Early Detection Of HIV Infection Research Articles

Survival status and influencing factors of death risk of HIV-infected patients in Hangzhou, 2004-2023

Objective: To analyze the survival status and death factors of confirmed HIV-infected patients in Hangzhou to provide a basis for the formulation of AIDS prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The data were from the HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System of the Chinese Disease Control and Prevention Information System.Epidemiological characteristics of HIV-infected patients were comparied in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2023 by using chi-square Test. The survival rate of HIV-infected patients in Hangzhou was calculated by the life table method, the survival curves of different subgroups were described by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of death risk. The SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among the 9 457 subjects, the total follow-up time was 58 004.18 person-years, 494 patients died, fatality rate of all-cause cases was 0.85 per 100 person-years.The average survival time was 18.59 (95%CI:18.40-18.78) years. Malignant neoplasms and pneumocystis pneumonia were the first (14.37%,71/494) and second (10.73%, 53/494) causes of death, respectively. Death within 6 months after diagnosis accounted for 42.51% (210/494), and suicide accounted for 4.25% (21/494). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that compared with those who received antiviral treatment (ART) within 3 months of diagnosis, those who received ART outside 3 months and those who did not receive ART had a 1.65 (95%CI:1.25-2.19) and 20.68 (95%CI:15.80-27.06) times risk of death, respectively. The HIV-infected patients with high CD4+T lymphocytes (CD4) counts for the first time had a lower risk of death. The risk of death of patients with baseline CD4 counts of 200-349 cells/µl, 350-499 cells/µl, and ≥500 cells/µl was 0.38 (95%CI:0.29-0.49), 0.26 (95%CI:0.19-0.36), 0.21 (95%CI:0.14-0.31) times higher than that of baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/µl, respectively. Conclusions: The overall survival of the HIV-infected patients was good in Hangzhou from 2004 to 2023. Early detection of HIV infection and timely mobilization to participate in ART was the key to improving the survival rate of patients. At the same time, given the suicide problem of HIV-infected patients, suicide surveillance and depression and anxiety screening of HIV-infected patients should be further strengthened, and targeted psychological intervention policies should be implemented.

Performance of a rapid recency assay for detection of early HIV infection

The Asanté HIV-1 Rapid Recency assay's ‘verification’ line detected HIV infection a median of 18 days later than a nucleic acid detection assay and performed similarly to 19 other existing rapid HIV antibody tests. Pending regulatory approval, the assay could be an option with other rapid tests in national HIV-1 testing algorithms, which would allow collection of HIV recency data as part of a national screening program without requiring additional testing.

ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РАЗВИТИЯ ЭПИДЕМИОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ПРОЦЕССА ВИЧ-ИНФЕКЦИИ В КУРСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ С 2014 ПО 2022 ГОД

Significance. Despite a favorable situation regarding HIV infection in the Kursk region, analyzing trends in HIV epidemiological process is relevant to prevent deterioration of the epidemiological situation. The knowledge of trends will make it possible to improve HIV prevention, as well as curb the spread of HIV infection. The purpose of the study was to identify trends in HIV epidemiological process in the Kursk region from 2014 to 2022. Material and methods. Data from newsletters of the Center for AIDS Prevention and Control (AIDS Center) of the Kursk Region for 2014-2022 were analyzed. A comparative analysis of the populations tested for HIV infection was carried out, the number of newly diagnosed HIV-seropositive cases and the gender and age structure of HIV-infected people were analyzed in order to develop additional preventive measures aimed at curbing the spread of HIV infection. Methods of descriptive and analytical statistics were used. Significance of differences was assessed at p&lt;0.05. Results. In the Kursk region, the number of people tested for antibodies to HIV infection was on the rise from 228,030 people in 2014 to 360,624 people in 2022, while HIV detection since 2018 has been decreasing from 120.7 to 56.0 per 100,000 patient sera tested in 2022. The overwhelming number of the tested do not belong to HIV risk groups (96.7% in 2022), while the largest group in size among them is the “others” group (35.8% in 2022), which has increased 3-fold in nine years. The number of the tested belonging to HIV risk groups is decreasing, while the detection rate in such groups is eight-fold higher than among individuals not belonging to risk groups. The gender structure of HIV-infected people remains stable with men prevailing (62.9% in 2022). The age structure of newly diagnosed HIV cases is dominated by ages from 30 to 39 (34.7% in 2022), but its share is decreasing and the share of groups aged 40-49 (31.8% in 2022) and 50 years and older is growing (17.6% in 2022). Conclusion. In the Kursk region, the number of people tested for antibodies to HIV infection is constantly growing (by 132,594 people from 2014 to 2022 (41.9%)). The region has seen a decrease in the number of newly diagnosed HIV-seropositive cases since 2018 from 120.7 to 56.0 per 100,000 patient sera tested in 2022. The gender and age structure of HIV-infected persons is dominated by men aged 30-39. For early detection of HIV infection, it is necessary to include ELISA testing in the list of examinations during regular health check-ups and medical examinations of the working-age population.

