Leukocyte Count and Coronary Artery Disease Events in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) have increased cardiovascular risk. Higher leukocyte count has been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) events in the general population. It is unknown whether the leukocyte-CAD association also applies to PWH.

METHODS

In a case-control study nested within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, we obtained uni- and multivariable odds ratios (OR) for CAD events, based on traditional and HIV-related CAD risk factors, leukocyte count, and confounders previously associated with leukocyte count.

RESULTS

We included 536 cases with a first CAD event (2000-2021; median age, 56 years; 87% male; 84% with suppressed HIV RNA) and 1464 event-free controls. Cases had higher latest leukocyte count before CAD event than controls (median [interquartile range], 6495 [5300-7995] vs 5900 [4910-7200]; P < .01), but leukocytosis (>11 000/µL) was uncommon (4.3% vs 2.1%; P = .01). In the highest versus lowest leukocyte quintile at latest time point before CAD event, participants had univariable CAD-OR = 2.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.63-3.15) and multivariable adjusted CAD-OR = 1.59 (1.09-2.30). For comparison, univariable CAD-OR for dyslipidemia, diabetes, and recent abacavir exposure were 1.58 (1.29-1.93), 2.19 (1.59-3.03), and 1.73 (1.37-2.17), respectively. Smoking and, to a lesser degree, alcohol and ethnicity attenuated the leukocyte-CAD association. Leukocytes measured up to 8 years before the event were significantly associated with CAD events.

CONCLUSIONS

PWH in Switzerland with higher leukocyte counts have an independently increased risk of CAD events, to a degree similar to traditional and HIV-related risk factors.

Epigenetic ageing accelerates before antiretroviral therapy and decelerates after viral suppression in people with HIV in Switzerland: a longitudinal study over 17 years

BACKGROUND

Accelerated epigenetic ageing can occur in untreated HIV infection and is partially reversible with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed to make a long-term comparison of epigenetic ageing dynamics in people with HIV during untreated HIV infection and during suppressive ART.

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, conducted over 17 years in HIV outpatient clinics in Switzerland, we applied 5 established epigenetic age estimators (epigenetic clocks) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants before or during suppressive ART. All participants had a longitudinal set of PBMC samples available at four timepoints (T1-T4). T1 and T2 had to be 3 years or longer apart, as did T3 and T4. We assessed epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) and a novel rate of epigenetic ageing.

FINDINGS

Between March 13, 1990, and Jan 18, 2018, we recruited 81 people with HIV from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. We excluded one participant because a sample did not meet quality checks (transmission error). 52 (65%) of 80 patients were men, 76 (95%) were white, and the median patient age was 43 (IQR 37·5-47) years. Per year of untreated HIV infection (median observation 8·08 years, IQR 4·83-11·09), mean EAA was 0·47 years (95% CI 0·37 to 0·57) for Horvath's clock, 0·43 years (0·3 to 0·57) for Hannum's clock, 0·36 years (0·27 to 0·44) for SkinBlood clock, and 0·69 years (0·51 to 0·86) for PhenoAge. Per year of suppressive ART (median observation 9·8 years, IQR 7·2-11), mean EAA was -0·35 years (95% CI -0·44 to -0·27) for Horvath's clock, -0·39 years (-0·50 to -0·27) for Hannum's clock, -0·26 years (-0·33 to -0·18) for SkinBlood clock, and -0·49 years (-0·64 to -0·35) for PhenoAge. Our findings indicate that people with HIV epigenetically aged by a mean of 1·47 years for Horvath's clock, 1·43 years for Hannum's clock, 1·36 years for SkinBlood clock, and 1·69 years for PhenoAge per year of untreated HIV infection; and 0·65 years for Horvath's clock, 0·61 years for Hannum's clock, 0·74 years for SkinBlood clock, and 0·51 years for PhenoAge, per year of suppressive ART. GrimAge showed some change in the mean EAA during untreated HIV infection (0·10 years, 0·02 to 0·19) and suppressive ART (-0·05 years, -0·12 to 0·02). We obtained very similar results using the rate of epigenetic ageing. Contribution of multiple HIV-related, antiretroviral, and immunological variables, and of a DNA methylation-associated polygenic risk score to EAA was small.

INTERPRETATION

In a longitudinal study over more than 17 years, epigenetic ageing accelerated during untreated HIV infection and decelerated during suppressive ART, highlighting the importance of limiting the duration of untreated HIV infection.

FUNDING

Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Swiss National Science Foundation, and Gilead Sciences.

