Persistent diarrhea and fecal shedding of retroviral nucleic acids in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Article Abstract:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) multiplies in lymphocytes, a type of immune cell, and macrophages, a type of defense cell. Infection with HIV causes AIDS. Although several symptoms of HIV infection result from impairment of the immune system, HIV disease may also involve other organ systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract. HIV-infected patients may develop severe diarrhea, impaired absorption of nutrients, perforation or ulcer formation in the intestines, inflammation of the esophagus, or chronic abdominal pain. Gastrointestinal complications of HIV disease in children can result in nutritional deficiency and worsening of immune abnormalities. Direct infection of gastrointestinal cells by HIV may be indicated by fecal shedding, or the presence of the virus in the feces. The fecal shedding of HIV may increase the risk of HIV transmission in the environment or by the fecal-oral route. The role of HIV infection of gastrointestinal cells was assessed by detection of HIV nucleic acids in the feces of HIV-infected children with gastrointestinal symptoms. The nucleic acid known as ribonucleic acid (RNA) was collected from the feces and converted to DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase. The DNA was then amplified, or copied several times, to produce quantities sufficient for identification and analysis. HIV nucleic acids were detected in the feces of HIV-infected children with and without diarrhea. However, the nucleic acids of HIV were not detected in the feces of children without HIV disease. These findings suggest that HIV infection of gastrointestinal cells may contribute to the development of gastrointestinal complications of HIV disease in children. The fecal shedding of HIV has important implications about the spreading of HIV in the environment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, HIV (Viruses), HIV, HIV infection in children, Pediatric HIV infections, Disease transmission, Feces

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Measles-associated diarrhea in hospitalized children in Lima, Peru: pathogenic agents and impact on growth

Article Abstract:

Measles is a highly contagious disease and one of the most persistent known to man. Its incidence is higher in underdeveloped countries than in the Western world. Diarrhea is commonly associated with measles and can be fatal if the resulting dehydration becomes severe enough. If this is to be countered, more must be known about the specific agents that cause diarrhea in those with measles. In Lima, Peru, 154 infants under five years old being treated diarrhea were studied. Half of the children had diarrhea from the measles and the others had diarrhea as the chief complaint. A clinical history was taken and a physical examination was performed on each patient, and stool samples were taken at admission and several times during hospitalization. After discharge, patients were followed for an additional four weeks, during which time weekly stool samples were taken. It was found that 81.5 percent of those admitted to the hospital with measles had diarrhea as well, which is a higher percentage than has been previously reported. Those with measles had 1.6 times as great a chance of developing further episodes of diarrhea as those admitted with diarrhea only and this may be explained by reduced immune functioning in those with measles. Growth rates of children, as measured by weight gain, were similar for each group despite the higher incidence of diarrhea after discharge in the measles group. It is not known why. It was found that the strains of virus causing the diarrhea were different in the two groups as well. The data suggest that measles is a risk factor for diarrhea and that differences in the presentation of diarrhea between the groups may be due to the effects of measles on the immune system. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Measles, Peru, Diarrhea, Growth, Growth (Physiology)

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