Heterosexual Transmission Of HIV Research Articles

The Trend in Suicide Risk Among People with HIV Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown.

Suicide Risk (SR) and the COVID-19 pandemic affected People with HIV (PWH) disproportionately in comparison with the general population, but little information on SR during and after the COVID-19 lockdown on the Latino PWH has been described, therefore, this study aimed to describe SR in PWH attended the HIV clinic before (2018-2019), during (2020), and after (2021-2022) the COVID-19 lockdown, the trend of SR, and the factors associated. Three standardized questions from the "Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale" (C-SSRS) were routinely applied as screening for suicide risk to all PWH attending their clinical visits during 2018-2022. We estimated suicidality risk and rate. We compared sociodemographic characteristics in those with and without SR. We evaluated the potential association of SR with the calendar year before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown using a mixed-effects logistic regression. A total of 2330 patients were seen during the study period; 2157 (93%) were evaluated for suicidality at least once, of those, 75 (3.5%) had SR. Those with SR compared with non-SR were more frequently women (20% vs 10%) and with a heterosexual HIV transmission route (29% vs 23%). SR rates per 1000 patients-day among those evaluated were 0.03 in 2018, 0.25 in 2019, 3.16 in 2020, 7.0 in 2021 and 11.98 in 2022. Throughout the model, independently of covariables, a significant increase in the OR of SR was observed in these years compared to 2018: 1.07 in 2019; 2.74 in 2021; and 4.82 in 2022, except in 2020, OR = 0.18.

Men who have sex with men perceiving that sex with women carries the greatest risk of HIV acquisition: results from a mixed-methods systematic review in sub-Saharan Africa.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), men who have sex with men (MSM) often have female sexual partners. Their overall risk of acquiring HIV is higher with male partners. Risk perception is associated with HIV knowledge, sexual risk and preventive behaviours. This synthesis aimed to summarize existing data about HIV knowledge and perceived HIV acquisition risk regarding sex with men and with women in MSM in SSA. We conducted a systematic literature review of MSM's relationships with women in SSA (PROSPERO-CRD42021237836). Quantitative and qualitative data related to MSM's perceived risk from sex with men and with women and HIV knowledge (published up to 2021) were selected and synthesized. Twenty studies were selected. More MSM perceived that the greatest risk of HIV acquisition came from heterosexual/vaginal sex than from homosexual/anal sex (53% vs. 15%; 51% vs. 39%; 42% vs. 8%; 27% vs. 25%; 43% vs. 11%; 23% vs. 13%; 35% vs. 16%, cumulative sample n = 4396, six countries). A higher proportion of MSM received preventive information on heterosexual HIV transmission than on homosexual transmission (79% vs. 22%; 94% vs. 67%; 54% vs. 19%; cumulative sample n = 1199, four countries). The qualitative synthesis (eight studies) highlighted biology- and behaviour-based misconceptions leading MSM to perceive lower or negligible HIV risk from sex with men, compared to sex with women. These misconceptions were partly fuelled by the predominant focus on heterosexual and vaginal HIV transmission in HIV prevention information. Common misconceptions regarding sexual risk between men remain unaddressed by the heteronormative messaging of HIV prevention. Underestimation by MSM of their HIV acquisition risk with male partners can pose significant barriers to effective HIV preventive behaviours and strengthen the transmission risk from MSM to their female partners. Improving access of MSM to tailored HIV prevention information and tools that address their practices with male and female partners is crucial. Integrating messages about anal sex into broader public health initiatives, including sexual health programmes targeting the general population, is essential. Further research in diverse settings in SSA is necessary to gain a greater understanding of the drivers and implications of HIV risk perception in MSM.

