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Kosmider E, Wallner J, Gervassi A, Bender Ignacio RA, Pinto-Santini D, Gornalusse G, Pandey U, Hladik F, Edlefsen PT, Lama JR, Duerr AC, Frenkel LM. Observational study of effects of HIV acquisition and antiretroviral treatment on biomarkers of systemic immune activation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0288895. [PMID: 38976697 PMCID: PMC11230552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
To assess whether biomarkers of systemic inflammation are associated with HIV acquisition or with the timing of ART initiation ("immediate", at diagnosis, versus "deferred", at 24 weeks post-diagnosis) in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women, we conducted a retrospective study comparing inflammatory biomarkers in participants' specimens collected before infection and after ≥2 years of effective ART. We measured biomarkers in four longitudinally collected plasma, including two specimens collected from each participant before and two after HIV acquisition and confirmed ART-suppression. Biomarkers were quantified by enzyme-linked immuno-assay or Meso Scale Discovery. When evaluating systematic variation in these markers over time, we found that multiple biomarkers consistently varied across participants' two pre-infection or two post-ART-suppression specimens. Additionally, we compared changes in biomarkers after vs before HIV acquisition. Across 47 participants, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 significantly increased while leptin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) significantly decreased following HIV infection. Randomization to deferred-ART initiation was associated with greater increases in CRP and no decrease in LBP. Acquisition of HIV appeared to induce systemic inflammation, with elevation of biomarkers previously associated with infections and cardiovascular disease. Initiation of ART during the early weeks of infection tempered the increase in pro-inflammatory biomarkers compared to delaying ART for ~24 weeks after HIV diagnosis. These findings provide insight into potential mediators by which immediate-ART initiation improves health outcomes, perhaps because immediate-ART limits the size of the HIV reservoir or limits immune dysregulation that in turn trigger systemic inflammation.
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Crowell TA, Ritz J, Zheng L, Naqvi A, Cyktor JC, Puleo J, Clagett B, Lama JR, Kanyama C, Little SJ, Cohn SE, Riddler SA, Collier AC, Heath SL, Tantivitayakul P, Grinsztejn B, Arduino RC, Rooney JF, van Zyl GU, Coombs RW, Fox L, Ananworanich J, Eron JJ, Sieg SF, Mellors JW, Daar ES. Impact of antiretroviral therapy during acute or early HIV infection on virologic and immunologic outcomes: results from a multinational clinical trial. AIDS 2024; 38:1141-1152. [PMID: 38489580 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess how antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation during acute or early HIV infection (AEHI) affects the viral reservoir and host immune responses. DESIGN Single-arm trial of ART initiation during AEHI at 30 sites in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. METHODS HIV DNA was measured at week 48 of ART in 5 million CD4 + T cells by sensitive qPCR assays targeting HIV gag and pol . Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with potential HIV T cell epitope peptide pools consisting of env , gag , nef, and pol peptides and stained for expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, and intracellular cytokines/chemokines. RESULTS From 2017 to 2019, 188 participants initiated ART during Fiebig stages I ( n = 6), II ( n = 43), III ( n = 56), IV ( n = 23), and V ( n = 60). Median age was 27 years (interquartile range 23-38), 27 (14%) participants were female, and 180 (97%) cisgender. Among 154 virally suppressed participants at week 48, 100% had detectable HIV gag or pol DNA. Participants treated during Fiebig I had the lowest HIV DNA levels ( P < 0.001). Week 48 HIV DNA mostly did not correlate with concurrent CD4 + or CD8 + T cell HIV-specific immune responses (rho range -0.11 to +0.19, all P > 0.025). At week 48, the magnitude, but not polyfunctionality, of HIV-specific T cell responses was moderately reduced among participants who initiated ART earliest. CONCLUSION Earlier ART initiation during AEHI reduced but did not eliminate the persistence of HIV-infected cells in blood. These findings explain the rapid viral rebound observed after ART cessation in early-treated individuals with undetectable HIV DNA by less sensitive methods.
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Gilada T, Ulrich AK, Wang Y, Lama JR, Alfaro R, Harb S, Daza G, Holte S, Pasalar S, Rios J, Ganoza C, Dasgupta S, Coombs RW, Duerr A. Viral Load Dynamics in Plasma and Semen When Antiretroviral Therapy Is Initiated During Early HIV-1 Infection. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:1141-1146. [PMID: 38073467 PMCID: PMC11011176 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We assessed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load in plasma and semen during primary HIV infection using serial samples of semen and plasma during the first 24 weeks after diagnosis in untreated participants and those who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately at diagnosis. In the absence of treatment, semen viral load was >1000 copies/mL in almost all specimens (83%) collected 2-10 weeks after the estimated date of HIV acquisition and remained >1000 copies/mL in 35% of untreated participants at the last observed time point. Thus, in the absence of ART, semen viral load remained at a level consistent with transmissibility throughout primary infection.
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Lake JE, Miao H, Bowman ER, Clark JL, Hyatt AN, Kettelhut A, Lama JR, Reisner SL, Mayer KH, Perez-Brumer A, Funderburg N. Gender-affirming hormone therapy decreases d-dimer but worsens insulin sensitivity in transgender women. HIV Med 2023; 24:1144-1149. [PMID: 37386803 PMCID: PMC10755063 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gender-affirming hormonal therapies (GAHT) and HIV increase cardiovascular risk for transgender women (TW), yet there is a paucity of data quantifying cardiometabolic changes following GAHT initiation, particularly among TW with HIV. METHODS The Féminas study enrolled TW from October 2016 to March 2017 in Lima, Peru. Participants reported sexual activity that was high risk for HIV acquisition or transmission. All were tested for HIV/ sexually transmitted infection and were given access to GAHT (oestradiol valerate and spironolactone), HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 12 months. Biomarker measurement was done on stored serum, whereas fasting glucose and lipids were measured in real time. RESULTS In all, 170 TW (32 with HIV, 138 without HIV) had median age 27 years and 70% prior GAHT use. At baseline, PCSK9, sCD14, sCD163, IL-6, sTNFRI/II, CRP and EN-RAGE levels were significantly higher in TW with HIV than in TW without HIV. High-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol were lower and insulin and glucose parameters were similar. All TW with HIV started ART, but only five achieved virological suppression at any time. No TW without HIV initiated PrEP. Over 6 months, all participants initiated GAHT and had worsening insulin, glucose and HOMA-IR. Large d-dimer decreases also occurred. Similar changes occurred in TW with and without HIV. CONCLUSIONS In this unique cohort of TW, GAHT decreased d-dimer but worsened insulin sensitivity. Because PrEP uptake and ART adherence were very low, observed effects are primarily attributed to GAHT use. Further study is needed to better understand cardiometabolic changes in TW by HIV serostatus.
