There is a need for understanding and establishment of the most appropriate testing algorithm for COVID-19 diagnosis in asymptomatic high-risk groups. Here, we present a retrospective analysis of RT-PCR results obtained from 412 cases tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by rapid antigen testing method. Among 178 (43.2%) asymptomatic individuals, 44.9% of the high risk contacts, 12.2% of police custody individuals, 22.22% of the pregnant women and 33.33% of individuals hospitalised for preoperative or other medical conditions showed RT-PCR positivity. Our results suggest a need for focussed and intensive (multi-modality) testing in groups at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Although screening, treatment, and human papillomavirus vaccination can prevent cervical cancer, 17.7% new Indian cases were still recorded in 2022. Illiteracy, undesirable attitudes, and ineffective screening services undermine the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening. We evaluated the knowledge (K), attitude (A), and practices (P) toward cervical cancer and their influence on screening acceptance among urban and tribal women of Maharashtra, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 urban and 500 tribal women, recruited to equally represent both populations. KAP data on cervical cancer were collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants received free cervical cancer screening. KAP scores were calculated, and their associations with sociodemographic factors and cervical cancer screening were assessed using logistic regression. A total of 939 participants were enrolled. Considering both populations, a total of 530 (56%) participants were unaware about cervical cancer, 296 (72%) about its symptoms, and 250 (61%) of risk factors. Common misconceptions were that only women with symptoms of cervical cancer (166, 18%) or a family history of cervical cancer (385, 41%) needed screening. Fear of pain, bad result, and embarrassment were major perceived barriers. Whereas 65 (6.85%) participants had previously undergone screening, 756 (81%) desired screening and 670 (71.40%) underwent screening. Although women had limited cervical cancer knowledge, their attitude for screening is favorable. Generating awareness and implementing socioculturally acceptable strategies are crucial for amplifying cervical cancer screening among vulnerable women. Prevention Relevance: Despite limited awareness and prevalent misconceptions about cervical cancer screening, the women expressed willingness to undergo screening following appropriate counseling. This highlights the potential for targeted educational interventions to enhance cervical cancer prevention through early detection and improving uptake of screening.

Understanding how HIV-1 pathogenesis affects systemic and TB specific immunity in the setting of latent (LTBI+) compared to active TB infection could provide actionable insights for the prevention of reactivation. Fifty HIV-seronegative and 112 HIV-1-positive anti-retroviral therapy (ART)-naïve participants were stratified as LTBI+ (n = 35), active TB+ (n = 22) and non-coinfected (n = 55) based on an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) and clinical confirmation prior to receiving TB therapy. Systemic and TB-specific (DosR and Rpf) immune monitoring of cellular subsets, together with multi-analyte plasma analysis, was carried out. Pursuant to isoniazid prophylaxis therapy (IPT) and ART initiation, HIV-1-positive LTBI+ participants (HLTBI+) were followed for up to two years. Before ART initiation, HLTBI+ individuals exhibited the lowest levels of circulating intermediate monocytes, T-cell activation and PD-1 expression, with a decreased frequency of T-regulatory cells and higher circulating IL-10 and IL-17A. PD-1 expression on CD4+ T cell memory subsets, together with opposing anamnestic TNF-α responses to DosR and Rpf, was a discriminatory signature for the HLTBI+ group, as was preserved (following ART) TB-specific TNF-α production, which positively correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio. Our results highlight an immunomodulatory phenotype conferred by latent TB infection in PLHIV, whose preservation may provide strategies to mitigate TB reactivation.