Comparing the Efficacy of 2 WeChat Mini Programs in Reducing Nonmarital Heterosexual Contact by Male Factory Workers: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Male factory workers in China are vulnerable to HIV transmission. Commercial and nonmarital noncommercial contacts are the driving forces of heterosexual HIV transmission among male factory workers in China. There is a lack of effective HIV interventions for male factory workers in China. The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the efficacy of an enhanced versus the standard version of a WeChat mini program in reducing sexual intercourse with nonregular female sex partners and female sex workers among male factory workers in Shenzhen, China. A nonblinded 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted between December 2021 and April 2023. Participants were adult male factory workers in Shenzhen who had access to a smartphone and WeChat. Those who had oral or anal sex with a man or self-reported as HIV positive were excluded. A total of 247 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=125, 50.6%) or the control group (n=122, 49.4%); 221 (89.5%) and 220 (89.1%) completed follow-up surveys at T1 (6 months after completion of the interventions) and T2 (6 months after T1). Participants in the control group had access to the standard WeChat mini program that provided basic HIV-related knowledge and information about local free HIV testing services. Participants in the intervention group had access to the enhanced WeChat mini program. The enhanced mini program covered all the information in the standard mini program. In addition, the enhanced mini program assessed users' behaviors and invited users to watch different web-based videos on reducing nonmarital sexual contacts and promoting HIV testing based on their behavioral characteristics at months 0 and 1. The videos were developed based on in-depth interviews with male factory workers. Intention-to-treat analysis was used for outcome analyses. Multiple imputation was used to replace missing outcome values at T1 and T2. At T1, fewer participants in the intervention group reported sexual intercourse with a nonregular female sex partner in the past 6 months compared with the control group (1/125, 0.8% vs 8/122, 6.6%; relative risk=0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.96; P=.02). However, there were no between-group differences in sexual intercourse with a nonregular female sex partner at T2 (10/125, 8% vs 14/122, 11.5%; P=.36) or sexual intercourse with a female sex worker at T1 (2/125, 1.6% vs 2/122, 1.6%; P=.98) or T2 (8/125, 6.4% vs 8/122, 6.6%; P=.96). The enhanced WeChat mini program was more effective than the standard WeChat mini program in reducing sexual intercourse with nonregular female sex partners among male factory workers in the short term but not in the longer term. Improvements should be made to the WeChat mini program before implementation. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05811611; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05811611.

Optimizing the vaginal microbiome as a potential strategy to reduce heterosexual HIV transmission.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a proinflammatory genital condition characterized by high vaginal bacterial diversity and a paucity of Lactobacillus species. BV has been linked to an elevated risk of HIV acquisition among HIV-negative women and of forward HIV transmission to male sex partners among women living with HIV (adjusted hazard ratios of 1.69 and 3.17, respectively), potentially by eliciting genital inflammation in women with BV and their male sex partners. BV is also highly prevalent among women in sub-Saharan Africa, suggesting that BV treatment may have potential as an HIV prevention strategy. BV is typically treated with antibiotics but recurrence rates are high, possibly because treatment does not directly promote Lactobacillus growth. More recently, BV treatment strategies incorporating live biotherapeutic lactobacilli have led to sustained optimization of the vaginal microbiome and a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers previously associated with HIV susceptibility. Future studies are urgently needed to evaluate BV treatment strategies that can optimize the vaginal microbiome in the long term through colonization with H2 O2 -producing vaginal lactobacilli and to assess whether vaginal microbiota optimization is able to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

Net charge and position 22 of the V3 loop are associated with HIV-1 tropism in recently infected female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects around 37 million people worldwide, and in Kenya, key populations especially female sex workers (FSW), are thought to play a substantial role in the wider, mostly heterosexual HIV-1 transmission structure. Notably, HIV tropism has been found to correlate with HIV-1 transmission and disease progression in HIV-infected patients. In this study, recently infected FSWs from Nairobi, Kenya, were assessed for HIV tropism and the factors related to it. We used a cross-sectional study design to analyze 76 HIV-1 positive plasma samples obtained from FSWs enrolled in sex worker outreach program clinics in Nairobi between November 2020 and April 2021. The effects of clinical, demographic, and viral genetic characteristics were determined using multivariable logistic regression. HIV-1 subtype A1 accounted for 89.5% of all cases, with a prevalence of CXCR4-tropic viruses of 26.3%. WebPSSMR5X4 and Geno2Pheno [G2P:10-15% false positive rate] showed high concordance of 88%. Subjects infected with CXCR4-tropic viruses had statistically significant lower baseline CD4+T-cell counts than those infected with CCR5-tropic viruses (P = .044). Using multivariable logistic regression and adjusting for potential confounders, we found that net charge, the amino acid at position 22 of the V3 loop, and the geographic location of the subject were associated with tropism. A unit increase in V3 loop's net-charge increased the odds of a virus being CXCR4-tropic by 2.4 times (OR = 2.40, 95%CI = 1.35-5.00, P = .007). Second, amino acid threonine at position 22 of V3 loop increased the odds of a strain being X4 by 55.7 times compared to the alanine which occurred in CCR5-tropic strains (OR = 55.7, 95%CI = 4.04-84.1, P < .003). The Kawangware sex worker outreach program clinic was associated with CXCR4-tropic strains (P = .034), but there was there was no evidence of a distinct CXCR4-tropic transmission cluster. In conclusion, this study revealed a high concordance of WebPSSMR5X4 and Geno2Pheno in predicting HIV tropism. The most striking finding was that amino acid position 22 of the V3 loop is linked to tropism in HIV-1 subtype A1. Additional studies with a large dataset are warranted to confirm our findings.