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Kosmider E, Wallner J, Gervassi A, Ignacio RAB, Pinto-Santini D, Gornalusse G, Pandey U, Hladik F, Edlefsen PT, Lama JR, Duerr AC, Frenkel LM. Observational study of effects of HIV Acquisition and Antiretroviral Treatment on Biomarkers of Systemic Immune Activation. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.07.07.23292352. [PMID: 37461626 PMCID: PMC10350123 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.07.23292352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective Assess whether biomarkers of systemic inflammation are associated with HIV acquisition or with the timing of ART initiation ("immediate", at diagnosis, versus "deferred", at 24 weeks post-diagnosis) in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women. Design A retrospective study comparing inflammatory biomarkers in participants' specimens collected before and after ≥2 years of effective ART. Methods Inflammatory biomarkers were measured in four longitudinally collected plasma specimens, including two plasma specimens collected from each participant before and two after HIV acquisition and confirmed ART-suppression. Biomarkers were quantified by enzyme-linked immuno-assay or Meso Scale Discovery. Statistical measures compared intra-participant and between-group changes in biomarkers. Results Across 50 participants, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 significantly increased while leptin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) significantly decreased following HIV infection. Randomization to deferred-ART initiation was associated with greater increases in CRP and no decreases in LBP. Multiple biomarkers varied significantly within participants' two pre-infection or two post-ART-suppression specimens. Conclusions Acquisition of HIV appeared to induce systemic inflammation, with elevation of biomarkers previously associated with infections and cardiovascular disease. Initiation of ART during the early weeks of infection tempered the increase in pro-inflammatory biomarkers compared to those who delayed ART for ~24 weeks after HIV diagnosis, perhaps because immediate-ART limited the size of the HIV reservoir or limited immune dysregulation. Some but not all biomarkers appeared sufficiently stable to assess intraparticipant changes over time. Given that pro-inflammatory biomarkers predict multiple co-morbidities, our findings suggest that immediate-ART initiation may improve health outcomes.
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Araújo-Pereira M, Krishnan S, Salgame P, Manabe YC, Hosseinipour MC, Bisson G, Severe DP, Rouzier V, Leong S, Mave V, Sawe FK, Siika AM, Kanyama C, Dadabhai SS, Lama JR, Valencia-Huamani J, Badal-Faesen S, Lalloo UG, Naidoo K, Mohapi L, Kityo C, Andrade BB, Gupta A. Effect of the relationship between anaemia and systemic inflammation on the risk of incident tuberculosis and death in people with advanced HIV: a sub-analysis of the REMEMBER trial. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 60:102030. [PMID: 37287871 PMCID: PMC10242630 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious morbidity that commonly occurs in people living with HIV (PWH) and increases the progression of HIV disease, as well as the risk of death. Simple markers of progression are much needed to identify those at highest risk for poor outcome. This study aimed to assess how baseline severity of anaemia and associated inflammatory profiles impact death and the incidence of TB in a cohort of PWH who received TB preventive therapy (TPT). Methods This study is a secondary posthoc analysis of the AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5274 REMEMBER clinical trial (NCT0138008), an open-label randomised clinical trial of antiretroviral-naïve PWH with CD4 <50 cells/μL, performed from October 31, 2011 to June 9, 2014, from 18 outpatient research clinics in 10 low- and middle-income countries (Malawi, South Africa, Haiti, Kenya, Zambia, India, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Peru, and Uganda) who initiated antiretroviral therapy and either isoniazid TPT or 4-drug empiric TB therapy. Plasma concentrations of several soluble inflammatory biomarkers were measured prior to the commencement of antiretroviral and anti-TB therapies, and participants were followed up for at least 48 weeks. Incident TB or death during this period were primary outcomes. We performed multidimensional analyses, logistic regression analyses, survival curves, and Bayesian network analyses to delineate associations between anaemia, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes. Findings Of all 269 participants, 76.2% (n = 205) were anaemic, and 31.2% (n = 84) had severe anaemia. PWH with moderate/severe anaemia exhibited a pronounced systemic pro-inflammatory profile compared to those with mild or without anaemia, hallmarked by a substantial increase in IL-6 plasma concentrations. Moderate/severe anaemia was also associated with incident TB incidence (aOR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.32-9.76, p = 0.012) and death (aOR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.07-12.33, p = 0.039). Interpretation Our findings suggest that PWH with moderate/severe anaemia display a distinct pro-inflammatory profile. The presence of moderate/severe anaemia pre-ART was independently associated with the development of TB and death. PWH with anaemia should be monitored closely to minimise the occurrence of unfavourable outcomes. Funding National Institutes of Health.
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Bachman VF, Montaño MA, Ulrich A, Villaran M, Cabello R, Gonzalez P, Sanchez H, Lama JR, Duerr A. Correlates of condomless anal intercourse with different types of sexual partners among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. AIDS Care 2023; 35:791-799. [PMID: 34702087 PMCID: PMC9038957 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1994517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Sabes study was registered in March 2013 with the National Institutes of Health at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT01815580).
