Inflammation and HIV transmission in Sub-Saharan Africa
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Date
2015-04Author
Kaul, Rupert
Prodger, Jessica
Joag, Vineet
Shannon, Brett
Yegorov, Sergey
Galiwango, Ronald
McKinnon, Lyle
Language
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
While the per-contact risk of sexual HIV transmission is relatively low, it is fourfold higher in sub-Saharan Africa, and this may partly explain the major global disparities that exist in HIV prevalence. Genital immune parameters are key determinants of HIV transmission risk, including epithelial integrity and the presence of highly HIV-susceptible intraepithelial or submucosal CD4+ T cell target cells. Biological parameters that may enhance mucosal HIV susceptibility in highly HIV-affected regions of sub-Saharan Africa include increased levels of mucosal inflammation, which can affect both epithelial integrity and target cell availability, as well as the increased mucosal surface area that is afforded by an intact foreskin, contraceptive choices, and intravaginal practices. There are multifactorial causes for increased mucosal inflammation, with the prevalence and nature of common co-infections being particularly relevant.
Citation
Current HIV/AIDS Reports June 2015, Volume 12, Issue 2, pp 216-222Publisher
Univerisyt of Nairobi
Collections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10385]