Pregnancy rates and clinical outcomes among women living with HIV enrolled in HPTN 052

ABSTRACT HPTN 052 was a multi-country clinical trial of cART for preventing heterosexual HIV-1 transmission. The study allowed participation of pregnant women and provided access to cART and contraceptives. We explored associations between pregnancy and clinical measures of HIV disease stage and progression. Of 869 women followed for 5.70 (SD = 1.62) years, 94.7% were married/cohabitating, 96% initiated cART, and 76.3% had >2 past pregnancies. Of 337 women who experienced pregnancy, 89.3% were from countries with lower contraceptive coverage, 56.1% first started cART with PI-based regimens and 57.6% were 25–34 years old. Mean cART duration and condom use were similar among pregnant and nonpregnant individuals. Adjusting for confounders, viral load suppression (VLS) was not (aHR(CI) = 0.82(0.61, 1.08)) and CD4 was slightly associated with decreased rates of first pregnancy over time (aHR(CI) = 0.9(0.84, 0.95)); baseline VLS was associated with increased (aRR(CI) = 2.48(1.71, 3.59)) and baseline CD4 was slightly associated with decreased number of pregnancies (aRR(CI) = 0.9(0.85,0.96)) over study duration. Partner seroconversion was univariably associated with higher rates of first pregnancy (HR(CI) = 2.02(1.32,3.07)). Despite a background of higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates, our findings suggest that becoming pregnant does not pose a threat to maternal health in women with HIV when there is access to medical care and antiretroviral treatment.

HIV and HIV/TB coinfection: cluster distribution of regions in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia

Introduction. One of the main factors affecting TB burden is HIV progression and, in turn, PLWH predominantly die of TB.The study purpose was to identify high risk regions of HIV, HIV/TB coinfection in NWFD of Russia between years of 2007 to 2018.Materials and methods. K-means method was applied to identify HIV, HIV/TB incidence, prevalence and mortality rates, as well as share of heterosexual HIV transmission route clusters in 10 regions of NWFD. The need data were extracted from relevant forms of federal statistical observation between 2007 to 2018. NAO was excluded from cluster analysis due to absence of HIV/TB coinfection cases in study period. For holistic understanding of HIV/TB coinfection trends, TB incidence, prevalence and mortality rates were estimated too without including them in cluster analysis.Results. Along with significant reduce in TB cases there was increase in HIV case data in most regions, especially in Arkhangelsk oblast where HIV incidence raised by 617.8% in period analyzed. Meanwhile Kaliningrad oblast became the only region where HIV incidence (–21.5%) and mortality (–65.6%), also HIV/TB incidence (–55.0%) is failed in 2007–2018. Heterosexual HIV transmission risk was high in almost all regions, especially in NAO (100.0%), Pskov (89.2%), Novgorod (78.8%) oblasts. K-means method detected the highest HIV spread in Arkhangelsk oblast (first cluster), lowest — in Kaliningrad, Leningrad, Murmansk oblasts and St. Petersburg (third cluster). Other regions with intermediate HIV case data formed second cluster. HIV/TB coinfection most rapidly spreads in Arkhangelsk, Pskov and Novgorod oblasts (first cluster), most slowly — in Kaliningrad, Leningrad oblasts and in St. Petersburg (third cluster). In other regions, spread of HIV/TB coinfection has average rate, forming second intermediate cluster.Conclusion. Along with significant improvement in TB epidemic, spread of HIV and HIV/TB coinfection in regions of NWFD considered as uneven. In regions with high concentration of HIV cases, HIV and HIV/TB coinfection rates are slowed down. Conversely, highest rates of HIV cases, as well as of HIV/TB coinfection case data, are observed in regions with low HIV accumulation, indicating the need to strengthen TB measures in PLWH in regions with a low spread of HIV.

Uptake of premarital HIV testing and associated factors among women who had autonomous versus non autonomous marriage in Ethiopia: A nationwide study.