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Cyrus E, Lama JR, Sanchez J, Sullivan DS, Leon S, Villaran MV, Vagenas P, Vu D, Coudray M, Altice FL. Substance use and other correlates of HIV infection among transwomen and men who have sex with men in Perú: Implications for targeted HIV prevention strategies for transwomen. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001464. [PMID: 36962933 PMCID: PMC10022005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of HIV risk factors among transwomen and men who have sex with men (MSM) should be assessed separately and independently. However, due to several constraints, these populations continue to be conflated in clinical research and data. There are limited datasets globally powered to make such comparisons. The study aimed to use one of the largest surveys of transwomen and MSM in Latin America to determine differences in HIV risk and related correlates between the two populations. Secondary data analysis was completed using a cross-sectional biobehavioral survey of 4413 MSM and 714 transwomen living in Perú. Chi Square analysis of selected HIV correlates was conducted to examine differences between transwomen and MSM. Additionally, stratified binary logistic regression was used to split data for further comparative analyses of correlates associated with transwomen and MSM separately. HIV prevalence among transwomen was two-fold greater than among MSM (14.9% vs. 7.0%, p<0.001). Transwomen had a higher prevalence of most HIV risk factors assessed, including presence of alcohol dependence (16.4% vs. 19.0%; p < .001) and drug use in the past 3 months (17.0% vs. 14.9%). MSM were more likely to use marijuana (68.0% vs. 50.0%, p < .001), and transwomen were more likely to engage in inhaled cocaine use (70.0% vs. 51.1%, p < .001). The regression exposed differences in correlates driving sub-epidemics in transwomen vs. MSM, with a trend of substance use increasing HIV risk for transwomen only. Transwomen were more likely to be HIV-infected and had different risk factors from MSM. Targeted prevention strategies are needed for transwomen that are at highest risk. Additionally, further research is needed to determine if these observations in Perú regarding substance use patterns and the role of substance use in HIV risk relate to other trans populations globally.
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Bender Ignacio RA, Dasgupta S, Valdez R, Pandey U, Pasalar S, Alfaro R, Hladik F, Gornalusse G, Lama JR, Duerr A. Dynamic immune markers predict HIV acquisition and augment associations with sociobehavioral factors for HIV exposure. iScience 2022; 25:105632. [PMID: 36483014 PMCID: PMC9722478 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prior studies attempting to link biomarkers of immune activation with risk of acquiring HIV have relied on cross sectional samples, most without proximity to HIV acquisition. We created a nested case-control study within the Sabes study in Peru, and assessed a panel of plasma immune biomarkers at enrollment and longitudinally, including within a month of diagnosis of primary HIV or matched timepoint in controls. We used machine learning to select biomarkers and sociobehavioral covariates predictive of HIV acquisition. Most biomarkers were indistinguishable between cases and controls one month before HIV diagnosis. However, levels differed between cases and controls at study entry, months to years earlier. Dynamic changes in IL-2, IL-7, IL-10, IP-10 and IL-12, rather than absolute levels, jointly predicted HIV risk when added to traditional risk factors, and there was modest effect modification of biomarkers on association between sociobehavioral risk factors and HIV acquisition.
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Long JE, Sanchez H, Dasgupta S, Huerta L, Garcia DC, Lama JR, Duerr A. Exploring HIV risk behavior and sexual/gender identities among transgender women and their sexual partners in Peru using respondent-driven sampling. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1187-1195. [PMID: 34424782 PMCID: PMC8863975 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1967855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
HIV prevalence is high among transgender women, but little is known about cisgender men who have sex with transgender women (MSTW). The objective of this study was to investigate characteristics and behavior of MSTW compared to transgender women and men who have sex with men (MSM) using a modified respondent-driven sampling design. Seed participants completed a survey and invited up to three sex partners. Forward recruitment continued in waves through the referral of sex partners. Cross-sectional data were assessed using mixed effects models. From February to July 2018, 479 participants in Lima, Peru enrolled (n = 199 transgender women, n = 196 MSTW, and n = 45 MSM). MSTW behavior and identity differed significantly from that of transgender women and MSM. MSTW primarily identified as bisexual (69%) or heterosexual (15%) and only 6% reported male partners. Insertive condomless anal intercourse was reported by 61% of MSTW; 46% did not know their HIV serostatus. Compared to MSTW without male partners, those with recent male partners were more likely to sell sex (OR 15.7, 95% CI 4.1-60.5), and report condomless receptive anal intercourse (OR 89.0, 95% CI 19.1-414.8). This evidence suggests that MSTW are a distinct population from MSM, and highlights the critical need to include MSTW in HIV research and interventions.
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Gupta A, Sun X, Krishnan S, Matoga M, Pierre S, Mcintire K, Koech L, Faesen S, Kityo C, Dadabhai SS, Naidoo K, Samaneka WP, Lama JR, Veloso VG, Mave V, Lalloo U, Langat D, Hogg E, Bisson GP, Kumwenda J, Hosseinipour MC. Isoniazid adherence reduces mortality and incident tuberculosis at 96 weeks among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy with advanced HIV in multiple high burden settings. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac325. [PMID: 35899273 PMCID: PMC9314898 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and advanced immunosuppression initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) remain vulnerable to tuberculosis (TB) and early mortality. To improve early survival, isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) or empiric TB treatment have been evaluated; however, their benefit on longer-term outcomes warrants investigation. Methods We present a 96-week preplanned secondary analysis among 850 ART-naive outpatients (≥13 years) enrolled in a multicountry, randomized trial of efavirenz-containing ART plus either 6-month IPT (n = 426) or empiric 4-drug TB treatment (n = 424). Inclusion criteria were CD4 count <50 cells/mm3 and no confirmed or probable TB. Death and incident TB were compared by strategy arm using the Kaplan-Meier method. The impact of self-reported adherence (calculated as the proportion of 100% adherence) was assessed using Cox-proportional hazards models. Results By 96 weeks, 85 deaths and 63 TB events occurred. Kaplan-Meier estimated mortality (10.1% vs 10.5%; P = .86) and time-to-death (P = .77) did not differ by arm. Empiric had higher TB risk (6.1% vs 2.7%; risk difference, −3.4% [95% confidence interval, −6.2% to −0.6%]; P = .02) and shorter time to TB (P = .02) than IPT. Tuberculosis medication adherence lowered the hazards of death by ≥23% (P < .0001) in empiric and ≥20% (P < .035) in IPT and incident TB by ≥17% (P ≤ .0324) only in IPT. Conclusions Empiric TB treatment offered no longer-term advantage over IPT in our population with advanced immunosuppression initiating ART. High IPT adherence significantly lowered death and TB incidence through 96 weeks, emphasizing the benefit of ART plus IPT initiation and completion, in persons with advanced HIV living in high TB-burden, resource-limited settings.