Risk factors associated with 30-day hospital readmissions among persons living with HIV in Nantong, China.

To estimate 30-day hospital readmission rates among persons living with HIV (PLWH) at the Nantong Infectious Disease Hospital in China and analyse the related risk factors. A single-centre retrospective cohort study was conducted. There were 894 PLWH records obtained from the electronic medical record (EMR) system at the Nantong Infectious Disease Hospital in China, from October 2013 to February 2018. The 30-day readmission rates were calculated, and the risk factors were analysed by generalised estimating equations (GEEs). A total of 1153 hospitalizations from 894 patients were recorded between October 2013 and February 2018. The median time of 30-day readmissions was 13 days (interquartile range (IQR), 6-23). The reasons for all causes, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining illnesses (ADIs), and non-AIDS-defining infections (non-ADIs) were 9.08, 13.52, and 7.91%, respectively. The results from the GEE analysis demonstrated that the risk factors associated with 30-days readmissions were as follows: no antiretroviral therapy (ART) prior to hospitalisations (odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21-3.00), low CD4 counts (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.33-3.54), and multiple comorbidities (OR = 6.45, 95% CI: 1.62-25.73). Early detection of HIV infection and early initiation of ART treatment are the keys to controlling 30-day readmissions.

Feasibility and effectiveness of application of internet-based HIV testing in men who have sex with men

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the application of internet-based HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM) in practical application and provide evidence for its application in the future. Methods: MSM who visited the internet-based intervention platform for at least one time from June to December 2020 were selected for the study. The information about platform visit, the number of self-test kits provided, the basic characteristics of the MSM and their satisfactory level were collected. And multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the potential factors associated with the reporting of self-test results. Results: By the end of December 31th, 2020, a total of 132 267 platform visits had been recorded, and 3 511 HIV self-test kits had been provided upon the MSM's requests, and 3 237 MSM (92.2%) reported self-test results. The HIV positive rate was 2.4% (69/2 855) and the confirmation rate of positive HIV test results was 86.7% (52/60). The MSM who asked for self-test kits online were mainly aged ≤30 years, had education level of college or above, and found their sexual partners through internet or dating software. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that repeat of online HIV self-test kits application (OR=3.50,95%CI:2.10-5.83), guarantee deposit of 50 yuan at application (OR=2.55,95%CI:1.33-4.89), monthly economic income 1-3 000 yuan (OR=1.54,95%CI:1.05-2.28) or no income (OR=1.71,95%CI:1.20-2.42) and online sexual partners finding (OR=1.49,95%CI:1.13-1.95) were associated with higher reporting rate of self-test results. The satisfactory rate the MSM to the service of platform was 99.5% (217/218). Conclusions: The study confirmed the feasibility and effectiveness of internet-based intervention for HIV tests in MSM, which could promote the self-test of HIV in MSM and facilitate the early detection of HIV infection through social media platforms and multi-channel promotion.

Usability of dual HIV/syphilis self-testing among men who have sex with men in China: study protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial

IntroductionHIV self-testing (HIVST) provides a key measure for the early detection of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). However, dual HIV/syphilis self-testing in the MSM population...