Premarital HIV testing offers an opportunity where prospective couples can know their HIV status before marriage to prevent both heterosexual and vertical transmission of HIV. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether there is any significant difference in the prevalence of premarital HIV testing among women who had autonomous versus non-autonomous marriage, and to investigate the factors associated with premarital HIV testing among women who had autonomous versus non-autonomous marriage in Ethiopia. Data were extracted from 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey dataset and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Frequencies and weighted percentage of the variables, and second-order Rao-Scott statistic were computed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors between the two groups. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was considered to state statistically significant associations. From 9602 included sample, 4,043 (42.1%) of the women had autonomous marriage, and 5,559(57.9%) of the women had non-autonomous marriage. The prevalence of premarital HIV testing in Ethiopia among women who had autonomous marriage was 30.5% (95% CI: 27.7-33.4%) compared to 20.6% (95% CI: 18.5-22.8) among women who had a non-autonomous marriage. No differences in associated factors were found between women who had autonomous versus non autonomous marriage to uptake HIV testing. In both groups, residence in rural area, education attainment (primary, secondary, higher), media access, being rich and richest, knowing the places for HIV testing, chewing chat, and drinking alcohol were significantly predicts premarital HIV testing. The study indicated that 10% more women in autonomous marriage tested for HIV relative to non-autonomous women whilst being an urban resident, educated, having access to media, household wealth and knowledge of testing facilities significantly predict HIV testing among women in Ethiopia. The paper recommends the Ethiopian government shall expand access to education among women while improving their access to media to enhance their socioeconomic wellbeing and health. Furthermore, it is better to inspire women to undergo autonomous marriage by fostering education in the community to enhance premarital HIV testing.

Quantifying rates of HIV-1 flow between risk groups and geographic locations in Kenya: A country-wide phylogenetic study.

In Kenya, HIV-1 key populations including men having sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSW) are thought to significantly contribute to HIV-1 transmission in the wider, mostly heterosexual (HET) HIV-1 transmission network. However, clear data on HIV-1 transmission dynamics within and between these groups are limited. We aimed to empirically quantify rates of HIV-1 flow between key populations and the HET population, as well as between different geographic regions to determine HIV-1 ‘hotspots’ and their contribution to HIV-1 transmission in Kenya. We used maximum-likelihood phylogenetic and Bayesian inference to analyse 4058 HIV-1 pol sequences (representing 0.3 per cent of the epidemic in Kenya) sampled 1986–2019 from individuals of different risk groups and regions in Kenya. We found 89 per cent within-risk group transmission and 11 per cent mixing between risk groups, cyclic HIV-1 exchange between adjoining geographic provinces and strong evidence of HIV-1 dissemination from (i) West-to-East (i.e. higher-to-lower HIV-1 prevalence regions), and (ii) heterosexual-to-key populations. Low HIV-1 prevalence regions and key populations are sinks rather than major sources of HIV-1 transmission in Kenya. Targeting key populations in Kenya needs to occur concurrently with strengthening interventions in the general epidemic.

Toward Greater Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Equity: Increasing Provision and Uptake for Black and Hispanic/Latino Individuals in the U.S.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV acquisition and is a critical tool in the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative. However, major racial and ethnic disparities across the pre-exposure prophylaxis continuum, secondary to structural inequities and systemic racism, threaten progress. Many barriers, operating at the individual, network, healthcare, and structural levels, impede PrEP access and uptake within Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. This review provides an overview of those barriers and the innovative and collaborative solutions that health departments, healthcare organizations, and community partners have implemented to increase PrEP provision and uptake among disproportionately affected communities. Promising strategies at the individual and network levels focus on increasing patient support throughout the PrEP continuum, positioning and training community members to expand knowledge of and interest in PrEP, and leveraging mobile technologies to support PrEP uptake. Healthcare-level solutions include expanding the venues and types of healthcare professionals that can provide PrEP, and structural- and policy-level options focus on financial assistance programs and health insurance expansion. Key research gaps include demonstrating that pilot studies and interventions remain effective at scale and across varied contexts. Although the last 2 decades have provided effective tools to end the HIV epidemic, realizing this vision for the U.S. will require addressing persistent and pervasive HIV-related disparities in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities. Federal, state, and local partners should expand efforts to address longstanding health and structural inequities and partner with disproportionately affected communities to rapidly expand PrEP scale-up.

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Uptake, Adherence, and Persistence: A Narrative Review of Interventions in the U.S.

