Gervillien Arnold Malonga

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been associated with a variety of diseases and is endemic in Sub‐Saharan Africa. We performed KSHV‐whole‐genome analysis and search for APOBEC‐editing to describe genetic diversity in samples issued from an endemic region. We included 15 Congolese samples including 12 saliva and whole blood samples of people living with HIV and 3 KS biopsies samples, to perform KSHV qPCR and NGS Illumina followed by KSHV typing on ORFs K1 and K15. Furthermore, we looked for APOBEC3B‐mutations in KSHV‐whole‐genome sequences. KSHV viral load was detectable in all samples and ranged from 374 to 72799 copies/10 ⁶ cells. NGS allowed us to have 8 full sequences out of the 15 samples analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis on KSHV‐whole‐genome resulted in distinct phylogenetic clustering between the genomic sequences of Congolese KSHV and those derived from Western countries. KSHV ORF‐K1 subtypes A5, B and C were identified. On KSHV ORF‐K15, only the P subtype was observed. We found virtually no APOBEC3B‐induced mutations in KSHV genome. KSHV sequences from Congo samples present phylogenetic particularities but remain close to the whole genome sequences found in Sub‐Saharan Africa. We were able to observe, using bioinformatics tools, only very few mutations due to APOBEC3B on KSHV genome.

Background: Human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) is a tumor virus causing Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman’s disease. The seroprevalence of HHV-8 infection varies in various geographical areas, and HIV infection is a major risk factor that promotes the reactivation of HHV-8 after establishment of the latent phase. Despite the HIV burden in Congo, limited data exist on HHV-8 seroprevalence and its associated risk factors. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HHV-8 and identify risk factors for human herpesvirus 8 infection among people living with HIV in Pointe-Noire and Dolisie. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between september 2023 and june 2024 among HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. Participants were recruited from Adolphe Sicé Hospital and the Regional Military Hospital in Pointe-Noire and Dolisie, respectively. Blood samples were collected, and all plasma were tested for anti-LANA-1 IgG using a commercial ELISA kit. HIV viral load was quantified using the GeneXpert system. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistic version 27.0.1 software, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 412 PLWH were recruited with an average age 47.18 ± 11.79 years, and female were more represented 75.1% (n=310). The overall seroprevalence of HHV-8 was 12.83% (53/413). HHV-8 seroprevalence was higher in Pointe-Noire 11.86% (49/413) compared to Dolisie 0.97% (4/413). HHV-8 seropositivity was significantly associated with employment status (aOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.04–5.91, p = 0.04) and condom use (aOR = 4.91, 95% CI: 1.1-21.85, p = 0.03). There were no significant associations of HHV-8 infection with age, sex, marital status, education level, blood transfusion, multiple sexual partners and injecting drug use. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the presence of HHV-8 in these locations. These findings indicate that employment status and occasional condom use influence HHV-8 transmission in this population and highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies.

Introduction. Hepatitis B and C viruses cause chronic infections leading to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and the potential risk factors which might influence the prevalence among health care workers (HCWs) in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study from June to November 2022 among HCWs from the Talangaï and Makélékélé referral hospitals, Brazzaville. 107 HCWs were included and serological screening was carried out using rapid screening tests followed by the ELISA technique, after completing a survey questionnaire. Results. The mean age was 36.56 ± 11.62 years with a female predominance of 1 : 0.36 sex ratio, laboratory technicians were the most represented socio-professional category. Seroprevalence of HBV was 7.48% and that of HCV was 3.74%. During their service, 40% have already been the victims of blood exposure accidents and have 7 times more risk of contracting HBV (odd ratio [OR] = 7.01 (95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.54–31.96); p = 0.01). Conclusion. These data show that hepatitis B and C viruses are still endemic among HCWs in Republic of Congo. We can conclude that the health care sector is a high-risk profession due to infection with hepatitis B and C viruses. It is therefore necessary to improve the health and safety conditions of HCWs, implement new strategies to reduce occupational exposure to blood and body fluids, and reduce viral contamination by hepatitis B and C.

Introduction. Virological failure is one of the main causes of failing to treat, and better management of HIV infection requires understanding and controlling the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The main objective was to characterize the patients of the active file of the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center in virological failure to identify predictive factors leading to virological failure. Methods. Conducted between June and December 2020, this was a cross-sectional study. Patients enrolled were HIV-1-infected patients from the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center receiving a potent combination therapy for at least 6 months but experiencing virological failure. Viral load was measured using the automated Abbott Real-time HIV-1 m2000rt System. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from a computerized patient record software called Santia. For the identification of the independent predictors of virological failure, statistical analysis was performed. Results. A total of 109 patients with virological failure were recruited. The median age of the patients was 45 years (interquartile range: 37–52 years) and women were more represented (74%). More than half of the patients had World Health Organization stage IV HIV and the median duration of antiretroviral treatment was 96 months. The most followed treatment regimen was AZT+3TC+EFV (or nevirapine) with 48%, while the median viral load was 12985 copies ml⁻¹. Conclusion. In our study, we did not identify any sociodemographic or clinical variables predictive of virological failure. However, we felt that it would be desirable to carry out a study with temporal follow-up and the possibility of sequencing in order to identify the different circulating genotypes and resistance mutations.