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Garcia-Rosales K, Sosa Barbaran K, Rios J, Pinto-Santini D, Del Rosario Leon M, Gallardo-Cartagena JA, MacRae J, Leon M, Valencia-Huamaní J, Montalban E, Gonzales P, Duerr A, Lama JR, Bender Ignacio R. An Ethical Imperative to Ensure Uninterrupted HIV Care Following Therapeutic Trials: One Experience in Peru. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:205-207. [PMID: 35687815 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Long JE, Sanchez H, Dasgupta S, Huerta L, Garcia DC, Lama JR, Duerr A. Brief Report: Self-Reported Knowledge of HIV Status Among Cisgender Male Sex Partners of Transgender Women in Lima, Peru. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 90:1-5. [PMID: 35044990 PMCID: PMC8986569 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of HIV status is a critical first step in the HIV care cascade. Cisgender male sex partners of transgender women (MSTW) are at a disproportionately high risk of HIV, but little is known about their access to HIV testing or knowledge of HIV status. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from a respondent-driven sampling study to analyze self-reported HIV status and predictors of knowledge of HIV status among MSTW in Lima, Peru. Mixed-effects models were used to generate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between knowledge of HIV status and predictors of interest, including sociodemographics and recent sexual behavior. RESULTS From February to July 2018, 196 eligible MSTW enrolled, of which 90 (46%) reported not knowing their HIV status. Recent casual or 1-time partners were reported by 84% of MSTW and 54% reported purchasing sex. In adjusted analyses, MSTW participants were less likely to know their HIV status if they reported buying sex (aPR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.59) or reported ≥16 recent sex partners compared with ≤5 partners [aPR 0.32, (0.20 to 0.50)]. Those who reported male sex partners were 80% more likely to know their status [aPR 1.80, (1.33 to 2.44)]. CONCLUSIONS Reported knowledge of HIV status was low among MSTW in Lima, and unknown HIV status was associated with behaviors linked to HIV acquisition. MSTW who reported male partners were more likely to know their status, potentially indicating that HIV testing is more accessible to men who have sex with men.
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Satcher MF, Segura ER, Silva-Santisteban A, Reisner SL, Perez-Brumer A, Lama JR, Operario D, Clark JL. Exploring Contextual Differences for Sexual Role Strain Among Transgender Women and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Lima, Peru. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1977-1991. [PMID: 35290540 PMCID: PMC9387938 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02181-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Sexual and gender politics inform relational expectations surrounding sexual experiences of Peruvian transgender women (TW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). We used the framework of sexual role strain, or incongruence between preferred sexual role and actual sexual practices, to explore potential conflicts between personally articulated identities and externally defined norms of gender and sexuality and its potential to increase HIV/STI risk. Cross-sectional individual- and dyad-level data from 766 TW and MSM in Lima, Peru were used to assess the partnership contexts within which insertive anal intercourse was practiced despite receptive role preference (receptive role strain), and receptive anal intercourse practiced despite insertive role preference (insertive role strain). Sexual role strain for TW was more common with non-primary partners, while for MSM it occurred more frequently in the context of a primary partnership. Receptive role strain was more prevalent for TW with unknown HIV status (reference: without HIV) or pre-sex drug use (reference: no pre-sex drug use). For homosexual MSM, receptive role strain was more prevalent during condomless anal intercourse (reference: condom-protected) and with receptive or versatile partners (reference: insertive). Among heterosexual or bisexual MSM, insertive role strain was more prevalent with insertive or versatile partners (reference: receptive), and less prevalent with casual partners (reference: primary). Our findings suggest TW and MSM experience different vulnerabilities during sexual role negotiation with different partner-types. Future studies should explore the impact of sexual role strain on condom use agency, HIV/STI risk, and discordances between public and private presentations of gender and sexual orientation.
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Gilada T, Schnittman SR, White E, Mercader J, Wang Y, Dasgupta S, Valdez R, Pinto-Santini D, Pasalar S, Sanchez J, Gonzales P, Lama JR, Bender Ignacio R, Duerr A. Immune activation in primary HIV: influence of duration of infection, treatment, and substance use. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac155. [PMID: 35611350 PMCID: PMC9124591 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is characterized by dynamic changes in viral load and innate and adaptive immune responses; it is unclear the extent to which time from acquisition to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and substance use impact these immunologic changes. Methods We studied plasma immune activation biomarkers, viral load, and CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts in participants from the Sabes primary infection study in Peru, who had been randomized to begin ART immediately after diagnosis vs 24 weeks later. We modeled influence of substance use and duration of HIV infection on biomarkers at baseline and over 24 weeks. Results Compared to participants enrolled >30 days after HIV acquisition, participants enrolled during acute infection (≤30 days) had higher mean interferon (IFN)–γ and IFN-α2a (1.7-fold and 3.8-fold interquartile range [IQR] higher, respectively). Participants enrolled >30 days after HIV acquisition had higher mean baseline CD8+ cell count (2.7 times the IQR). Alcohol use (positive phosphatidylethanol level) was associated with elevated IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 12p70 (IL-12p70), and smoking was associated with higher macrophage inflammatory protein 1α, TNF-α, and IL-12p70. Most biomarkers declined more quickly in participants who initiated ART immediately; however, substance use and duration of HIV infection at enrollment had little influence on rate of decline. Conclusions IFN-γ and other biomarkers are elevated during early primary infection, when exposure to HIV antigens is high. Immune activation decreased most quickly in those who started ART during acute/early primary infection. Higher CD8+ cell counts and a trend toward higher soluble CD163 levels during the 30 days after acquisition suggest the onset of compensatory responses and immune exhaustion.