Since 2012, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been available to prevent HIV transmission; yet, uptake, adherence, and persistence to PrEP have been suboptimal. This narrative review examines the latest interventions and programs to improve all 3 stages of PrEP adherence and reviews ongoing studies to promote effective PrEP use. From 2017 to 2020, a total of 20 studies analyzed different individual- and structural-level approaches to increase PrEP adherence, including behavior change interventions, technology-based interventions (e.g., short message service messages and mobile applications), and alternate delivery strategies (e.g., pharmacy-based PrEP, integration with other services, and home delivery). Most published interventions involved men who have sex with men, although 3 assessed women (2 transgender, 1 cisgender). Randomized, controlled data support 3 behavioral change interventions and 1 technology-based intervention. Alternate delivery strategies seem promising, although more robust study designs are generally needed. In addition, data on the alignment of ongoing HIV risk and PrEP persistence (i.e., prevention-effective adherence) were limited. The authors also identified 20 ongoing studies that are promoting PrEP adherence. Future work should be inclusive of all at-risk groups in the U.S., including African American and Latinx heterosexual populations and people who inject drugs. Proven and promising approaches may work well in combination and may also need to be adapted with the introduction of long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis formulations. Collectively, this body of work indicates considerable progress toward understanding the role PrEP adherence will play in Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. that will be bolstered by the outcomes of ongoing trials.

Immunogenetic determinants of heterosexual HIV-1 transmission: key findings and lessons from two distinct African cohorts.

Immunogenetic studies in the past three decades have uncovered a broad range of human genetic factors that seem to influence heterosexual HIV-1 transmission in one way or another. In our own work that jointly evaluated both genetic and non-genetic factors in two African cohorts of cohabiting, HIV-1-discordant couples (donor and recipient pairs) at risk of transmission during quarterly follow-up intervals, relatively consistent findings have been seen with three loci (IL19, HLA-A and HLA-B), although the effect size (i.e., odds ratio or hazards ratio) of each specific variant was quite modest. These studies offered two critical lessons that should benefit future research on sexually transmitted infections. First, in donor partners, immunogenetic factors (e.g., HLA-B*57 and HLA-A*36:01) that operate directly through HIV-1 viral load or indirectly through genital co-infections are equally important. Second, thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms previously recognized as “causal” factors for human autoimmune disorders did not appear to make much difference, which is somewhat puzzling as these variants are predicted or known to influence the expression of many immune response genes. Replicating these observations in additional cohorts is no longer feasible as the field has shifted its focus to early diagnosis, universal treatment and active management of comorbidities.

Demographic features of identified PLWHA infected through commercial and nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact in China from 2015 to 2018: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundUnderstanding the demographic characteristics of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) infected through commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) or nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact (NMNCHC) is important for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.MethodsCases reported through the Chinese HIV/AIDS Case Reporting System (CRS) from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. A descriptive and preliminary inferential analysis were performed for those demographic characteristics deemed of interest.ResultsOverall, 523,121 identified PLWHA between 2015 and 2018 in the CRS were analyzed. The constituent ratio of heterosexual transmission increased from 66.25% in 2015 to 71.48% in 2018. The proportion of CHC heterosexual transmission decreased from 40.18% in 2015 to 37.99% in 2018, while that of NMNCHC increased from 46.33% in 2015 to 49.02% in 2018. PLWHA infected through NMNCHC were significantly younger than those who were infected through CHC (Student’s t test, P < 0.0001), with an average age gap ranging from 5.63 (2015) to 7.46 (2018) years, and the average age of both groups increased annually. The frequency of newly identified PLWHA who were infected through CHC had a remarkable increase among the ages of 65 and above. Gender distribution was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 8909.00(2015), 9941.90(2016), 11,004.00 (2017), 12,836.00(2018), all P < 0.0001), and the ratio of men to women in the NMCHC group was 1.50:1 (2015), 1.51:1 (2016), 1.54:1 (2017), and 1.52:1 (2018), while in the commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) group, these ratios were 11.45:1 (2015), 12.08:1 (2016), 12.53:1 (2017), and 13.28:1 (2018). Marital status was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 94.67 (2015), 109.88(2016), 58.18(2017), 152.38(2018), all P < 0.0001). As the educational level improved, the proportion of NMNCHC also increased (Cochran - Armitage test, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsWe found that heterosexual transmission was the primary mode of HIV transmission in China from 2015 to 2018. PLWHA infected through CHC and NMNCHC had different characteristics in age, gender, marital status, and educational level. The frequency of PLWHA infected through CHC increased substantially in the age group of 65 and above. This study provides useful baseline data for future studies on the heterosexual transmission of HIV in China.

