Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening Research Articles

Learning from community-based HIV prevention to inform control and mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic

The current COVID-19 pandemic and the likelihood of future viral pandemics demonstrate a need for strategic prevention campaigns that integrate biomedical, structural, and behavioral interventions within larger scale comprehensive public health initiatives. In Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention, community-based efforts have resulted in reductions in transmission rates, increases in testing, increases in biomedical prevention uptake, and increased engagement in secondary and tertiary prevention efforts. In this paper, we review three community-based strategies (health communication, accessible screening, and accessible prevention resources) that have demonstrated effectiveness in HIV prevention and offer recommendations for utilizing these strategies in the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, health communication strategies have positively influenced HIV testing behavior, sex communication, and condom use among HIV negative individuals and treatment initiation, treatment adherence, and retention in care among people living with HIV. In addition, studies have shown that improving accessibility of HIV screening and prevention resources in community venues such as schools, pharmacies, mobile-testing sites, churches, hair salons, and bars is useful for increasing the uptake of HIV testing, especially among disproportionately affected populations and those deemed hard to reach. Despite differences in modes of transmission, it is plausible that a synergistic multilevel response with emphasis on community-based efforts could lead to similar outcomes for the current COVID-19 pandemic and future viral pandemics. Community-based prevention strategies offer an opportunity to integrate, and bolster disconnected and siloed initiatives that achieve limited impacts independently.

Missed opportunities for diagnosis of HIV in the emergency department using non-risk-based testing strategy.

The objective of this study was to identify the number of missed opportunities (MO) for humanimmunodeficiencyvirus(HIV) diagnoses within our emergency departments (EDs) and assess any significant associated patient characteristics. Following current Centers for Disease Control guidelines, an opt-out HIV screening program was implemented in 2 of 7 EDs within a large Southern healthcare system. This study sought to differentiate the risk of MO in opt-out compared to clinician-initiated, risk-based ED screening protocols. A retrospective analysis was conducted from August 2019 to March 2022 of adult patients (≥18 years old) screened for HIV, comparing the ED screening method and characterization of all MOs. MO was defined as any ED visit, before HIV seropositivity, that included sexually transmitted infection screening and/or treatment with no HIV screening. Two EDs implemented generalized opt-out screening for all adult patients (>18years old); whereas, the remaining 5 sites relied on clinician-initiated screening. Patient characteristics associated with an MO were evaluated by χ2, t tests, and multivariable logistic regression. In total, 19,423 patients were screened for HIV, 142 of who tested positive. Of the 142 HIV-positive individuals, 12 (8.5%) had 1 MO and 3 of 12 (25%) had 2. The proportion of patients with a MO was significantly higher at clinician-initiated EDs as compared opt-out EDs (41.7%vs 13.9%, P=0.01). After adjusting for demographics, individuals seen at clinician-initiated EDs were more likely to have a MO compared opt-out EDs (adjusted odds ratio, 4.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-18.27; P=0.02). This novel study highlights the success and overall high positivity (0.7%) of an ED-based opt-out screening program. Taken together, the implementation of generalized opt-out screening within a large Southern healthcare system can rapidly increase overall screening, uncover a surprisingly high positivity rate, and decrease MOs for HIV diagnosis.

DOP17 HIV infection is associated with a less aggressive phenotype of inflammatory bowel disease. A multicenter study based on the ENEIDA registry.

