Rates Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Research Articles

Epidemiologic characteristics of people living with human immunodeficiency virus in South Korea: a nationwide cohort study

Recent information regarding the characteristics of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) is lacking. Therefore, we examined the incidence of HIV infection and epidemiologic characteristics of PLWH in South Korea using recent National Health Insurance Service database data. The HIV infection rate was 4.13 per 100,000 in 2017, 4.19 per 100,000 in 2018, 6.61 per 100,000 in 2019, 5.98 per 100,000 in 2020, 8.81 per 100,000 in 2021, and 4.14 per 100,000 in 2022. In 2016, the mean age of PLWH was 45.7 years (SD: 13.8 years), and it gradually increased to 49.0 years (standard deviation: 13.7 years) in 2022 over 7 years in South Korea. The proportion of male individuals among PLWH was 90.7% (19,970/22,026) in 2016, and it gradually increased to 92.3% (22,943/24,857) in 2022 over 7 years in South Korea. The proportion of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) users among PLWH in South Korea was 92.6% (20,388/22,026) in 2016, and it gradually increased to 97.9% (24,328/24,857) in 2022 over 7 years. In this population-based cohort analysis, we presented the HIV infection incidence and epidemiologic features of PLWH in South Korea. This study’s results may influence future infection prevention strategies and policies for PLWH.

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus, human T-lymphotropic virus and human immunodeficiency virus in patients receiving blood transfusions in South Africa.

South Africa has a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and to a lesser extent human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV). Each of these agents is transfusion-transmissible (TT)but deciding whether to implement preventive screening depends upon knowledge of background prevalence in transfused patients. We determined the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HTLV I/II among blood transfusion recipients in South African hospitals. We obtained identity-unlinked samples used for blood cross-matching at 634 South African hospitals served by the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). The ABBOTT Alinity S® Immunochemiluminescent system measured HIV, HBV and HTLV I/II antibodies. Repeatedly reactive samples were confirmed using the Roche Cobas® 8000. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the determinants of associations for HIV, HBV and HTLV infections. The overall prevalences of HIV, HBV and HTLV were 37.8%, 7.4% and 0.6%, respectively. The HIV prevalence in blood recipients was twice as high as general population estimates. Public hospital patients had a significantly higher prevalence compared with private hospital patients for HIV and HBV. HIV prevalence was significantly higher in females, and HBV prevalence was significantly higher in males, excluding the unknown gender results. Patients receiving blood transfusions in South Africa have high rates of HIV and HBV infection that should be taken into consideration when determining donor screening strategies for other viral infections. Measurable prevalence of HTLV indicates endemicity of this infection in South Africa.

A bibliometric analysis of HIV nursing research between 1999 and 2022.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) nursing has become more prominent with the increase in chronic HIV infections. This study examined articles related to HIV nursing to determine how the profession has developed and its future direction. A bibliometric analysis was conducted. HIV nursing-related articles published in the Web of Science core collection between 1999 and 2022 were searched. VOSviewer was used to identify the contributions of countries, institutions and authors in HIV-related care. Collaborative maps, hot topics and keywords trends were analysed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace. A total of 1513 publications were extracted. An increase in articles published between 1999 and 2012 was observed. After 2012, the increase in the number of publications was relatively stable. Since 2016, a downward trend in the number of publications has occurred. The USA, South Africa and the UK were the leading contributors to publications related to HIV nursing. The focus of the HIV nursing research has gradually shifted from "HIV infection", "risk factors", and "transmission routes" to "social support", "depression", and "public health". The result shows that increased collaboration among countries/regions can improve the development of HIV nursing and effectively reduce the global HIV infection rate. The mental health of patients has become a research centre in the field of HIV nursing. This study provides direction in clinical practice and future research areas in this field.

