Multiple epitope immunogens (MEI) mimic the variability of the V3 loop of HIV-1 subtype C.
- Authors: Hewer, Raymond
- Date: 2008-05-09T12:01:35Z
- Subjects: immune system , synthesis , peptides , HIV infections , South Africa , AIDS vaccines
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/370144 , uj:7012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/351
- Description: M.Sc. , Therapeutic and preventative treatment are continually being sought to cease or curtail the worldwide HIV-1 epidemic. At present, therapeutic drug strategies such as highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) have been particularly successful in slowing disease progression and reducing the incidence of AIDS and AIDS related mortality (Detels et al., 1998; Mocroft et al., 1998; Palella et al., 1998). However, the high costs, intricate dosing regimens and limited availability of the HAART drugs (Butera, 2000) has restricted its efficacy in developing and third world countries. As such, available and future drugs will remain inaccessible to the regions that are profoundly affected by the epidemic. An effective vaccine presents a viable solution to the HIV-1 epidemic in these countries. Approximately 70 vaccines are presently in various stages of clinical trials, the majority of which are subtype B specific (Johnston and Flores, 2001). This prevents their use in the predominantly subtype C infected sub-Saharan region of Africa, which accounts for 50% of the global HIV / AIDS population and includes South Africa, statistically the country with the highest number of people living with HIV / AIDS of any country in the world (UNAIDS, 2002). Presently there is no HIV-1 vaccine, regardless of subtype, in clinical use. This owes to several difficulties that hinder the progression of vaccine development, including the lack of predictive animal models, the establishment of viral latency and the difficulty involved in overcoming HIV-1 genetic diversity (Klein, 1999). The expansive HIV-1 genetic variation exhibited by HIV-1 is attributed to a high number of errors made by the reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme (Coffin, 1992) and the absence of RT proofreading mechanisms during HIV-1 replication (Roberts et al., 1988; Bebenek et al., 1989). The HIV-1 nucleotide sequence drift is most frequently observed in the envelope (env) gene and expressed in env gene products (Shafer et al., 1999). Expression of the variable genome results in the production of progeny strains that are not identical to the parent strain (i.e. HIV-1 exists as a quasispecies within each seropositive individual and between individuals) and contributes to the diverse collection of viral strains in global circulation that vary across and within subtypes. Thus, for an HIV-1 vaccine to be efficient and truly functional it would be required to target this observed hypervariability and be effective against a multitude of currently circulating strains, exhibit cross-clade specificity and remain viable despite the emergence of variant strains. In this study we describe the design, synthesis and immunological ability of a multiple epitope immunogen (MEI) that mimics the hypervariability observed within the third variable (V3) loop of the envelope gp120 region of HIV-1 subtype C. Conjugation to a multiple antigenic peptide (MAP) produces a four -branched (b4) tetrameric peptide construct, designated MEIV3b4. This construct was characterized by theoretical and analytical techniques, tested in a variety of immunological assays and assessed for its potential as a candidate vaccine component. The construct was comparatively analysed through evaluation of three comparison peptides, two of which are hypervariable and based on the V3 region, the other representing a conserved region of HIV-1 envelope. The V3 peptides, named b-MEI-s and poly-L-MEI, differ from the MEIV3b4 construct in that they are less variable and less branched or conjugated to a traditional carrier rather than to a MAP system, respectively. The conserved peptide, designated CCD4 allowed for comparative evaluation between conserved and variable peptides as potential vaccine components. , Dr. Debra Meyer
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hewer, Raymond
- Date: 2008-05-09T12:01:35Z
- Subjects: immune system , synthesis , peptides , HIV infections , South Africa , AIDS vaccines
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/370144 , uj:7012 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/351
- Description: M.Sc. , Therapeutic and preventative treatment are continually being sought to cease or curtail the worldwide HIV-1 epidemic. At present, therapeutic drug strategies such as highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) have been particularly successful in slowing disease progression and reducing the incidence of AIDS and AIDS related mortality (Detels et al., 1998; Mocroft et al., 1998; Palella et al., 1998). However, the high costs, intricate dosing regimens and limited availability of the HAART drugs (Butera, 2000) has restricted its efficacy in developing and third world countries. As such, available and future drugs will remain inaccessible to the regions that are profoundly affected by the epidemic. An effective vaccine presents a viable solution to the HIV-1 epidemic in these countries. Approximately 70 vaccines are presently in various stages of clinical trials, the majority of which are subtype B specific (Johnston and Flores, 2001). This prevents their use in the predominantly subtype C infected sub-Saharan region of Africa, which accounts for 50% of the global HIV / AIDS population and includes South Africa, statistically the country with the highest number of people living with HIV / AIDS of any country in the world (UNAIDS, 2002). Presently there is no HIV-1 vaccine, regardless of subtype, in clinical use. This owes to several difficulties that hinder the progression of vaccine development, including the lack of predictive animal models, the establishment of viral latency and the difficulty involved in overcoming HIV-1 genetic diversity (Klein, 1999). The expansive HIV-1 genetic variation exhibited by HIV-1 is attributed to a high number of errors made by the reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme (Coffin, 1992) and the absence of RT proofreading mechanisms during HIV-1 replication (Roberts et al., 1988; Bebenek et al., 1989). The HIV-1 nucleotide sequence drift is most frequently observed in the envelope (env) gene and expressed in env gene products (Shafer et al., 1999). Expression of the variable genome results in the production of progeny strains that are not identical to the parent strain (i.e. HIV-1 exists as a quasispecies within each seropositive individual and between individuals) and contributes to the diverse collection of viral strains in global circulation that vary across and within subtypes. Thus, for an HIV-1 vaccine to be efficient and truly functional it would be required to target this observed hypervariability and be effective against a multitude of currently circulating strains, exhibit cross-clade specificity and remain viable despite the emergence of variant strains. In this study we describe the design, synthesis and immunological ability of a multiple epitope immunogen (MEI) that mimics the hypervariability observed within the third variable (V3) loop of the envelope gp120 region of HIV-1 subtype C. Conjugation to a multiple antigenic peptide (MAP) produces a four -branched (b4) tetrameric peptide construct, designated MEIV3b4. This construct was characterized by theoretical and analytical techniques, tested in a variety of immunological assays and assessed for its potential as a candidate vaccine component. The construct was comparatively analysed through evaluation of three comparison peptides, two of which are hypervariable and based on the V3 region, the other representing a conserved region of HIV-1 envelope. The V3 peptides, named b-MEI-s and poly-L-MEI, differ from the MEIV3b4 construct in that they are less variable and less branched or conjugated to a traditional carrier rather than to a MAP system, respectively. The conserved peptide, designated CCD4 allowed for comparative evaluation between conserved and variable peptides as potential vaccine components. , Dr. Debra Meyer
- Full Text:
Knowledge levels of mentally disabled persons regarding sexuality and HIV/AIDS
- Jafta, Nontuthuzelo Confidence
- Authors: Jafta, Nontuthuzelo Confidence
- Date: 2010-06-08T07:30:01Z
- Subjects: People with disabilities , People with mental disabilities , AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections , Sexually transmitted diseases
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3320
- Description: M.A. , The study is based on the social model of disability focusing on issues of human rights for people with intellectual disabilities. Disability is defined as the social restriction confronted by people with disabilities living in a society that is not organized to take account of their needs. Disability is not an individual condition but rather an issue of equal opportunities. Self-determination for people with intellectual disability should be respected as it is a central aspect of personal well being based on the understanding that disability is a result of social attitudes, architectural, and legal barriers that confront people with disabilities. The research was aimed at the acquisition of information on the knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities about sexuality and if that knowledge is appropriately linked to HIV and AIDS. The study uses research as a scientific tool that will assist policy makers and programme developers to dispel the myths on issues affecting people with intellectual disabilities. Self-advocacy of people with intellectual disabilities in research was key to the research method that was applied. People with mental retardation, head injury, other or any type of actual or perceived mental or cognitive disability are often marginalized by society. The HIV/AIDS global epidemic has greatly exceeded earlier predictions. About 95% of all people infected are living in developing countries, which have to cope with poverty and health problems. HIV and AIDS prevalence can remain undetected for long periods, particularly in local groupings and settings. HIV remains localized before the epidemic spreads to involve the wider population. These localized groupings can be classified as having no known cases. It is during this period that the proactive interventions should be implemented. It is for these reasons that this study was undertaken to address HIV and AIDS among the grouping of people with intellectual disabilities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jafta, Nontuthuzelo Confidence
- Date: 2010-06-08T07:30:01Z
- Subjects: People with disabilities , People with mental disabilities , AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections , Sexually transmitted diseases
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3320
- Description: M.A. , The study is based on the social model of disability focusing on issues of human rights for people with intellectual disabilities. Disability is defined as the social restriction confronted by people with disabilities living in a society that is not organized to take account of their needs. Disability is not an individual condition but rather an issue of equal opportunities. Self-determination for people with intellectual disability should be respected as it is a central aspect of personal well being based on the understanding that disability is a result of social attitudes, architectural, and legal barriers that confront people with disabilities. The research was aimed at the acquisition of information on the knowledge of people with intellectual disabilities about sexuality and if that knowledge is appropriately linked to HIV and AIDS. The study uses research as a scientific tool that will assist policy makers and programme developers to dispel the myths on issues affecting people with intellectual disabilities. Self-advocacy of people with intellectual disabilities in research was key to the research method that was applied. People with mental retardation, head injury, other or any type of actual or perceived mental or cognitive disability are often marginalized by society. The HIV/AIDS global epidemic has greatly exceeded earlier predictions. About 95% of all people infected are living in developing countries, which have to cope with poverty and health problems. HIV and AIDS prevalence can remain undetected for long periods, particularly in local groupings and settings. HIV remains localized before the epidemic spreads to involve the wider population. These localized groupings can be classified as having no known cases. It is during this period that the proactive interventions should be implemented. It is for these reasons that this study was undertaken to address HIV and AIDS among the grouping of people with intellectual disabilities.