Antibody response after third vaccination with mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2: Extension of a randomised controlled SARS-CoV-2 non-inferiority vaccine trial in patients with different levels of immunosuppression (COVERALL-2)

Extension of the COVERALL randomised trial showed non-inferiority in antibody response of the third dose of Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine (95.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.9-98.7%) compared to Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine (98.1%; 95% CI: 95.9-100.0%) in individuals with different levels of immunosuppression (difference: -2.8%; 95% CI: -6.8-1.3%).

Quantifying and Predicting Ongoing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Transmission Dynamics in Switzerland Using a Distance-Based Clustering Approach

BACKGROUND

Despite effective prevention approaches, ongoing human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) transmission remains a public health concern indicating a need for identifying its drivers.

METHODS

We combined a network-based clustering method using evolutionary distances between viral sequences with statistical learning approaches to investigate the dynamics of HIV transmission in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and to predict the drivers of ongoing transmission.

RESULTS

We found that only a minority of clusters and patients acquired links to new infections between 2007 and 2020. While the growth of clusters and the probability of individual patients acquiring new links in the transmission network was associated with epidemiological, behavioral, and virological predictors, the strength of these associations decreased substantially when adjusting for network characteristics. Thus, these network characteristics can capture major heterogeneities beyond classical epidemiological parameters. When modeling the probability of a newly diagnosed patient being linked with future infections, we found that the best predictive performance (median area under the curve receiver operating characteristic AUCROC = 0.77) was achieved by models including characteristics of the network as predictors and that models excluding them performed substantially worse (median AUCROC = 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the utility of molecular epidemiology-based network approaches for analyzing and predicting ongoing HIV transmission dynamics. This approach may serve for real-time prospective assessment of HIV transmission.

Treatment as prevention effect of direct-acting antivirals on primary hepatitis C virus incidence: Findings from a multinational cohort between 2010 and 2019

BACKGROUND

Broad direct-acting antiviral (DAA) access may reduce hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence through a "treatment as prevention" (TasP) effect. We assessed changes in primary HCV incidence following DAA access among people living with HIV (PLHIV).

METHODS

We used pooled individual-level data from six cohorts from the International Collaboration on Hepatitis C Elimination in HIV Cohorts (InCHEHC). Follow-up started from the first recorded negative HCV antibody test date and ended at last negative antibody test or estimated infection date. Follow-up was restricted to 2010-2019. We used segmented Poisson regression to model trends across pre-, limited- (i.e., restrictions on access) and broad-DAA access periods.

FINDINGS

Overall, 45,942 participants had at least one HCV antibody negative result and follow-up between 2010 and 2019. We observed 2042 incident HCV infections over 248,189 person-years (PY). Pooled incidence decreased from 0.91 per 100 PY in 2015 to 0.41 per 100 PY in 2019. Compared to the average pre-DAA period incidence (0.90 per 100 PY), average incidence was similar during the limited-DAA access period (Incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.98; 95%CI = 0.87, 1.11), and 52% lower during the broad-DAA access period (IRR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.42, 0.52). The average annual decline in HCV incidence was 2% in the pre-DAA period; an additional 9% annual decline in incidence was observed during the limited-DAA access period (IRR = 0.91; 95%CI = 0.82, 1.00) and a further 20% decline in the broad-DAA access period (IRR = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.73, 0.89).

INTERPRETATION

Our findings suggest that broad DAA access has a TasP effect on primary HCV incidence among PLHIV. Based on the initial years of DAA availability, the countries in the InCHEHC collaboration are on track to meet the World Health Organization's 80% HCV incidence reduction target for PLHIV by 2030.

FUNDING

This study was funded by the Australian Government National Health and Medical Research Council (Grant number GNT1132902).

Polygenic Risk Scores for Prediction of Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The Swiss HIV Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

In people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH), individual polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) events. Whether PRSs are associated with subclinical CAD is unknown.

METHODS

In Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants of European descent, we defined subclinical CAD as presence of soft, mixed, or high-risk plaque (SMHRP) on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, or as participants in the top tertile of the study population's coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, using noncontrast CT. We obtained univariable and multivariable odds ratios (ORs) for subclinical CAD endpoints based on nongenetic risk factors, and validated genome-wide PRSs built from single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CAD, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), or longevity in the general population.