Understanding Individual Barriers to HIV Testing Among Undergraduate University Students: Results From a Cross-Sectional Study in Italy

BackgroundIn Europe during 2019, just over half of those with HIV were diagnosed at a late stage of infection. Even though HIV testing is crucial for all strategies related to care, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, we hypothesized that it is less practiced among university students, and, therefore, this study aimed to assess the uptake and factors associated with HIV testing in southern part of Italy.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 31st July 2020 among undergraduate university students aged 18–29 years. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire and included questions on socio-demographic and sexual history characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward HIV infection, sexual and testing behaviors, and sources of information about HIV.FindingsAmong 1007 students, 41.5 and 54.7% knew that in Italy the test for early detection of HIV infection has not to be prescribed by a physician and that it is provided to anyone free of charge, respectively. Only 16.2% of the eligible students reported having ever tested for HIV and a very similar proportion (17.8%) was displayed among those who reported risky sexual behaviors. The multiple logistic regression analysis results indicated that the strongest predictor of HIV testing was attending medical or life sciences majors.InterpretationThe uptake of HIV testing was low among Italian university students. Effective strategies to increase HIV testing and diagnoses have to aim at overarching individual barriers, such as lack of knowledge about information around the test itself.FundingThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus infection among HIV-infected men who have sex with men living in Lower Silesia, Poland.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is associated with the risk of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk of HPV infection. However, little up-to-date data are available regarding the prevalence of HIV and HPV co-infection in MSM in Poland. To evaluate the prevalence, genotype distribution and risk factors for HPV infection among HIV-positive MSM living in Lower Silesia. A total of 54 HIV-positive and 28 HIV-negative MSM participated in the study. The polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect HPV from oral and anal swabs. A self-applied written questionnaire was conducted to collect sociodemographic and behavioural data. The prevalence rates of oral and anal HPV infection were higher in HIV-infected MSM than in HIV-negative MSM. Statistical analysis showed that the prevalence of high oncogenic genotypes, HPV 16 and HPV 18, at the anal site was significantly higher in patients with lower CD4 cell counts, in addition, HPV 18 infection was significantly more frequent in patients with higher levels of HIV RNA. Moreover, HPV 33 and HPV 52 at the anal site were significantly more common in patients with lower nadir CD4. This is the first report of HPV infection among Polish HIV-infected MSM. Our results show that HIV-related immunodeficiency is associated with a higher prevalence of high-risk HPV infections, therefore early detection of HIV infection and initiation of antiretroviral therapy might reduce the risk of HPV-related diseases.

Longitudinal analysis of sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic factors of HIV-infected individuals in Kinshasa at antiretroviral therapy initiation during 2006-2017.

BackgroundThe benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) underpin the recommendations for the early detection of HIV infection and ART initiation. Late initiation (LI) of antiretroviral therapy compromises the benefits of ART both individually and in the community. Indeed, it promotes the transmission of infection and higher HIV-related morbidity and mortality with complicated and costly clinical management.This study aims to analyze the evolutionary trends in the median CD4 count, the median time to initiation of ART, the proportion of patients with advanced HIV disease at the initiation of ART between 2006 and 2017 and their factors.Methods and findingsHIV-positive adults (≥ 16 years old) who initiated ART between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2017 in 25 HIV care facilities in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, were eligible. The data were processed anonymously. LI is defined as CD4≤350 cells/μl and/or WHO clinical stage III or IV and advanced HIV disease (AHD), as CD4≤200 cells/μl and/or stage WHO clinic IV. Factors associated with advanced HIV disease at ART initiation were analyzed, irrespective of year of enrollment in HIV care, using logistic regression models.A total of 7278 patients (55% admitted after 2013) with an average age of 40.9 years were included. The majority were composed of women (71%), highly educated women (68%) and married or widowed women (61%). The median CD4 was 213 cells/μl, 76.7% of patients had CD4≤350 cells/μl, 46.1% had CD4≤200 cells/μl, and 59% of patients were at WHO clinical stages 3 or 4. Men had a more advanced clinical stage (p <0.046) and immunosuppression (p<0.0007) than women.Overall, 70% of patients started ART late, and 25% had AHD. Between 2006 and 2017, the median CD4 count increased from 190 cells/μl to 331 cells/μl (p<0.0001), and the proportions of patients with LI and AHD decreased from 76% to 47% (p< 0.0001) and from 18.7% to 8.9% (p<0.0001), respectively.The median time to initiation of ART after screening for HIV infection decreased from 40 to zero months (p<0.0001), and the proportion of time to initiation of ART in the month increased from 39 to 93.3% (p<0.0001) in the same period.The probability of LI of ART was higher in married couples (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3–2.3) (p<0.0007) and lower in patients with higher education (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.64–0.86) (p<0.0001).ConclusionDespite increasingly rapid treatment, the proportions of LI and AHD remain high. New approaches to early detection, the first condition for early ART and a key to ending the HIV epidemic, such as home and work HIV testing, HIV self-testing and screening at the point of service, must be implemented.

OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS DIAGNOSED IN PATIENTS INFECTED WITH THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) AT THE SERVICE OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF UHC (UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER) YALGADO OUÉDRAOGO, BURKINA FASO

Introduction: Sub-Saharan Africa remains one of the regions most affected by HIV infection with severe lethality.Most deaths of patients living with HIV are caused by opportunistic infections. Objective: to determine the prevalence of opportunistic infections among patients living with HIV in hospital serving infectious diseases of UHC YO of Ouagadougou. Patients and Methods:This is a cross-sectional descriptive study covering a 14-month period from 1 January 2017 to 28 February 2018. Included were all HIV-positive patients, hospitalized at the service of Infectious Diseases, in which an opportunistic infection was diagnosed on the basis of clinical and/or para-clinical arguments. Results: During the study period a total of 55 patients living with HIV were hospitalized in the infectious disease unit,35 of whom had at least one opportunistic infection or 63.6% of the patients.The average age of patients was 37 years with extremes of 18 and 66 years.Twenty-two patients were female versus 13 male, a sex ratio = 0.59. HIV1 was involved in 97% of patients.The mean TCD4 lymphocyte rate was 156 cell/mm3 with extremes of 7 and 718 cell/mm3.Tuberculosis and digestive mycosis were the most frequently diagnosed opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infection was the circumstance for HIV testing in two patients.She revealed immune restoration syndrome in two other patients.Nineteen patients were already on antiretroviral treatment upon admission to the service.Half of the patients on treatment were in therapeutic failure.The evolution was marked by 26.5% lethality. Conclusion:The frequency of opportunistic infections is high in patients living with HIV.Their prevention requires early detection of HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment.

Survival status and influencing factors of HIV/AIDS cases in Liuzhou, 2008-2018

Objective: To understand the duration of survival and related influencing factors of HIV/AIDS patients in Liuzhou city. Methods: Both life table method and Kaplan-Meier method were used to calculate the average survival time of HIV/AIDS patients aged ≥15 years reported in Liuzhou city from 2008 to 2018. Factors related to the duration of HIV/AIDS patients were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Results: A total of 14 856 patients with HIV/AIDS were involved in this study and with the average duration of survival time as 98.74 (95%CI: 97.73-99.75) months. The cumulative survival rates of 1, 3, 5 and 10 years were 77.0%, 72.0%, 68.0%, 61.0% respectively. Results from the multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that factors as sex, level of education, age when HIV infection was confirmed, occupation, route of transmission, source of samples, results of the first CD(4) test and antiviral treatment were all related to the duration of survival to the HIV/AIDS patients. Conclusions: Strategies involving early detection of HIV infection, improvement of the CD(4) initial detection rate and early antiviral treatment will help to significantly reduce the risk of death in HIV/AIDS population. Focus should be on male, middle-aged and elderly (over 41 years old), junior high school education or below farmers and migrant worker populations.

Effect of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on detection of early infection and its impact on the appropriate post-PrEP deferral period.

HIV antivirals for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are known to affect detection of early HIV infection through suppression of viral load and delayed seroconversion. To cover potential delay in HIV detection associated with PrEP use by blood donors in the context of international reductions in sexual activity-based deferral periods, we analysed the available data to determine the appropriate minimum post-PrEP deferral period for blood donation. Published cases of incident HIV infection when PrEP use was objectively demonstrable were identified, consisting principally of seroconverters from the Partners PrEP study (a clinical trial of PrEP efficacy). Data were reviewed to determine the impact of PrEP on the detection of HIV RNA, p24 Ag and seroconversion delay. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) detected early HIV infection in the presence of PrEP prior to or in concordance with serological testing in approximately 90% of cases. Undetectable HIV RNA would rebound to detectable levels within two months of PrEP cessation. PrEP delayed p24 antigen detection and antibody seroconversion by about 7days. Even when daily PrEP is continued, it is likely that the majority of early HIV infections are detectable by individual donation (ID)-NAT, with p24 Ag or antibody seroconversion occurring conservatively within four weeks of exposure. HIV RNA levels also rebound rapidly in the absence of PrEP. In Australia, a three-month deferral period for blood donation after the last dose of PrEP provides an appropriate safety margin to mitigate the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV.