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Kremsner PG, Ahuad Guerrero RA, Arana-Arri E, Aroca Martinez GJ, Bonten M, Chandler R, Corral G, De Block EJL, Ecker L, Gabor JJ, Garcia Lopez CA, Gonzales L, Granados González MA, Gorini N, Grobusch MP, Hrabar AD, Junker H, Kimura A, Lanata CF, Lehmann C, Leroux-Roels I, Mann P, Martinez-Reséndez MF, Ochoa TJ, Poy CA, Reyes Fentanes MJ, Rivera Mejia LM, Ruiz Herrera VV, Sáez-Llorens X, Schönborn-Kellenberger O, Schunk M, Sierra Garcia A, Vergara I, Verstraeten T, Vico M, Oostvogels L, Lovesio L, Diez F, Grazziani F, Ganaha MC, Zalatnik VJ, Dittrich RJ, Espínola L, Lambert S, Longhi A, Vecchio C, Mastruzzo M, Fernandez A, Borchowiek S, Potito R, Ahuad Guerrero RA, Guardiani FM, Castella S, Foccoli M, Pedernera A, Braida A, Durigan V, Martella C, Bobat A, Boggia BE, Nemi SA, Tartaglione JG, Piedimonte FC, De Bie J, Reynales Londoño H, Rodríguez Ordoñez PA, García Cruz JM, Bautista Toloza L, Ladino González MC, Zambrano Ochoa AP, Prieto Pradera I, Torres Hernandez D, Mazo Elorza DP, Collazos Lennis MF, Vanegas Dominguez B, Solano Mosquera LM, Fendel R, Fleischmann WA, Koehne E, Kreidenweiss A, Köhler C, Esen M, Horn C, Eberts S, Kroidl A, Huber K, Thiel V, Mazara Rosario S, Reyes G, Rivera L, Donastorg Y, Lantigua F, Torres Almanzar D, Candelario R, Peña Mendez L, Rosario Gomez N, Portolés-Pérez A, Ascaso del Río A, Laredo Velasco L, Bustinduy Odriozola MJ, Larrea Arranz I, Martínez Alcorta LI, Durán Laviña MI, Imaz-Ayo N, Meijide S, García-de-Vicuña A, Santorcuato A, Gallego M, Aguirre-García GM, Olmos Vega J, González Limón P, Vázquez Villar A, Chávez Barón J, Arredondo Saldaña F, Luján Palacios JDD, Camacho Choza LJ, Vázquez Saldaña EG, Ortega Dominguez SJ, Vega Orozco KS, Torres Quiroz IA, Martinez Avendaño A, Herrera Sanchez J, Guzman E, Castro Castrezana L, Ruiz Palacios y Santos GM, de Winter RFJ, de Jonge HK, Schnyder JL, Boersma W, Hessels L, Djamin R, van der Sar S, DeAntonio R, Peña M, Rebollon G, Rojas M, Escobar J, Hammerschlag Icaza B, Wong T DY, Barrera Perigault P, Ruiz S, Chan M, Arias Hoo DJ, Gil AI, Celis CR, Balmaceda MP, Flores O, Ochoa M, Peña B, de la Flor C, Webb CM, Cornejo E, Sanes F, Mayorga V, Valdiviezo G, Ramírez Lamas SP, Grandez Castillo GA, Lama JR, Matta Aguirre ME, Arancibia Luna LA, Carbajal Paulet Ó, Zambrano Ortiz J, Camara A, Guzman Quintanilla F, Diaz-Parra C, Morales-Oliva J, Cornejo RE, Ricalde SA, Vidal J, Rios Nogales L, Cheatham-Seitz D, Gregoraci G, Brecx A, Walz L, Vahrenhorst D, Seibel T, Quintini G. Efficacy and safety of the CVnCoV SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine candidate in ten countries in Europe and Latin America (HERALD): a randomised, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 2b/3 trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:329-340. [PMID: 34826381 PMCID: PMC8610426 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Additional safe and efficacious vaccines are needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to analyse the efficacy and safety of the CVnCoV SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine candidate. METHODS HERALD is a randomised, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled, phase 2b/3 clinical trial conducted in 47 centres in ten countries in Europe and Latin America. By use of an interactive web response system and stratification by country and age group (18-60 years and ≥61 years), adults with no history of virologically confirmed COVID-19 were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intramuscularly either two 0·6 mL doses of CVnCoV containing 12 μg of mRNA or two 0·6 mL doses of 0·9% NaCl (placebo) on days 1 and 29. The primary efficacy endpoint was the occurrence of a first episode of virologically confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 of any severity and caused by any strain from 15 days after the second dose. For the primary endpoint, the trial was considered successful if the lower limit of the CI was greater than 30%. Key secondary endpoints were the occurrence of a first episode of virologically confirmed moderate-to-severe COVID-19, severe COVID-19, and COVID-19 of any severity by age group. Primary safety outcomes were solicited local and systemic adverse events within 7 days after each dose and unsolicited adverse events within 28 days after each dose in phase 2b participants, and serious adverse events and adverse events of special interest up to 1 year after the second dose in phase 2b and phase 3 participants. Here, we report data up to June 18, 2021. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04652102, and EudraCT, 2020-003998-22, and is ongoing. FINDINGS Between Dec 11, 2020, and April 12, 2021, 39 680 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either CVnCoV (n=19 846) or placebo (n=19 834), of whom 19 783 received at least one dose of CVnCoV and 19 746 received at least one dose of placebo. After a mean observation period of 48·2 days (SE 0·2), 83 cases of COVID-19 occurred in the CVnCoV group (n=12 851) in 1735·29 person-years and 145 cases occurred in the placebo group (n=12 211) in 1569·87 person-years, resulting in an overall vaccine efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19 of 48·2% (95·826% CI 31·0-61·4; p=0·016). Vaccine efficacy against moderate-to-severe COVID-19 was 70·7% (95% CI 42·5-86·1; CVnCoV 12 cases in 1735·29 person-years, placebo 37 cases in 1569·87 person-years). In participants aged 18-60 years, vaccine efficacy against symptomatic disease was 52·5% (95% CI 36·2-64·8; CVnCoV 71 cases in 1591·47 person-years, placebo, 136 cases in 1449·23 person-years). Too few cases occurred in participants aged 61 years or older (CVnCoV 12, placebo nine) to allow meaningful assessment of vaccine efficacy. Solicited adverse events, which were mostly systemic, were more common in CVnCoV recipients (1933 [96·5%] of 2003) than in placebo recipients (1344 [67·9%] of 1978), with 542 (27·1%) CVnCoV recipients and 61 (3·1%) placebo recipients reporting grade 3 solicited adverse events. The most frequently reported local reaction after any dose in the CVnCoV group was injection-site pain (1678 [83·6%] of 2007), with 22 grade 3 reactions, and the most frequently reported systematic reactions were fatigue (1603 [80·0%] of 2003) and headache (1541 [76·9%] of 2003). 82 (0·4%) of 19 783 CVnCoV recipients reported 100 serious adverse events and 66 (0·3%) of 19 746 placebo recipients reported 76 serious adverse events. Eight serious adverse events in five CVnCoV recipients and two serious adverse events in two placebo recipients were considered vaccination-related. None of the fatal serious adverse events reported (eight in the CVnCoV group and six in the placebo group) were considered to be related to study vaccination. Adverse events of special interest were reported for 38 (0·2%) participants in the CVnCoV group and 31 (0·2%) participants in the placebo group. These events were considered to be related to the trial vaccine for 14 (<0·1%) participants in the CVnCoV group and for five (<0·1%) participants in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION CVnCoV was efficacious in the prevention of COVID-19 of any severity and had an acceptable safety profile. Taking into account the changing environment, including the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, and timelines for further development, the decision has been made to cease activities on the CVnCoV candidate and to focus efforts on the development of next-generation vaccine candidates. FUNDING German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and CureVac.