- Full Text:
University of Johannesburg HIV & AIDS report, 2011 & 2012
- University of Johannesburg. Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Authors: University of Johannesburg. Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , University of Johannesburg. Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Type: Report
- Identifier: uj:5371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8632
- Description: In the next decade UJ will position itself as a modern African city university, which is cosmopolitan in character, and asserts academic freedom in the liberal, progressive and transformative values it espouses. It will provide education that is affordable and accessible, that is challenging, imaginative and innovative, and contributes to a just, responsible and sustainable society. It will offer a comprehensive range of excellent programmes and will cultivate students with integrity, who are knowledgeable, well balanced and ethical and global citizens. In keeping with this vision, the HIV and AIDS Committee will achieve and implement a coordinated, comprehensive and integrated response in mitigating and managing the effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, based on four of UJ’s strategic thrusts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: University of Johannesburg. Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , University of Johannesburg. Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Type: Report
- Identifier: uj:5371 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8632
- Description: In the next decade UJ will position itself as a modern African city university, which is cosmopolitan in character, and asserts academic freedom in the liberal, progressive and transformative values it espouses. It will provide education that is affordable and accessible, that is challenging, imaginative and innovative, and contributes to a just, responsible and sustainable society. It will offer a comprehensive range of excellent programmes and will cultivate students with integrity, who are knowledgeable, well balanced and ethical and global citizens. In keeping with this vision, the HIV and AIDS Committee will achieve and implement a coordinated, comprehensive and integrated response in mitigating and managing the effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, based on four of UJ’s strategic thrusts.
- Full Text:
HIV/AIDS: a questionnaire survey to determine the attitudes and practices of homoeopaths in seven provinces of South Africa (Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces)
- Authors: York, Joanne
- Date: 2009-06-09T07:54:48Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2611
- Description: M.Tech.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: York, Joanne
- Date: 2009-06-09T07:54:48Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2611
- Description: M.Tech.
- Full Text: false
A model to facilitate the mental health of students living with HIV in a university and practitioners caring for them
- Authors: Diedricks, Teolene Ganene
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: HIV infections , Caregivers , HIV positive persons - Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/270382 , uj:28738
- Description: D.Ed. (Educational Psychology) , Abstract: Students living with HIV (SLHIV) have a myriad of challenges they are faced with when dealing with living with HIV. These challenges add tremendous stress and anxiety on the SLHIV which impacts negatively on their mental health and subsequently result in an inability to cope effectively with living with HIV. SLHIV need support to deal effectively with HIV and to help them overcome the challenges related to the infection. The aim of my research was to explore the experiences from the perspectives of SLHIV and HIV practitioners dealing with them, in order to develop a model to facilitate mental health of SLHIV. The following objectives were designed to achieve the aim of the research, namely: • To explore and describe, through Appreciative Inquiry, the experiences of being a student living with HIV and an HIV practitioner. • To identify, define and classify the central concept from results derived from Appreciative Inquiry interviews. • To describe a model and its implementation guidelines to facilitate mental health of SLHIV. The research study was approached from the Social Cognitive theory perspective as described by Bandura (1989b, 1999), the Theory for Health Promotion as outlined by the University of Johannesburg (2012), and the Self-Efficacy theory (Bandura, 1989a). A theory-generative, qualitative, exploratory and contextual design was applied and selected as the most appropriate design to explore the experiences of SLHIV and HIV practitioners. In order to develop a model to facilitate mental health of SLHIV, I applied the four step model as prescribed by Chinn and Kramer (2011:185-204)...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Diedricks, Teolene Ganene
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: HIV infections , Caregivers , HIV positive persons - Mental health
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/270382 , uj:28738
- Description: D.Ed. (Educational Psychology) , Abstract: Students living with HIV (SLHIV) have a myriad of challenges they are faced with when dealing with living with HIV. These challenges add tremendous stress and anxiety on the SLHIV which impacts negatively on their mental health and subsequently result in an inability to cope effectively with living with HIV. SLHIV need support to deal effectively with HIV and to help them overcome the challenges related to the infection. The aim of my research was to explore the experiences from the perspectives of SLHIV and HIV practitioners dealing with them, in order to develop a model to facilitate mental health of SLHIV. The following objectives were designed to achieve the aim of the research, namely: • To explore and describe, through Appreciative Inquiry, the experiences of being a student living with HIV and an HIV practitioner. • To identify, define and classify the central concept from results derived from Appreciative Inquiry interviews. • To describe a model and its implementation guidelines to facilitate mental health of SLHIV. The research study was approached from the Social Cognitive theory perspective as described by Bandura (1989b, 1999), the Theory for Health Promotion as outlined by the University of Johannesburg (2012), and the Self-Efficacy theory (Bandura, 1989a). A theory-generative, qualitative, exploratory and contextual design was applied and selected as the most appropriate design to explore the experiences of SLHIV and HIV practitioners. In order to develop a model to facilitate mental health of SLHIV, I applied the four step model as prescribed by Chinn and Kramer (2011:185-204)...
- Full Text:
A comparison of the HIV and Aids policies of ECOWAS and SADC
- Authors: De Klerk, Lara Monica
- Date: 2008-05-22T07:36:13Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections , Economic Community of West African States , Southern African Development Community
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/447
- Description: M.A. , The HIV and AIDS pandemic has swept through sub-Saharan Africa at an alarming pace, gaining momentum each year as millions of people are infected and affected by the virus. A range of social, political and economic consequences have already begun to emerge as a result of this disease, and a comprehensive response is essential to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS, and to manage the impact of the pandemic. This study examines the response of the two dominant regional organisations in sub- Saharan Africa, namely the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through an analysis of their policies on HIV and AIDS. The comparison of the HIV and AIDS policies of these regional organisations is conducted by means of three sets of identified indicators, covering education and awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, and treatment and care programmes. Further, the extent to which the regional guidelines contained in the policies are incorporated into the HIV and AIDS policies of member states is discussed with reference to Nigeria and South Africa, identified as the strongest states within their respective groupings with the highest prevalence rates. Given the acknowledged impact of the disease, the regional response is not as comprehensive as would be expected. The SADC policy is generally more elaborative on the key issues than the ECOWAS policy. Vital issues such as the provision of condoms and addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on women are not dealt with, and the overall policies lack detail and practical guidance. In comparison, the policies of member states such as Nigeria and South Africa are far more elaborative, containing creative solutions to daunting problems, although some of the weaknesses identified in the regional HIV and AIDS policies shine through in the national policies of member states. The study concludes that while practical restrictions such as lack of infrastructure, resources, and diverse cultural and religious beliefs hamper the formulation of a single, comprehensive regional policy on HIV and AIDS, the current guidelines provided by both ECOWAS and SADC fall short of the necessary response to a crisis of the magnitude of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. , Prof. Yolanda Sadie
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Klerk, Lara Monica
- Date: 2008-05-22T07:36:13Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections , Economic Community of West African States , Southern African Development Community
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/447
- Description: M.A. , The HIV and AIDS pandemic has swept through sub-Saharan Africa at an alarming pace, gaining momentum each year as millions of people are infected and affected by the virus. A range of social, political and economic consequences have already begun to emerge as a result of this disease, and a comprehensive response is essential to halt the spread of HIV and AIDS, and to manage the impact of the pandemic. This study examines the response of the two dominant regional organisations in sub- Saharan Africa, namely the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), through an analysis of their policies on HIV and AIDS. The comparison of the HIV and AIDS policies of these regional organisations is conducted by means of three sets of identified indicators, covering education and awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, and treatment and care programmes. Further, the extent to which the regional guidelines contained in the policies are incorporated into the HIV and AIDS policies of member states is discussed with reference to Nigeria and South Africa, identified as the strongest states within their respective groupings with the highest prevalence rates. Given the acknowledged impact of the disease, the regional response is not as comprehensive as would be expected. The SADC policy is generally more elaborative on the key issues than the ECOWAS policy. Vital issues such as the provision of condoms and addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on women are not dealt with, and the overall policies lack detail and practical guidance. In comparison, the policies of member states such as Nigeria and South Africa are far more elaborative, containing creative solutions to daunting problems, although some of the weaknesses identified in the regional HIV and AIDS policies shine through in the national policies of member states. The study concludes that while practical restrictions such as lack of infrastructure, resources, and diverse cultural and religious beliefs hamper the formulation of a single, comprehensive regional policy on HIV and AIDS, the current guidelines provided by both ECOWAS and SADC fall short of the necessary response to a crisis of the magnitude of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. , Prof. Yolanda Sadie
- Full Text:
Low viral titre infection of HIV-1 subtype C and increased in vitro production by enhancers of NF-kB.
