At Antiretroviral Therapy Research Articles

3HP preventive treatment among children and adolescents with HIV and child household contacts of TB patients

<sec><title>INTRODUCTION</title>India’s National TB Elimination Programme plans to roll out short-course TB preventive therapy (TPT) using 3 months of rifapentine and isoniazid (3HP). Understanding the feasibility and safety of children in programmatic settings is critical for widespread implementation. We present the findings of a targeted scale-up of 3HP among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) and child household contacts (>2 to <6 years) of pulmonary TB patients (CHHC).</sec><sec><title>METHODS</title>Between December 2021 and July 2023, eligible CALHIV and CHHC participants were given weekly dosages of 3HP for 3 months at antiretroviral therapy (ART) and TB clinics, respectively, of a public hospital in Pune, India.</sec><sec><title>RESULTS</title>Of 97 children screened, 91 initiated 3HP (32 CALHIV and 59 CHHC). The median age of CALHIV was 14 years; 66% were male and on dolutegravir-based ART. The median age of CHHC was 4 years; 47% were males. Thirty-one (97%) CALHIV and 56 (95%) CHHC completed 3HP without dolutegravir dose adjustment. None of the child participants discontinued 3HP due to adverse events. No child participant developed TB during 1 year of follow-up post-3HP.</sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION</title>Our study provides evidence of the uptake and feasibility of the planned nationwide rollout of 3HP.</sec>

Evaluation of viral suppression and medication-related burden among HIV-infected adults in a secondary care facility

BackgroundPeople living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) are prone to other health issues that may result from the disease or antiretroviral medicines. These persons experience other psychosocial aspects of the illness, which may negatively affect their quality of life and overall treatment outcomes. This study assessed the medication-related burden and virological response of adult PLHIV. MethodThis cross-sectional study involved 417 HIV-positive adults who had been on combined antiretroviral therapy for at least a year at the State Specialist Hospital Gombe. Nigeria. Patient medication experience was measured using the Living with Medication Questionnaire version-3 (LMQ-3). Virological suppression was assessed at viral loads <1000 copies/ml and 20 copies/ml for undetectable HIV RNA levels. The LMQ-3 scores were compared with the participants' characteristics using independent t-tests or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Regression analyses was employed to identify the predictors of viral suppression and medication-related burden. P value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. ResultsOf the 417 PLHIV included in this study, 271 (65%) were classified as WHO Stage 1 ART initiation, 93.8% achieved viral suppression with 291 (69.5%) whom were females. The majority of patients 382 (91.6%) were on a dolutegravir-based regimen, had no tuberculosis diagnosis at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation (82.5%) and were 6–10 years on ART (46.3%). Only 67.6% of the population had a moderate medication-related burden. Female sex (p < 0.0005), unsuppressed viral load (p = 0.01), second-line ART (p = 0.03), tuberculosis at ART initiation (p = 0.02), and employment (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with medication-related burden. The predictor of viral suppression was high degree of medication-related burden (AOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.59) while unsuppressed viral load (p = 0.01) and female gender (p = 0.002) were independent predictors of medication related burden. ConclusionThe findings from this study revealed that majority of the patients achieved viral suppression with moderate degree of medication-related burden. Targeted interventions should be directed toward younger patients, females and patients with unsuppressed viral loads.

Enhanced adherence counselling outcomes among people living with HIV with virological failure: Single-centre experience in Pune, India.

World Health Organization has recommended enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) for people living with HIV (PLHIV) with virological failure. This study aimed to assess the outcomes of EAC and its associated factors among PLHIV with virological failure. Data collected between March 2020 and February 2022 on viral load (VL) testing at antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre in Pune, India were reviewed. PLHIV with viral load ≥1000 copies/ml followed by three EAC sessions and a repeat viral load test were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with virological suppression (<1000 copies/ml). Of 170 PLHIV, 81 (47.6%) showed virological suppression. Being literate (p = 0.027), females (p = 0.021), on second-line ART regimen (p = 0.020), and with EAC initiation within a month (p = 0.016) were significantly associated with virological suppression. No association was found between reported barriers to treatment adherence and virological suppression. Early initiation of EAC is crucial for virological suppression among PLHIV with high viral load. It is important to highlight the significance of treatment adherence among individuals on first-line ART regimen. The use of effective visual tools during EAC sessions may help in achieving virological suppression among those with low literacy.

