Mapping the HPV Landscape in South African Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Viral Genotypes, Microbiota, and Immune Signals.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence, genotype distribution, and associations with cervicovaginal microbiota and cytokine profiles among South African women, where cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched for studies on HPV infection up to 21 September 2024. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model, with subgroup analyses by province, sample type, and HIV status.

Immunologic, virologic and drug resistance outcomes in an HIV-infected prospective cohort on treatment in South Africa.

Background: In September 2016, South Africa introduced the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) programme to manage HIV infection. However, the development of drug resistance and sustaining viral suppression are challenges to the success of treatment programmes. This prospective observational study describes virologic, immunologic, and drug resistance profiles in a test and treat cohort in north-eastern South Africa.

Erratum: Prevalence and distribution of selected cervical human papillomavirus types in HIV infected and HIV uninfected women in South Africa, 1989-2021: A narrative review.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v37i1.

Molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Northern South Africa: wastewater surveillance from January 2021 to May 2022.

Introduction: Wastewater-based genomic surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) provides a comprehensive approach to characterize evolutionary patterns and distribution of viral types in a population. This study documents the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, in Northern South Africa, from January 2021 to May 2022.

Methodology: A total of 487 wastewater samples were collected from the influent of eight wastewater treatment facilities and tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Prevalence and distribution of selected cervical human papillomavirus types in HIV infected and HIV uninfected women in South Africa, 1989-2021: A narrative review.

Background: Human papillomavirus infection, a causative agent of cervical cancer, is of great concern, more so in populations with high HIV prevalence, such as South Africa.

Aim: This review aimed to examine the prevalence and distribution of selected cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) types in HIV infected and HIV uninfected women in South Africa.

Methods: PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using key words.

Drug Resistance Mutations in a Population Before Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Northern South Africa.

South Africa introduced the "diagnose and treat" universal HIV treatment program in September 2016. This program enables all identified HIV-positive patients to immediately start first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, the presence of drug-resistant (DR) viruses in the drug-naive population complicates the choice of ART.

Undisclosed exposure to antiretrovirals prior to treatment initiation: An exploratory analysis.

Background: The proportion of individuals with a history of exposure ('pre-exposure') to antiretrovirals (ARVs) prior to formal initiation into antiretroviral treatment (ART) is unknown.

Objectives: This study describes the detection of ARVs in plasma and/or hair, of persons who self-reported no pre-exposure to ART at their first-time initiation onto ART in three clinics in the province of Limpopo, South Africa (SA).

Method: Concentrations of tenofovir (TDF), emtricitabine (FTC) and efavirenz (EFV) in the plasma and hair of individuals initiating ART were analysed using a validated liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.

Potential challenges to sustained viral load suppression in the HIV treatment programme in South Africa: a narrative overview.

Background: South Africa, with one of the highest HIV prevalences in the world, introduced the universal test and treat (UTT) programme in September 2016. Barriers to sustained viral suppression may include drug resistance in the pre-treated population, non-adherence, acquired resistance; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and concurrent use of alternative treatments.

Objective: The purpose of this review is to highlight potential challenges to achieving sustained viral load suppression in South Africa (SA), a major expectation of the UTT initiative.

HIV-1 subtype C predicted co-receptor tropism in Africa: an individual sequence level meta-analysis.

Background: Entry inhibitors, such as Maraviroc, hold promise as components of HIV treatment and/or pre-exposure prophylaxis in Africa. Maraviroc inhibits the interaction between HIV Envelope gp120 V3-loop and CCR5 coreceptor. HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1-C) is predominant in Southern Africa and preferably uses CCR5 co-receptor.

Characterization of APOBEC3 variation in a population of HIV-1 infected individuals in northern South Africa.

Background: The apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) genes A3D, A3F, A3G and A3H have all been implicated in the restriction of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. Polymorphisms in these genes are likely to impact viral replication and fitness, contributing to viral diversity. Currently, only a few studies indicate that polymorphisms in the A3 genes may be correlated with infection risk and disease progression.

Next generation sequencing reveals a high frequency of CXCR4 utilizing viruses in HIV-1 chronically infected drug experienced individuals in South Africa.

Background: Entry inhibitors, such as Maraviroc, bind to CCR5 inhibiting entry of CCR5 utilizing viruses (R5 viruses). In the course of HIV infection, CXCR4 utilizing viruses (X4 viruses) may emerge and outgrow R5 viruses, and potentially limit the effectiveness of Maraviroc. The use of Maraviroc is reserved for salvage therapy in South Africa.