Adherence of HIV Self-Testing Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: Longitudinal Study.

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) for individuals practicing unsafe sexual behaviors; however, the adherence to HIV testing has not been reported.ObjectiveIn this study, we attempted to determine the adherence to HIVST among men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as the impact factors and potential effects of their adherence.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal study among MSM in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, China from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. A mobile app system was used to provide the “Mailing rapid test reagent kit” for the HIVST service. The proportion of those who adhered to HIV testing every 3 months was calculated. Logistic regression was used to explore the impact factors related to adherence to HIVST. Rates of HIV infection between MSM who adhered to HIVST and those who did not were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. Changes of condom use behaviors between the two groups were also compared using the chi-square test.ResultsA total of 1315 MSM who received the HIVST service through the app were included in the study. Overall, 10% of the MSM adhered to HIVST, and the proportion of adhering tests was only 34.9%. Adherence of HIVST was associated with marital status (adjusted odds ratio [OR]unmarried vs married 2.31, 95% CI 1.13-4.71) and the number of HIV tests they received (adjusted OR3 times vs 2 times or below 3.36, 95% CI 2.01-5.63; adjusted OR4 times or above vs 2 times or below 7.30, 95% CI 4.67-11.42). Twenty HIV seroconversions were observed during 1-year follow up. The rate of HIV infection in the adherence group (17.10 per 100 person years, 95% CI 8.80-30.84) was significantly higher than that in the nonadherence group (4.80 per 100 person years, 95% CI 2.77-7.88; adjusted hazard ratio 3.33, 95% CI 1.35-8.20). Those who adhered to HIV testing were more likely to improve condom use behaviors, although the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsRegular HIV testing is necessary for early detection of HIV infection among MSM. Given the poor adherence, a new internet-based management paradigm for MSM is needed to raise their health awareness to optimize the implementation of HIVST.

Features of the course and therapy of HIV infection in children at different stages of the disease

Purpose of the study . Analysis of clinical and laboratory features of the course of HIV infection and antiviral therapy in children at different stages of the disease. Materials and methods. Under supervision in the department of motherhood and childhood there were 90 children with HIV infection, which were divided into 3 groups: 1st group – 35 people. with a diagnosis of HIV infection in the first 2 months of life, group 2 – 25 people. with a diagnosis at the age of 6-12 months and the 3rd group (30 people) with a diagnosis of HIV infection over the age of 2 years. Statistical processing of the research results was carried out using the software package Statistica for Windows (version 8.0). Research results. Early detection of HIV infection and the beginning of antiretroviral therapy (ARVT) led to the absence of clinical manifestations of the disease, low levels of HIV RNA in the blood and normal levels of CD4 lymphocytes, which persisted for 3 years of observation. The detection of HIV infection and the start of ART in the first 6–12 months of life of children was characterized by clinical symptoms up to CNS damage, high levels of HIV RNA in the blood, moderate decrease in CD4 lymphocytes, with normalization after 3–6 months of treatment and after 3 years of observation. Late diagnosis of HIV infection in children – over 2 years of age is characterized by severe forms of the disease with secondary manifestations – AIDS in 20,0% of cases, low rates of CD4 lymphocytes, damage to the central nervous system with the formation of spastic diplegia, and slow recovery of immunity. The use of the drug Viferon, rectal suppositories in the combined treatment of EBV-mononucleosis and a generalized form of CMV infection allows the early treatment of the main symptoms of herpes virus infections and normalization of laboratory parameters. Conclusion Our prospective study showed that mother-tochild transmission of HIV was realized due to the absence of the first stage of chemoprophylaxis (during pregnancy), and was also aggravated in 9 cases (10,0%) by breastfeeding. The severity of the clinical manifestations of HIV infection, the levels of CD4-lymphocytes and HIV RNA in the blood directly depend on the period of detection and the initiation of ART in children. The inclusion of human recombinant interferon alpha-2b with antioxidants (Viferon rectal suppositories) in the etiopathogenetic therapy of comorbid herpes virus diseases (EBV-mononucleosis, a generalized form of CMV infection) is effective and safe.