Deep Gene Sequence Cluster Analyses of Multi-Virus-Infected Mucosal Tissue Reveal Enhanced Transmission of Acute HIV-1.

Exposure of the genital mucosa to a genetically diverse viral swarm from the donor HIV-1 can result in breakthrough and systemic infection by a single transmitted/founder (TF) virus in the recipient. The highly diverse HIV-1 envelope (Env) in this inoculating viral swarm may have a critical role in transmission and subsequent immune response. Thus, chronic (Envchronic) and acute (Envacute) Env chimeric HIV-1 were tested using multivirus competition assays in human mucosal penile and cervical tissues. Viral competition analysis revealed that Envchronic viruses resided and replicated mainly in the tissue, while Envacute viruses penetrated the human tissue and established infection of CD4+ T cells more efficiently. Analysis of the replication fitness, as tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), showed similar replication fitness of Envacute and Envchronic viruses, which did not correlate with transmission fitness in penile tissue. Further, we observed that chimeric Env viruses with higher replication in genital mucosal tissue (chronic Env viruses) had higher binding affinity to C-type lectins. Data presented herein suggest that the inoculating HIV-1 may be sequestered in the genital mucosal tissue (represented by chronic Env HIV-1) but that a single HIV-1 clone (e.g., acute Env HIV-1) can escape this trapped replication for systemic infection.IMPORTANCE During heterosexual HIV-1 transmission, a genetic bottleneck occurs in the newly infected individual as the virus passes from the mucosa, leading to systemic infection with a single transmitted HIV-1 clone in the recipient. This bottleneck in the recipient has just been described (K. Klein et al., PLoS Pathog 14:e1006754, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1006754), and the mechanisms involved in this selection process have not been elucidated. However, understanding mucosal restriction is of the utmost importance for understanding dynamics of infections and for designing focused vaccines. Using our human penile and cervical mucosal tissue models for mixed HIV infections, we provide evidence that HIV-1 from acute/early infection, compared to that from chronic infection, can more efficiently traverse the mucosal epithelium and be transmitted to T cells, suggesting higher transmission fitness. This study focused on the role of the HIV-1 envelope in transmission and provides strong evidence that HIV transmission may involve breaking the mucosal lectin trap.

A Sustainable Surveillance-Based Approach to Creating a State-Level HCV Cascade of Care for HIV/HCV Co-Infected Persons

Background: The HIV cascade of care (CoC) model has been used to evaluate HIV-related health outcomes. Similar approaches have been applied to HCV mono-infected individuals; published CoC have relied on sources other than public health surveillance data. This study addresses this through a surveillance-only approach using two public health surveillance databases. Methods: We linked Connecticut’s (CT) HIV (the enhanced HIV/AIDS reporting System [eHARS]) and HCV (the CT Electronic Disease Surveillance System [CTEDSS]) surveillance databases, creating a co-infected list. We used HCV laboratory results to define the care status of each patient for appropriate CoC designation. Three CoC algorithms were assessed to measure their effects on calculated sustained virologic response (SVR) rates. Multivariate analysis was completed to measure those most likely to achieve SVR for each algorithm. Findings: HCV CoC SVR rates ranged from 37.1%-69.2%, depending on the algorithm used. Those significantly more likely to achieve SVR were baby-boomers and those with HIV viral suppression. Trends across CoC algorithms showed Black and Hispanic persons, females, and those with heterosexual HIV transmission were less likely to achieve SVR. Interpretation: We successfully developed a surveillance-based approach to creating a statewide HCV CoC for HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. Those not achieving SVR were identified, allowing future engagement strategies to focus on them. Furthermore, the methods presented can be adopted and implemented at state, local, or national level agencies. Funding: This work is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under award U90HA31462. Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: The Department of Public Health Human Investigations Committee approved this research project

Using Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Care Utilization to Assess Contraceptive Use among Sexually Active Perinatally HIV-Infected Adolescents in Uganda.