Abstract Background The coexistence of immune-mediated diseases and non-pharmacological immunosuppression states are rare and might determine the natural history of the disease and therapeutic decisions of the physician. IBD guidelines recommend screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) before starting immunosuppressive treatment, but data on the impact of HIV infection on IBD and its management in the era of biological drugs are scarce. Therefore, our aim was to describe IBD phenotype, immunosuppressive requirements, and prevalence of opportunistic infections (OI) in patients with IBD and coexistent HIV infection. Methods Case-control, retrospective, multicenter study including all IBD patients with available HIV serology on the ENEIDA registry (a large, prospectively maintained database of the Spanish Working Group in IBD –GETECCU). IBD patients with positive HIV serology were selected (HIV+) and compared to HIV seronegative IBD patients (controls), matched 1:3 by year of IBD diagnosis, age, gender and type of IBD). Demographic, clinical IBD characteristics, therapeutic requirements, OI and IBD complications were registered. Results Eighty-eight HIV+ IBD patients and 264 controls were included. In the whole cohort, 81% were men, 56.8% had ulcerative colitis (UC), 36.4% Crohns’ disease (CD) and 6.8% IBD unclassified. Median age at IBD diagnosis was 38 years (IQR 30-47), median age at HIV infection diagnosis was 36 years (IQR 30-42), 46.3% being were firstly diagnosed of IBD. Among UC patients, HIV+ had a lower proportion of extensive disease (24.5% vs 44.8%; P=0.002), and a higher proportion of proctitis (38.8% vs. 16.6%; P=0.002) than controls, without differences on disease proximal progression (7.7% vs 7.9%). Among CD patients, HIV+ presented a higher proportion of colonic involvement than controls (40.6% vs 12,6%, P=0.002) and lower penetrating behavior (10.7% vs 25%; ns). HIV+ had a lower proportion of extraintestinal manifestations (10.7% vs 25.4%; P=0.005). Although it was not statistically significant, a trend towards a lower proportion of hospitalizations (25.6% vs 35.3%) and IBD complications (6.3% vs. 9.2%) in HIV+ was observed. Regarding IBD therapeutic requirements, immunosuppressant (40.5% vs 58.7%; P=0.003) and biological drugs (28.3% vs 42.8%; P=0.020) were used less frequently among HIV+ than among controls. Conversely, HIV+ had a higher rate of OI (38.3% vs 17.8%; P<0.001) and malignancies (12.5% vs 8.3%, ns) than controls. Conclusion The coexistence of IBD and HIV infection seems to be associated with a less aggressive IBD phenotype and a lower use of immunosuppressants and biologicals but with a remarkable rate of OI.

Disease burden among migrants in Morocco in 2021: A cross‑sectional study.

Morocco, traditionally an emigration country, has evolved into not only a transit country to Europe but also a country of residence for an increasing number of migrants, with 102,400 migrants in 2019. This is due to its geographic location, the induced effects of its "African policy," and the various laws adopted by Moroccan legislators in recent years. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of communicable and noncommunicable diseases among migrants such as Hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), diabetes, and hypertension. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Oujda, Morocco, between November and December 2021. Face-to-face interviews with enrolled migrants aged 18 years and over, present in Oujda and attending an association, were carried out to collect socio-demographic data, lifestyle behaviors, and clinical parameters. Diabetes and hypertension were the primary outcomes. The Pearson's chi-squared test and the student's t-test were used to assess the bivariate associations between primary outcomes and categorical and continuous variables. In a multivariate model, we adjusted for predictors that were significant (p-value ≤0.05) in bivariate analysis to estimate Adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). There were 495 migrants enrolled, with a male/female ratio of two and an average age of 27.3±11.5 years (mean±standard deviation), ranging from 18 to 76 years. Hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, diabetes, and hypertension were found in 1%, 0.2%, 3.8%, and 27.7% of the population, respectively. Family history of diabetes was a risk factor for diabetes in the Oujda migrant population, with an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) of 5.36; CI% [1.23-23.28]. Age (AOR of 1.1; CI% [1.06-1.13]) and African origin (AOR of 3.07; CI% [1.06-8.92]) were identified as risk factors for hypertension. Migrants in Oujda are healthy. The high prevalence of hypertension, as well as the presence of HCV and HIV positive cases, emphasizes the importance of routine screening for hypertension, HCV, and HIV in order to detect and treat these diseases as early as possible.