RESULTS

We included 345 genotyped participants (median age, 53 years; 89% male; 96% suppressed HIV RNA); 172 and 127 participants had SMHRP and CAC, respectively. CAD-associated PRS and IMT-associated PRS were associated with SMHRP and CAC (all P < .01), but longevity PRS was not. Participants with unfavorable CAD-PRS (top quintile) had an adjusted SMHRP OR = 2.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-5.67), and a CAC OR = 3.95 (95% CI, 1.45-10.77) vs. bottom quintile. Unfavorable nongenetic risk (top vs. bottom quintile) was associated with adjusted SMHRP OR = 24.01 (95% CI, 9.75-59.11), and a CAC-OR = 65.07 (95% CI, 18.48-229.15). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased when we added CAD-PRS to nongenetic risk factors (SMHRP: 0.75 and 0.78, respectively; CAC: 0.80 and 0.83, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In Swiss PWH, subclinical CAD is independently associated with an individual CAD-associated PRS. Combining nongenetic and genetic cardiovascular risk factors provided the most powerful subclinical CAD prediction.

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A Cross-Sectional Study

FGM/C is a harmful practice that involves injury of the external female genitalia without medical purpose. It is mainly practiced in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. However, with the migratory flows, women and girls with FGM/C and its consequences live all over the world. The lack of knowledge on how to care for women and girls living with FGM/C extends among all categories of health professionals involved in women's health, including infectious disease specialists. This is a national, exploratory descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to generate descriptive statistics about FGM/C among HIV-infected migrant women included in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Among the 387 women interviewed about FGM/C and who provided an answer, 80 (20.7%) reported to have undergone FGM/C. Fifty-six of the 80 women (70.0%) who reported having undergone FGM/C, also reported that they had never discussed their cutting with a health professional before. Our study demonstrates how common female genital mutilation is in women living with HIV and who have migrated to Switzerland and suggest how care and prevention could be improved significantly.

Triggers of Change in Sexual Behavior Among People With HIV: The Swiss U U Statement and COVID-19 Compared

We assessed changes in sexual behavior among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) over 20 years. Condom use with stable partners steadily declined from over 90 to 29 since the Swiss U U statement, with similar trajectories between men who have sex with men (MSM) and heterosexuals. Occasional partnership remained higher among MSM compared to heterosexuals even during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) social distancing.

Risk Factors and Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), but there are limited data about risk factors and incidence of STIs in large, representative cohort studies.

Methods

We assessed incidence and risk factors of STIs reported by treating physicians within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Sexually transmitted infections and demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics were prospectively collected at 6-month follow-up visits between October 2017 and November 2019. We used multilevel Poisson regression to assess incidence rate ratios of different STIs.

Results

Among 10 140 study participants, a total of 1634 STIs in 1029 SHCS participants were reported over 17 766 person-years of follow up (PYFUP). The overall incidence of any reported STI was 91.9 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.8 -98.5). Among the 1634 STI episodes, there were 573 (35.1%) incident cases of syphilis, 497 gonorrhea (30.4%), and 418 chlamydia (25.6%). Men who have sex with men (MSM) younger than 50 years represented 21% of the study population, but accounted for 61% of reported STIs. Male sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 2.03; 95% CI, 1.36-3.02), MSM (aIRR, 3.62; 95% CI, 2.88-4.55), age group 18-34 years (aIRR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.51-2.10), history of sexual relationships with occasional partners (aIRR, 6.87; 95% CI, 5.40-8.73), and reporting injecting drug use (aIRR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.91-3.23) were associated with a higher risk of incident STIs.

Conclusions

Sexually transmitted infections were frequent among PWH and varied considerably between age and risk groups. Screening programs and recommendations for STI testing need to be adapted according to risk factors and demographic characteristics.

Canakinumab in patients with COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes - A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity have chronic activation of the innate immune system possibly contributing to the higher risk of hyperinflammatory response to SARS-CoV2 and severe COVID-19 observed in this population. We tested whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) blockade using canakinumab improves clinical outcome.

METHODS

CanCovDia was a multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of canakinumab plus standard-of-care compared with placebo plus standard-of-care in patients with type 2 diabetes and a BMI > 25 kg/m² hospitalised with SARS-CoV2 infection in seven tertiary-hospitals in Switzerland. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to a single intravenous dose of canakinumab (body weight adapted dose of 450-750 mg) or placebo. Canakinumab and placebo were compared based on an unmatched win-ratio approach based on length of survival, ventilation, ICU stay and hospitalization at day 29. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04510493.