Background Contraceptive practices of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIAs) have implications related to pregnancy prevention, risks of HIV heterosexual transmission, reinfection, and vertical transmission. The study assessed contraceptive use among sexually active PHIAs in Uganda. Methods Mixed methods consisting of a survey and in-depth interviews were employed among 213 sexually active PHIAs who were attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics. The study was guided by Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use as a theoretical framework to identify factors that influence contraceptive use. These factors include health care factors, personal characteristics, enabling factors, and needs. The outcome was contraceptive use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to establish determinants of contraceptive use. Qualitative data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results Most PHIAs were female (67.6%); the mean (SD) and median (IQR) age was 17.5 (±1.4) and 18 (17-19) years. The mean age of sexual debut and at marriage were 15 (±1.7) and 17 (±1.1), respectively. Condoms were the most known method of family planning (indicated by 55.4%). Only 16.9% of the participants knew about dual protection (condom use for FP as well as HIV/STI prevention). Of the PHIAs, 43.6% had ever used modern contraception and 56.9% of the females had ever been pregnant. The odds of contraceptive ever-use were significantly higher among adolescents aged 17-19 years (OR 5.1, 95% CI: 2.1-13.3) compared to those aged 10-16 years, those in school (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.07-3.2) compared to those out of school, and those with perceived need to use FP (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.9) compared to their counterparts. The odds of contraceptive used were lower among females (OR 0.13, 95% CI: 0.06-0.28) compared to males. From the in-depth interviews, the attitude of health workers, availability of health workers, having a friend using family planning, and waiting time were viewed to affect contraceptive use. Conclusion Contraceptive use among sexually active perinatally HIV-infected adolescents was (43.6%). However, out of those who used family planning majority were using short-term methods. The unmet need for family planning was high (47%) with high reports of pregnancy (56.9%). The factors associated with contraceptive use included education, age, sex (predisposing factors), and perceived need of family planning (need factors). Other factors that could affect contraceptive use from qualitative analysis included attitude of health workers, availability of health workers, having a friend using family planning (predisposing factors), and waiting time (health system factors). HIV care for adolescents should be promoted using SRH approach. There is a need to provide training for all providers to cater for SRH services. We should continue to provide youth-responsive adolescent sexual and reproductive health services across all ART facilities and build a supportive environment and continue to integrate SRH services into HIV care.

The differential impacts of non-locally acquired infections and treatment interventions on heterosexual HIV transmission in Hong Kong.

IntroductionHeterosexual infections have contributed to a high proportion of the HIV burden in Asia and Eastern Europe. Human mobility and non-local infections are important features in some cities/countries. An understanding of the determinants of the sustained growth of the heterosexual HIV epidemics would enable the potential impacts of treatment-based interventions to be assessed.MethodsWe developed a compartmental model for heterosexual HIV transmissions, parameterized by clinical and surveillance data (1984–2014) in Hong Kong. HIV sequence data were included for examining genetic linkages and clustering pattern. We performed sensitivity analyses to evaluate effects of high-risk sexual partnership and proportions of non-locally acquired infections. Four hypothetical interventions (a) immediate treatment, (b) enhancement of retention in care, (c) HIV testing campaigns, and (d) test-and-treat strategy, were examined.ResultsData of 2174 patients (723 female and 1451 male) diagnosed with HIV between 1984 and 2012 in Hong Kong were collected for model parameterization. Among 1229 sequences of non-MSM (men who have sex with men) patients, 70% were isolates and 17% were either dyads or triads. In base-case scenario, the total estimated number of new infections in 2012–2023 would be 672 for male and 452 for female. Following 100% retention in care intervention, the total proportion of averted new infections in 2012–2023 would be 7% for male and 10% for female. HIV testing campaign in 2012 and 2017 followed by 100% immediate treatment strategy would avert 5% and 9% of male and female new infections, respectively. In the epidemic model, an increase of high-risk sexual partnership from 6% to 9% would increase the epidemic growth (annual number of newly diagnosed and newly infected cases) by about 10%. If no non-locally acquired infection occurred as from 2012, the epidemic growth would slump. To control the heterosexual epidemic, periodic HIV testing at 5-year intervals with immediate treatment would avert 5–13% of annual new infections in 2013–2023.ConclusionsEnhanced HIV testing with immediate treatment is most effective in controlling the heterosexual epidemic, the impacts of which might however be attenuated by any increase of non-locally acquired infection, assuming little variations of high risk partnership over time.