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Naz-McLean S, Clark JL, Reisner SL, Prenner JC, Weintraub B, Huerta L, Salazar X, Lama JR, Mayer KH, Perez-Brumer A. Decision-Making at the Intersection of Risk and Pleasure: A Qualitative Inquiry with Trans Women Engaged in Sex Work in Lima, Peru. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:843-852. [PMID: 34436712 PMCID: PMC9897010 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To inform culturally relevant HIV prevention interventions, we explore the complexity of sex work among Peruvian transgender women. In 2015, we conducted twenty in-depth interviews and demographic surveys with transgender women in Lima, Peru to examine how transgender women enact individual- and community-level resistance strategies within a context of pervasive marginalization. Although 40% self-identified as "sex workers," 70% recently exchanged sex for money. Participants described nuanced risk-benefit analyses surrounding paid sexual encounters. Classification of clients as "risky" or "rewarding" incorporated issues of health, violence, and pleasure. Interviews highlighted context-informed decision-making (rejecting disrespectful clients, asserting condom use with specific partner types) demonstrating that motivations were not limited to HIV prevention or economic renumeration, but considered safety, health, attraction, gender validation, hygiene, and convenience. These findings underscore the complex risk assessments employed by Peruvian trans women. These individual-level decision-making and context-specific health promotion strategies represent critical frameworks for HIV prevention efforts.
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Long JE, Tordoff DM, Reisner SL, Dasgupta S, Mayer KH, Mullins JI, Lama JR, Herbeck JT, Duerr A. HIV transmission patterns among transgender women, their cisgender male partners, and cisgender MSM in Lima, Peru: A molecular epidemiologic and phylodynamic analysis. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 6:100121. [PMID: 35178526 PMCID: PMC8849555 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender women (TW) in Peru are disproportionately affected by HIV. The role that cisgender men who have sex with TW (MSTW) and their sexual networks play in TW's risk of acquiring HIV is not well understood. We used HIV sequences from TW, MSTW, and cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) to examine transmission dynamics between these groups. METHODS We used HIV-1 pol sequences and epidemiologic data collected through three Lima-based studies from 2013 to 2018 (n = 139 TW, n = 25 MSTW, n = 303 MSM). We identified molecular clusters based on pairwise genetic distance and used structured coalescent phylodynamic modeling to estimate transmission patterns between groups. FINDINGS Among 200 participants (43%) found in 62 clusters, the probability of clustering did not differ by group. Both MSM and TW were more likely to cluster with members of their own group than would be expected based on random mixing. Phylodynamic modeling estimated that there was frequent transmission from MSTW to TW (67·9% of transmission from MSTW; 95%CI = 52·8-83·2%) and from TW to MSTW (76·5% of transmissions from TW; 95%CI = 65·5-90·3%). HIV transmission between MSM and TW was estimated to comprise a small proportion of overall transmissions (4·9% of transmissions from MSM, and 11·8% of transmissions from TW), as were transmissions between MSM and MSTW (7·2% of transmissions from MSM, and 32·0% of transmissions from MSTW). INTERPRETATION These results provide quantitative evidence that MSTW play an important role in TW's HIV vulnerability and that MSTW have an HIV transmission network that is largely distinct from MSM.
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Longino AA, Paul R, Wang Y, Lama JR, Brandes P, Ruiz E, Correa C, Keating S, Spudich SS, Pilcher C, Vecchio A, Pasalar S, Ignacio RAB, Valdez R, Dasgupta S, Robertson K, Duerr A. HIV Disease Dynamics and Markers of Inflammation and CNS Injury During Primary HIV Infection and Their Relationship to Cognitive Performance. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:183-190. [PMID: 34629415 PMCID: PMC8752485 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early systemic and central nervous system viral replication and inflammation may affect brain integrity in people with HIV, leading to chronic cognitive symptoms not fully reversed by antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study examined associations between cognitive performance and markers of CNS injury associated with acute HIV infection and ART. METHODS HIV-infected MSM and transgender women (average age: 27 years and education: 13 years) enrolled within 100 days from the estimated date of detectable infection (EDDI). A cognitive performance (NP) protocol was administered at enrollment (before ART initiation) and every 24 weeks until week 192. An overall index of cognitive performance (NPZ) was created using local normative data. Blood (n = 87) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF; n = 29) biomarkers of inflammation and neuronal injury were examined before ART initiation. Regression analyses assessed relationships between time since EDDI, pre-ART biomarkers, and NPZ. RESULTS Adjusting for multiple comparisons, shorter time since EDDI was associated with higher pre-ART VL and multiple biomarkers in plasma and CSF. NPZ scores were within the normative range at baseline (NPZ = 0.52) and at each follow-up visit, with a modest increase through week 192. Plasma or CSF biomarkers were not correlated with NP scores at baseline or after ART. CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers of CNS inflammation, immune activation, and neuronal injury peak early and then decline during acute HIV infection, confirming and extending results of other studies. Neither plasma nor CSF biomarkers during acute infection corresponded to NP scores before or after sustained ART in this cohort with few psychosocial risk factors for cognitive impairment.
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Cyrus E, Sanchez J, Madhivanan P, Lama JR, Bazo AC, Valencia J, Leon SR, Villaran M, Vagenas P, Sciaudone M, Vu D, Coudray MS, Atice FL. Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence, Substance Use Disorders and Depression among Incarcerated Women in Lima, Perú. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111134. [PMID: 34769653 PMCID: PMC8583326 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background: Globally, there is evidence supporting the co-occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV), substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders among women in prisons, however, there is limited research investigating these domains in the Andean region where rates of female incarceration have increased. The study objective was to explore the prevalence of IPV, SUD and depression among incarcerated women in a Peruvian prison and explore associations among these variables and related correlates. Methods: 249 incarcerated women responded to a questionnaire about IPV, substance use, depression, and sexual behavior, and were screened for HIV/sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to estimate relative risk and the influence of substance use and depression on IPV rates. Results: Twelve months prior to incarceration, of the women with sexual partners pre-incarceration (n = 212), 69.3% experienced threats of violence, 61.4% experienced ≥1 acts of physical violence, and 28.3% reported ≥1 act of sexual aggression. Pre-incarceration, 68.1% of drug-using women had a SUD, and 61.7% of those who consumed alcohol reported hazardous/harmful drinking. There were 20 (8.0%) HIV/STD cases; and 67.5% of the women reported depressive symptoms. Compared to women with no experiences of physical violence, a greater proportion of women who experienced least l violent act had depressive symptoms and engaged in sex work pre-incarceration. Depression was associated with physical violence (adjusted relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.58). Recommendations: The findings provide evidence of a syndemic of IPV, substance abuse and depression among incarcerated women in a Peruvian prison. To help guide policy makers, further research is needed to determine if this is indicative of trends for other at-risk women in the region, and viable options to treat these women during incarceration to prevent recidivism and other long-term negative sequalae.
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Long JE, Montaño M, Sanchez H, Huerta L, Calderón Garcia D, Lama JR, Andrasik M, Duerr A. Self-Identity, Beliefs, and Behavior Among Men Who Have Sex with Transgender Women: Implications for HIV Research and Interventions. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3287-3295. [PMID: 34617189 PMCID: PMC8784120 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
While transgender women have been identified as a global priority population for HIV prevention and treatment, little is known about the cisgender male partners of transgender women, including their sexual behavior and HIV prevalence. Previous research has suggested that these male partners have varied identities and sexual behavior, which make identifying and engaging them in research difficult. This paper describes interviews conducted with fifteen cisgender men who reported recent sexual activity with transgender women in Lima, Peru. The purpose of this research was to explore how these men reported their identities and sexual behavior, to better understand how they would interact with HIV outreach, research, and care. The major themes were sexual orientation and identity; view of transgender partners; social ties to transgender women and other men with transgender women partners; disclosure of relationships; HIV knowledge and risk perception; and attitudes toward interventions. We found that language used to assess sexual orientation was problematic in this population, due to lack of consistency between orientation and reported behavior, and unfamiliarity with terms used to describe sexual orientation. In addition, stigma, lack of knowledge of HIV prevention methods, and fear of disclosure of sexual behavior were identified as barriers that could impact engagement in HIV research, prevention, and care. However, participants reported social relationships with both transgender women and other men who have transgender partners, presenting possible avenues for recruitment into HIV research and healthcare services.
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Perez‐Brumer A, Naz‐McLean S, Huerta L, Salazar X, Lama JR, Sanchez J, Silva‐Santisteban A, Reisner SL, Mayer KH, Clark JL. The wisdom of mistrust: qualitative insights from transgender women who participated in PrEP research in Lima, Peru. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25769. [PMID: 34569152 PMCID: PMC9936804 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a remarkable biomedical advance to prevent HIV, ongoing research on PrEP contributes to and interacts with a legacy of HIV experimentation on marginalized communities in resource-limited settings. This paper explores the complexity of PrEP research mistrust among Peruvian transgender (trans) women who completed a PrEP adherence intervention and those who refused participation (i.e. declined to enrol, voluntarily withdrew, and/or were lost to follow-up). METHODS Data were derived from 86 trans women (mean age 29 years) participants in the formative (four focus groups (n = 32), 20 interviews) and the evaluation stages (34 interviews) of a social network-based PrEP intervention for trans women in Lima, Peru. The formative stage took place from May to July 2015, while the evaluative stage took place from April to May 2018. Audio files were transcribed verbatim and analysed via an immersion crystallization approach using Dedoose (v.6.1.18). RESULTS Three paradoxes of trans women's participation in PrEP science as a "key" population emerged as amplifying mistrust: (1) increases in PrEP research targeting trans women but limited perceived improvements in HIV outcomes; (2) routine dismissal by research physicians and staff of PrEP-related side effects and the social realities of taking PrEP, resulting in questions about who PrEP research is really for and (3) persistent limitations on PrEP access for trans women despite increasing involvement in clinical trials, fostering feelings of being a "guinea pig" to advance PrEP science. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the wisdom inherent in PrEP mistrust as a reflection of trans women's experiences that underscore the broken bonds of trust between communities, researchers and the research enterprise. PrEP mistrust is amplified through perceived paradoxes that suggest to trans women that they are key experimental participants but not target PrEP users outside of research settings. Findings highlight the urgent need to reframe mistrust not as a characteristic of trans women to be addressed through education and outreach, but as a systemic institutional- and industry-level problem replicated, manifested and ultimately to be corrected, through global HIV science.
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Crowell TA, Ritz J, Coombs RW, Zheng L, Eron JJ, Mellors JW, Dragavon J, van Zyl GU, Lama JR, Ruxrungtham K, Grinsztejn B, Arduino RC, Fox L, Ananworanich J, Daar ES. Novel Criteria for Diagnosing Acute and Early Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in a Multinational Study of Early Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e643-e651. [PMID: 33382405 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation during acute and early human immunodeficiency virus infection (AEHI) limits HIV reservoir formation and may facilitate post-ART control but is logistically challenging. We evaluated the performance of AEHI diagnostic criteria from a prospective study of early ART initiation. METHODS AIDS Clinical Trials Group A 5354 enrolled adults at 30 sites in the Americas, Africa, and Asia who met any 1 of 6 criteria based on combinations of results of HIV RNA, HIV antibody, Western blot or Geenius assay, and/or the signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratio of the ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo or GS HIV Combo Ag/Ab EIA. HIV status and Fiebig stage were confirmed by centralized testing. RESULTS From 2017 through 2019, 195 participants were enrolled with median age of 27 years (interquartile range, 23-39). Thirty (15.4%) were female. ART was started by 171 (87.7%) on the day of enrollment and 24 (12.3%) the next day. AEHI was confirmed in 188 (96.4%) participants after centralized testing, 4 (2.0%) participants were found to have chronic infection, and 3 (1.5%) found not to have HIV discontinued ART and were withdrawn. Retrospectively, a nonreactive or indeterminate HIV antibody on the Geenius assay combined with ARCHITECT S/CO ≥10 correctly identified 99 of 122 (81.2%) Fiebig II-IV AEHI cases with no false-positive results. CONCLUSIONS Novel AEHI criteria that incorporate ARCHITECT S/CO facilitated rapid and efficient ART initiation without waiting for an HIV RNA result. These criteria may facilitate AEHI diagnosis, staging, and immediate ART initiation in future research studies and clinical practice. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT02859558.