Knowledge and Risk Behaviors Regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission among Portuguese Healthcare Students.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the agent responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, remains a worldwide public health problem. Therefore, this study aimed to assess Portuguese healthcare students' knowledge of HIV, identify risk behaviors for HIV transmission, and assess the frequency of HIV testing and its dissemination by general practitioners. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire published online. The questionnaire was administered to Portuguese healthcare students who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study after clarifying its objectives and procedures. Most students were aware of the three main HIV transmission routes; however, 66.3% were unaware of the level A recommendation for HIV screening in adolescents and adults. In addition, 59.6% of the students were never informed by their general practitioner about HIV screening tests or risk behaviors for HIV transmission. Of the sample, 78.9% had never been tested for HIV infection. Of the 74.6% of sexually active students, 82.0% had or had already had unprotected sex (without a condom). Men showed riskier sexual behaviors than women. None of the inquiries reported intravenous drug use, and most students (69.9%) never shared personal objects. General practitioners and awareness campaigns need to alert and disseminate HIV screening tests. Sexual health and risk behaviors should be addressed more frequently in schools to educate this population because prevention is the best strategy against HIV transmission/contraction.

The role of community pharmacies in the HIV and HCV care continuum

IntroductionIn 2019, there were over 1.1 million people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 2.4 million people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States. One in seven (14%) are unaware of their HIV infection and almost half of all HCV infections are undiagnosed. People with unstable housing are disproportionately affected by HIV and HCV. The present study will evaluate interventions by community pharmacists that may reduce HIV and HCV transmission and promote linkage to care. MethodsThis study was conducted in an independent community pharmacy in Spokane, Washington. Eligible study participants were walk-in patients of the pharmacy, over the age of 18, and experiencing homelessness. Pharmacy patients were excluded if they had a history of HIV or HCV diagnosis, received a screening for HIV or HCV in the last six months or were unable to give informed consent. The intervention included administration of HIV and HCV point-of-care testing (POCT) using a blood sample, risk determination interview, comprehensive HIV and HCV education, and personalized post-test and risk mitigation counseling followed by referral to partnering health clinics. ResultsFifty participants were included in the final data analysis. Twenty-two participants (44%) had a reactive HCV POCT, and one participant had a reactive HIV POCT. Of the 94% of participants who reported illicit drug use, 74% reported injection drug use. Seventy-six percent (n = 38) qualified for PrEP. Pharmacist referrals were made for 28 participants and 71% were confirmed to have established care. ConclusionIndividuals experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk for acquiring HIV and HCV due to risky sexual behaviors and substance misuse. PrEP is underutilized in the U.S. and pharmacist involvement in the HIV and HCV care continuum may have a significant impact in improving linkage and retention in care of difficult to treat populations.

2063. Implementation of a Rapid HIV Screening Program in the Emergency Department

Abstract Background Guidelines recommend that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening be performed for all patients evaluated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The current practice for STI evaluation in the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) emergency department (ED) is to defer HIV testing to Primary Care Managers (PCMs), however PCM follow-up and HIV screening may not occur. This project evaluated HIV screening practices before and after implementation of rapid HIV testing in the ED. Methods The pre-intervention period (Aug – Oct 2021) included usual practice in the BAMC ED followed by the post-intervention period (Dec 2021 – Feb 2022) after implementation of rapid testing with the Determine™ HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo test. ED providers were educated to include HIV rapid testing for patients with STI complaints. Patients with Neisseria gonorrhea/Chlamydia trachomatis (GC/CT) tests ordered in the ED pre-intervention (n=303) and post-intervention (n=268) were selected for chart review and demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were used to assess HIV screening practices. Results A similar proportion of patients in the pre-intervention period presented with an STI chief complaint (13.5% vs. 17.2%), tested positive for GC/CT (13.5% vs. 10.8%), and received empiric treatment for GC/CT (38.3% vs. 34.3%) compared to the post-intervention period (Table 1). HIV screening in the ED significantly increased both overall (4.3% vs. 19.8%; P< 0.001) and in the subgroup treated empirically for GC/CT (9.7% vs. 30.4%; P< 0.001, Table 2). Among patients treated empirically for GC/CT who did not receive HIV screening in the ED, PCM follow-up was low in both the pre- and post-intervention periods (20.7% and 34%, respectively; P< 0.001) and HIV screening was not commonly performed by PCMs during those visits (6.2% vs. 8.4%, respectively; P=0.350). Conclusion STIs are considered biologic markers of HIV risk, including acquisition and forward transmission. Implementation of a rapid screening protocol in the ED resulted in a nearly 5-fold increase in HIV screening, however HIV screening by PCMs remained low. Although rapid HIV testing can be a useful tool, continued education and training of ED providers and PCMs is also needed to improve uptake of HIV screening. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