Incidence of Opportunistic Infections in HIV Patients at Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) Adherence Unit, Islamabad Pakistan

Background: Opportunistic infections (OIs) pose a considerable threat to HIV-infected individuals, especially in regions with varied environmental exposures and healthcare resources. The prevalence and severity of these infections are influenced by factors such as local pathogen profiles, host genetics, and the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of opportunistic infections among male HIV-positive patients at an ART adherence unit in Islamabad, Pakistan, and to compare these with regional trends. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was utilized, encompassing a review of medical records from 533 male HIV-positive patients over a seven-month period. Data collection focused on demographic details, infection types, and treatment regimens. Exclusion criteria included incomplete files and unspecified OIs. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with frequencies and percentages calculated to assess the prevalence of each infection type. Results: Out of 533 patients, 149 (27.95%) developed at least one opportunistic infection. Respiratory infections were most common, with tuberculosis (TB) found in 25 (16.77%) patients. Skin-related infections were observed in 37 (24.83%) patients, primarily associated with intravenous drug use. Oral thrush was present in 11 (7.38%) patients. Other infections included urinary tract infections in 5 (3.35%) patients and various less common OIs. Conclusion: The study revealed that OIs remain a significant health challenge for HIV-positive individuals, with a notable prevalence of respiratory and skin infections. Early and sustained ART, along with preventive healthcare measures, are crucial in managing and reducing OIs.

Association of age at antiretroviral therapy initiation with CD4 + : CD8 + ratio recovery among virally suppressed people with HIV.

To investigate the association of age at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation with CD4 + : CD8 + T-cell ratio in virally suppressed people with HIV on long-term ART, and to characterize potential CD4 + : CD8 + ratio recovery in this population by age. A longitudinal study of people attending an HIV clinic at the Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, London, who initiated ART between 2001 and 2015, and achieved and maintained HIV-1 viral suppression (viral load <1,000 copies/ml). The association of age group at ART initiation with CD4 + : CD8 + ratio at 5 and 10 years was assessed. Multivariable linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between age at ART initiation and log CD4 + : CD8 + ratio, adjusting for demographic factors (gender/HIV transmission route, ethnicity), baseline CD4 + count and calendar year. The sample included 1859 people aged 20-78 (75% men, 56% white ethnicity). Overall, median CD4 + : CD8 + T-cell ratio increased from 0.24 at baseline to 0.77 at year 5 and 0.88 at year 10. Ratios increased among all age groups in unadjusted and adjusted models but increased less among older ages (baseline ages 60-69 and 70-79). Median ratios at year 5 were 0.85, 0.80, 0.72, 0.76, 0.6, and 0.44, respectively, among people aged 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-79 years at baseline. In a virally suppressed London population, age had a substantial impact on CD4 + : CD8 + ratio recovery, especially for those starting ART after age 60 years. Results may indicate the level of CD4 + : CD8 + ratio recovery possible in an HIV-positive, virally suppressed, aging population.

Advanced HIV Disease at Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation and Treatment Outcomes Among Children and Adolescents Compared to Adults Living With HIV in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background: Little is known about advanced HIV disease (AHD) at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) and related age disparities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of routine program data collected among adults, adolescents, and children living with HIV in 6 health zones in Kinshasa, DRC from 2005 to 2020. Results: Thirty-two percent of those who initiated ART had AHD. Compared to adults, adolescents had a 15% higher risk of AHD (RR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.08-1.21; P < .001). Despite their higher risk of AHD, adolescents had a lower risk of mortality (aSHR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.52-0.99; P = .047) and lower cumulative death events versus adults (aSHR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.34-0.59; P < .001). Conclusions: ADH at ART initiation is highly prevalent in Kinshasa, DRC, and adolescents are disproportionally impacted. There is a need to scale up high-impact HIV interventions targeting CALHIV.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB services at ART programmes in low- and middle-income countries: a multi-cohort survey.