The current state and outlook of HIV infection and AIDS in South Korea

Background: Over the past decade, approximately 1,100 newly diagnosed cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been reported annually in South Korea, with 1,066 newly diagnosed cases reported in 2022. A decrease in HIV infection rate can be achieved only through coordinated prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. South Korea is lagging in the worldwide decreasing trend of HIV infection, and a brief review of this situation may suggest improvements necessary for progress.Current Concepts: In South Korea, the proportion of patients with CD4 cell count below 200 cells/mm<sup>3</sup> at initial diagnosis of HIV infection remains high, suggesting that a significant population is diagnosed at the late stage of the disease. Since 2019, the Korean National Health Insurance Service began to cover the cost of preexposure prophylaxis for sexual partners of patients living with HIV, but few have started the regimen due to several barriers. Insurance criteria for a prophylaxis regimen should be modified, and accessibility to the regimen should be made available through multiple pathways. Proactive use of rapid HIV testing kits in community health centers and clinics should be expanded. Legal and administrative environments encouraging voluntary testing, early diagnosis, and treatment should be fostered. Medical personnel must be able to offer medical care without discrimination regardless of HIV infection status.Discussion and Conclusion: The HIV epidemic in South Korea has not yet decreased. To end it, efforts should be required across broad areas, including voluntary HIV testing, early diagnosis, active pre-exposure prophylaxis, a stigma- and discrimination-free social environment, and changes in legal and medical environments.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of the 2022 Mpox Outbreak in Spain (CEME-22 Study).

We conducted a multicentric national study (SEIMC-CEME-22), to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of the mpox outbreak in Spain, including the management of the disease. This was a retrospective national observational study conducted by Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica (SEIMC) and Foundation SEIMC-GESIDA. We included patients with a confirmed mpox diagnosis before 13 July 2022, and attended at the Spanish health network (the early phase of the outbreak). Epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic data were collected. Of a total of 1472 patients from 52 centers included, 99% of them were cisgender men, mostly middle-aged, and 98.6% were residents in Spain. The main suspected route of transmission was sexual exposure, primarily among MSM. Occupational exposure was reported in 6 patients. Immunosuppression was present in 40% of patients, mainly due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Only 6.5% of patients had been vaccinated against orthopoxvirus. Virus sequencing was performed in 147 patients (all B.1 lineage). Rash was the most frequent symptom (95.7%), followed by fever (48.2%), adenopathies (44.4%) myalgias (20.7%), proctitis (17%), and headache (14.7%). Simultaneously diagnosed sexually transmitted infections included syphilis (n = 129), gonococcal infection (n = 91), HIV (n = 67), chlamydia (n = 56), hepatitis B (n = 14), and hepatitis C (n = 11). No therapy was used in 479 patients (33%). Symptomatic therapies and antibiotics were used in 50% of cases. The most used therapy regimens were systemic corticoids (90 patients), tecovirimat (6 patients), and cidofovir (13 patients). Smallpox immunoglobulins were used in 1 patient. Fifty-eight patients were hospitalized, and 1 patient died. Mpox outbreak in Spain affected primarily middle-aged men who were sexually active and showed a high rate of HIV infection. A range of heterogeneous therapeutics options was performed.

Interplay between HIV and Human Pegivirus (HPgV) Load in Co-Infected Patients: Insights from Prevalence and Genotype Analysis.

Human pegivirus (HPgV) is transmitted through sexual or parenteral exposure and is common among patients receiving blood products. HPgV is associated with lower levels of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA and better survival among HIV-infected patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HPgV and determine its subtypes in HIV-infected individuals living in Istanbul, which has the highest rate of HIV infection in Türkiye. Total RNA extraction from plasma, cDNA synthesis, and nested PCR were performed for HPgV on plasma samples taken from 351 HIV-1-infected patients. The HPgV viral load was quantified on HPgV-positive samples. HPgV genotyping was performed by sequencing the corresponding amplicons. In the present study, the overall prevalence of HPgV RNA in HIV-infected patients was 27.3%. HPgV subtypes 1, 2a, and 2b were found, with subtype 2a being the most frequent (91.6%). Statistical analysis of HIV-1 viral load on HPgV viral load showed an opposing correlation between HIV-1 and HPgV loads. In conclusion, these data show that HPgV infection is common among HIV-positive individuals in Istanbul, Türkiye. Further comprehensive studies are needed to clarify both the cellular and molecular pathways of these two infections and to provide more information on the effect of HPgV on the course of the disease in HIV-infected individuals.