2066. Introduction of a Universal HIV Screening Electronic Health Record Alert at a Midwest Academic Health System

Abstract Background Universal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is recommended for patients ages 13-64 at least once by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening lags behind these recommendations. Methods We performed an analysis of the current state of HIV screening at three university-based internal medicine and one internal medicine/pediatrics clinics serving counties with HIV prevalence in 2020 from 51/100,000 to 176/100,000. We completed a chart review to examine current screening practices and conducted an electronic survey of primary care providers inquiring about awareness of universal screening recommendations and barriers to screening. Based on this analysis, we implemented an automated electronic health record (EHR) reminder for HIV screening for patients aged 15-64 during health maintenance exams. Our primary outcome was the number of patients screened for HIV pre-intervention (2017-July 2021) and post-intervention (August 2021-December 2021). We used odds ratio to compare the proportion of tests which were false positive and true positive pre- vs post-intervention. To evaluate the effect of the intervention on total HIV tests ordered across the institution, we used control chart methodology. Results Survey response rate was 59% for residents (n=97) and 18% for faculty (n=29). 93% were aware of the screening recommendation. The most common barrier to screening was forgetting to screen (Figure 1). Pre-intervention, 25% of reviewed charts (n=4393) received recommended HIV screening. Post-intervention, HIV testing increased across the institution by 49% (Figure 2) and weekly testing was consistently three standard deviations above the mean compared to pre-intervention (Figure 3). The proportion of true positive tests decreased (p< 0.05). Figure 1.Common Reasons for Not Performing Universal HIV ScreeningFigure 2.Summary of HIV Testing 2017-2021Figure 3.Control Chart for HIV Testing by Week 2017-2021 Conclusion Implementation of an automated HIV screening EHR reminder increased HIV screening. The proportion of true positive tests decreased, likely due to the low prevalence of HIV in our community Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Cervical Cytology and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 Serology Among Human Immune Deficiency Virus Infected Women on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Enugu, Nigeria.

The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Herpes Simplex Virus type-2 (HSV-2) infections are high and the programme for Cervical Cancer Screening is weak in Nigeria. Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 co-infection and cervical cytology among HSV-2 co-infected Human Immunodeficiency Virus Sero-positive (HIV+) women on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) attending Human Immunodeficiency Virus clinic at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku/Ozalla Enugu, Nigeria. A cross-sectional, hospital-based study. Active participants included 105 HIV seropositive women on HAART and104 HIV seronegative (HIV-) women who passed inclusion criteria and signed written informed consent. Each participant was coded with a specific number. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the socio-demographic and medical history. Serum was obtained for HSV-2 serology test for all participants and HIV screening for HIV-negative participants. Cervical smears were collected for Papanicolaou stains and Immunocytochemistry using anti-P16INKa antibody. Prevalence of HSV-2+ was 50.5% among HIV+ women on HAART and 16.3% among HIV- women, Odds Ratios [95% CI]; p-value was 5.21 [2.74-9.94]; p < 0.0001. HIV+ women on HAART co-infected with HSV-2 significantly had more Cervical Lesions, 11.4% compared to HIVwomen uninfected with HSV-2, 4.8%, OR [95% CI]; p-value 4.8 (1.58-14.54); p = 0.006. The prevalence of HSV-2 was significantly high among HIV+ women on HAART. HSV-2+ co-infection could be an enhancer of Cervical Lesions among HIV+ women on HAART. Hence, anti-herpetic agent introduction and screening for HSV-2 among HIV+ patients are recommended.

Changes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden globally and in China over three decades: a secondary analysis of global HIV statistics.