IntroductionCOVID‐19 stretched healthcare systems to their limits, particularly in settings with a pre‐existing high burden of infectious diseases, including HIV and tuberculosis (TB). We studied the impact of COVID‐19 on TB services at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics in low‐ and middle‐income countries.MethodsWe surveyed ART clinics providing TB services in the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium in Africa and the Asia‐Pacific until July 2021 (TB diagnoses until the end of 2021). We collected site‐level data using standardized questionnaires.ResultsOf 46 participating ART clinics, 32 (70%) were in Africa and 14 (30%) in the Asia‐Pacific; 52% provided tertiary care. Most clinics (85%) reported disrupted routine HIV care services during the pandemic, both in Africa (84%) and the Asia‐Pacific (86%). The most frequently reported impacts were on staff (52%) and resource shortages (37%; protective clothing, face masks and disinfectants). Restrictions in TB health services were observed in 12 clinics (26%), mainly reduced access to TB diagnosis and postponed follow‐up visits (6/12, 50% each), and restrictions in TB laboratory services (22%). Restrictions of TB services were addressed by dispensing TB drugs for longer periods than usual (7/12, 58%), providing telehealth services (3/12, 25%) and with changes in directly observed therapy (DOT) (e.g. virtual DOT, 3/12). The number of TB diagnoses at participating clinics decreased by 21% in 2020 compared to 2019; the decline was more pronounced in tertiary than primary/secondary clinics (24% vs. 12%) and in sites from the Asia‐Pacific compared to Africa (46% vs. 14%). In 2021, TB diagnoses continued to decline in Africa (–8%) but not in the Asia‐Pacific (+62%) compared to 2020. During the pandemic, new infection control measures were introduced or intensified at the clinics, including wearing face masks, hand sanitation and patient triage.ConclusionsThe COVID‐19 pandemic led to staff shortages, reduced access to TB care and delays in follow‐up visits for people with TB across IeDEA sites in Africa and the Asia‐Pacific. Increased efforts are needed to restore and secure ongoing access to essential TB services in these contexts.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors amongst the Patient Living with HIV Attending at Anti-Retroviral Therapy Center of Bangladesh

Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) seropositive individual is at risk of developing disease of cardiovascular system (CVD). There are scarce of research work regarding this field in Bangladesh. Considering scarcity, this study was conducted at anti-retroviral therapy (ART) center of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh to find out the frequency of the CVD and their common risk factors in HIV seropositive patients from March 2017 to September 2019. Different CVD risk factors were assessed in this study. The demographic data were assessed and World Health Organization STEPS questionnaire were used to collect demographic data. The 10-year CVD risk was calculated by using the Framingham coronary risk score (FRS). Mean age of study population was 38, SD= 9.8. Among them sixty-five (65%) were men and thirty-five (35%) were women. About one third were overweight followed by 5% were obese. High cholesterolemia, high triglyceridemia, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were found in 23%, 58%, 14%. and 63% of the HIV patent, respectively. Hypertension was present in 19% and diabetes in 15% of the patients. In Framingham risk score, 19% of the participants had intermediate to high risk of cardiovascular disease within 10 years. The cardiovascular risk factors were common in HIV patients attending ART center of BSMMU, where base line 10-years CVD risk was low. People living with HIV appear to be an imminent risk to develop CVD. Bangladesh Med J. 2021 May; 50(2) : 40-44

Alcohol reduction outcomes following brief counseling among adults with HIV in Zambia: A sequential mixed methods study.