A structural equation modeling approach to investigate HIV testing willingness for men who have sex with men in China

BackgroundA substantial risk of contracting Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exists among men who have sex with men (MSM), and HIV infection rates have been rising. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the Chinese MSM population’s intention to test for HIV.MethodsNonprobability sampling techniques were employed in June 2022 to recruit MSM in Chongqing and Sichuan, China. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), which is based on the knowledge-attitude-behavior (KAB) theory.ResultsAmong 1687 participants, 964 (57.1%) of the MSM were willing to have an HIV test. The results of the structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that knowledge, attitude, and behavior all influenced the testing intention, with attitude having the greatest impact (total effect of 0.22).ConclusionHIV testing needs to be increased among MSM as they exhibit a moderate willingness to test. Improving education on HIV knowledge and risk behavior might enhance the willingness of MSM to test for HIV in China.

Incidence of HIV Infection among HIV-Exposed Iinfants at Gondar University Hospital from 2019-2021: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is decreasing worldwide; however, achieving the MTCT elimination target of 2% by 2020 and 0% by 2030 is challenging in resource-limited countries. Preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) is a key strategy in eliminating new pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection Strengthening PMTCT program is one of the key mechanisms for the elimination of Pediatric HIV infection and improving maternal and newborn survival. Assessing the incidence of HIV infection among HIV exposed infants is critical to devise an important preventive strategy which was the main objective of this study. A prospective Cohort study was conducted at Gondar University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, PMTCT clinic to assess the incidence of HIV infection among HIV exposed infants from 2019-2021. The overall incidence of HIV infection among HIV exposed infants was 3.6%. HIV infection rate was significantly increased among HIV exposed infants coming out of Gondar, Infants with developmental failure and Infants with Unknown fathers' HIV status compared to their counterpart. The incidence of HIV infection among 307 HIV-exposed infants was 3.6% which is higher than the expected standard. The lost to follow up rate was also significant (9.4%). These finding showed that strengthening the PMCT service is mandatory.

198 Meta-analysis of Transgender Exclusion from PrEP Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To evaluate access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medications for transgender individuals examining how systemic and sociocultural obstacles play a role. Additionally, analyzing the impact of trans-exclusion in clinical trials investigating PrEP efficacy on the trans-HIV care model. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: By examining the clinicaltrials.gov database, inclusion and exclusion criteria will be collected for Phase III trials of FTC/TAF (Descovy) and FTC/TDF (Truvada) as PrEP for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Secondly, trends of physicians’ prescription of PrEP will be analyzed to track post-approval usage and deduce the acceptance and adherence of PrEP by transgender patients. Thirdly, post-approval marketing strategies of PrEP medications will be documented to see key demographics that biopharmaceutical companies are targeting. Finally, relevant literature about trans healthcare will be analyzed to identify key short fallings to support conclusions and justify recommendations for greater transgender clinical trial enrollment and reformations to current standard practices. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: After a preliminary literature review of published Phase III trials for Descovy and Truvada , there is a marked lack of transgender patient enrollment. Contemporary literature argues that this lag in enrollment has downstream effects on trust and acceptance of PrEP as safe and effective by cohorts in the transgender community. The examination of prescribing information for Descovy and Truvada for PrEP reveals a minimal effort to advise doctors of the increased risk for infection in the transgender demographic. Through continued research, I expect to elaborate on the cross-discipline impacts of trans-exclusion, including increased rates of HIV infection, sociocultural and financial barriers to PrEP, and stigmatizing doctor interactions with transgender patients. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The current trans-HIV treatment paradigm lags behind in its sensitivity and nuance, preventing the most equitable distribution of care. Only with more inclusion of transgender individuals in clinical trials can we hope to promote greater awareness and trust for PrEP as effective for HIV.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women and its correlation with socioeconomic determinants.

To analyze the spatial pattern of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women and its correlation with socioeconomic determinants. Ecological study, carried out with cases of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women in the state of Pará, Brazil, from 2010 to 2017. Rate analysis was performed using the empirical Bayesian method and univariate local Moran. Bivariate analyses were used to examine the correlation between infection and socioeconomic determinants. High rates of infection were observed in municipalities in the mesoregions of Southeast of Pará and Metropolitan area of Belém. A significant spatial correlation was found between human immunodeficiency virus infection rates in pregnant women and human development index indicators (I = 0.2836; p < 0.05), average income (I = 0.6303; p < 0.05), and illiteracy rate (I = 0.4604; p < 0.05). The spatial pattern of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pregnant women correlated to socioeconomic determinants highlights the need to restructure public policies for the control and prevention of AIDS virus that take into account the socioeconomic factors of this specific population and locoregional disparities in Pará.

Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention in a Rural Southern Clinic.

Little is known about implementing preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the rural US South, where most HIV infections occur. To investigate how to better reach the at-risk population in rural eastern North Carolina (ENC), the characteristics and clinical courses of those receiving PrEP from our clinic were reviewed and analyzed. A retrospective study was used to describe the characteristics and outcomes of PrEP participants in rural ENC. Thirty-five patients were included whose median age was 37 years (range 22-69). The majority of patients tolerated PrEP well and continued the medication, with only 6 (17%) discontinuations; the reasons for discontinuing included partner mistrust, intolerance to medication, and pregnancy. Patients who initiated PrEP in ENC were more likely to be insured (89%), White (66%), and male (69%). Average travel time to the clinic was 34 minutes (range 2-123 minutes) and the average travel distance was 23 mi (range 1-93 mi). The study results were noteworthy given that in North Carolina, young Black men have the highest estimated rates of HIV infection. The reasons behind this discrepancy are likely multifactorial, and this study highlights the need for future programs and research to make PrEP more widely accessible to the at-risk population in this rural ENC community.

Prevalence of HIV Sero-conversion and associated risk factors among antenatal clinic attendees in Enugu state university of science and technology teaching hospital, Enugu Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women of reproductive age and it is a major contributor to maternal, infant and child morbidity and mortality. Globally, in 2015, an estimated, 78 million people had become infected with HIV while 35 million people had died from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related illness since the start of the epidemic. In Nigeria, a national HIV prevalence rate of 3.4% was reported in 2012 with 1.3% in Enugu State. HIV retesting is a WHO recommendation that was adopted by Nigerian her national guideline. The essence of antenatal HIV retesting includes the identification of pregnant women who were first tested during their window periods and subsequently sero-converted, and those who acquired new HIV infection after their initial screening test given the fact that a single HIV testing may not be enough to diagnose HIV with findings of high rates of incident HIV infection during pregnancy and at the post-partum periods. It has been shown that the rate of MTCT was higher from sero-converting women compared with women with already established HIV infection. Hence, this study which gave a clue to the rate of HIV sero-conversion among our antenatal women which may possibly popularize the concept of retesting especially among these women. Aim: To determine the prevalence of HIV sero-conversion and the associated risk factors among previously sero-negative antenatal clinic attendees in Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, (ESUTTH). Methods: This was a prospective, cohort study involving 415 sero-negative HIV women recruited from antenatal clinic in ESUTH from January to April, 2019 and followed up for 12 weeks. Information on their socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy history, sexual lifestyle, and clinical profile were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. HIV tests were done at booking and repeated after 12 weeks using the Rapid Diagnostic Test kits by the parallel algorithm format. Data was analyzed with the IBM SPSS version 23.0. Measures of associations were determined with the Chi-Square test and binary logistic regression. P-value &lt; 0.05 was assessed as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.44±4.91SD years with a range of 16-43 years. Majority of them were married (397; 95.7%) and had post-secondary education (321; 77.3%). The incidence of HIV sero-conversion was 1.0%. Less than 35 years of age, being single, tobacco use, multiple sexual partners in pregnancy and knowledge of partners’ HIV status were significantly associated with HIV sero-conversion (p &lt; 0.05). However, none of these factors was a significant predictor following logistic regression. Conclusion: The rate of HIV sero-conversion in pregnancy is of public health importance in Enugu and obligatory repeat testing, especially among women with these identified associated risk factors is therefore advised to forestall the menace of HIV to the child and the society at large.

Ways of HIV transmission in China: The effect of age, period, and cohort.

BackgroundAcquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a global pandemic caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is transmitted through human behaviors, such as sexual intercourse, intravenous drug injection, and blood transfusion. Rare studies have focused on the evaluation of the effects of culture, society, and HIV-related policies in adjusting people's HIV-related behaviors, i.e., ways of HIV transmission.MethodsBy taking the new HIV infections in Hubei Province each year from 1995 to 2020 as the sample, our study used the Hierarchical Age-Period-Cohort (HAPC) model to analyze the effects of age, period, and cohort on the trends of ways of HIV transmission.ResultsFrom 1995 to 2020, the number of new HIV infections in Hubei presented a general upward trend. A total of 34,636 HIV infections were reported during this period. According to the statistics of the new HIV infections in Hubei Province between 1995 and 2020, there is a negative correlation between age (−0.099, p < 0.001), squared age (−0.002, p < 0.001), and the rate of blood transmission. While there is a positive correlation between age (0.143, p < 0.001), squared age (0.002, p < 0.001), and the rate of HIV infection through sexual transmission. The significant period and cohort effects on ways of HIV transmission were also observed in the Chinese population.ConclusionSexual and blood transmission are the two main ways of HIV infection in China and Hubei. The trend of blood transmission is in accordance with the wave of blood trade in the early 1990s in China. The trend of sexual transmission indicates an increasing need to promote safer sexual behavior among the older population and later generations and design more tailored, innovative, and diverse HIV prevention strategies, especially for the high-risk groups.

HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Metro Manila, the Philippines: A prospective cohort study 2014-2018.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in the Philippines has been driven by sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) over the past 2 decades. As the incidence of HIV infection among MSM has not been extensively evaluated, this study aimed to determine the incidence of HIV infections and the associated risk factors among MSM in Metro Manila, Philippines.This prospective cohort study was conducted in 2 community centers in Metro Manila, the Philippines, between March 2014 and December 2018. MSM who had anal or oral sex in the past 12 months, aged ≥18 years, and confirmed HIV-negative status were enrolled. Participants were followed up every 3 months with repeat HIV testing and assessment of HIV-related practices.Of the 708 MSM included in this study, a total of 59 HIV seroconversions occurred during the follow-up, resulting in an incidence of 2.7 (95% confidence interval: 2.1–3.5) per 100 patient-years. Multivariate risk regression analysis indicated that age (P = .002) and anal sex with a consensual male partner in the past 3 months (P = .039) were significantly associated with HIV infection.Our study has shown high rates of incident HIV infection among Filipino MSM. This demonstrates the need for effective HIV prevention, surveillance, treatment, and intervention strategies targeting this population.

Using an Evidence-based Framework to Guide the Implementation of Syringe Services Programs in Jackson, Mississippi

The opioid epidemic in the United States (U.S.) has been coupled with increases in blood-borne infections, including viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can be spread through injection drug use. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends syringe services programs (SSPs) as an evidence-based intervention to address the spread of infectious diseases and to link people who inject drugs (PWID) to appropriate care. Jackson, Mississippi, has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the U.S., yet the city is the only urban area among the top ten incident areas for HIV infections that does not have a sanctioned SSP. The Mississippi State Legislature can request an ‘at-risk’ designation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), granting them power and funding to establish a SSP to help address increasing blood-borne infections among populations of people who inject drugs. This evidence-based commentary follows the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to outline the necessary steps and implementation challenges toward the development of a SSP in Jackson, Mississippi. This framework-based analysis revealed that SSPs have few weaknesses and carry many strengths: SSPs are adaptable, cost-effective, and beneficial for individuals and communities engaged with the programs. SSP development does come with complex political and legal obstacles that have to be untangled, particularly in states like Mississippi, where syringes are classified as drug paraphernalia. In addition to revising laws relating to syringe exchange, implementation of a SSP in Jackson must be accompanied by a grassroots, broad-based marketing and communication campaign led by public health experts who can discuss the benefits of SSPs and combat stigma surrounding injection drug use.

Prevention of Mother-to-child HIV Transmission in Nigeria: Six Years' Experience from a Tertiary Institution.