A more comprehensive understanding of the trends of incidence, prevalence, and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and their complex interrelationships, may provide important evidence for decision-making related to HIV prevention and control. The variances in these indices between different population groups, genders, and ages are critical to decipher evolving patterns of the HIV epidemic in specific populations. A secondary analysis of relevant data was conducted using data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study of 2019. HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) incidence, prevalence, AIDS-related mortality, and mortality-to-prevalence ratio (MPR) for annual percentage change, average annual percentage change (AAPC), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using joinpoint regression statistical analysis. The AAPC of HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence, AIDS-related mortality rate, and MPR were -1.4 (95% CI: -1.6, -1.2), 4.1 (95% CI: 4.0, 4.3), 2.0 (95% CI: 1.7, 2.3), and -2.1 (95% CI: -2.3, -1.8) between 1990 and 2019 globally, and were 3.5 (95% CI: 2.2, 4.8), 6.9 (95% CI: 6.8, 7.0), 8.1 (95% CI: 7.1, 9.1), and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.1, 2.3) in China during the same period. In terms of differences in the preceding indicators by gender, we observed a similar pattern of trends for male and female genders both globally and in China during the entire study period. Each specific age group exhibits a distinct pattern in terms of incidence, prevalence, mortality rate, and MPR both globally and in China. Prevalence and mortality rates of HIV/AIDS have increased between 1990 and 2019 globally and in China. While the incidence rate and MPR have declined globally over the past three decades, these two indicators are observed to present an increasing trend in China. There is a high HIV burden among young and middle-aged adults globally; however, the elderly have a high HIV burden in China. HIV screening at older age should be scaled up, and patients with advanced HIV disease should be provided early with additional care and health resources.

Knowledge and reliance on the availability of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services relating to the utilization of VCT services by the Man who has Sex with Man community

Introduction: Southeast Asia is the second continent that has a higher population of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Indonesia needs to be vigilant to prevent the spreading and transmission of this virus. One of the services provided by the government for the initial screening of HIV/ AIDS is Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT). This research aimed to identify the behavior factors related to the utilization of VCT services by the Man who has Sex with Man (MSM) community.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Patients with HIV: A Scoping Review.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating skin disease of the apocrine glands. Bibliographic search revealed few studies concerning the association between HS and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To assess this link, we performed a systematic review of the current knowledge through a careful analysis of the relevant and authoritative medical literature in the field. Results showed that people with HIV are particularly susceptible to developing HS with the characteristic involvement of atypical sites, such as face or thighs, due to HIV-related immunosuppression. Based on the pathogenesis of both conditions and according to our review, we suggest that HIV screening should be routinely performed in suspected cases while monitoring and integrated approach in management are mandatory in the management of HIV-positive patients with HS.

HIV screening and linkage to care in a health department in Valencia, Spain: Lessons learned from a healthcare quality improvement project.

Spain’s rate of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnoses exceeds that of the European Economic Area average (8.6 vs 5.6:100,000 in 2018). The country has failed to meet the first of United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets for HIV control by 2020, with 87.0% of people living with HIV knowing their status, and late presentation rates of 47.6% and 51.5% country-wide and in the Valencian autonomous community, respectively. Advancing screening and linkage to care (SLTC) practices is necessary to effectively control the epidemic. The Valencia Viral Screening (CRIVALVIR) project adopted the TEST model for opportunistic and systematic HIV SLTC in individuals aged 18 to 80 who required blood work for any purpose, as of February 2019. SLTC was integrated into routine clinical workflow across primary care centers serving a population of 360,000 people in Valencia, Spain. Our project successfully upscaled total HIV testing by 194% to over 32,000 patients tested in 14 months. We found an overall prevalence of 0.13% (0.08–0.21) among those screened per protocol (n = 13,061), with foreign-born citizens presenting a 12.5 times significantly higher likelihood of acquiring HIV (95% confidence interval 4.63–33.96, P < .0001). We improved late presentation by 18.2 percentage points and prevented an estimated 58 to 70 new secondary infections. HIV screening of the general population in primary care is an effective strategy for achieving timely diagnosis and preventing new infections. Opportunistic, systematic, opt-out approaches are essential to control the HIV epidemic.

HIV RNA Screening Reduces Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor Resistance Risk in Persons Receiving Long-Acting Cabotegravir for HIV Prevention.