Data from sub-Saharan Africa on the impact of alcohol on the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa is limited. In this region, it is not well understood how people with HIV (PLWHA) respond to alcohol reduction counseling while they are linked to HIV clinical care. We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study to understand patterns of alcohol use among adults (18+ years) within a prospective HIV cohort at two urban public-sector clinics in Zambia. At antiretroviral therapy (ART) start and one year later, we measured alcohol use with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and those reporting any alcohol use were provided brief counseling. We conducted focus groups at 1 year with participants who had any alcohol use and 20 in-depth interviews among the subgroup with unhealthy use pre-ART and who either reduced or did not reduce their use by 1 year to moderate levels or abstinence. Focus group Discussions (FGDs) (n = 2) were also held with HIV clinic staff. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The data obtained from 693 participants was analyzed (median age 34 years, 45% men), it revealed that unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT-C >3 for men; >2 for women) was reported among 280 (40.4%) at baseline and 205 (29.6%) at 1 year on ART. Reduction from unhealthy to moderate use or abstinence was more common with older age, female, non-smoking, and at Clinic B (all P<0.05). Qualitative data revealed ineffective alcohol support at clinics, social pressures in the community to consume alcohol, and unaddressed drivers of alcohol use including poverty, poor health status, depression, and HIV stigma. Healthcare workers reported a lack of training in alcohol screening and treatment, which led to mixed messages provided to patients ('reduce to safe levels' versus 'abstain'). In summary, interventions to reduce unhealthy alcohol use are needed within HIV clinics in Zambia as a substantial population have persistent unhealthy use despite current HIV clinical care. A better understanding is needed regarding the implementation challenges related to screening for unhealthy alcohol use integrated with HIV services.

Cancer incidence among people living with HIV in Zimbabwe: A record linkage study.

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of developing cancer. Cancer diagnoses are often incompletely captured at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics.AimTo estimate the incidence and explore risk factors of cancer in a cohort of PLWH in Harare using probabilistic record linkage (PRL).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study that included PLWH aged ≥16 years starting ART between 2004 and 2017. We used PRL to match records from the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry (ZNCR) with electronic medical records from an ART clinic in Harare to investigate the incidence of cancer among PLWH initiating ART. We matched records based on demographic data followed by manual clerical review. We followed PLWH up until first cancer diagnosis, death, loss to follow‐up, or 31 December 2017, whichever came first.ResultsWe included 3442 PLWH (64.9% female) with 19 346 person‐years (PY) of follow‐up. Median CD4 count at ART initiation was 169 cells/mm3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 82–275), median age was 36.6 years (IQR: 30.6–43.4). There were 66 incident cancer cases for an overall incidence rate of 341/100 000 PY (95% confidence interval [CI]: 268–434). Twenty‐two of these cases were recorded in the ZNCR only. The most common cancers were cervical cancer (n = 16; 123/100 000 PY; 95% CI: 75–201), Kaposi sarcoma, and lymphoma (both n = 12; 62/100 000 PY; 95% CI: 35–109). Cancer incidence increased with age and decreased with higher CD4 cell counts at ART initiation.ConclusionPRL was key to correct for cancer under‐ascertainment in this cohort. The most common cancers were infection‐related types, reinforcing the role of early HIV treatment, human papillomavirus vaccination, and cervical cancer screening for cancer prevention in this setting.

Effectiveness of Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART) in the Adult Population in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

AIDS is the late stage of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Even though the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) for the management of HIV/ AIDS has been in existence in Ghana since 2003, there is still limited data on their effectiveness. This study therefore sort to ascertain the effectiveness of HAART used at Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) Centres in the Ashanti region of Ghana by assessing its effects on immunological and haematological markers as well as some significant indicators such as body temperature and blood pressure changes. The study was a retrospective cross sectional study which reviewed medical record folders of 156 HIV infected patients who had attended the selected ART centres in the Ashanti region of Ghana between 2010 and 2014. About 49% of the study population had a significant rise in their CD4 counts after six months strict adherence to specific HAART regimen. HAART effectively reduced viral loads and increased CD4 counts in most of the patients whose medical record folders were reviewed. Socioeconomic factors, formal education and lack of health literacy had a significant effect on adherence to the HAART regimen, however; marital status of patients did not have any significant effect on adherence, CD4 counts and the haemoglobin concentration of patients. Based on results obtained from this study, HAART could be considered as effective in the adult population in the Ashanti region of Ghana provided there is a high level of adherence. Immunological and haematological markers for the assessment of effectiveness could also improve with high adherence recommended HAART regimen

Mortality and AIDS-defining events among young people following transition from paediatric to adult HIV care in the UK.

ObjectivesTo investigate risk of AIDS and mortality after transition from paediatric to adult care in a UK cohort of young people with perinatally acquired HIV.MethodsRecords of people aged ≥ 13 years on 31 December 2015 in the UK paediatric HIV cohort (Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study) were linked to those of adults in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) cohort. We calculated time from transition to a new AIDS event/death, with follow‐up censored at the last visit or 31 December 2015, whichever was the earliest. Cumulative incidence of and risk factors for AIDS/mortality were assessed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression.ResultsAt the final paediatric visit, the 474 participants [51% female, 80% black, 60% born outside the UK, median (interquartile range) age at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation = 9 (5–13) years] had a median age of 18 (17–19) years and CD4 count of 471 (280–663) cell/μL; 89% were prescribed ART and 60% overall had a viral load ≤ 400 copies/mL. Over median follow‐up in adult care of 3 (2–6) years, 35 (8%) experienced a new AIDS event (n = 25) or death (n = 14) (incidence = 1.8/100 person‐years). In multivariable analyses, lower CD4 count at the last paediatric visit [adjusted hazard ratio = 0.8 (95% confidence interval: 0.7–1.0)/100 cells/μL increment] and AIDS diagnosis in paediatric care [2.7 (1.4–5.5)] were associated with a new AIDS event/mortality in adult care.ConclusionsYoung people with perinatally acquired HIV transitioning to adult care with markers of disease progression in paediatric care experienced poorer outcomes in adult care. Increased investment in multidisciplinary specialized services is required to support this population at high risk of morbidity and mortality.

Considerations for strengthening ART scale-up for children

Despite improved outcomes for children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, major disparities still exist between low-income and high-income countries. In The Lancet HIV, Victoria Iyun and colleagues 1 Iyun Victoria Technau Karl-Gunter Vinikoor Michael et al. Variations in the characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV following universal ART in sub-Saharan Africa (2006–17): a retrospective cohort study. Lancet HIV. 2021; (published online April 28.)https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(21)00004-7 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (6) Google Scholar report results of a retrospective analysis on variations in characteristics and outcomes in children living with HIV who were younger than 5 years at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation following universal ART roll-out in 16 low-income, lower-middle income, and upper-middle income countries in sub-Saharan Africa between 2006 and 2017. The investigators analysed ART initiation characteristics, mortality, and loss to follow-up across 3 calendar time periods and identified risk factors for mortality in children initiated on ART. Variations in the characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV following universal ART in sub-Saharan Africa (2006–17): a retrospective cohort studyMortality declined significantly after universal ART recommendations for children younger than 2 years in 2010 and children younger than 5 years in 2013. However, substantial variations persisted across country income groups, and one in five children continue to be lost to follow-up. Targeted interventions are required to improve outcomes of children living with HIV, especially in the poorest countries. Full-Text PDF

Missed opportunities in tuberculosis investigation and associated factors at public health facilities in Uganda

BackgroundThe incidence of tuberculosis (TB) is high in Uganda; yet, TB case detection is low. The population-based survey on the prevalence of TB in Uganda revealed that only 16% of presumptive TB patients seeking care at health facilities were offered sputum microscopy or chest-X ray (CXR). This study aimed to determine the magnitude of, and patient factors associated with missed opportunities in TB investigation at public health facilities of Wakiso District in Uganda.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional survey was conducted at 10 high volume public health facilities offering comprehensive TB services in Wakiso, Uganda, among adults (≥18 years) with at least one symptom suggestive of TB predefined according to the World Health Organisation criteria. Using exit interviews, data on demographics, TB symptoms, and clinical data relevant to TB diagnosis were collected. A missed opportunity in TB investigation was defined as a patient with symptoms suggestive of TB who did not have sputum and/or CXR evaluation to rule out TB. Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with missed opportunities in TB investigation.ResultsTwo hundred forty-seven (247) patients with presumptive TB exiting at antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics (n = 132) or general outpatient clinics (n = 115) at public health facilities were recruited into this study. Majority of participants were female (161/247, 65.2%) with a mean + SD age of 35.1 + 11.5 years. Overall, 138 (55.9%) patients with symptoms suggestive of TB disease did not have sputum and/or CXR examinations. Patients who did not inform health workers about their TB related symptoms were more likely to miss a TB investigation (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.68, 95%CI; 1.36–2.08, P < 0.001). However, patients who reported duration of cough of 2 weeks or more were less likely to be missed for TB screening (aPR; 0.69, 95%CI; 0.56–0.86, p < 0.001).ConclusionThere are substantial missed opportunities for TB diagnosis in Wakiso District. While it is important that patients should be empowered to report symptoms, health workers need to proactively implement the WHO TB symptom screen tool and complete the subsequent steps in the TB diagnostic cascade.

Long Turnaround Times in Viral Load Monitoring of People Living with HIV in Resource-Limited Settings.

Introduction:Routine viral load (VL) testing is fraught with challenges in resource-limited settings which lead to longer turnaround times for the return of VL results. We assessed the turnaround times for VL testing and factors associated with long turnaround (>30 days) in Marondera, Zimbabwe, between January and September 2018.Methods:This was an analytical study of routine program data. Data were extracted from electronic records and paper-based reports at two laboratories and at antiretroviral therapy (ART) facilities. The unit of analysis was the VL sample. Duration (in days) between sample collection and sample testing (pre-test turnaround time), duration between sample testing and receipt of VL result at ART the site (post-test turnaround time), and duration between sample collection and receipt of result at the ART site (overall turnaround time) were calculated. Days on which the VL testing machine was not functional, and workload (number of tests done per month) were used to assess associations. We used binomial log models to assess the factors associated with longer turnaround time.Results:A total of 3348 samples were received at the two VL testing laboratories, and 3313 were tested, of these, 1111 were analyzed for overall turnaround time. Pre-test, post-test, and overall turnaround times were 22 days (interquartile range (IQR): 11–41), 51 days (IQR: 30–89), and 67 days (IQR: 46–100), respectively. Laboratory workload (relative risk [RR]: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.14) and machine break down (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.14–1.17) were associated with long turnaround time.Conclusions:Routine VL turnaround time was long. Decentralizing VL testing and enhancing laboratory capacity may help shorten the turnaround time.

A comparative evaluation of the effects of ZLN and TLE anti-retroviral regimens in HIV positive patients: A retrospective record-based study

Objectives: Until 2012, zidovudine+lamivudine+nevirapine (ZLN) was the first line treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients, whereas in 2013, tenofovir+lamivudine+efavirenz (TLE) was recommended as a preferred regimen due to less adverse drug reactions and better virological response. The present study was done to compare the change in CD4 count and emergence of opportunistic infections (OIs) in HIV-positive patients on ZLN and TLE regimens. Materials and Methods: This retrospective record-based study was conducted at anti-retroviral therapy (ART) center of a tertiary care hospital on 150 charts of patients on ZLN (Group A) and TLE (Group B) regimens each for 1 year. Data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 6. Results: The mean age of patients in Group A was 38.72 (±10.5) years and Group B 37.75 (±11.57) years (P = 0.4460). After 1 year of ART, the mean CD4 count (cells/mm3) increased in both groups (Group A: 223.51 [±111.21] to 415.37 [±218.16] [P = 0.0001] vs. Group B: 255.05 [±164.50] to 433.12 [±247.66] [P = 0.0001]). With the baseline counts being comparable (P = 0.0527), the difference in mean CD4 counts between the groups post-ART was not statistically significant (P = 0.5105). The incidence of OI was 45% in Group A as compared to 25% in Group B. Overall, the most prevalent OI was tuberculosis (TB) (13.33%). Conclusion: Both ZLN and TLE regimens are equally effective in improving the immunological status of HIV-positive patients. Patients on ZLN have higher incidence of OI than those on TLE. However, therapy should be individualized as per patient’s suitability.

Faster Initial Viral Decay in Female Children Living With HIV.

Limited data exist regarding sex bias and viral decay in children with HIV. We investigated the sex differences in viral decay in 25 perinatally HIV-infected children. Females presented faster phase I viral decay regardless of their age at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, baseline CD4 percentages, or baseline RNA levels. Also, for each month elapsed under ART, females had faster viral decay than males.