A structural equation model of factors associated with HIV risk behaviors and mental health among men who have sex with men in Malawi

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of HIV in Malawi. Early prevention efforts in Malawi have been largely focused on preventing heterosexual and vertical transmission of HIV, and MSM have rarely been the specific benefactors of these efforts, despite facing both higher prevalence of HIV coupled with multiple barriers to prevention and care. To better facilitate the design of culturally relevant HIV prevention programs and prioritize resources among MSM in resource limited settings, the objective of this analysis was to estimate the relationship between social factors and HIV related risk behaviors and mental health.Methods338 MSM were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Blantyre, Malawi from April 2011 to March 2012. Structural equation models were built to test the association between six latent factors: participation in social activities, social support, stigma and human rights violations, depression symptomatology, condom use, and sexual risk behaviors, including concurrent sexual partnerships and total number of partners.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 25 years old. Almost 50% (158/338) of the participants were unemployed and 11% (37/338) were married or cohabiting with women. More than 30% (120/338) of the participants reported sexual behavior stigma and 30% (102/338) reported depression symptomatology. Almost 50% (153/338) of the participants reported any kind of HIV-related risk behaviors and 30% (110/338) participated in one of the recorded social activities. Significant associations were identified between stigma and risk behaviors (β = 0.14, p = 0.03); stigma and depression symptomatology (β = 0.62, p = 0.01); participation in social activities and depression symptomatology (β = 0.17, p = 0.01).ConclusionResults suggest MSM reporting stigma are more likely to report sexual risk practices associated with HIV/STI transmission and depressive symptoms, while those reporting participation in social activities related to HIV education are less likely to be depressed. Furthermore, interventions at the community level to support group empowerment and engagement may further reduce risks of HIV transmission and improve mental health outcomes. Taken together, these results suggest the potential additive benefits of mental health services integrated within comprehensive HIV prevention packages to optimize both HIV-related outcomes and general quality of life among MSM in Malawi.

Factors Associated with Utilisation of Couple HIV Counselling and Testing Among HIV-Positive Adults in Kyoga Fishing Community Uganda, May 2017: Cross Sectional Study.

Couple HIV counseling and testing (CHCT) is key in preventing heterosexual HIV transmission and achievement of 90-90-90 UNAIDS treatment targets by 2020. We conducted secondary data analysis to assess utilization of CHCT and associated factors using logistic regression. 58/134 participants (49%) had ever utilized CHCT. Disclosure of individual HIV results to a partner [aOR = 16; 95% CI: (3.6-67)], residence for > 1 < 5years [aOR = 0.04; 95% CI (0.005-0.33)], and none mobility [aOR = 3.6; 95% CI (1.1-12)] were significantly associated with CHCT. Age modified relationship between CHCT and disclosure (Likelihood-ratio test LR chi2 = 4.2 (p value = 0.041). Disclosure of individual HIV results with a partner and residence for more than 1year improved utilization of CHCT; mobility reduced the odds of CHCT. Interventions should target prior discussion of individual HIV results among couples and mobile populations to increase CHCT.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Persons Living With HIV by Enrollment Status in Washington, DC: Evaluation of a Large Longitudinal HIV Cohort Study.

BackgroundHIV cohort studies have been used to assess health outcomes and inform the care and treatment of people living with HIV disease. However, there may be similarities and differences between cohort participants and the general population from which they are drawn.ObjectiveThe objective of this analysis was to compare people living with HIV who have and have not been enrolled in the DC Cohort study and assess whether participants are a representative citywide sample of people living with HIV in the District of Columbia (DC).MethodsData from the DC Health (DCDOH) HIV surveillance system and the DC Cohort study were matched to identify people living with HIV who were DC residents and had consented for the study by the end of 2016. Analysis was performed to identify differences between DC Cohort and noncohort participants by demographics and comorbid conditions. HIV disease stage, receipt of care, and viral suppression were evaluated. Adjusted logistic regression assessed correlates of health outcomes between the two groups.ResultsThere were 12,964 known people living with HIV in DC at the end of 2016, of which 40.1% were DC Cohort participants. Compared with nonparticipants, participants were less likely to be male (68.0% vs 74.9%, P<.001) but more likely to be black (82.3% vs 69.5%, P<.001) and have a heterosexual contact HIV transmission risk (30.3% vs 25.9%, P<.001). DC Cohort participants were also more likely to have ever been diagnosed with stage 3 HIV disease (59.6% vs 47.0%, P<.001), have a CD4 <200 cells/µL in 2017 (6.2% vs 4.6%, P<.001), be retained in any HIV care in 2017 (72.9% vs 59.4%, P<.001), and be virally suppressed in 2017. After adjusting for demographics, DC Cohort participants were significantly more likely to have received care in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.70-2.00) and to have ever been virally suppressed (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.20-1.40).ConclusionsThese data have important implications when assessing the representativeness of patients enrolled in clinic-based cohorts compared with the DC-area general HIV population. As participants continue to enroll in the DC Cohort study, ongoing assessment of representativeness will be required.