The HPTN 083 trial demonstrated that long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was superior to tenofovir-disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) were detected in some participants with HIV infection. We used a low viral load INSTI genotyping assay to evaluate the timing of emergence of INSTI RAMs and assessed whether HIV screening with a sensitive RNA assay would have detected HIV infection before INSTI resistance emerged. Single-genome sequencing to detect INSTI RAMs was performed for samples with viral loads <500 copies/mL from 5 participants with previously identified INSTI RAMs and 2 with no prior genotyping results. Major INSTI RAMs were detected in all 7 cases. HIV RNA testing identified infection before major INSTI RAMs emerged in 4 cases and before additional major INSTI RAMs accumulated in 1 case. Most INSTI RAMs were detected early when the viral load was low and CAB concentration was high. When using CAB-LA PrEP, earlier detection of HIV infection with a sensitive RNA assay may allow for earlier treatment initiation with the potential to reduce INSTI resistance risk. Further studies are needed to evaluate the value and feasibility of HIV RNA testing with CAB-LA PrEP.

65 Missed Opportunities for Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Within a Non-Risk-Based Testing Strategy in Southern Health Systems Emergency Departments

The new epicenter of the ongoing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic is the southern United States. The emergency department (ED) has been emphasized as an unique and effective venue for screening patients for HIV. Our South Carolina based health system has operated a generalized “opt-out” HIV screening program in two of our major EDs for four years using support from the Frontlines of Communities in the United States (FOCUS) program. The objective of this study was to identify the number of missed opportunities (MO) for HIV diagnoses within our screening program and assess for any significant associated patient characteristics.

Point-of-care testing allows successful simultaneous screening of sickle cell disease, HIV, and tuberculosis for households in rural Guinea-Bissau, West Africa.

Diagnosis of noncommunicable genetic diseases like sickle cell disease (SCD) and communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or tuberculosis (TB) is often difficult in rural areas of Africa due to the lack of infrastructures, trained staff, or capacity to involve families living in remote areas. The availability of point-of-care (POC) tests for the above diseases offers the opportunity to build joint programs to tackle all conditions. We report successful simultaneous screening of SCD, HIV, and TB utilizing POC tests in 898 subjects in Fanhe, in rural Guinea-Bissau. Adherence was 100% and all diagnosed subjects were enrolled in care programs.

Point-of-care HIV and hepatitis screening in community pharmacies: a quantitative and qualitative study.

BackgroundPoint-of-care tests can contribute to earlier diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, thereby affording the opportunity to prevent chronic stages and the spread to others. As part of the Fast-Track Cities initiative, a pilot study was initiated in community pharmacies in Portugal.AimTo characterize the individuals choosing to have point-of-care testing or screening for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B virus infections in community pharmacies, their risk behaviours and motivations to perform the tests, as well as to understand the facilitators and barriers from the perspective of pharmacists.MethodA quantitative and qualitative study was conducted. A survey was applied to test users in pharmacies between May and December 2019, and three focus groups were conducted with six, four, and five pharmacists involved in the initiative. Qualitative data were analysed according to thematic content analysis.ResultsA total of 210 questionnaires were collected (57.9% response rate). Point-of-care test users were predominantly male, mean age of 35 (± 13.0) years, the majority had higher education level, and 22.8% were born outside of Portugal. Almost half of the users were first time tested and the main reason for screening was unprotected sexual intercourse. Pharmacists identified speed, confidentiality, counselling provided to users, pharmacists’ initial training to perform the tests, and trust in the pharmacist as facilitators of these tests. Stigma associated with infections, the procedure, logistical conditions, and the referral process were considered as barriers.ConclusionPharmacies are a screening site with special importance for individuals who are first tested, heterosexuals, and some migrants. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand and reduce barriers and increase the support to specific groups. Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11096-022-01444-1.

Thyroid abscess in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient

BackgroundThyroid abscess is a rare entity and occurs in patients in a particular situation either in an immunocompromised patient or on tuberculosis infection since the African countries are still tuberculosis endemic countriesCase presentationWe report the case of a 38-year-old female patient who has a thyroid abscess caused by Citrobacter which is a rare germ. Screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was positive for HIV infection.ConclusionsScreening for HIV and other causes of immunosuppression should be considered in any patient with thyroid abscess.