- Authors: Greeff, Christiaan
- Date: 2008-04-21T11:34:40Z
- Subjects: immunochemistry , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237
- Description: In vitro infection is a fundamental part of HIV research. A successful detectable infection forms the basis for most experimentation on drug design or vaccine development. Deviation from this infection gives insight into whether a particular treatment regimen may be effective or not. For example, neutralization assay used in vaccine studies to evaluate induction of neutralizing antibodies requires in vitro infection of cells and measuring the ability of serum antibodies to reduce or prevent an infection. Drug screening also uses the ability to limit infection as the proof of a successful interference with virus production. Infecting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a very important tool for generating viral stocks (cell free or PBMC-associated) which can be used to infect other cells. Generating these stocks is costly and limiting the use of large volumes of cellfree viral stocks as well as increasing virus yield makes research more cost effective. Thus, studying factors that increase in vitro infection can help us limit virus stock use and provide information on how one can in future gain higher yields from co-culture. This work focused on subtype C since it is the strain that infects most people worldwide and is most abundant in South Africa. Objectives: We wanted to evaluate methods used for enhancement of in vitro infection and possibly develop an in vitro infection protocol for consistent and persistent infection. DNA PCR is not valued as a means of detecting in vitro HIV-1 infections and measuring the secretion of p24 by specialisedELISA is preferred. We therefore wanted to evaluate whether the enhancement of in vitro infection would lead to a better detection of infection in vitro by standard DNA PCR or Real-time(RT)-PCR. Since NF-êâ (a host transcription factor) was identified as playing an essential role in the production of virus the next goal was to evaluate the effect known enhancers of this transcription factor would have on detection of in vitro infection because of a potential increase in virus production. Hypothesis: Spinoculation and NF-êâ enhancement by inducting stimulus gives a higher thus more consistent infection in vitro that can be detected using standard molecular techniques. Methods: Spinoculation and polybrene addition was applied to PM1, CEM.NKR-CCR5 or PBMC cultures to boost infection. Further increase in virus production was attempted using three NF-êâ enhancers. DNA PCR, RT-PCR and p24 ELISA was applied to detect enhancement of infection using the viral strain Du-151. Results: Spinoculation (1200 x g for 3 hours) was superior to polybrene as an enhancer of in vitro infection and this was demonstrated with p24-ELISA, DNA PCR and Real-time PCR. NF-êâ enhancement through UV-C irradiation enhanced viral production in the macrophage/T-cell tropic cell line PM1 (p<0.05) and was superior to H2O2 and LiCl. LiCl had a more pronounced effect in the case of PBMCs. (p<0.05) A viral concentration of 500 TCID50 was sufficiently DNA PCR detectable following 7 day incubation provided that spinoculation and UV-C irradiation was also applied. PM1 was persistently infected in vitro and is in our opinion better suited for experimentation due to the fact that it does not show the degree of cytotoxicity of CEM.NKR-CCR5. This cell line also is known to produce infectious virus that sustain the infection. Conclusion: Detectable PCR results were obtained with 500 TCID50 and the use of enhancing factors. One of these enhancing factors is spinoculation. Spinoculation is a better technique to use to enhance cell virus contact and lacks the toxicity of polybrene. NF-êâ enhancement by UV-C has the best effect on virus production in PM1 where LiCl was found to be better suited for PBMC. DNA PCR can be used to successfully detect infection when enhancing techniques are applied. , Dr. Debra Meyer
- Full Text:
- Authors: Greeff, Christiaan
- Date: 2008-04-21T11:34:40Z
- Subjects: immunochemistry , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8270 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237
- Description: In vitro infection is a fundamental part of HIV research. A successful detectable infection forms the basis for most experimentation on drug design or vaccine development. Deviation from this infection gives insight into whether a particular treatment regimen may be effective or not. For example, neutralization assay used in vaccine studies to evaluate induction of neutralizing antibodies requires in vitro infection of cells and measuring the ability of serum antibodies to reduce or prevent an infection. Drug screening also uses the ability to limit infection as the proof of a successful interference with virus production. Infecting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a very important tool for generating viral stocks (cell free or PBMC-associated) which can be used to infect other cells. Generating these stocks is costly and limiting the use of large volumes of cellfree viral stocks as well as increasing virus yield makes research more cost effective. Thus, studying factors that increase in vitro infection can help us limit virus stock use and provide information on how one can in future gain higher yields from co-culture. This work focused on subtype C since it is the strain that infects most people worldwide and is most abundant in South Africa. Objectives: We wanted to evaluate methods used for enhancement of in vitro infection and possibly develop an in vitro infection protocol for consistent and persistent infection. DNA PCR is not valued as a means of detecting in vitro HIV-1 infections and measuring the secretion of p24 by specialisedELISA is preferred. We therefore wanted to evaluate whether the enhancement of in vitro infection would lead to a better detection of infection in vitro by standard DNA PCR or Real-time(RT)-PCR. Since NF-êâ (a host transcription factor) was identified as playing an essential role in the production of virus the next goal was to evaluate the effect known enhancers of this transcription factor would have on detection of in vitro infection because of a potential increase in virus production. Hypothesis: Spinoculation and NF-êâ enhancement by inducting stimulus gives a higher thus more consistent infection in vitro that can be detected using standard molecular techniques. Methods: Spinoculation and polybrene addition was applied to PM1, CEM.NKR-CCR5 or PBMC cultures to boost infection. Further increase in virus production was attempted using three NF-êâ enhancers. DNA PCR, RT-PCR and p24 ELISA was applied to detect enhancement of infection using the viral strain Du-151. Results: Spinoculation (1200 x g for 3 hours) was superior to polybrene as an enhancer of in vitro infection and this was demonstrated with p24-ELISA, DNA PCR and Real-time PCR. NF-êâ enhancement through UV-C irradiation enhanced viral production in the macrophage/T-cell tropic cell line PM1 (p<0.05) and was superior to H2O2 and LiCl. LiCl had a more pronounced effect in the case of PBMCs. (p<0.05) A viral concentration of 500 TCID50 was sufficiently DNA PCR detectable following 7 day incubation provided that spinoculation and UV-C irradiation was also applied. PM1 was persistently infected in vitro and is in our opinion better suited for experimentation due to the fact that it does not show the degree of cytotoxicity of CEM.NKR-CCR5. This cell line also is known to produce infectious virus that sustain the infection. Conclusion: Detectable PCR results were obtained with 500 TCID50 and the use of enhancing factors. One of these enhancing factors is spinoculation. Spinoculation is a better technique to use to enhance cell virus contact and lacks the toxicity of polybrene. NF-êâ enhancement by UV-C has the best effect on virus production in PM1 where LiCl was found to be better suited for PBMC. DNA PCR can be used to successfully detect infection when enhancing techniques are applied. , Dr. Debra Meyer
- Full Text:
HIV and AIDS, STI's and TB policy
- Authors: University of Johannesburg
- Date: 2015-07-08
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , Sexually transmitted infections , Tuberculosis
- Type: Other
- Identifier: uj:1668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13907
- Full Text:
- Authors: University of Johannesburg
- Date: 2015-07-08
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , Sexually transmitted infections , Tuberculosis
- Type: Other
- Identifier: uj:1668 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13907
- Full Text:
Applying Chickering’s “Theory of Development” to adolescents in order to understand the influence of HIV/AIDS on decision-making in economics
- Authors: Humphreys, K. L.
- Date: 2012-05-30
- Subjects: Economics decision making , AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections , Teenagers , Chickering's Theory of Development
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/385890 , uj:2277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4739
- Description: M.Comm.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Humphreys, K. L.
- Date: 2012-05-30
- Subjects: Economics decision making , AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections , Teenagers , Chickering's Theory of Development
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/385890 , uj:2277 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4739
- Description: M.Comm.
- Full Text:
The management of the HIV and AIDS policy in schools in Gauteng
- Authors: Essop, Suraya
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: HIV infections , HIV infections prevention , HIV infections prevention study and teaching , AIDS (Disease) government policy , AIDS (Disease) prevention
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4162
- Description: M.Ed. , South Africa has the fastest growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in the world and it has become the leading cause of death in the country. Its greatest impact is felt on the economically active population. Educators form part of this population. Mitigating the impact of the disease on the education sector is critical, for education is seen as the 'social vaccine' against the HIV and AIDS epidemic, in the absence of a medical cure. HIV and AIDS have serious ramifications for the education sector. The AIDS tragedy will continue to manifest itself in an increase in the number of AIDS orphans, as educators succumb to the disease, and learners are taken out of school to take care of ailing parents. In order to manage the impact of the disease in schools, the implementation and management of the HIV and AIDS policy are essential. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact educator knowledge on HIV and AIDS had on the management of the HIV and AIDS policy. It further attempted to assess whether educator knowledge on the HIV and AIDS policy impacted on the management thereof. Finally, it examined how the training needs with respect to the aforementioned, as well as the training needs of educators to provide care and support to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, impacted on the management of the HIV and AIDS policy. The research was conducted within the Ekurhuleni East District (D5). The quantitative method was deemed most appropriate for the study. A questionnaire was used to illicit educator responses. The deductions made from the study, is that educator knowledge about HIV and AIDS and the HIV and AIDS policy is not one hundred percent correct. Inaccurate information regarding the subject and the policy has the potential to perpetuate and fuel the epidemic. The study also concluded that there was a greater need for training in order to provide care and support to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS as apposed to training on the subject of HIV and AIDS and the policy content. An important deduction from the research is that even though educators believe themselves to be knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS, there is a definite need for on-going training.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Essop, Suraya
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: HIV infections , HIV infections prevention , HIV infections prevention study and teaching , AIDS (Disease) government policy , AIDS (Disease) prevention
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4162
- Description: M.Ed. , South Africa has the fastest growing HIV and AIDS epidemic in the world and it has become the leading cause of death in the country. Its greatest impact is felt on the economically active population. Educators form part of this population. Mitigating the impact of the disease on the education sector is critical, for education is seen as the 'social vaccine' against the HIV and AIDS epidemic, in the absence of a medical cure. HIV and AIDS have serious ramifications for the education sector. The AIDS tragedy will continue to manifest itself in an increase in the number of AIDS orphans, as educators succumb to the disease, and learners are taken out of school to take care of ailing parents. In order to manage the impact of the disease in schools, the implementation and management of the HIV and AIDS policy are essential. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact educator knowledge on HIV and AIDS had on the management of the HIV and AIDS policy. It further attempted to assess whether educator knowledge on the HIV and AIDS policy impacted on the management thereof. Finally, it examined how the training needs with respect to the aforementioned, as well as the training needs of educators to provide care and support to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, impacted on the management of the HIV and AIDS policy. The research was conducted within the Ekurhuleni East District (D5). The quantitative method was deemed most appropriate for the study. A questionnaire was used to illicit educator responses. The deductions made from the study, is that educator knowledge about HIV and AIDS and the HIV and AIDS policy is not one hundred percent correct. Inaccurate information regarding the subject and the policy has the potential to perpetuate and fuel the epidemic. The study also concluded that there was a greater need for training in order to provide care and support to people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS as apposed to training on the subject of HIV and AIDS and the policy content. An important deduction from the research is that even though educators believe themselves to be knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS, there is a definite need for on-going training.
