.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Hawassa Referral Hospital, southern Ethiopia from January to May, 2014. A consecutive 993 HIV–infected participants were studied; but individuals under 15 years of age or treated for syphilis or those with a CD4+ T–cell count below 50 cells/μl were excluded. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demography and potential risk factors for syphilis. Moreover, blood samples were collected from all participants and screened for syphilis using rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test, and those found sero-positive were confirmed using treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA).ResultsThe sero-prevalence of syphilis was found to be 7.3% (95% CI 5.7– 9%). The rate of infection was significantly higher among participants who were ART (antiretroviral therapy) naive (odds ratio (OR) = 2.2; 95% CI 1.22 – 4.1), men (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.22 – 3.87), older than 50 years of age (OR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.45 – 6.94), had only primary school level education (OR = 7.8; 95% CI 2.63 – 23.2) and had a history of blood transfusion (OR = 3.9; 95% CI 1.5 – 10.4).ConclusionThe high prevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected population warrants integrating syphilis screening with HIV care to limit the clinical consequences of untreated syphilis as well as its adverse impact on HIV transmission.

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Background: Malaria has remained a significant global public health problem. Both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are prevalent in Pakistan. Currently, comprehensive data on the epidemiology of Plasmodium infections in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province are not obtainable. Aims: This study was done to determine malaria prevalence and assess health facilities for malaria services and to provide the baseline information for malaria control in these areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using cluster sampling technique in three districts of KP province. A total of 31 041 individuals, 864 households and 98 healthcare centres were selected for a malaria prevalence survey, parasite net-owning survey and malaria services respectively. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Among all individuals screened for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) 4297 (13.8%) were found positive for RDT. The prevalence of P. vivax, P. falciparum and mixed infection was 92.4%, 4.7%, and 2.9%, respectively. The average number of individuals positive 1 / 11 WHO EMRO | Baseline survey for malaria prevalence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan for malaria among the three districts was 238.72 (95% CI: 82.67-394.78). There were significant differences in the prevalence of malaria infection among the districts (P < 0.05). The average number of households owned (44.10%) more than two long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs). The ratio of Chloroquine and Primaquine usage was high (0.58) compared to the other antimalarial drugs. Conclusions: The prevalence of malaria infection was high in the three endemic districts of KP province. Healthcare facilities of malaria services in these districts were weak. Additionally, the rate of LLINs household ownership was low. Malaria control or elimination strategies should be strengthened in these districts.