Epidemiological assessment of factors associated with late diagnosis of HIV infection

Background. Late diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection contributes to its spread and becomes an obstacle to achieving the goal of early treatment.&#x0D; Aim. To conduct an epidemiological analysis of factors associated with late diagnosis of HIV infection.&#x0D; Material and methods. The study included data from 348 patients over 18 years of age living in Kazan, who were diagnosed with HIV infection for the first time in 2019. The proportion of patients with late diagnosis of HIV infection was determined. The criteria for late diagnosis were the level of CD4+-lymphocytes less than 200 cells/mm3 and/or the presence of 4 HIV stage (stage of secondary diseases) at the time of diagnosis. The assessment of the influence of probable factors on the timeliness of diagnosis was carried out using binary logistic regression. The regression model included data from 307 people who managed to determine the timeliness of diagnosis. For each factor, odds ratios were calculated (unadjusted based on the results of univariate analysis, adjusted based on the results of multivariate analysis), as well as their 95% confidence intervals.&#x0D; Results. Late diagnosis of HIV infection was noted in 32.6% of cases. Examination for clinical indications was associated with late diagnosis in comparison with examination for preventive purposes (adjusted odds ratio 2.427, 95% confidence interval 1.1844.973). The age of 50 years and older was associated with late diagnosis compared with patients 3049 years of age (adjusted odds ratio 3.348, 95% confidence interval 1.5427.265).The chances of late diagnosis under the age of 30 years are 5 times lower than in the 3049 year old group (adjusted odds ratio 0.200, 95% confidence interval 0.0720.556). The odds of late diagnosis are significantly higher among people who become infected through parenteral transmission through injecting drug use compared to those who become infected through sexual (heterosexual) transmission (adjusted odds ratio 2.012, 95% confidence interval 1.0423.885).&#x0D; Conclusion. In order to control the spread of HIV infection in the population, it is necessary to increase the coverage of HIV screening testing for all population groups, especially the older age group and injecting drug users.

Ocular Syphilis: Our Experience in Selayang Hospital, Malaysia.

Objectives: This study aims to describe the demographic features, clinical profile, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status, and visual outcome after completing treatment in patients diagnosed with uveitic syphilis. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all cases diagnosed with ocular syphilis from January 2014 to December 2019 at the ophthalmology clinic of Selayang Hospital, Selangor, Malaysia. A total of 31 cases were reviewed, and the collected data included demographic features, history of high-risk behavior, ocular symptoms and signs, visual acuity at presentation and after completing treatment, treatment received, complications, and HIV status. Serology tests to confirm the diagnosis were also included, such as the rapid plasma reagin (RPR), venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) titer, and treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) tests, and some cases also included the VDRL cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test. Results: A total of 31 patients with ocular syphilis were identified within the study period. Male patients comprised the majority with 27 cases. Nineteen patients were below the age of 50. The majority were ethnic Malay (21 patients). Seventeen patients were identified to have HIV co-infection. Twenty patients reported high-risk behaviors, and among them, six cases were HIV-infected homosexuals. The commonest symptom was blurring of vision (61%), followed by eye redness (16%), floaters (13%), and incidental findings (10%). There were 18 bilateral cases and 13 unilateral cases. The larger share presented as panuveitis (14 cases), followed by intermediate uveitis (nine cases), anterior uveitis (four cases), posterior uveitis (two cases), endophthalmitis (one case), and branch retinal vein occlusion (one case). RPR and TPHA tests were done for all patients. Only 12 patients consented to lumbar puncture for a CSF VDRL test, and one tested positive. All patients received intravenous (IV) administration of 3.0 to 4.0 million units of benzylpenicillin every four hours for 14 days. All cases reported a good outcome with an improvement in visual acuity of at least two Snellen lines after treatment. Conclusion: Early detection and treatment of ocular syphilis will usually preserve visual acuity and ocular function. This study highlights the need for a high degree of suspicion of HIV co-infection, as the majority of our patients were discovered to be HIV-seropositive. Thus, HIV screening is mandatory in all patients presenting with syphilitic uveitis.