HLA Class I and Plasma Viral Load of HIV-1 in Sexually Transmitted and Reproductive Tract Infections among Heterosexual Serodiscordant couples in Nigeria

BackgroundThis study investigated HLA Class I in Long Term Non-progressors (LTNPs) and plasma viral load in Sexually Transmitted and Reproductive Tract Infections (STIs/RTIs) associated with Heterosexual HIV-1 transmission among serodiscordant couples in Nigeria. MethodsA total of 271 serodiscordant and concordant couples (HIV positive and negative) were enrolled, blood samples were collected from the subjects by venipuncture. HLA class I (with specific primers), plasma viral load, CD4+ analysis was done. Endocervical/urethral swabs and early morning urine samples were collected by standard microbiological methods. These were screened by microscopy, culture, antibiogram, and biochemical tests with a view to identify aetiologic agents of co-infections with HIV. ResultsThe Participants age ranged from [&ge;] 21- < 50years. The index whose plasma viral loads were 10,001-100,000 copies/ml had STIs/RTIs 32(60.9% p=0.059). Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (22.1%) were isolated from the index (HIV positive subject) while 14.5% of Staphylococcus aureus and 27.2% of E coli were isolated from their partners (HIV negative subject). Staphylococcus aureus and E coli are normal flora but because the patients are Immunocompromised as a result of positivity to HIV, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli in this context becomes opportunistic thereby, causing genital tract infections. Staphylococcus from the index showed more sensitivity to Amoxicillin/clavulanate (95.4%/90.4%) compared to the partners (55.1%/73.5%) and more resistant to Ceftazidime (81.4%) compared to the partners (68.9%). LTNPs were 28(8.51%) among the index. HLA-B alleles: B*5701 (9.2%), B*5703 (4.6%) and B*5801(12.5%) were identified for viral control at late stage of HIV infection while A*1 (4.6%), and C*0701 (29.1%) were protective alleles observed. HLA-B*0702 (33.3%), B*4201/A*2301(4.6%) respectively were susceptible alleles associated with seroconversion among LTNPs. ConclusionThe microorganisms isolated from the index were associated with high viral loads and are independent makers to HIV-1 transmission among serodiscordant couples. Individuals associated with HLA class I alleles identified among LTNPs were those significantly associated with resistance and susceptible to HIV-1 infections.