Introduction Virological failure is one of the major causes of treatment failure, and better management of HIV infection requires understanding and controlling the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The main objective was to characterize the patients of the active file of the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center in virological failure in order to identify predictive factors that lead to virological failure. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between June and December 2020. Patients enrolled were HIV-1 infected patients from the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center receiving a potent combination therapy for at least 6 months but experiencing virological failure. Viral load was determined with the automated Abbott Real-time HIV-1 m2000rt System. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from a computerized patient record software called Santia. Statistical analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of virological failure. Results A total of 109 patients with virological failure were recruited. The median age of the patients was 45 years (IQR: 37-52 years) and women were more represented (74%). More than half of the patients had WHO stage IV HIV and the median duration on ARV treatment was 96 months. The most followed treatment regimen was AZT+3TC+EFV (or NVP) with 48% while the median viral load was 12,985 copies/mL. Conclusion In our study, we did not identify any sociodemographic or clinical variables predictive of virological failure. However, we felt that it would be desirable to carry out a study with temporal follow-up and the possibility of sequencing in order to identify the different circulating genotypes and resistance mutations.

Objectives. Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is rarely studied in Congo, despite its prevalence in Africa. Among healthy individuals, HHV-8 does not always lead to a life-threatening infection; however, in immunocompromised individuals, it could lead to more severe disease. The distribution of HHV-8 genotypes varies depending on ethnicity and geographic region. Method. A prospective cross-sectional study included 265 samples from healthy blood donors from the National Blood Transfusion Center in Brazzaville, with an average age of 35 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 60 years. After DNA extraction, a nested PCR was carried out for molecular detection, followed by genotyping by amplification of specific primers. Result. In this study, 4.9% were positive for molecular detection of HHV-8 DNA. All HHV-8 positive DNA samples that were subjected to genotyping by amplification with specific primers allowing discrimination of two major genotypes (A and B). Genotype A was identified in 5 (1.9%) samples and genotype B in 2 (0.7%) samples, indicating that both genotypes were predominant. The remaining viral DNA samples not identified as the major genotypes were classified as «indeterminate» and consisted of 6 (2.3%) samples. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that Congo is an area where HHV-8 infection is endemic.

Introduction Virological failure is one of the major causes of treatment failure, and better management of HIV infection requires understanding and controlling the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. The main objective was to characterize the patients of the active file of the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center in virological failure in order to identify predictive factors that lead to virological failure. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted between June and December 2020. Patients enrolled were HIV-1 infected patients from the Brazzaville Outpatient Treatment Center receiving a potent combination therapy for at least 6 months but experiencing virological failure. Viral load was determined with the automated Abbott Real-time HIV-1 m2000rt System. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from a computerized patient record software called Santia. Statistical analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of virological failure. Results A total of 109 patients with virological failure were recruited. The median age of the patients was 45 years (IQR: 37-52 years) and women were more represented (74%). More than half of the patients had WHO stage IV HIV and the median duration on ARV treatment was 96 months. The most followed treatment regimen was AZT+3TC+EFV (or NVP) with 48% while the median viral load was 12,985 copies/mL. Conclusion In our study, we did not identify any sociodemographic or clinical variables predictive of virological failure. However, we felt that it would be desirable to carry out a study with temporal follow-up and the possibility of sequencing in order to identify the different circulating genotypes and resistance mutations.

We compared 2 human papillomavirus (HPV) assays to detect the 14 high-risk HPV (hrHPV) genotypes in self-collected anal samples. We found a good agreement and similar performance to detect HPV-16, HPV-18, and the 12 other hrHPV genotypes. The global performance to detect the 14 hrHPV genotypes was not significantly different between the 2 assays.

Introduction: HIV-1, an infectious agent with the greatest sequence diversity, including higher recombination rates. The objective of this study is to assess the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in FSWs in Congo. Methods: A total of 39 plasma samples from FSWs ART-naive HIV-1-seropositive were collected from urban and semi-urban areas of the Republic of Congo. HIV-1 viral loads were determined by RT-PCR according the manufacturer’s instructions of the Abbott® m2000 Real-Time System. Complementary DNA synthesis and PCR amplification of HIV reverse transcriptase gene was performed from extracts of samples with a viral load > 1000 copies/mL by Nested PCR and products was sequencing by using an ABI 3500XL Genetic Analyzer for determined genetic diversity of HIV strains and the antiretroviral resistance profile. Results: Of the 39 samples extracted, only 14 had a viral load greater than or equal to 1000 copies/ml. We were able to sequence 12 samples. It emerges that five subtypes of HIV-1 (A, G, J, H, D) and a recombinant form, CRF02_AG circulate among FSWs. Subtype A was more predominant with 41% followed by subtype G (25%). Subtypes D, H, J and CRF02_AG had a proportion of 8.33% each. Two samples showed major G190GA mutations conferring resistance to INNRT like NVP, V106VA and M184MV to INRTs such as DOR, NVP FTC and 3TC. Minor mutations such as: K70N, T215TN, E138A and V179E causing intermediate resistances to: EFV, ABC, D4T, DDI, TDF. Conclusions: This study showed a predominance of subtype A followed by G then J, H, D subtypes and recombinant form CR02_AG in FSWs. Despite the small study sample size, continued analysis of HIV-1 viral loads and sequences in this population of FSWs is of considerable interest to examine and monitor genetic variability. Key words: HIV-1 molecular characterization, HIV-1 drug resistance mutations, Female Sex Workers, Republic of Congo