- Full Text:
An exploration of the experience of living with and making meaning of HIV: a phenomenological study
- Authors: Goldstein, Natalie
- Date: 2008-11-03T06:48:38Z
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , HIV positive persons , AIDS (Disease) patients , Phenomenology , Existentialism
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1443
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , HIV/AIDS is an epidemic of grand proportions sweeping through South Africa and the world at large. The statistics reveal that HIV/AIDS particularly in South Africa is fast becoming a major health crisis and psychological emergency. It is one of the most challenging, perplexing and alarming realities of recent times. Because of its terminal nature and the distant possibility of cure, infection with the disease to date provides death as the only available option. This in turn has enormous ramifications on multiple levels inter alia personal, societal, economic and political levels. These ramifications are potentially devastating. Furthermore, because of its common sexual mode of transmission, it is a disease that confronts individuals and society at large with some of the most vicious forms of prejudice and injustice, often leaving those living with the disease shamed and alone. This is confounded by the fact that it is a disease that follows no precedent for coping both on a personal and societal level, leaving society and the individuals living with HIV/AIDS helpless and hopeless. It therefore is a disease and experience that necessitates urgent exploration and investigation. The literature review attempts to present the frame of reference from which to understand and contextualise the experience of living with HIV specifically focusing on the biological (Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Webb, 1997), psychosocial (Antonovky, 1979; Carson & Green, 1992; Cohen & Willis; 1985; Hedge, 1991; Nicholas & Webster, 1993; Ragsdale & Morrow, 1990; Zich & Temoshok; 1987) personal (Kubler-Ross, 1969; Tegius, 1992), cultural (Fee & Fox, 1988; Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Van Dyk, 2001), gendered (Glover-Walton, 2001; Lawson, 1999; Wilton, 1997) and political (Grundlingh, 2001; Webb, 1997) experience of HIV/AIDS. It explores the impact of diagnosis on identity and psychosocial development (Tegius & Ahmed, 1992) and attempts to explore ways of coping with the experience (Cohen & Willis, 1985; Folkman & Lazarus, 1980; Lazarus & DeLongis, 1983). Further it examines the social constructions that shape and guide the personal experience of the disease (Dansky, 1994; Sontag, 1991). It explores the intersection and influence of culture, gender and politics on the experience of living with HIV/AIDS (Brandt, 1988b). The literature review further explores the experience of meaning making from a religious (Baumeister, 1991; Yalom, 1980), existential (Frankl, 1965; Frankl , 1967; Frankl , 1969; Frankl, 1978; Frankl, 1984; Fromm, 1949; May, 1967; Yalom, 1980) and cultural perspective (Hammond-Tooke, 1989; Kiernan, 1981; Louw, 1994). It examines the philosophy of existentialism, as well as elucidates various developmental frameworks of meaning (Erikson, 1963; Fowler, 1981; Kohlberg, 1984; Mezirow, 1991; Reker, 1991). Western and African worldviews in relation to meaning making are examined exploring the intersection of culture with personal meaning systems (Marsella & White, 1982). Meaning in suffering, specifically focusing on meaning in illness, is examined (Janoff-Bulman, 1992; Toombs, 1992). The literature review reveals that most of the research on people living with HIV/AIDS is focused on medical factors describing transmission and biology. Only a small number of theoretical studies and empirical research have begun to explore how people living with HIV/AIDS cope. Research on the exploration of the idiosyncratic meanings and experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS is very limited. Research on the lived experience and meaning making of HIV particularly within the South African context has to an extent been ignored and neglected. Furthermore, much past research has focused on the experience of HIV/AIDS in poverty-stricken communities and ignored the experience of HIV/AIDS for middle class individuals. The present investigation of the lived experience of HIV within a phenomenological framework, seeks to address these gaps. It seeks to provide an understanding of the lived experience of HIV as well as explore the meaning making process for middle class individuals living with HIV. The phenomenological system of inquiry is employed as a mode of research in an effort to study the experience of middle class people between the ages of 30 and 39 years, who are living with and potentially making meaning of their experience of being HIV positive. Because an in-depth understanding of such an experience is most suitably accessed through a qualitative approach, a phenomenological research method was chosen, in an attempt to gain access to the idiosyncratic, lived experience of the participants. Four people living with HIV were accessed through the media and through ‘word of mouth’ referrals. Individual interviews were held that lasted between one hour to an hour and a half. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, providing the information from which intra-individual analyses and discussions were carried out on each participant. The analyses rendered an understanding of the participants’ idiosyncratic experience of living with and making meaning of HIV. An inter-individual analysis and integration was then undertaken. Common themes arising from the inter-individual analysis of the participants’ responses related to feelings of being overwhelmed and bewildered by contradictions and perplexity of life with HIV. The participants described finding balance and voice to their experience through the world of work. Thus, in exploring the experience of HIV with others they noted that their sense of self, both physically and psychically, had been profoundly transformed. In turn this impacted their experience of others, which formed an integral part of living with HIV. From a biological perspective the participants noted that through the use of medication, vitamins, exercise and correct diet they had found a means of gaining control over their situation. Nonetheless they felt unable to hold onto the hope of a possible cure. When describing the experience of becoming HIV positive the participants relayed a process of overwhelming and intense feelings. They noted that they had felt ambivalent feelings towards their infectors but in time were able to forgive them. In disclosing their HIV positive status to those close to them the participants described feelings of shame and fear of rejection. They noted that while they did experience rejection from some, they also experienced deep care and support from others close to them. Invariably they noted that becoming HIV positive impacted their ways of being in relationships as it also impacted their way of knowing and being generally in the world. They described feeling fearful of the future and saddened by the experiences of loss and limitation on many levels. Furthermore, they became sensitised to a sense of limited time and in turn became more aware of their inevitable death. Thus in tackling their fears of death the participants noted that they had begun preparing for death and in some way gaining a sense of control. In making sense of their experience and death the participants noted that they had experienced a need to celebrate life and focus on the here and now. They further noticed that in celebrating life they had rediscovered spirituality and religion. They noted a greater sense of depth and compassion in their lives, and felt that they may find a sense of purpose and meaning through helping others. Finally, in elucidating their experience of living with HIV they noted that in many ways the influences of culture, economics and gender had mediated their individual experience of being HIV positive. It is important to note that these central themes of the phenomenon of meaning making and HIV are generated and influenced by broader contexts. The individual with HIV is a being-in-the-world with physical, psychological and social domains, all of which influence and shape his/her experience, the meanings he/she derives from it and the decisions he/she makes in regards thereof. The value of this research lies primarily in its ability to gain an in-depth understanding and insight into the lived experience of people with HIV, particularly within the South African context. The responses of the participants provided insight into and emphasis on the inextricable link between the personal and the political, as it displayed how economics determine access to resources and inevitably determine the experience of living with HIV. For the participants economics was the determining factor in terms of the possibility of using anti-retroviral medication, which invariably determined their prognosis. This has huge implications for public and political policy. Furthermore, the research suggested that living with HIV was very different to life with other terminal diseases, as it is bound up with very potent, social and private constructions of shame, stigma and prejudice. This has implications for public and social education around HIV/AIDS. The participants suggested that becoming HIV positive forced them to relook and re-examine their own stereotypes, transforming their experiences of self and others. The strength of the study lies in the use of a phenomenological framework, as it provided access to a rich, broad and deep description of the subjective experience. However while the qualitative research paradigm yielded fundamental insight into the subjective experiences of the meaning making and HIV, it was unable to quantify these experiences or establish the strength of correlation and causality between variables. These limitations may be circumscribed through the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in future research. Furthermore, follow up studies should be done to explore continual patterns or newly emergent trends providing a fuller picture of the experience.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Goldstein, Natalie
- Date: 2008-11-03T06:48:38Z
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , HIV positive persons , AIDS (Disease) patients , Phenomenology , Existentialism
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1443
- Description: D.Litt. et Phil. , HIV/AIDS is an epidemic of grand proportions sweeping through South Africa and the world at large. The statistics reveal that HIV/AIDS particularly in South Africa is fast becoming a major health crisis and psychological emergency. It is one of the most challenging, perplexing and alarming realities of recent times. Because of its terminal nature and the distant possibility of cure, infection with the disease to date provides death as the only available option. This in turn has enormous ramifications on multiple levels inter alia personal, societal, economic and political levels. These ramifications are potentially devastating. Furthermore, because of its common sexual mode of transmission, it is a disease that confronts individuals and society at large with some of the most vicious forms of prejudice and injustice, often leaving those living with the disease shamed and alone. This is confounded by the fact that it is a disease that follows no precedent for coping both on a personal and societal level, leaving society and the individuals living with HIV/AIDS helpless and hopeless. It therefore is a disease and experience that necessitates urgent exploration and investigation. The literature review attempts to present the frame of reference from which to understand and contextualise the experience of living with HIV specifically focusing on the biological (Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Webb, 1997), psychosocial (Antonovky, 1979; Carson & Green, 1992; Cohen & Willis; 1985; Hedge, 1991; Nicholas & Webster, 1993; Ragsdale & Morrow, 1990; Zich & Temoshok; 1987) personal (Kubler-Ross, 1969; Tegius, 1992), cultural (Fee & Fox, 1988; Ungvarski & Flaskerud, 1999; Van Dyk, 2001), gendered (Glover-Walton, 2001; Lawson, 1999; Wilton, 1997) and political (Grundlingh, 2001; Webb, 1997) experience of HIV/AIDS. It explores the impact of diagnosis on identity and psychosocial development (Tegius & Ahmed, 1992) and attempts to explore ways of coping with the experience (Cohen & Willis, 1985; Folkman & Lazarus, 1980; Lazarus & DeLongis, 1983). Further it examines the social constructions that shape and guide the personal experience of the disease (Dansky, 1994; Sontag, 1991). It explores the intersection and influence of culture, gender and politics on the experience of living with HIV/AIDS (Brandt, 1988b). The literature review further explores the experience of meaning making from a religious (Baumeister, 1991; Yalom, 1980), existential (Frankl, 1965; Frankl , 1967; Frankl , 1969; Frankl, 1978; Frankl, 1984; Fromm, 1949; May, 1967; Yalom, 1980) and cultural perspective (Hammond-Tooke, 1989; Kiernan, 1981; Louw, 1994). It examines the philosophy of existentialism, as well as elucidates various developmental frameworks of meaning (Erikson, 1963; Fowler, 1981; Kohlberg, 1984; Mezirow, 1991; Reker, 1991). Western and African worldviews in relation to meaning making are examined exploring the intersection of culture with personal meaning systems (Marsella & White, 1982). Meaning in suffering, specifically focusing on meaning in illness, is examined (Janoff-Bulman, 1992; Toombs, 1992). The literature review reveals that most of the research on people living with HIV/AIDS is focused on medical factors describing transmission and biology. Only a small number of theoretical studies and empirical research have begun to explore how people living with HIV/AIDS cope. Research on the exploration of the idiosyncratic meanings and experiences of people living with HIV/AIDS is very limited. Research on the lived experience and meaning making of HIV particularly within the South African context has to an extent been ignored and neglected. Furthermore, much past research has focused on the experience of HIV/AIDS in poverty-stricken communities and ignored the experience of HIV/AIDS for middle class individuals. The present investigation of the lived experience of HIV within a phenomenological framework, seeks to address these gaps. It seeks to provide an understanding of the lived experience of HIV as well as explore the meaning making process for middle class individuals living with HIV. The phenomenological system of inquiry is employed as a mode of research in an effort to study the experience of middle class people between the ages of 30 and 39 years, who are living with and potentially making meaning of their experience of being HIV positive. Because an in-depth understanding of such an experience is most suitably accessed through a qualitative approach, a phenomenological research method was chosen, in an attempt to gain access to the idiosyncratic, lived experience of the participants. Four people living with HIV were accessed through the media and through ‘word of mouth’ referrals. Individual interviews were held that lasted between one hour to an hour and a half. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, providing the information from which intra-individual analyses and discussions were carried out on each participant. The analyses rendered an understanding of the participants’ idiosyncratic experience of living with and making meaning of HIV. An inter-individual analysis and integration was then undertaken. Common themes arising from the inter-individual analysis of the participants’ responses related to feelings of being overwhelmed and bewildered by contradictions and perplexity of life with HIV. The participants described finding balance and voice to their experience through the world of work. Thus, in exploring the experience of HIV with others they noted that their sense of self, both physically and psychically, had been profoundly transformed. In turn this impacted their experience of others, which formed an integral part of living with HIV. From a biological perspective the participants noted that through the use of medication, vitamins, exercise and correct diet they had found a means of gaining control over their situation. Nonetheless they felt unable to hold onto the hope of a possible cure. When describing the experience of becoming HIV positive the participants relayed a process of overwhelming and intense feelings. They noted that they had felt ambivalent feelings towards their infectors but in time were able to forgive them. In disclosing their HIV positive status to those close to them the participants described feelings of shame and fear of rejection. They noted that while they did experience rejection from some, they also experienced deep care and support from others close to them. Invariably they noted that becoming HIV positive impacted their ways of being in relationships as it also impacted their way of knowing and being generally in the world. They described feeling fearful of the future and saddened by the experiences of loss and limitation on many levels. Furthermore, they became sensitised to a sense of limited time and in turn became more aware of their inevitable death. Thus in tackling their fears of death the participants noted that they had begun preparing for death and in some way gaining a sense of control. In making sense of their experience and death the participants noted that they had experienced a need to celebrate life and focus on the here and now. They further noticed that in celebrating life they had rediscovered spirituality and religion. They noted a greater sense of depth and compassion in their lives, and felt that they may find a sense of purpose and meaning through helping others. Finally, in elucidating their experience of living with HIV they noted that in many ways the influences of culture, economics and gender had mediated their individual experience of being HIV positive. It is important to note that these central themes of the phenomenon of meaning making and HIV are generated and influenced by broader contexts. The individual with HIV is a being-in-the-world with physical, psychological and social domains, all of which influence and shape his/her experience, the meanings he/she derives from it and the decisions he/she makes in regards thereof. The value of this research lies primarily in its ability to gain an in-depth understanding and insight into the lived experience of people with HIV, particularly within the South African context. The responses of the participants provided insight into and emphasis on the inextricable link between the personal and the political, as it displayed how economics determine access to resources and inevitably determine the experience of living with HIV. For the participants economics was the determining factor in terms of the possibility of using anti-retroviral medication, which invariably determined their prognosis. This has huge implications for public and political policy. Furthermore, the research suggested that living with HIV was very different to life with other terminal diseases, as it is bound up with very potent, social and private constructions of shame, stigma and prejudice. This has implications for public and social education around HIV/AIDS. The participants suggested that becoming HIV positive forced them to relook and re-examine their own stereotypes, transforming their experiences of self and others. The strength of the study lies in the use of a phenomenological framework, as it provided access to a rich, broad and deep description of the subjective experience. However while the qualitative research paradigm yielded fundamental insight into the subjective experiences of the meaning making and HIV, it was unable to quantify these experiences or establish the strength of correlation and causality between variables. These limitations may be circumscribed through the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods in future research. Furthermore, follow up studies should be done to explore continual patterns or newly emergent trends providing a fuller picture of the experience.
- Full Text:
Questionnaire survey to determine the perceived effect of immune boosters on HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa
- Authors: Tsele, Tebogo
- Date: 2008-08-25T10:27:04Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/926
- Description: The joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in collaboration with the World health Organization (WHO) published a report stating that, 42 million people are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) globally, where 20 million people had already died and where HIV, the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome continued to spread in all countries (Pratt, 2003). In South Africa it is estimated that a total number of 5.6 million individuals have acquired HIV infection by the end of 2003 (Department of Health, 2004). Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) is presently the treatment of choice for people with HIV/AIDS. These drug cocktails of protease inhibitors and nucleosides led to the first real medical progress in the treatment of the epidemic. Although most people with HIV/AIDS are encouraged by the results of using the cocktail of Antiretroviral drugs (ARV’s), a recent study published indicated that 27% of people who are HIV positive have an infection that is resistant to all three classes of HIV drugs presently available (Voelker, 2000). This evidence show that there is a need for Alternative and Complementary Therapies to treat a significant number of people living with HIV infection. The aim of this study was to determine, by means of a questionnaire survey the perceived effect of Complementary Immune Boosters in HIV/AIDS patients in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This study also determined the knowledge people have of HIV/AIDS and how patients knew about the availability of Complementary Immune Boosters. Age, gender, marital status and employment status of patients were also determined. This study involved acquiring questionnaire survey responses from 200 participants in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Participants were recruited from twenty health shops and pharmacies that purchase Complementary Immune Boosters. A motivating letter (Appendix A) was hand delivered to health shops and pharmacies by the researcher prior to the completion of the questionnaire (Appendix B) to notify the pharmacist or health shop attendant about the research. Responses were recorded and correlated and analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics. The results of this study provide a database estimating how effective Complementary Immune Boosters are on HIV/AIDS patients and reasons why HIV/AIDS patients choose to utilize Complementary Immune Boosters to boost their immune system or to relieve some of their symptoms. Of the 200 respondents only 40% said they are HIV positive, 22.4% said they are not and 37.6% said they do not know if they are HIV positive. The data showed that the percentages of respondents are almost equal with males (51.0%) and females 49.0%. In addition, the majority of respondents are blacks with 81.8%, the second group are whites 8.6%, and coloured 7.1% and Asians are only 2.5%. Cellfood (26.8%) was the most used product by respondents, followed by Hypoxis Hemenocallidea (African potato) 17.7%. The remaining 55,5% was shared by other Immune Boosters. Most respondents said they consume Complementary Immune Boosters to boost their immune system. Data showed that only 1.5% of respondents were advised by their medical practitioners to use Complementary Immune Boosters. With the study done on attitudes of medical practitioners regarding Complementary medicine in South Africa, 70% of medical practitioners felt that Complementary and Alternative Medicine should play an active role in the health care system in South Africa (Selli, 2003). The results of this study are expected to initiate further, much needed research in the area of HIV/AIDS and Complementary and Alternative Medicine. , Dr. M.R.A Moiloa Dr. S. Koopedi
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tsele, Tebogo
- Date: 2008-08-25T10:27:04Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/926
- Description: The joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in collaboration with the World health Organization (WHO) published a report stating that, 42 million people are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) globally, where 20 million people had already died and where HIV, the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome continued to spread in all countries (Pratt, 2003). In South Africa it is estimated that a total number of 5.6 million individuals have acquired HIV infection by the end of 2003 (Department of Health, 2004). Highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) is presently the treatment of choice for people with HIV/AIDS. These drug cocktails of protease inhibitors and nucleosides led to the first real medical progress in the treatment of the epidemic. Although most people with HIV/AIDS are encouraged by the results of using the cocktail of Antiretroviral drugs (ARV’s), a recent study published indicated that 27% of people who are HIV positive have an infection that is resistant to all three classes of HIV drugs presently available (Voelker, 2000). This evidence show that there is a need for Alternative and Complementary Therapies to treat a significant number of people living with HIV infection. The aim of this study was to determine, by means of a questionnaire survey the perceived effect of Complementary Immune Boosters in HIV/AIDS patients in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This study also determined the knowledge people have of HIV/AIDS and how patients knew about the availability of Complementary Immune Boosters. Age, gender, marital status and employment status of patients were also determined. This study involved acquiring questionnaire survey responses from 200 participants in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Participants were recruited from twenty health shops and pharmacies that purchase Complementary Immune Boosters. A motivating letter (Appendix A) was hand delivered to health shops and pharmacies by the researcher prior to the completion of the questionnaire (Appendix B) to notify the pharmacist or health shop attendant about the research. Responses were recorded and correlated and analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics. The results of this study provide a database estimating how effective Complementary Immune Boosters are on HIV/AIDS patients and reasons why HIV/AIDS patients choose to utilize Complementary Immune Boosters to boost their immune system or to relieve some of their symptoms. Of the 200 respondents only 40% said they are HIV positive, 22.4% said they are not and 37.6% said they do not know if they are HIV positive. The data showed that the percentages of respondents are almost equal with males (51.0%) and females 49.0%. In addition, the majority of respondents are blacks with 81.8%, the second group are whites 8.6%, and coloured 7.1% and Asians are only 2.5%. Cellfood (26.8%) was the most used product by respondents, followed by Hypoxis Hemenocallidea (African potato) 17.7%. The remaining 55,5% was shared by other Immune Boosters. Most respondents said they consume Complementary Immune Boosters to boost their immune system. Data showed that only 1.5% of respondents were advised by their medical practitioners to use Complementary Immune Boosters. With the study done on attitudes of medical practitioners regarding Complementary medicine in South Africa, 70% of medical practitioners felt that Complementary and Alternative Medicine should play an active role in the health care system in South Africa (Selli, 2003). The results of this study are expected to initiate further, much needed research in the area of HIV/AIDS and Complementary and Alternative Medicine. , Dr. M.R.A Moiloa Dr. S. Koopedi
- Full Text:
University of Johannesburg HIV & AIDS report, 2009 & 2010
- University of Johannesburg, Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Authors: University of Johannesburg, Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: HIV infections , University of Johannesburg , University of Johannesburg. Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS , AIDS (Disease)
- Type: Report
- Identifier: uj:5383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8893
- Description: In the next decade UJ will position itself as a modern African city university, which is cosmopolitan in character, and asserts academic freedom in the liberal, progressive and transformative values it espouses. It will provide education that is affordable and accessible, that is challenging, imaginative and innovative, and contributes to a just, responsible and sustainable society. It will offer a comprehensive range of excellent programmes and will cultivate students with integrity, who are knowledgeable, well balanced and ethical and global citizens. In keeping with this vision, the HIV and AIDS Committee will achieve and implement a coordinated, comprehensive and integrated response in mitigating and managing the effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, based on four of UJ’s strategic thrusts.
