Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
07:10
Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull (hu-NSG) Mouse Model for HIV Replication and Latency Studies
Published on: January 7, 2019
KNUST aging and human immunodeficiency virus outcomes-Study protocol.
Alex Werekuu1, Nana Kwame Ayisi-Boateng2, Nadia Tagoe3
1Department of General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America.
Plos One
|August 16, 2024
Summary
This study addresses the lack of geriatric care for aging people with HIV (PWH) in Ghana. It aims to develop an integrated HIV and geriatric healthcare model to improve life expectancy for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Globally, 7 million people with HIV (PWH) are over 50, with 5 million in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Ghana has a significant population of older PWH, yet geriatric healthcare access is limited.
- This gap hinders the management of geriatric syndromes in older PWH, threatening life expectancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify priorities for an integrated HIV and geriatric healthcare model in Ghana.
- To address the unmet healthcare needs of aging people with HIV.
- To improve health outcomes and life expectancy for older PWH.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 151 PWH aged 50+ at KNUST University Hospital over 2 years.
- Assessments include geriatric health, cognition, social vulnerability, and HIV-related conditions.
- Mixed-methods approach with quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews.
Main Results:
- Data collection and analysis are ongoing.
- Expected to identify key challenges and opportunities in geriatric HIV care.
- Will inform the development of an integrated care model.
Conclusions:
- An integrated model of HIV and geriatric care is crucial for aging PWH in Ghana.
- The KAHO study will provide essential data to guide healthcare policy and practice.
- Addressing geriatric syndromes is vital for improving the longevity and quality of life for older PWH.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...