In line with global standards and progress made in Prevention of Motherto- Child Transmission (PMTCT), an assessment of the outcome of Early Infant Diagnosis in northern Nigeria is necessary to evaluate progress towards zero Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among children. This study assessed the infection rate and risk factors for mother-to-child HIV transmission among HIV-exposed children in Kano, northwest Nigeria. Using a retrospective cohort design, pregnant HIV-positive women and their exposed infants were recruited over a period of six years (2010 to 2016). Participants were enrolled during pregnancy or at delivery in the PMTCT clinic of a tertiary health facility in Kano, Nigeria. The main outcomes for the study were Early infant diagnosis positivity for HIV at 6 weeks and risk factors for positivity. Of the 1,514 infants studied, early infant diagnosis was positive for HIV among 13 infants (0.86%). Infants whose mothers did not have antiretroviral therapy (adjusted Prevalence Ratio aPR = 2.58, 95%CI (1.85- 3.57)), who had mixed feeding (aPR = 12.06, 95%CI (9.86- 14.70)), and those not on antiretroviral prophylaxis (aPR = 20.39, 95%CI (16.04- 25.71)) were more likely to be infected with HIV. HIV-exposed infants on nevirapine and zidovudine prophylaxis were 95% and 74%, respectively, less likely to be infected with HIV. HIV infection rate remains high among HIV-exposed infants whose mothers did not receive PMTCT services. Scaling up proven interventions of early commencement of antiretroviral treatment for mothers, adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis, and avoidance of mixed feeding among HIV-exposed infants would protect future generations from HIV infection.

Barriers to Culturally Competent Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care Among the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Community

Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are at a higher risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and face unique challenges in the United States health care system. Health care providers can understand the barriers to care for at-risk groups and identify interventions to improve health outcomes. Demographic, social, and economic factors all play a role in the health disparities regarding the HIV infection rate in these at-risk populations. There are many challenges in establishing early diagnosis of HIV infection and linking newly diagnosed people living with HIV (PLWH) to evidence-based care. Systemic barriers include a lack of access to testing resources, a lack of primary care provider training in HIV testing and counseling, and a delay of linkage to care of newly diagnosed PLWH to treatment. Delayed initiation of HIV treatment can increase morbidity and mortality and perpetuate HIV transmission. Consistent use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven to decrease the incidence of HIV transmission while maintaining a low side effect profile; however, PrEP usage among the BIPOC population is low, increasing the risk of HIV seroconversion. Increased testing, PrEP utilization, and linkage to care for PLWH promote viral suppression, reducing HIV transmission. Specific population-based interventions for prevention, testing, and treatment can encourage providers to empower patients to seek and remain in care. By decreasing racial disparities in the delivery of care, providers can help achieve viral suppression, improving the overall health outcomes among BIPOC communities.

AIDS-defining opportunistic illnesses in Qatar, 2000–2016: a cohort study

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major health problem since discovery of the virus in 1981 Globally, since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in 1996, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) related deaths fell by more than 25% between 2005 and 2011. HIV related opportunistic illnesses (OIs) are less common, especially with the use of prophylaxis. This study aims to assess the incidence of HIV infection and related OIs in Qatar over a 17-year period. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all HIV infected patients registered in Qatar from 2000-2016. Incidence of HIV infection and related OIs were calculated per 100,000 population. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between two groups of patients with and without OIs. Results: In 167 cases with HIV infection, 54 (32.3%) had OIs. The average incidence rate of HIV infection over 16 years is 0.69 per 100,000 population, and the incidence rate for OIs is 0.27 per 100,000 population (Figure 1). The most common OIs is pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), seen in 25% of cases, followed by cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis with 7.2%, tuberculosis 5.4%, toxoplasmosis 4.2%, and less than 2% for Kaposi sarcoma and cryptococcal infection. The treatment outcome of cases with OIs was: cure in 59.3%, failure in 3.7%. Mortality within 3 months of OIs was 3.7%, whereas 33.4% accounted for loss to follow up after starting the treatment due to patients leaving the country. Most patients in both groups were young males. The CD4 lymphocyte count and percentage (CD4%), CD4/CD8 ratio and viral load were statistically significant risk factors in cases with OIs (p &lt; 0.05). Presence of comorbidities was lower in patients with OIs (p = 0.032). Conclusion: Qatar has a low prevalence rate for HIV infection and related opportunistic illness. Early diagnosis and use of antiretroviral therapy are important measures to decrease the rate of opportunistic illness.