- Full Text:
- Authors: University of Johannesburg, Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: HIV infections , University of Johannesburg , University of Johannesburg. Institutional Office for HIV& AIDS , AIDS (Disease)
- Type: Report
- Identifier: uj:5383 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8893
- Description: In the next decade UJ will position itself as a modern African city university, which is cosmopolitan in character, and asserts academic freedom in the liberal, progressive and transformative values it espouses. It will provide education that is affordable and accessible, that is challenging, imaginative and innovative, and contributes to a just, responsible and sustainable society. It will offer a comprehensive range of excellent programmes and will cultivate students with integrity, who are knowledgeable, well balanced and ethical and global citizens. In keeping with this vision, the HIV and AIDS Committee will achieve and implement a coordinated, comprehensive and integrated response in mitigating and managing the effects of the HIV and AIDS epidemic, based on four of UJ’s strategic thrusts.
- Full Text:
The management of national policy on HIV and AIDS in secondary schools of the Hebron/Klipgat circuit in the North West Province.
- Authors: Legong, Pontsho Pheladi
- Date: 2008-08-26T06:36:51Z
- Subjects: North West ( South Africa ) , HIV infections prevention , AIDS ( Disease ) prevention , HIV infections , AIDS ( Disease) government policy
- Type: M.Ed. Thesis
- Identifier: uj:4015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/936
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the extend to which the National Policy on HIV & AIDS is managed in secondary schools of the Hebron/Klipgat circuit in the North West Province. The research study indicated that the understanding of the HIV & AIDS epidemic by learners will in some ways help in preventing them from being infected. It also indicated that educators, parents and the community are all in the dark regarding programmes and all the information dealing with HIV & AIDS. Research findings revealed that the high schools of Hebron/Klipgat circuit (Hebron Technical and Commercial, Micha-Kgasi and Mmamotshe) do not implement the policy on HIV & AIDS education. The principals in all these schools acknowledge that they have the policy in their school and some of them indicated that they are being implemented were as according to the people being interviewed, they are not. The research study also indicated that learners, educators, SMTs and SGBs all suggested that the policy on HIV & AIDS education should definitely be implemented in schools. This will help in reducing the high death rate which results from HIV & AIDS related diseases. This research recommended that the education ministry should send representatives to schools in order to check if the learners are being educated about HIV & AIDS on a regular basis. , Dr. P.J. Du Plessis
- Full Text:
- Authors: Legong, Pontsho Pheladi
- Date: 2008-08-26T06:36:51Z
- Subjects: North West ( South Africa ) , HIV infections prevention , AIDS ( Disease ) prevention , HIV infections , AIDS ( Disease) government policy
- Type: M.Ed. Thesis
- Identifier: uj:4015 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/936
- Description: The aim of this study was to determine the extend to which the National Policy on HIV & AIDS is managed in secondary schools of the Hebron/Klipgat circuit in the North West Province. The research study indicated that the understanding of the HIV & AIDS epidemic by learners will in some ways help in preventing them from being infected. It also indicated that educators, parents and the community are all in the dark regarding programmes and all the information dealing with HIV & AIDS. Research findings revealed that the high schools of Hebron/Klipgat circuit (Hebron Technical and Commercial, Micha-Kgasi and Mmamotshe) do not implement the policy on HIV & AIDS education. The principals in all these schools acknowledge that they have the policy in their school and some of them indicated that they are being implemented were as according to the people being interviewed, they are not. The research study also indicated that learners, educators, SMTs and SGBs all suggested that the policy on HIV & AIDS education should definitely be implemented in schools. This will help in reducing the high death rate which results from HIV & AIDS related diseases. This research recommended that the education ministry should send representatives to schools in order to check if the learners are being educated about HIV & AIDS on a regular basis. , Dr. P.J. Du Plessis
- Full Text:
The tragedy of the premature consensus on HIV/AIDS and the impact to the South African economy
- Authors: Nxumalo, Nokuthula Elaine
- Date: 2008-06-24T07:49:14Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:9609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/702
- Description: It has become accepted wisdom that the world faces the most deadly threat to human survival with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Twenty-two years later we still have not found a cure and there are no agreements on the way forward. Is it possible that we are looking at the wrong cause or has humanity finally reached its demise? Thus not surprising as HIV and AIDS poses a real challenge to human kind and the science community as a whole. In the West HIV infection is still contained within its original risk group. However, Africa, Asia and South America pose a different challenge as the risk group is primarily made up of heterosexual individuals, as Professor Eileen Stillwagon noted, “taking a swipe at those who blame sexual behaviour for the rampant HIV epidemic in Southern Africa are still caught up in exotic notions about Africans”. Differences in sexual behaviour cannot explain the 100 fold variations in HIV prevalence in the world. However, Global HIV/AIDS policy in the world still relies almost exclusively on behavioural interventions, abstinence and condoms as means of intervention. President Thabo Mbeki has been the most vocal proponent for poverty to be put on the global HIV/AIDS, thus condemning Western notions regarding Africans sexuality. The inescapable conclusion being made is that HIV is being sustained by sexual networking and, for whatever reasons, poverty stricken black South Africans seem to be the most uninhibited and most promiscuous sexual networkers in the world, compared to other races thus explaining the highest prevalence is a mistake. At present the Global strategy where HIV/AIDS is concerned has not been successful, especially in Sub- Saharan Africa where prevention has been the primary focus and later treatment using allopathic medicine. Thus the one size fits all approach in dealing with the pandemic is a mistake. Hence South Africa’s STIs, especially syphilis, is on the decline yet new HIV infections are said to be on the rise. This is contrary to the West, especially in The United States of America. Chlamydia and genital herpes are as high as 30 -40% yet there is no HIV infection. HIV and AIDS in Africa need to be addressed with an African strategy as it clear that Africa/South Africa is faced with a unique challenge compared to the West. The fact is that though there have been discussions that South Africa faces a doomsday scenario, not all researchers conclude that HIV/AIDS is having a major impact on South Africa's overall economy. Nevertheless, the general consensus is that by undermining health and the development of human capital, HIV/AIDS will increasingly undermine the foundations of human and economic development. The details of this impact are, however, as yet poorly understood. What is known is that individuals in the prime of their lives, especially young women in child-bearing age groups are at the greatest risk of being infected with the HI-virus. AIDS related illness and death often stand at the centre of a complex web of interrelated knock-on effects with implications for the well-being of individuals, households, economies and the state. It re-examines the most important potential impacts on the South African economy by reviewing current research and concludes that more than two decades after HIV was co-discovered by Drs Luc Montagnier and Robert Gallo as the sole and sufficient cause of AIDS, consequences are only now beginning to be appreciated. But the precise nature of these consequences has yet to be determined with precision. This study concludes that South Africa is uniquely positioned to define these consequences and impacts. With what is acknowledged worldwide as the most comprehensive plan for the treatment, care and prevention of HIV and AIDS; the largest roll-out of antiretrovirals in the world, backed by health care policies that encompass nutritional support, traditional medical approaches and the promotion of healthy lifestyles; as well as a government that remains focussed on poverty alleviation, South Africa is well positioned to play a decisive role in the battle against AIDS. A more focused approach is therefore needed to study the fundamental causes of the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS in African countries especially South Africa is needed. , Professor L. Greyling
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nxumalo, Nokuthula Elaine
- Date: 2008-06-24T07:49:14Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:9609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/702
- Description: It has become accepted wisdom that the world faces the most deadly threat to human survival with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Twenty-two years later we still have not found a cure and there are no agreements on the way forward. Is it possible that we are looking at the wrong cause or has humanity finally reached its demise? Thus not surprising as HIV and AIDS poses a real challenge to human kind and the science community as a whole. In the West HIV infection is still contained within its original risk group. However, Africa, Asia and South America pose a different challenge as the risk group is primarily made up of heterosexual individuals, as Professor Eileen Stillwagon noted, “taking a swipe at those who blame sexual behaviour for the rampant HIV epidemic in Southern Africa are still caught up in exotic notions about Africans”. Differences in sexual behaviour cannot explain the 100 fold variations in HIV prevalence in the world. However, Global HIV/AIDS policy in the world still relies almost exclusively on behavioural interventions, abstinence and condoms as means of intervention. President Thabo Mbeki has been the most vocal proponent for poverty to be put on the global HIV/AIDS, thus condemning Western notions regarding Africans sexuality. The inescapable conclusion being made is that HIV is being sustained by sexual networking and, for whatever reasons, poverty stricken black South Africans seem to be the most uninhibited and most promiscuous sexual networkers in the world, compared to other races thus explaining the highest prevalence is a mistake. At present the Global strategy where HIV/AIDS is concerned has not been successful, especially in Sub- Saharan Africa where prevention has been the primary focus and later treatment using allopathic medicine. Thus the one size fits all approach in dealing with the pandemic is a mistake. Hence South Africa’s STIs, especially syphilis, is on the decline yet new HIV infections are said to be on the rise. This is contrary to the West, especially in The United States of America. Chlamydia and genital herpes are as high as 30 -40% yet there is no HIV infection. HIV and AIDS in Africa need to be addressed with an African strategy as it clear that Africa/South Africa is faced with a unique challenge compared to the West. The fact is that though there have been discussions that South Africa faces a doomsday scenario, not all researchers conclude that HIV/AIDS is having a