FINDINGS

Between October 17, 2020, and May 12, 2021, 116 patients were randomly assigned with 58 in each group. One participant dropped out in each group for the primary analysis. At the time of randomization, 85 patients (74·6 %) were treated with dexamethasone. The win-ratio of canakinumab vs placebo was 1·08 (95 % CI 0·69-1·69; p = 0·72). During four weeks, in the canakinumab vs placebo group 4 (7·0%) vs 7 (12·3%) participants died, 11 (20·0 %) vs 16 (28·1%) patients were on ICU, 12 (23·5 %) vs 11 (21·6%) were hospitalised for more than 3 weeks, respectively. Median ventilation time at four weeks in the canakinumab vs placebo group was 10 [IQR 6.0, 16.5] and 16 days [IQR 14.0, 23.0], respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in HbA1c after four weeks despite a lower number of anti-diabetes drug administered in patients treated with canakinumab. Finally, high-sensitive CRP and IL-6 was lowered by canakinumab. Serious adverse events were reported in 13 patients (11·4%) in each group.

INTERPRETATION

In patients with type 2 diabetes who were hospitalised with COVID-19, treatment with canakinumab in addition to standard-of-care did not result in a statistically significant improvement of the primary composite outcome. Patients treated with canakinumab required significantly less anti-diabetes drugs to achieve similar glycaemic control. Canakinumab was associated with a prolonged reduction of systemic inflammation.

FUNDING

Swiss National Science Foundation grant #198415 and University of Basel. Novartis supplied study medication.

Efficacy and Safety of Ensovibep for Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19 : A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Ensovibep (MP0420) is a designed ankyrin repeat protein, a novel class of engineered proteins, under investigation as a treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if ensovibep, in addition to remdesivir and other standard care, improves clinical outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 compared with standard care alone.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04501978).

SETTING

Multinational, multicenter trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults hospitalized with COVID-19.

INTERVENTION

Intravenous ensovibep, 600 mg, or placebo.

MEASUREMENTS

Ensovibep was assessed for early futility on the basis of pulmonary ordinal scores at day 5. The primary outcome was time to sustained recovery through day 90, defined as 14 consecutive days at home or place of usual residence after hospital discharge. A composite safety outcome that included death, serious adverse events, end-organ disease, and serious infections was assessed through day 90.

RESULTS

An independent data and safety monitoring board recommended that enrollment be halted for early futility after 485 patients were randomly assigned and received an infusion of ensovibep (n = 247) or placebo (n = 238). The odds ratio (OR) for a more favorable pulmonary outcome in the ensovibep (vs. placebo) group at day 5 was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.67 to 1.30; P = 0.68; OR > 1 would favor ensovibep). The 90-day cumulative incidence of sustained recovery was 82% for ensovibep and 80% for placebo (subhazard ratio [sHR], 1.06 [CI, 0.88 to 1.28]; sHR > 1 would favor ensovibep). The primary composite safety outcome at day 90 occurred in 78 ensovibep participants (32%) and 70 placebo participants (29%) (HR, 1.07 [CI, 0.77 to 1.47]; HR < 1 would favor ensovibep).

LIMITATION

The trial was prematurely stopped because of futility, limiting power for the primary outcome.

CONCLUSION

Compared with placebo, ensovibep did not improve clinical outcomes for hospitalized participants with COVID-19 receiving standard care, including remdesivir; no safety concerns were identified.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Institutes of Health.

Incidence of hypertension in people with HIV who are treated with integrase inhibitors versus other antiretroviral regimens in the RESPOND cohort consortium

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of hypertension in people living with HIV receiving integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) versus non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) or boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) in the RESPOND consortium of HIV cohorts.

METHODS

Eligible people with HIV were aged ≥18 years who initiated a new three-drug ART regimen for the first time (baseline), did not have hypertension, and had at least two follow-up blood pressure (BP) measurements. Hypertension was defined as two consecutive systolic BP measurements ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or initiation of antihypertensives. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to determine adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) of hypertension, overall and in those who were ART naïve or experienced at baseline.

RESULTS

Overall, 4606 people living with HIV were eligible (INSTIs 3164, NNRTIs 807, PIs 635). The median baseline systolic BP, diastolic BP, and age were 120 (interquartile range [IQR] 113-130) mmHg, 78 (70-82) mmHg, and 43 (34-50) years, respectively. Over 8380.4 person-years (median follow-up 1.5 [IQR 1.0-2.7] years), 1058 (23.0%) participants developed hypertension (incidence rate 126.2/1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval [CI] 118.9-134.1). Participants receiving INSTIs had a higher incidence of hypertension than those receiving NNRTIs (aIRR 1.76; 95% CI 1.47-2.11), whereas the incidence was no different in those receiving PIs (aIRR 1.07; 95% CI 0.89-1.29). The results were similar when the analysis was stratified by ART status at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Although unmeasured confounding and channelling bias cannot be excluded, INSTIs were associated with a higher incidence of hypertension than were NNRTIs, but rates were similar to those of PIs overall, in ART-naïve and ART-experienced participants within RESPOND.