Causes of Hospitalization and Death among Newly Diagnosed HIV-Infected Adults in Thailand.

More than half of newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients enter to care with a low CD4 count. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among newly diagnosed HIV-infected adults who were hospitalized. Of 148 patients, median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 39.3 (30.5-47.1) years and 114 (77%) patients were male. Baseline median (IQR) CD4 count was 79 (24-218) cells/mm3. The median (IQR) length of hospital stay was 8 (4-16) days. Half of the patients were hospitalized with AIDS-defining illness (ADI). Common opportunistic infections were Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (20.3%) and tuberculosis (18.9%). CD4 count was statistically significantly associated with hospitalization with ADI (odds ratio: 0.85, per 10 cells/mm3 increased; 95% confidence interval: 0.80-0.90). The mortality was 5.4%. In conclusion, half of newly diagnosed Thai HIV-infected patients were hospitalized with ADI. Early detection of HIV infection leading to early antiretroviral therapy initiation and prevention of serious complications is essential.

Projected effectiveness of HIV detection during early infection and rapid ART initiation among MSM and transgender women in Peru: A modeling study.

BackgroundThe Sabes study, a treatment as prevention intervention in Peru, tested the hypothesis that initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) early in HIV infection when viral load is high, would markedly reduce onward HIV transmission among high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW). We investigated the potential population-level benefits of detection of HIV early after acquisition and rapid initiation of ART.MethodsWe designed a transmission dynamic model to simulate the HIV epidemic among MSM and TW in Peru, calibrated to data on HIV prevalence and ART coverage from 2004 to 2011. We assessed the impact of an intervention starting in 2018 in which up to 50% of the new infections were diagnosed within three months of acquisition and initiated on ART within 1 month of diagnosis. We estimated the impact of the intervention over 20 years using the cumulative prevented fraction of new HIV infections compared to scenarios without intervention.FindingsOur model suggests that only 19% of the infected MSM and TW are virally suppressed in 2018 and 35%–40% of the new HIV infections are transmitted from contacts with acutely-infected partners. An intervention reaching 10% of all acutely infected MSM and TW is projected to prevent 13.3% [Uncertainty interval: 11.9%–14.3%] of the new infections over 20 years and reduce HIV incidence in 2038 by 24%. Reaching 50% of all acutely infected MSM and TW will increase the prevalence of viral suppression in 2038 to 59% and prevent 41% of expected infections over 20 years. Reaching 50% of the high-risk MSM and TW in acute phase would reduce HIV incidence in 2038 by 60% and prevent 36% of new infections between 2018 and 2038.ConclusionsEarly detection of HIV infections and rapid initiation of ART among MSM is desirable as it would increase the effectiveness of the HIV prevention program in Peru. Targeting high-risk MSM and TW will be highly efficient.

Distinct biomarker signatures in HIV acute infection associate with viral dynamics and reservoir size.

Estimating the size of the viral reservoir is critical for HIV cure strategies. Biomarkers in peripheral circulation may give insights into the establishment of the viral reservoir in compartments not easily accessible. We therefore measured systemic levels of 84 soluble biomarkers belonging to a broad array of immune pathways in acute HIV infection in both antiretroviral therapy-naive (ART-naive) individuals as well as individuals who began ART upon early detection of HIV infection. These biomarkers were measured longitudinally during acute and chronic infection and their relationship to viral reservoir establishment and persistence was assessed. We observed several distinct biomarker pathways induced following HIV infection such as IFN-γ-signaled chemokines, proinflammatory markers, and TNF-α-family members. Levels of several of these factors directly correlated with contemporaneous viral loads and/or frequency of peripheral blood mononuclear cells harboring HIV DNA during acute HIV infection. MCP-1, MIP-3β, sTNFR-II, and IL-10 levels prior to ART associated with HIV DNA levels after 96 weeks of treatment, suggesting a link between early immune signaling events and the establishment and persistence of the viral reservoir during ART. Furthermore, they offer potentially novel tools for gaining insight into relative reservoir size in acutely infected individuals and the potential of associated risks of treatment interruption.