A cross-sectional study on predictors of quality of life of persons living with human immunodeficiency virus

CONTEXT: Quality of life (QoL) in persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLHIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a salient issue. The advent of highly active antiretroviral treatment has changed this deadly disease to a chronic manageable illness with focus shifting from fighting virus to ensuring a good QoL. AIMS: The aim of the study was to assess the predictors of health-related QoL (HRQoL) of PLHIV. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 205 PLHIV at antiretroviral therapy (ART) plus center of a tertiary care hospital of Lucknow. Interview method was used to collect the data. The questionnaire contained the sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and QoL, measured by the World Health Organization (WHO) QOL-HIV-BREF. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23.0. Bivariate associations were observed through Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find the significant predictors of HRQoL. RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 39.42 years and 42.4% of the participants were females. Mean of HRQoL in the present study was 3.37 (standard deviations = 0.8) and 58.5% participants reported good HRQoL. Male gender, joint family, higher socioeconomic status, unreserved category, working functional status, and treatment other than ART were identified as independent predictors of good HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Family and vocational counseling should be an essential component of the care of PLHIV to improve their HRQoL. It may create a better home environment.

Sexual behavior and contraceptive practices: Study among married heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples of reproductive age group attending anti-retroviral therapy centre at a Tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India.

Background:As many as half of people with HIV who are in a long-term sexual relationship have an HIV-negative partner. Data on sexual behavior and contraceptive needs of heterosexual serodiscordant couples are scarce in India. Keeping these facts in mind, it was considered imperative to conduct a study on sexual behavior, contraceptive practices and associated high risk factors among heterosexual serodiscordant couples.Objectives:The objective of the study was to assess the sexual behavior, current contraceptive practices and various risk factors of HIV transmission among married heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples.Materials and Methods:Descriptive study conducted at antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre from where 100 discordant couples were included, data were collected related to their sexual practices, knowledge about different contraception methods and high risk factors related to infection transmission were recorded.Results:All couples had knowledge of use of condoms (100%) while consistent usage was seen only in 18%. The high risk of HIV transmission was seen among recently married serodiscordant couples. Couples engaged in daily intercourse were more likely to have high risk of transmission (P value < 0.05).Conclusion:This study showed various risk factors for infection transmission to the seronegative partner among serodiscordant couples. Henceforth, given conception that prevention of these factors could reduce overall seroconversion rate among such couples.

The CARMA Study: Early Infant Antiretroviral Therapy-Timing Impacts on Total HIV-1 DNA Quantitation 12 Years Later.

BackgroundStrategies aimed at antiretroviral therapy (ART)–free remission will target individuals with a limited viral reservoir. We investigated factors associated with low reservoir measured as total human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in perinatal infection (PaHIV).MethodsChildren from 7 European centers in the Early Treated Perinatally HIV Infected Individuals: Improving Children’s Actual Life (EPIICAL) consortium who commenced ART aged <2 years, and remained suppressed (viral load [VL] <50 copies/mL) for >5 years were included. Total HIV-1 DNA was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction per million PBMCs. Factors associated with total HIV-1 DNA were analyzed using generalized additive models. Age, VL at ART initiation, and baseline CD4% effects were tested including smoothing splines to test nonlinear association.ResultsForty PaHIV, 27 (67.5%) female 21 (52.5%) Black/Black African, had total HIV-1 DNA measured; median 12 (IQR, 7.3–15.4) years after ART initiation. Eleven had total HIV-1 DNA <10 copies/106 PBMCs. HIV-1 DNA levels were positively associated with age and VL at ART initiation, baseline CD4%, and Western blot antibody score. Age at ART initiation presented a linear association (coefficient = 0.10 ± 0.001, P ≤ .001), the effect of VL (coefficient = 0.35 ± 0.1, P ≤ .001) noticeable >6 logs. The effect of CD4% (coefficient = 0.03 ± 0.01, P = .049) was not maintained >40%.ConclusionsIn this PaHIV cohort, reduced total HIV-1 DNA levels were associated with younger age and lower VL at ART initiation. The impact of early-infant treatment on reservoir size persists after a decade of suppressive therapy.