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Huang Y, Seaton KE, Casapia M, Polakowski L, De Rosa SC, Cohen K, Yu C, Elizaga M, Paez C, Miner MD, Kelley CF, Maenza J, Keefer M, Lama JR, Sobieszczyk M, Buchbinder S, Baden LR, Lee C, Gulati V, Sinangil F, Montefiori D, McElrath MJ, Tomaras GD, Robinson HL, Goepfert P. AIDSVAX protein boost improves breadth and magnitude of vaccine-induced HIV-1 envelope-specific responses after a 7-year rest period. Vaccine 2021; 39:4641-4650. [PMID: 34229888 PMCID: PMC8853668 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.06.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eliciting durable humoral immunity with sufficient breadth and magnitude is important for HIV-1 vaccine design. The HVTN 114 vaccine trial evaluated different boost regimens administered after a 7-year rest period in participants previously enrolled in HVTN 205, who received either three MVA/HIV62B (MMM) or two DNA and two MVA/HIV62B (DDMM) injections; both vaccines expressed multiple HIV-1 antigens in non-infectious virus-like-particles. The primary objective of HVTN 114 was to assess the impact of a heterologous gp120 protein AIDSVAX B/E boost on the magnitude, breadth and durability of vaccine-induced immune responses. METHODS We enrolled 27 participants from HVTN 205 into five groups. Eight participants who previously received MMM were randomized and boosted with either MVA/HIV62B alone (T1; n = 4) or MVA/HIV62B and AIDSVAX B/E (T2; n = 4). Nineteen participants who received DDMM were randomized and boosted with MVA/HIV62B alone (T3; n = 6), MVA/HIV62B and AIDSVAX B/E (T4; n = 6), or AIDSVAX B/E alone (T5; n = 7). Boosts were at months 0 and 4. Participants were followed for safety and immunogenicity for 10 months and were pooled for analysis based on the regimen: MVA-only (T1 + T3), MVA + AIDSVAX (T2 + T4), and AIDSVAX-only (T5). RESULTS All regimens were safe and well-tolerated. Prior to the boost vaccination, binding antibody and CD4+T-cell responses were observed 7 years after HVTN 205 vaccinations. Late boosting with AIDSVAX, with or without MVA, resulted in high binding antibody responses to gp120 and V1V2 epitopes, with increased magnitude and breadth compared to those observed in HVTN 205. Late boosting with MVA, with or without AIDSVAX, resulted in increased gp140 and gp41 antibody responses and higher CD4+T-cell responses to Env and Gag. CONCLUSIONS Late boosting with AIDSVAX, alone or in combination with MVA, can broaden binding antibody responses and increase T-cell responses even years following the original MVA/HIV62B with or without DNA-priming vaccine.
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Dooley KE, Rosenkranz SL, Conradie F, Moran L, Hafner R, von Groote-Bidlingmaier F, Lama JR, Shenje J, De Los Rios J, Comins K, Morganroth J, Diacon AH, Cramer YS, Donahue K, Maartens G. QT effects of bedaquiline, delamanid, or both in patients with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis: a phase 2, open-label, randomised, controlled trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:975-983. [PMID: 33587897 PMCID: PMC8312310 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30770-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bedaquiline and delamanid are the first drugs of new classes registered for tuberculosis treatment in 40 years. Each can prolong the QTc interval, with maximum effects occurring weeks after drug initiation. The cardiac safety and microbiological activity of these drugs when co-administered are not well-established. Our aim was to characterise the effects of bedaquiline, delamanid, or both on the QTc interval, longitudinally over 6 months of multidrug treatment, among patients with multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis taking multidrug background therapy. METHODS ACTG A5343 is a phase 2, open-label, randomised, controlled trial in which adults with multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis receiving multidrug background treatment were randomly assigned 1:1:1 by centrally, computer-generated randomisation, by means of permuted blocks to receive bedaquiline, delamanid, or both for 24 weeks. Participants were enrolled at TASK in Cape Town and the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative in Worcester, both in South Africa, and Hospital Maria Auxiliadora in Peru. Individuals with QTc greater than 450 ms were excluded. HIV-positive participants received dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy. Clofazimine was disallowed, and levofloxacin replaced moxifloxacin. ECG in triplicate and sputum cultures were done fortnightly. The primary endpoint was mean QTcF change from baseline (averaged over weeks 8-24); cumulative culture conversation at week 8-24 was an exploratory endpoint. Analyses included all participants who initiated study tuberculosis treatment (modified intention-to-treat population). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02583048 and is ongoing. FINDINGS Between Aug 26, 2016 and July 13, 2018, of 174 screened, 84 participants (28 in each treatment group, and 31 in total with HIV) were enrolled. Two participants did not initiate study treatment (one in the delamanid group withdrew consent and one in the bedaquiline plus delamanid group) did not meet the eligibility criterion). Mean change in QTc from baseline was 12·3 ms (95% CI 7·8-16·7; bedaquiline), 8·6 ms (4·0-13·1; delamanid), and 20·7 ms (16·1-25·3) (bedaquiline plus delamanid). There were no grade 3 or 4 adverse QTc prolongation events and no deaths during study treatment. Cumulative culture conversion by week 8 was 21 (88%) of 24 (95% CI 71-97; bedaquiline), 20 (83%) of 24 (65-95; delamanid), and 19 (95%) of 20 (79-100; bedaquiline plus delamanid) and was 92% (77-99) for bedaquiline, 91% (76-99), for delamanid, and 95% (79-100) for bedaquiline plus delamanid at 24 weeks. INTERPRETATION Combining bedaquiline and delamanid has a modest, no more than additive, effect on the QTc interval, and initial microbiology data are encouraging. This study provides supportive evidence for use of these agents together in patients with multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis with normal baseline QTc values. FUNDING Division of AIDS, National Institutes of Health.
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