major impact on South Africa's overall economy. Nevertheless, the general consensus is that by undermining health and the development of human capital, HIV/AIDS will increasingly undermine the foundations of human and economic development. The details of this impact are, however, as yet poorly understood. What is known is that individuals in the prime of their lives, especially young women in child-bearing age groups are at the greatest risk of being infected with the HI-virus. AIDS related illness and death often stand at the centre of a complex web of interrelated knock-on effects with implications for the well-being of individuals, households, economies and the state. It re-examines the most important potential impacts on the South African economy by reviewing current research and concludes that more than two decades after HIV was co-discovered by Drs Luc Montagnier and Robert Gallo as the sole and sufficient cause of AIDS, consequences are only now beginning to be appreciated. But the precise nature of these consequences has yet to be determined with precision. This study concludes that South Africa is uniquely positioned to define these consequences and impacts. With what is acknowledged worldwide as the most comprehensive plan for the treatment, care and prevention of HIV and AIDS; the largest roll-out of antiretrovirals in the world, backed by health care policies that encompass nutritional support, traditional medical approaches and the promotion of healthy lifestyles; as well as a government that remains focussed on poverty alleviation, South Africa is well positioned to play a decisive role in the battle against AIDS. A more focused approach is therefore needed to study the fundamental causes of the rapid spread of HIV and AIDS in African countries especially South Africa is needed. , Professor L. Greyling
- Full Text:
Communication, organising and ethics: a study of selected South African organisations and their HIV/AIDS communication strategies
- Authors: Chasi, Colin Tinei
- Date: 2008-05-22T07:36:56Z
- Subjects: Aids (Disease) , Communication in organisations , Medical ethics , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/451
- Description: D.Phil. , This study addresses communication, organising and ethics in this time of HIV/AIDS. Special attention is given to the HIV/AIDS communication strategies of selected organisations. As a prolegomenon, the study offers a critique of current approaches which are in denial of the individual. An existential normative position is adopted for this. But the task of the prolegomenon is not complete until an alternative approach with corrective possibilities is offered. Existential concerns are prioritised to assert that communication is, above all, a mode of existence. What is advocated is not abdication of the objective in favour of the subjective. Rather what is proposed is that the human being is biographically determined. Being is meeting. A critical appreciation is shown of the structuration tradition for theorising communication and organisation from among the rational structure and the organising process traditions of organisational communication. The structuration tradition regards organisation as a manifestation of communication, or as different expressions of the same phenomenon. The tradition posits neither determinism and its twin, objectivity, nor transcendence of reality and its twin, subjectivity. This is particularly important in terms of the existential considerations of this research. The communicative interaction of individuals through which an organisation emerges, produces and reproduces (un)ethical communication and organisation. Because strategic production and reproduction of organisation is expressive of the possibility for denial of the individual, organising raises the question of ethics. A universal embodiment of ethical practices that regards ethics as subjectively experienced is sought. Study of selected South African business organisations’ HIV/AIDS communication strategies enables further insight into this enquiry. A manifesto on communication, organising and ethics in the time of HIV/AIDS is offered as a step towards elaborating a corrective approach that begins with the individual. , Prof. G. De Wet Prof. G.J. Rossouw
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chasi, Colin Tinei
- Date: 2008-05-22T07:36:56Z
- Subjects: Aids (Disease) , Communication in organisations , Medical ethics , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2152 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/451
- Description: D.Phil. , This study addresses communication, organising and ethics in this time of HIV/AIDS. Special attention is given to the HIV/AIDS communication strategies of selected organisations. As a prolegomenon, the study offers a critique of current approaches which are in denial of the individual. An existential normative position is adopted for this. But the task of the prolegomenon is not complete until an alternative approach with corrective possibilities is offered. Existential concerns are prioritised to assert that communication is, above all, a mode of existence. What is advocated is not abdication of the objective in favour of the subjective. Rather what is proposed is that the human being is biographically determined. Being is meeting. A critical appreciation is shown of the structuration tradition for theorising communication and organisation from among the rational structure and the organising process traditions of organisational communication. The structuration tradition regards organisation as a manifestation of communication, or as different expressions of the same phenomenon. The tradition posits neither determinism and its twin, objectivity, nor transcendence of reality and its twin, subjectivity. This is particularly important in terms of the existential considerations of this research. The communicative interaction of individuals through which an organisation emerges, produces and reproduces (un)ethical communication and organisation. Because strategic production and reproduction of organisation is expressive of the possibility for denial of the individual, organising raises the question of ethics. A universal embodiment of ethical practices that regards ethics as subjectively experienced is sought. Study of selected South African business organisations’ HIV/AIDS communication strategies enables further insight into this enquiry. A manifesto on communication, organising and ethics in the time of HIV/AIDS is offered as a step towards elaborating a corrective approach that begins with the individual. , Prof. G. De Wet Prof. G.J. Rossouw
- Full Text:
HIV/AIDS: a questionnaire survey to determine practices of homoeopaths in Gauteng
- Authors: Kay, Jonathan
- Date: 2009-06-11T06:24:54Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2635
- Description: M.Tech.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Kay, Jonathan
- Date: 2009-06-11T06:24:54Z
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) , HIV infections
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2635
- Description: M.Tech.
- Full Text: false
Discussing HIV/AIDS : the perceptions and experiences of young heterosexual university adults in dating relationships
- Andrade, Cheri-Lee dos Passos
- Authors: Andrade, Cheri-Lee dos Passos
- Date: 2011-12-08
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , Heterosexual dating
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4233
- Description: M.A. , In reviewing both the global and national statistical figures of people infected with HIV/AIDS, there is no doubting the imperious status given to supplementary HIV/AIDS social research. It is suggested that a probable missing link in many prior enquiries is the particular consideration given to the role that communication plays in dyadic interactions. As a consequence, a simple but comprehensive understanding of the perceptions and experiences attached to whether or not dating couples discuss the threats of STDs and HIV/AIDS in their relationship is invaluable. As a result, this study was primarily involved in investigating the communication about STDs and HIV/AIDS in the milieu of heterosexual, dating relationships. The chosen research design was that of quantitative research which enabled the collection of data from a large number of respondents (n = 153) by means of a self-administered questionnaire distributed among sociology students at the University of Johannesburg. Overall it was found that just over half of the respondents (52%; n = 79) in this study indicated that they do discuss the threats of STDs and HIV/AIDS with their current boy/girlfriend. In addition, 42.5% (n = 65) of the respondents indicated that the extent of such communication was one that occasionally occurred, as opposed to frequent discussions about the threats of STDs and HIV/AIDS. However, further examination of the findings reveals that such an analysis into the communication about STDs and HIV/AIDS in dating relationships is not one which produces a single-founded answer. Instead, the role that various factors play in determining such communication is shown. Such factors, to name a few, are the role of parent and peer communication; perception of risk of contracting the HI virus; role of trust and honesty in the relationship; quality of sexual negotiation skills; power imbalances; number of previous dating relationships; duration of the relationship; relationship quality; quality of general communication; and the quality of communication about sexual matters in the relationship.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Andrade, Cheri-Lee dos Passos
- Date: 2011-12-08
- Subjects: HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) , Heterosexual dating
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1878 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4233
- Description: M.A. , In reviewing both the global and national statistical figures of people infected with HIV/AIDS, there is no doubting the imperious status given to supplementary HIV/AIDS social research. It is suggested that a probable missing link in many prior enquiries is the particular consideration given to the role that communication plays in dyadic interactions. As a consequence, a simple but comprehensive understanding of the perceptions and experiences attached to whether or not dating couples discuss the threats of STDs and HIV/AIDS in their relationship is invaluable. As a result, this study was primarily involved in investigating the communication about STDs and HIV/AIDS in the milieu of heterosexual, dating relationships. The chosen research design was that of quantitative research which enabled the collection of data from a large number of respondents (n = 153) by means of a self-administered questionnaire distributed among sociology students at the University of Johannesburg. Overall it was found that just over half of the respondents (52%; n = 79) in this study indicated that they do discuss the threats of STDs and HIV/AIDS with their current boy/girlfriend. In addition, 42.5% (n = 65) of the respondents indicated that the extent of such communication was one that occasionally occurred, as opposed to frequent discussions about the threats of STDs and HIV/AIDS. However, further examination of the findings reveals that such an analysis into the communication about STDs and HIV/AIDS in dating relationships is not one which produces a single-founded answer. Instead, the role that various factors play in determining such communication is shown. Such factors, to name a few, are the role of parent and peer communication; perception of risk of contracting the HI virus; role of trust and honesty in the relationship; quality of sexual negotiation skills; power imbalances; number of previous dating relationships; duration of the relationship; relationship quality; quality of general communication; and the quality of communication about sexual matters in the relationship.