Determinants of antibody response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 mRNA vaccines in people with HIV

We identified determinants of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine antibody response in people with HIV (PWH). Antibody response was higher among PWH less than 60 years, with CD4+ cell count superior to 350 cells/μl and vaccinated with mRNA-1273 by Moderna compared with BNT162b2 by Pfizer-BioNTech. Preinfection with SARS-CoV-2 boosted the antibody response and smokers had an overall lower antibody response. Elderly PWH and those with low CD4+ cell count should be prioritized for booster vaccinations.

Antibodies from convalescent plasma promote SARS-CoV-2 clearance in individuals with and without endogenous antibody response

BACKGROUNDNeutralizing antibodies are considered a key correlate of protection by current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The manner in which human infections respond to therapeutic SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, including convalescent plasma therapy, remains to be fully elucidated.METHODSWe conducted a proof-of-principle study of convalescent plasma therapy based on a phase I trial in 30 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with a median interval between onset of symptoms and first transfusion of 9 days (IQR, 7-11.8 days). Comprehensive longitudinal monitoring of the virological, serological, and disease status of recipients allowed deciphering of parameters on which plasma therapy efficacy depends.RESULTSIn this trial, convalescent plasma therapy was safe as evidenced by the absence of transfusion-related adverse events and low mortality (3.3%). Treatment with highly neutralizing plasma was significantly associated with faster virus clearance, as demonstrated by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P = 0.034) and confirmed in a parametric survival model including viral load and comorbidity (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1-8.1; P = 0.026). The onset of endogenous neutralization affected viral clearance, but even after adjustment for their pretransfusion endogenous neutralization status, recipients benefitted from plasma therapy with high neutralizing antibodies (hazard ratio, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.1-11; P = 0.034).CONCLUSIONOur data demonstrate a clear impact of exogenous antibody therapy on the rapid clearance of viremia before and after onset of the endogenous neutralizing response, and point beyond antibody-based interventions to critical laboratory parameters for improved evaluation of current and future SARS-CoV-2 therapies.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT04869072.FUNDINGThis study was funded via an Innovation Pool project by the University Hospital Zurich; the Swiss Red Cross Glückskette Corona Funding; Pandemiefonds of the UZH Foundation; and the Clinical Research Priority Program "Comprehensive Genomic Pathogen Detection" of the University of Zurich.

High rates of asymptomatic Mycoplasma genitalium infections with high proportion of genotypic resistance to first-line macrolide treatment among men enrolled in the Zurich primary HIV infection study

Background

Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen among men who have sex with men (MSM). Resistance to recommended antimicrobial agents are of public health concern. Few data exist on Mg infections in MSM diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during primary HIV infection.

Methods

Participants of the Zurich Primary HIV Study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT 00537966) were systematically offered screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between April 2019 and September 2020. Screening was performed using an in-house polymerase chain reaction panel comprising Mg including genotypic resistance testing for macrolides and quinolones, Chlamydia trachomatis including serovars L1-L3, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and Hemophilus ducreyi.

Results

We screened 148 of 266 (55.6%) participants, with an overall total of 415 follow-up visits. Ninety-one percent were MSM. The incidence rate for all STIs was 47.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.2–68.6) per 100 person-years. Mycoplasma genitalium was the most frequently detected pathogen: 30 participants (20%) presented with at least 1 Mg infection, corresponding to a period prevalence of 20.3% and incidence rate of 19.5 Mg infections (95% CI, 11.8–32.4). Most Mg infections (93%) were asymptomatic, and 9 (30%) participants showed spontaneous clearance. We detected high rates of antibiotic resistance: 73.3% to macrolides, 3.3% to quinolones, and 13.3% resistance to both antibiotics.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of mostly asymptomatic Mg infections and high rate of spontaneous clearance support cautious initiation for treatment. The high proportion of macrolide-resistant strains suggests that a genotypic determination of resistance should be standard of care. Moxifloxacin should be the preferred treatment option for symptomatic Mg infections among MSM if resistance testing is unavailable.