A feasibility study for 3 strategies promoting HIV testing in primary health care in Madrid, Spain (ESTVIH project)

Late diagnosis of HIV infection is a public health problem. Framed by the international guidelines for improving HIV testing, in 2014, the Spanish Ministry of Health published a guide of recommendations to promote early diagnosis of HIV in health care settings. In the Community of Madrid, in order to implement these recommendations, we defined 3 new HIV testing strategies in primary health care. The objectives of this study were to know the interest of professionals and the acceptability for patients towards these strategies. We performed a quasi-experimental study to assess the feasibility of the implementation of new strategies (indicator condition, risk based, and universal offer) to promote early detection of HIV infection in the framework of the ESTVIH project. The centres participating in this project were randomly chosen among centres located in the health areas with the highest incidence of HIV infection. The feasibility was assessed in 6 centres. We considered outcomes by strategy in relation to the participation of professionals (family physician and nursing) and patients. Overall, 56.9% of eligible professionals agreed to take part in the study; however, the percentage of professionals who recruited patients was 25.9%. This percentage was higher in the indicator condition strategy (47.2%, versus 18.5% in the universal offer and 14.3% in the risk-based strategy, P-value<0.05). The test uptake percentage was greater than 80%, and there were no statistically significant differences between strategies. Different strategies promoting HIV testing in primary care had different acceptability among professionals and similar among patients. At the end of the ESTVIH project, these results will be complemented with others related to the contribution of each strategy to improving the early diagnosis of HIV infection.

Early detection of HIV infection and of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men

ObjectiveTo provide data on incidence of early diagnosis of HIV infections and define prevalence and incidence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STI) in men who have sex with men (MSM). MethodsWe assessed a prospective cohort study of HIV-uninfected MSM at high risk for HIV infection. Participants were selected through a risk-assessment questionnaire, and they were screened for HIV infection (quarterly) and for other STI (yearly): syphilis, and hepatitis A, B and C (serology); Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in penis and rectum; and human papillomavirus in anus and mouth (PCR). ResultsBetween November 2009 and October 2012, a total of 258 HIV-uninfected MSM at high risk for HIV infection were included and followed up for a median of 2 years (interquartile range 1.4, 2.5). Nineteen acute HIV infections were diagnosed (incidence, 3.9 per 100 person-years). Prevalence of STI at baseline was follows: syphilis 8.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4–12.7); hepatitis C virus (HCV) 2.0% (95% CI 0.7–4.8); C. trachomatis in penis 3.2% (95% CI 1.5–6.5) and in rectum 6.5% (95% CI 3.9–10.5); N. gonorrhoeae in penis 2.0% (95% CI 0.8–5.0) and in rectum 6.1% (95% CI 3.6–10.1); human papillomavirus in anal canal 75.7% (95% CI 68.8–81.5) and in mouth 3.8% (95% CI 1.8–7.7). ConclusionsThe implementation of the Check-Ear Project in a MSM community centre allowed for the identification of early HIV infections and asymptomatic STI among MSM. The high incidence of HIV infections and the high prevalence of STI strongly support the recommendation of periodic screenings among sexually active MSM.

Dynamics of CD4 cell count among HIV-infected individuals in Lagos, Nigeria

ABSTRACTHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to progressive loss of CD4 T cells. Antiretroviral therapy has been able to inhibit this process, resulting in significant level of immune recovery and function. Our aim is to investigate the dynamics of CD4 recovery among HIV patients in Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 213 HIV-positive individuals were enrolled between October 2007 and May 2008, and followed up for 9 months based on CD4 count. CD4 analysis was done by flow cytometry at enrollment and after every 3 months. Data were grouped according to age range, antiretroviral treatment (ART), and time between infection and diagnosis. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used for data analysis. There was a significant difference in CD4 count between antiretroviral (ART) naïve and ART experienced subjects (P < 0.001). About 50% of the ART experienced population was identified to show poor CD4 reconstitution unable to achieve a CD4 of 500 cells/µl after 9 months of therapy. Time interval between infection and therapy was also identified to contribute to poor CD4 restoration. Further studies need to be done to classify immunological nonresponders among HIV patients in Nigeria. We also recommend introduction of programs that will facilitate early detection of HIV infection.