Blessings or curses? The contribution of the blesser phenomenon to gender-based violence and intimate partner violence

This article examines the blesser phenomenon in South Africa, which gained rapid popularity in 2016. A large body of research exists that reveals that transactional sex is a significant theme within the phenomenon of blesser and blessee relationships. Scholarship has demonstrated that transactional sex has contributed to an increase in human immunodeficiency virus infection rates, especially amongst women aged 15–24 years, as well as a concerning increase in teenage pregnancy. Whilst these are dire realities of blesser–blessee relationships, the one that is most concerning in the current climate in South Africa is the increase in gender-based violence (GBV), intimate partner violence (IPV) and femicide. Therefore, this article concerns itself primarily with this epidemic as it seeks to demonstrate how the blesser phenomenon contributes to GBV and IPV. Blessees are the young women in the blesser–blessee relationships who experience trauma and shame because of the violence and abuse inflicted on them by the older male blessers. The article argues that the church should be seen to be taking decisive action in addressing the scourge of GBV and IPV. The narrative approach is used to give the blessees the opportunity to share their stories. By applying the techniques of narrative therapy, positive deconstruction and the art of holy listening, the study reaches its key outcome: to offer to the church a framework for a pastoral care and healing methodology to help our sisters in Christ to experience healing and to move from shame to self-worth. Contribution: The Blesser phenomen has never been dealt with in theology, especially from the African perspective. Both sides of the problem need pastoral care. The major issue is where do we begin? I started, pastorally working with the blessee, who is in relationship with an older man. The main question that could be pastorally followed is, why pursue an older man for provision? This is a major pastoral issue, especially in poor communities. The younger women are in need of finance, in order to complete their studies and eke out a living. Beside the Covid 19 pandemic, this is the second major issue affecting black townships.

HIV Seroprevalence among the Patients or Clients Obtaining Blood Sample at BSMMU Virology Laboratory

Departments of Virology (DVs), BSMMU receive patients from every background, socioeconomic group and health status. Hence, DVs can play a critical role in offering human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and help in the national strategy of early HIV detection. The present study was conducted on 1208 patients attending DVs after taking Institutional Review Board approval. They were screened for HIV antibodies by three rapid/simple assay tests having different principles/antigens as per the WHO guidelines. Forty four (13.6%) of the 1208 patients were HIV reactive and 1164(96.4%) were negative respectively. Distribution of patients on the basis of gender where 894 (74.1%) were male and 313 (25.9%) were female out of 1208 patients or clients. Distribution of study subject on the basis of exposure history where 378(38.8%) patients or clients had history of exposure and 830 (68.7%) patients or clients did not. Distribution of the patients on the basis of purpose of screening where patients were in three groups (Screening before operation, Positive exposure history and To exclude HIV infection during failure of drug Rx) where 776(64.2%) patients were done anti-HIV test due to screening purpose before operation, 378(31.1%) patients were done this test due to Positive exposure history exposure history and 54(4.5%) patients done this due to exclude HIV infection during failure of drug treatment. Prevalence of HIV infection was more among 21-40yrs age group than other age group(18mon-20yrs,41-60yrs&amp;&gt;60yrs) which is not significant . Data shows there was significant association of anti-HIV positivity with exposure history of the patients or clients. Prevalence of HIV infection was more among patients or clients who had history of exposure. Prevalence of HIV was more among the patients who were done screening test due to failure of drugs than other two purposes. Bangladesh is still considered as a low HIV/AIDS prevalent country. However, it is at a critical moment in the course of its AIDS epidemic. It is estimated that there are 13,000 HIV-positive people in the country and that HIV prevalence in the adult population is less than 0.01%. However, the country's vulnerability is very high. National HIV surveillance indicates that the rate of HIV infection among street-based sex workers in central Bangladesh is high compared with sex workers in other parts of South Asia. HIV among injecting drug users is already 10.5%.The presence of covert multi-partner sexual activity and denial, the low level of knowledge and low condom use, unsafe professional blood donations, lack of a desirable environment and violation of Human Rights, all contribute to the spread of HIV in Bangladesh. Thus, the study emphasizes the need for expansion of routine voluntary HIV counseling and testing to all the patients who come to the DV and practicing universal work precautions by health care workers.&#x0D;