Sustained effect on hepatitis C elimination among men who have sex with men in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study: A systematic re-screening for hepatitis C RNA two years following a nation-wide elimination program

INTRODUCTION

The Swiss HCVree Trial (NCT02785666) was conducted in 2015-2017 with the goal of implementing a population-based systematic hepatitis C (HCV) micro-elimination program among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). The trial led to a 91% and 77% decline of HCV prevalence and incidence, respectively. The long-term effect of this HCV micro-elimination program is yet to be explored.

METHODS

All MSM enrolled in the SHCS were screened for HCV RNA using stored plasma samples obtained in 2019, termed "Swiss HCVree Post" screen. The incidence of HCV infection over time was assessed using additional information on HCV testing routinely collected in the SHCS. Characteristics of participants with replicating HCV infection were analyzed.

RESULTS

The point-prevalence of "Swiss HCVree Post" (N = 4641) was 0.6%, reflecting a decline of 48% compared to the end of the Swiss HCVree Trial where the prevalence was 1.2%. Further, the incidence of HCV among MSM in the SHCS declined from 0.31/100 person-years (py) (95%-confidence interval (CI) = [0.17,0.55]) in 2017 to 0.19/100 py (95%-CI = [0.09,0.39]) in 2019.

CONCLUSION

A systematic HCV RNA-based screening among MSM living with HIV conducted two years after the Swiss HCVree Trial revealed a sustained effect and further decline of the prevalence and incidence of replicating HCV infection. This indicates that the Swiss HCVree Trial was successful in curbing the HCV epidemic among MSM living with HIV in Switzerland.

An Approach to Quantifying the Interaction between Behavioral and Transmission Clusters

We hypothesize that patterns of sexual behavior play a role in the conformation of transmission networks, i.e., the way you behave might influence whom you have sex with. If that was the case, behavioral grouping might in turn correlate with, and potentially predict transmission networking, e.g., proximity in a viral phylogeny. We rigorously present an intuitive approach to address this hypothesis by quantifying mapped interactions between groups defined by similarities in sexual behavior along a virus phylogeny while discussing power and sample size considerations. Data from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study on condom use and hepatitis C virus (HCV) sequences served as proof-of-concept. In this case, a strict inclusion criteria contrasting with low HCV prevalence hindered our possibilities to identify significant relationships. This manuscript serves as guide for studies aimed at characterizing interactions between behavioral patterns and transmission networks. Large transmission networks such as those of HIV or COVID-19 are prime candidates for applying this methodological approach.

The interplay between replication capacity of HIV-1 and surrogate markers of disease

BACKGROUND

HIV-1 replication capacity (RC) of transmitted/founder viruses may influence the further course of HIV-1 infection.

METHODS

Replication capacities (RCs) of 355 whole genome primary HIV-1 isolates derived from samples acquired during acute and recent primary HIV-1 infection (PHI) were determined using a novel high throughput infection assay in primary cells. The RCs were used to elucidate potential factors that could be associated with RC during PHI.

RESULTS

Increased RC was found to be associated with increased set point viral load (VL), and significant differences in RCs among 13 different HIV-1 subtypes were discerned. Notably, we observed an increase in RCs for primary HIV-1 isolates of HIV-1 subtype B over a 17-year period. Associations were not observed between RC and CD4 count at sample date of RC measurement, CD4 recovery after initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART), CD4 decline in untreated individuals, and acute retroviral syndrome severity scores.

DISCUSSION

These findings highlight that RCs of primary HIV-1 isolates acquired during the acute and recent phase of infection are more associated with viral factors, i.e., set point VL, than with host factors. Furthermore, we observed a temporal increase in RC for HIV-1 subtype B viruses over a period of 17 years.

Dolutegravir monotherapy as maintenance strategy: a meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials

Background

Dolutegravir monotherapy (DTG-m) results in virological failure (VF) in some people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). We sought to identify the independent factors associated with the risk of VF and to explore the effect size heterogeneity between subgroups of PWH enrolled in DTG-m trials.

Methods

We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating DTG-m versus combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) among PWH virologically controlled for at least 6 months on cART. We performed an individual participant data meta-analysis of VF risk factors and quantified their explained heterogeneity in random-effect models. Definition of VF was a confirmed plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 ribonucleic acid (RNA) >50 copies/mL by week 48.

Results

Among 416 PWH from 4 RCTs, DTG-m significantly increased the risk of VF (16 of 227 [7%] versus 0 of 189 for cART; risk difference 7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1%–2%; P = .02; I² = 51%). Among 272 participants exposed to DTG-m, VF were more likely in participants with the following: first cART initiated ≥90 days from HIV acute infection (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 5.16; 95% 95% CI, 1.60–16.65), CD4 T cells nadir <350/mm³ (aHR, 12.10; 95% CI, 3.92–37.40), HIV RNA signal at baseline (aHR, 4.84; 95% CI, 3.68–6.38), and HIV-deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) copy number at baseline ≥2.7 log/10⁶ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (aHR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.99–7.30). Among these independent risk factors, the largest effect size heterogeneity was found between HIV DNA subgroups (I² = 80.2%; P for interaction = .02).

Conclusions

Our study supports the importance of a large viral reservoir size for explaining DTG-m simplification strategy failure. Further studies are needed to link size and genetic diversity of the HIV-1 reservoir.

Antibody response in immunocompromised patients after the administration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

BNT162b2 by Pfizer-BioNTech and mRNA-1273 by Moderna are the most commonly used vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections. Head-to-head comparison of the efficacy of these vaccines in immunocompromised patients is lacking.

METHODS

Parallel, two-arm (allocation 1:1), open-label, non-inferiority randomised clinical trial nested into the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study. Patients living with HIV (PLWH) or solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR; i.e. lung and kidney) from these cohorts were randomised to mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2. The primary endpoint was antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1) protein receptor binding domain (Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassay, Roche; cut-off ≥0.8 units/ml) 8 weeks after second vaccination. In addition, antibody response was measured with the Antibody CORonavirus Assay 2 (ABCORA 2).

RESULTS

430 patients were randomised and 412 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (341 PLWH and 71 SOTR). The percentage of patients showing an immune response was 92.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 88.4-95.8%; 186/202) for mRNA-1273 and 94.3% (95% CI 91.2-97.4; 198/210) for BNT162b2 (difference: 2.2%; 95% CI -7.1 to 2.7), fulfilling non-inferiority of mRNA-1273. With the ABCORA 2 test 89.1% had an immune response to mRNA-1273 (95% CI 84.8-93.4%; 180/202) and 89.5% to BNT162b2 (95% CI 85.4-93.7%; 188/210). Based on the Elecsys test, all PLWH had an antibody response (100.0%; 341/341), while for SOTR only 60.6% (95% CI 49.2-71.9%; 43/71) had titres above the cut-off.

CONCLUSIONS

In immunocompromised patients the antibody response of mRNA-1273 was non-inferior to BNT162b2. PLWH had in general an antibody response, while a high proportion of SOTR had no antibody response.

A highly virulent variant of HIV-1 circulating in the Netherlands

We discovered a highly virulent variant of subtype-B HIV-1 in the Netherlands. One hundred nine individuals with this variant had a 0.54 to 0.74 log₁₀ increase (i.e., a ~3.5-fold to 5.5-fold increase) in viral load compared with, and exhibited CD4 cell decline twice as fast as, 6604 individuals with other subtype-B strains. Without treatment, advanced HIV-CD4 cell counts below 350 cells per cubic millimeter, with long-term clinical consequences-is expected to be reached, on average, 9 months after diagnosis for individuals in their thirties with this variant. Age, sex, suspected mode of transmission, and place of birth for the aforementioned 109 individuals were typical for HIV-positive people in the Netherlands, which suggests that the increased virulence is attributable to the viral strain. Genetic sequence analysis suggests that this variant arose in the 1990s from de novo mutation, not recombination, with increased transmissibility and an unfamiliar molecular mechanism of virulence.

Evaluation of HIV-1 reservoir size and broadly neutralizing antibody susceptibility in acute antiretroviral therapy-treated individuals

OBJECTIVE

Persistence of the viral reservoir is the main barrier to curing HIV. Initiation of ART during acute HIV infection can limit the size and diversity of the reservoir. In depth characterization of the reservoir in individuals who initiate ART during acute infection will be critical for clinical trial design and cure strategies.

METHODS

Four cohorts with participants who initiated ART during acute infection or during chronic infection were enrolled in a cross-sectional, noninterventional study. Viral reservoir was evaluated by the Intact Proviral DNA Assay (IPDA), the Total HIV DNA Assay (THDA) and the Quantitative Viral Outgrowth Assay (QVOA). Viral diversity and susceptibility to V3-glycan bNAbs were determined by genotyping of the viral envelope gene.

RESULTS

Participants who initiated ART during the acute Fiebig I-IV stages had lower level of total HIV DNA than participants who initiated ART during chronic infection whereas no difference was observed in intact HIV DNA or outgrowth virus. Participants who initiated ART during Fiebig I-IV also had lower viral diversity and appeared to have higher susceptibility to bNAbs than participants initiating ART during chronic infection.

CONCLUSION

Individuals initiating ART during Fiebig I-IV had small viral reservoirs, low viral diversity, and high susceptibility to bNAbs, and would be an optimal target population for proof-of-concept HIV cure trials.

Telomere Length Declines In Persons Living With HIV Before Antiretroviral Therapy Start But Not After Viral Suppression: A Longitudinal Study Over >17 Years

BACKGROUND

In people living with HIV (PWH), long-term telomere length (TL) change without/with suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the contribution of genetic background to TL are incompletely understood.

METHODS

We measured TL change in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by quantitative PCR in 107 Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants with longitudinal samples available both before and during suppressive ART. We applied mixed effects multi-level regression to obtain uni-/multivariable estimates for longitudinal TL dynamics including age, sex, and CD4:CD8 ratio. We assessed the effect of individual antiretrovirals and of an individual TL-polygenic risk score (TL-PRS; based on 239 single nucleotide polymorphisms) on TL in 798 additional participants from our previous longitudinal studies.

RESULTS

During untreated HIV infection (median observation, 7.7 [interquartile range, IQR, 4.7-11] years), TL declined significantly (median -2.12%/year; IQR, -3.48% to -0.76%/year; p=0.002). During suppressive ART (median observation, 9.8 [IQR, 7.1-11.1] years), there was no evidence of TL decline or increase (median +0.54%/year; IQR, -0.55% to +1.63%/year; p=0.329). TL-PRS contributed to TL change (global p=0.019) but particular antiretrovirals did not (all p>0.15).

DISCUSSION

In PWH, TL is associated with an individual polygenic risk score. TL declined significantly during untreated chronic HIV infection but no TL change occurred during suppressive ART.

Multifactorial seroprofiling dissects the contribution of pre-existing human coronaviruses responses to SARS-CoV-2 immunity

Determination of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses in the context of pre-existing immunity to circulating human coronavirus (HCoV) is critical for understanding protective immunity. Here we perform a multifactorial analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV antibody responses in pre-pandemic (N = 825) and SARS-CoV-2-infected donors (N = 389) using a custom-designed multiplex ABCORA assay. ABCORA seroprofiling, when combined with computational modeling, enables accurate definition of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and prediction of neutralization activity, and reveals intriguing interrelations with HCoV immunity. Specifically, higher HCoV antibody levels in SARS-CoV-2-negative donors suggest that pre-existing HCoV immunity may provide protection against SARS-CoV-2 acquisition. In those infected, higher HCoV activity is associated with elevated SARS-CoV-2 responses, indicating cross-stimulation. Most importantly, HCoV immunity may impact disease severity, as patients with high HCoV reactivity are less likely to require hospitalization. Collectively, our results suggest that HCoV immunity may promote rapid development of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunity, thereby underscoring the importance of exploring cross-protective responses for comprehensive coronavirus prevention.

Participation, retention and uptake in a multicentre pre-exposure prophylaxis cohort using online, smartphone-compatible data collection

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of a national pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection.

Methods

This was a multicentre cohort study (NCT03893188) enrolling individuals interested in PrEP in Switzerland. All centres participate in the SwissPrEPared programme, which uses smartphone‐compatible data collection. Feasibility was assessed after centres had enrolled at least one participant. Participants were HIV‐negative individuals presenting for PrEP counselling. Outcomes were participation (number enrolled/number eligible), enrolment rates (number enrolled per month), retention at first follow‐up (number with first follow‐up/number enrolled), and uptake (proportion attending first visit as scheduled). Participant characteristics were compared between those retained after baseline assessment and those who dropped out.

Results

Between April 2019 and January 2020, 987 individuals were assessed for eligibility, of whom 969 were enrolled (participation: 98.2%). The median enrolment rate was 86 per month [interquartile range (IQR) 52–137]. Retention at first follow‐up and uptake were both 80.7% (782/969 and 532/659, respectively). At enrolment, the median age was 40 (IQR 33–47) years, 95% were men who have sex with men, 47% had a university degree, and 75.5% were already taking PrEP. Most reported multiple casual partners (89.2%), previous sexually transmitted infections (74%) and sexualized drug use (73.1%). At baseline, 25.5% tested positive for either syphilis, gonorrhoea or chlamydia. Participants who dropped out were at lower risk of HIV infection than those retained after baseline assessment.

Conclusions

In a national PrEP programme using smartphone‐compatible data collection, participation, retention and uptake were high. Participants retained after baseline assessment were at considerable risk of HIV infection. Younger, less educated individuals were underrepresented in the SwissPrEPared cohort.