- Full Text:
Analysis of the effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) on HIV infection in the presence of iron overload
- Authors: Traoré, Hafsatou Ndama
- Date: 2012-09-05
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis , HIV infections , Iron , Immune response
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9607 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7028
- Description: Ph.D. , Background: AIDS is characterized by a number of opportunistic infections and the immune depletion caused by HIV infection is the strongest risk factor for both reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) and progression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection to disease. Numerous studies have shown that concurrent infection of the same host cell by HIV,and M.tb stimulates replication of both pathogens. The interaction between the two is lethal. A synergistic relationship exists between Mtb and HIV. While HIV spurs the spread of TB, mycobacterial infection results in acceleration of HIV disease progression. The requirement for iron as a crucial factor for cellular processes has long been demonstrated. Excess iron leads to infections with harmful consequences such as cell death and function impairment. During infection, iron is required by both the host cell and the pathogens. Iron chelation is believed to modulate some of these effects. Objectives: Mtb, HIV and Fe-overload are common in sub-Saharan Africa and iron plays a major role in determining the outcome of several infections. In view of this, we wanted to (1) investigate the effect of excess iron on host cell defences during co-infection with the mentioned microorganisms, (2) evaluate the differences in both host and pathogen responses during acute and chronic infection in the presence of iron overload and (3) Determine the efficacy of iron chelation (with DFO) as a means of counteracting conditions associated with iron overload. Hypotheses: The combination of Fe-overload and co-infection of host cells with HIV and Mtb in an in vitro model should stimulate replication of the pathogens, which would ultimately result in host cell stress manifesting as lower viability or cell death and impaired immune defence functions. Also the detrimental effects of excess iron on host cell viability could be counteracted through the use of iron chelators. Methods: We analyzed the in vitro effect of Mtb in bothchronically and acutely HI V-infected cells (PBMC's and monocytes), exposed to 500 uM FeSO 4 and/or DFO for 4 days. Host cell viability, survival and death were assessed through viability assays (MIT and Alamar Blue) and flow cytometric analyses of apoptosis/necrosis (using Annexin V and propidium iodide). Secretion of IL- 6 and TNF-a and production of total nitrate were monitored as host immune/defence responses using specialized ELISAs. HIV replication was investigated by looking at core protein (p24) contents and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Mtb replication and growth was monitored using the microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA) and quantitative culturing.Results: Co-infection caused a reduction of host cell viability (± 20% and 45% inhibition during chronic and acute infection respectively;, as measured by MTT), increases in the numbers of viral particles (2.3 times and 20% increases for chronic and acute infections respectively) and stimulation of both bacterial viability (36%) and host defence responses (30% increase in TNF-ct secretion). Excess iron further decreased viability with a marked increase in necrosis of cells and was found to enhance pathogen replication and growth (26% for HIV and 47% for Mtb). Chelation of iron with DFO abrogated the enhanced replication of the pathogens with a marginal restoration of host viability. Conclusion: The results obtained demonstrate the deleterious effect of excess iron during concurrent infection with both pathogens as well as its stimulating/enhancing properties on pathogens. On the other hand, DFO inhibited pathogen replication and host viability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Traoré, Hafsatou Ndama
- Date: 2012-09-05
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis , HIV infections , Iron , Immune response
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9607 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7028
- Description: Ph.D. , Background: AIDS is characterized by a number of opportunistic infections and the immune depletion caused by HIV infection is the strongest risk factor for both reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) and progression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection to disease. Numerous studies have shown that concurrent infection of the same host cell by HIV,and M.tb stimulates replication of both pathogens. The interaction between the two is lethal. A synergistic relationship exists between Mtb and HIV. While HIV spurs the spread of TB, mycobacterial infection results in acceleration of HIV disease progression. The requirement for iron as a crucial factor for cellular processes has long been demonstrated. Excess iron leads to infections with harmful consequences such as cell death and function impairment. During infection, iron is required by both the host cell and the pathogens. Iron chelation is believed to modulate some of these effects. Objectives: Mtb, HIV and Fe-overload are common in sub-Saharan Africa and iron plays a major role in determining the outcome of several infections. In view of this, we wanted to (1) investigate the effect of excess iron on host cell defences during co-infection with the mentioned microorganisms, (2) evaluate the differences in both host and pathogen responses during acute and chronic infection in the presence of iron overload and (3) Determine the efficacy of iron chelation (with DFO) as a means of counteracting conditions associated with iron overload. Hypotheses: The combination of Fe-overload and co-infection of host cells with HIV and Mtb in an in vitro model should stimulate replication of the pathogens, which would ultimately result in host cell stress manifesting as lower viability or cell death and impaired immune defence functions. Also the detrimental effects of excess iron on host cell viability could be counteracted through the use of iron chelators. Methods: We analyzed the in vitro effect of Mtb in bothchronically and acutely HI V-infected cells (PBMC's and monocytes), exposed to 500 uM FeSO 4 and/or DFO for 4 days. Host cell viability, survival and death were assessed through viability assays (MIT and Alamar Blue) and flow cytometric analyses of apoptosis/necrosis (using Annexin V and propidium iodide). Secretion of IL- 6 and TNF-a and production of total nitrate were monitored as host immune/defence responses using specialized ELISAs. HIV replication was investigated by looking at core protein (p24) contents and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Mtb replication and growth was monitored using the microplate Alamar Blue assay (MABA) and quantitative culturing.Results: Co-infection caused a reduction of host cell viability (± 20% and 45% inhibition during chronic and acute infection respectively;, as measured by MTT), increases in the numbers of viral particles (2.3 times and 20% increases for chronic and acute infections respectively) and stimulation of both bacterial viability (36%) and host defence responses (30% increase in TNF-ct secretion). Excess iron further decreased viability with a marked increase in necrosis of cells and was found to enhance pathogen replication and growth (26% for HIV and 47% for Mtb). Chelation of iron with DFO abrogated the enhanced replication of the pathogens with a marginal restoration of host viability. Conclusion: The results obtained demonstrate the deleterious effect of excess iron during concurrent infection with both pathogens as well as its stimulating/enhancing properties on pathogens. On the other hand, DFO inhibited pathogen replication and host viability.
- Full Text:
Stereotype contents and subtypes about people with HIV
- Authors: Nduka-Agwu, Amaechi
- Date: 2008-11-11T06:48:52Z
- Subjects: HIV infections , HIV positive persons , Stereotype (Psychology) , Stigma (Social psychology) , Cognitive psychology
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:14640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1593
- Description: M.A. , People with HIV, in addition to having to deal with the physical consequences of the disease (van Dyk, 2001a), are also subjected to stigmatisation, discrimination and stereotyping. The stereotype about people with HIV can be conceptualised within social cognitive approaches and intergroup approaches in social psychology. While the focus of social cognitive approaches, such as schema theory is on the processes to do with stereotyping, intergroup approaches including social identity theory consider aspects of stereotype content, taking a collective perspective. Existing social psychological literature regarding reactions to people with HIV has mainly focussed on stigmatisation (Aggleton & Parker, 2002; Parker & Aggleton, 2003) and the consequences of discrimination of people with HIV (Gilmore & Somerville, 1994). The present study aimed to explore the stereotype content and subtypes about people with HIV. It employed a combined free response technique with a stereotype checklist, modified to suit the South African context. Frequency analysis was used to establish which attributes were considered stereotypic of people with HIV. Subtypes were determined by subjecting the list of stereotypes to exploratory factor analysis and mean subtype strengths were compared. A second aim of the study was to determine possible ethnic differences in stereotype subtypes, by comparing the subtype strengths of the ethnic groups Black and White. Results indicated the presence of a measurable stereotype, consisting of 34 negative stereotypic attributes. Exploratory factor analysis of the list of attributes yielded three meaningful subtypes about people with HIV: the Needy Worrier subtype, the ContagiousSufferer subtype, which did not differ significantly in strength from one another and which were both significantly stronger than the Neurotic Risk-taker subtype Subtype strength, as well as separate comparison of the distribution of ratings within the attributes also differed significantly between black and white participants. Generally, white participants’ ratings were significantly stronger on the Contagious Sufferer subtype and the Neurotic Risk-taker subtype. The results of the study generally supported the expectations and hypotheses. The results were then discussed and explained from both social cognitive and intergroup perspectives. An interpretation of the findings discussed the negative stereotype about people with HIV as a self-fulfilling prophecy, indicating a possible mechanism of maintaining and aggravating the largely negative perception of people with HIV (Gilmore & Somerville, 1994). Implications of the results were discussed with regards to possible reasons for the negative stereotype as well as social consequences for people with HIV and society as a whole. Suggestions for future research building on or extending the information gained from the present study were introduced. In conclusion the present study found a distinguishable negative stereotype about people with HIV, subdivided into three stereotypes. Together with the discussed ethnic differences in stereotype subtype strength and content, the present exploratory study provided a relevant contribution to stereotype content research in general, and about people with HIV in particular.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nduka-Agwu, Amaechi
- Date: 2008-11-11T06:48:52Z
- Subjects: HIV infections , HIV positive persons , Stereotype (Psychology) , Stigma (Social psychology) , Cognitive psychology
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:14640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1593
- Description: M.A. , People with HIV, in addition to having to deal with the physical consequences of the disease (van Dyk, 2001a), are also subjected to stigmatisation, discrimination and stereotyping. The stereotype about people with HIV can be conceptualised within social cognitive approaches and intergroup approaches in social psychology. While the focus of social cognitive approaches, such as schema theory is on the processes to do with stereotyping, intergroup approaches including social identity theory consider aspects of stereotype content, taking a collective perspective. Existing social psychological literature regarding reactions to people with HIV has mainly focussed on stigmatisation (Aggleton & Parker, 2002; Parker & Aggleton, 2003) and the consequences of discrimination of people with HIV (Gilmore & Somerville, 1994). The present study aimed to explore the stereotype content and subtypes about people with HIV. It employed a combined free response technique with a stereotype checklist, modified to suit the South African context. Frequency analysis was used to establish which attributes were considered stereotypic of people with HIV. Subtypes were determined by subjecting the list of stereotypes to exploratory factor analysis and mean subtype strengths were compared. A second aim of the study was to determine possible ethnic differences in stereotype subtypes, by comparing the subtype strengths of the ethnic groups Black and White. Results indicated the presence of a measurable stereotype, consisting of 34 negative stereotypic attributes. Exploratory factor analysis of the list of attributes yielded three meaningful subtypes about people with HIV: the Needy Worrier subtype, the ContagiousSufferer subtype, which did not differ significantly in strength from one another and which were both significantly stronger than the Neurotic Risk-taker subtype Subtype strength, as well as separate comparison of the distribution of ratings within the attributes also differed significantly between black and white participants. Generally, white participants’ ratings were significantly stronger on the Contagious Sufferer subtype and the Neurotic Risk-taker subtype. The results of the study generally supported the expectations and hypotheses. The results were then discussed and explained from both social cognitive and intergroup perspectives. An interpretation of the findings discussed the negative stereotype about people with HIV as a self-fulfilling prophecy, indicating a possible mechanism of maintaining and aggravating the largely negative perception of people with HIV (Gilmore & Somerville, 1994). Implications of the results were discussed with regards to possible reasons for the negative stereotype as well as social consequences for people with HIV and society as a whole. Suggestions for future research building on or extending the information gained from the present study were introduced. In conclusion the present study found a distinguishable negative stereotype about people with HIV, subdivided into three stereotypes. Together with the discussed ethnic differences in stereotype subtype strength and content, the present exploratory study provided a relevant contribution to stereotype content research in general, and about people with HIV in particular.
- Full Text: