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Ertl MM, Maroney MR, Becker A, Paschen-Wolff MM, Blankenau A, Hoffman S, Tross S. Sexual and Reproductive Justice and Health Equity for LGBTQ+ Women. JOURNAL OF LESBIAN STUDIES 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38946155 DOI: 10.1080/10894160.2024.2369434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
LGBTQ+ women have long been overlooked in sexual and reproductive health research. However, recent research has established that LGBTQ+ women have unique and specific needs that need to be addressed in order to improve effectiveness of sexual health education and practice with this historically and presently underserved population. Informed by a reproductive justice framework coupled with liberation psychology theory, this review discusses the current state of sexual and reproductive health and technologies among LGBTQ+ women. In particular, we focus on a range of HIV prevention and reproductive technologies and their use and promotion, including the internal condom, abortion, oral contraceptives, dapivirine ring, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, intrauterine device, and other less studied options, such as the contraceptive sponge. Grounded in an intersectional framing, this review acknowledges the intersecting systems of oppression that affect multiply marginalized women inequitably and disproportionately. A sociohistorical, critical lens is applied to acknowledge the well-documented racist origins of reproductive health technologies and ongoing coercive practices that have led to medical mistrust among marginalized and stigmatized communities, particularly racialized LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women who are poor or incarcerated. Moreover, we discuss the urgent need to center LGBTQ+ women in research and clinical care, community-engaged health promotion efforts, affirming non-heteronormative sexual health education, and health policies that prioritize autonomy and dismantle structural barriers for this population. We conclude with recommendations and future directions in this area to remedy entrenched disparities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Ertl
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Meredith R Maroney
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andréa Becker
- Department of Sociology, Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Margaret M Paschen-Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amelia Blankenau
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Susie Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan Tross
- Department of Psychiatry, Division on Substance Use Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Unigwe I, Goodin A, Lo-Ciganic WH, Cook RL, Park H. Trajectories of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Commercially Insured Individuals. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:1272-1275. [PMID: 38066587 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We used group-based trajectory models to identify 4 distinct trajectory patterns of adherence to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among 20 696 users. Only 44.5% were consistently PrEP adherent, with younger age, being female, or having substance use disorder or depression associated with early discontinuation. Public health efforts are needed to improve PrEP adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikenna Unigwe
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amie Goodin
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic
- Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing, Health Policy Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert L Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Haesuk Park
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Schnarrs PW, Zuñiga J, Benitez G, Fliedner P, Norwood A, Croll M, Oviedo LDS, Buchorn J, Oeffinger J, Lane R, Schelling E, Pham G, Pate T, Arnold EM. Intention to Use Different Formulations of Longer Acting HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Transgender and Gender Expansive Individuals: The Roles of Social Vulnerability and Medical Mistrust. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2024; 38:51-60. [PMID: 38381948 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2012, the Federal Drug Administration approved daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in adults. Longer acting injectable PrEP (LA PrEP) has been approved and other formulations are in development. A successful LA PrEP rollout requires examining potential facilitators and barriers to PrEP uptake. Given that transgender and gender expansive (TGE) individuals experience more social vulnerability and higher levels of medical mistrust compared to other populations, examining the role of these two factors in LA PrEP uptake is important. This study, PrEP for ALL, is a community-based participatory research project in Texas that engaged TGE community members and organizational partners through a community advisory board. In total, 482 TGE individuals were recruited and responded to all relevant questions in an online survey, including their intentions to use three formulations: a monthly oral pill, a bimonthly intramuscular injection, and an annual subdermal implant. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the influence of social vulnerability and medical mistrust on intention to use each LA PrEP formulation adjusting for other relevant factors. Findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of social vulnerability had greater intentions to use the monthly oral pill (β = 0.12, p = 0.009), the bimonthly intramuscular injection (β = 0.18, p < 0.001), and annual subdermal implant (β = 0.17, p < 0.001), whereas medical mistrust reduced intentions to use the bimonthly intramuscular injection (β = -0.18, p < 0.001) and annual subdermal implant (β = -0.11, p = 0.021). Improvements in gender-affirming clinical care are needed along with LA PrEP formulations that allow for greater autonomy and reduced clinical contact. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT05044286.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip W Schnarrs
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Julie Zuñiga
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Gabrielle Benitez
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Paul Fliedner
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Aliza Norwood
- Department of Population Health, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Madeleine Croll
- Department of Sociology, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jacey Buchorn
- Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - Rocky Lane
- Transgender Education Network of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | | | - Gin Pham
- Transgender Education Network of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - TreShaun Pate
- Transgender Education Network of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Andrzejewski J, Pines HA, Morris S, Burke L, Bolan R, Sevelius J, Moore DJ, Blumenthal J. Determinants of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Retention among Transgender Women: A Sequential, Explanatory Mixed Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:133. [PMID: 38397624 PMCID: PMC10888369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Transgender women (TW) face inequities in HIV and unique barriers to PrEP, an effective biomedical intervention to prevent HIV acquisition. To improve PrEP retention among TW, we examined factors related to retention using a two-phase, sequential explanatory mixed methods approach. In Phase I, we used data from a trial of 170 TW who were provided oral PrEP to examine predictors of 24-week retention. In Phase II, we conducted 15 in-depth interviews with PrEP-experienced TW and used thematic analysis to explain Phase I findings. In Phase I, more participants who were not retained at 24 weeks reported sex work engagement (18% versus 7%) and substantial/severe drug use (18% versus 8%). In Phase II, participants reported drug use as a barrier to PrEP, often in the context of sex work, and we identified two subcategories of sex work. TW engaged in "non-survival sex work" had little difficulty staying on PrEP, while those engaged in "survival sex work" struggled to stay on PrEP. In Phase I, fewer participants not retained at 24 weeks reported gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) use (56% versus 71%). In Phase II, participants prioritized medical gender affirmation services over PrEP but also described the bidirectional benefits of accessing GAHT and PrEP. TW who engaged in "survival sex work" experience barriers to PrEP retention (e.g., unstable housing, drug use) and may require additional support to stay in PrEP care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Andrzejewski
- San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Public Health, San Diego State University—University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Heather A. Pines
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA;
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA; (S.M.); (L.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Sheldon Morris
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA; (S.M.); (L.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Leah Burke
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA; (S.M.); (L.B.); (J.B.)
| | | | - Jae Sevelius
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - David J. Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Jill Blumenthal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA; (S.M.); (L.B.); (J.B.)
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Teng F, Sha Y, Fletcher LM, Welsch M, Burns P, Tang W. Barriers to uptake of PrEP across the continuum among transgender women: A global scoping review. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:299-314. [PMID: 36793197 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231152781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated high efficacy for HIV prevention, rates of PrEP uptake remain low among the transgender population, especially in transgender women (TGW). We conducted this scoping review to assess and characterize barriers to PrEP use along the PrEP care continuum among TGW. METHODS We conducted this scoping review by searching studies in Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: reporting a PrEP related quantitative result among TGW; peer-reviewed and published in English between 2010-2021. RESULTS Globally, high willingness (80%) to use PrEP was found, yet uptake and adherence (35.4%) were low. TGW experiencing hardship, including poverty, incarceration, and substance use, were associated with higher odds of PrEP awareness but lower odds of PrEP use. Structural and social barriers such as stigma, medical mistrust, and perceived racism can be important barriers for PrEP continuation. High social cohesion and hormone replacement therapy were associated with greater odds of awareness. In addition, our study confirmed prior research showing that PrEP does not lower feminizing hormone levels in TGW. CONCLUSIONS Significant demographic factors among TGW that are associated with PrEP engagement. It is imperative to focus on TGW as a population with independent needs, requiring specific PrEP care guidelines and tailored resource allocation, that fully considers individual-, provider-, and community/structural-level barriers and facilitators. The present review also indicates that combining PrEP care with GAHT or broader gender-affirmation care may facilitate PrEP use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Yongjie Sha
- 568921University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lauren M Fletcher
- Department of Academic Affairs, Rowland Medical Library, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Michael Welsch
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Paul Burns
- Department of Population Health Science, John D. Bower School of Population Health, 21693University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Weiming Tang
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, 568921University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
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Storholm ED, Huang W, Ogunbajo A, Horvath KJ, Reback CJ, Blumenthal J, Moore DJ, Flynn RP, Bolan RK, Corado KC, Morris SR. Gender-Based Violence and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Predict HIV PrEP Uptake and Persistence Failure Among Transgender and Non-binary Persons Participating in a PrEP Demonstration Project in Southern California. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:745-759. [PMID: 36053404 PMCID: PMC9908815 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03807-1] [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: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) against transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) persons is a pervasive public health issue. GBV has been linked to mental health problems such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well has risk for HIV seroconversion and HIV treatment nonadherence. However, the impact of GBV on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among TGNB persons has yet to be investigated. In the current study we assessed longitudinal PrEP persistence data from dried blood spots (DBS) collected from 172 racially and ethnically diverse TGNB participants during a 48-week PrEP demonstration project in Southern California from June 2017 to September 2020. Participants were categorized into three levels of PrEP uptake and persistence based on their PrEP levels at the start and end of the study: low-low, high-low, and high-high. Individual-, social-, and structural-level variables were then entered into multinomial logistic regression models to predict levels of PrEP uptake and persistence based on hypotheses informed by syndemic and minority stress theories. The models demonstrated that experience of GBV predicted significantly lower odds of PrEP uptake and persistence and greater PTSD symptoms predicted significantly greater odds of early PrEP discontinuation. Higher levels of coping skills, already being on PrEP at baseline, and being in a steady relationship were associated with greater odds of PrEP uptake and persistence. Implications for future GBV research, advocacy, interventions, and much needed structural changes focused on improving the health and safety of TGNB individuals are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Storholm
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA.
- Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services, Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Adedotun Ogunbajo
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Keith J Horvath
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cathy J Reback
- Center for HIV Identification, Prevention and Treatment Services, Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Friends Research Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jill Blumenthal
- AntiViral Research Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - David J Moore
- AntiViral Research Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sheldon R Morris
- AntiViral Research Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
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Ugarte A, de la Mora L, García D, Martínez-Rebollar M, de Lazzari E, Torres B, Inciarte A, Ambrosioni J, Chivite I, Solbes E, de Loredo N, Del Carlo GF, González-Cordón A, Blanco JL, Martínez E, Mallolas J, Laguno M. Evolution of Risk Behaviors, Sexually Transmitted Infections and PrEP Care Continuum in a Hospital-Based PrEP Program in Barcelona, Spain: A Descriptive Study of the First 2 Years' Experience. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 12:425-442. [PMID: 36520330 PMCID: PMC9753893 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is effective for HIV prevention, but the PrEP care continuum also involves improving PrEP awareness, uptake, adherence, and retention in care. Users' awareness is often compromised because of vulnerability factors and risk behaviors, such as chemsex practice or specific substance use, which could lead to risk compensation. Correct adherence and retention in care are essential to achieve the full effectiveness of PrEP. This study describes changes in users' risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well also PrEP care continuum details. METHODS This was a descriptive single-center retrospective study including adults at high HIV risk screened between November 2019 and June 2021 in the PrEP program of our hospital. Demographic, behavioral, STI, adherence, and retention in care variables were assessed. Data were collected from medical records and self-report questionnaires. RESULTS A total of 295 people were included, 94% men and 5% transgender women, with a mean age of 34 years (SD 10) and 10% sex workers. At baseline, 55% disclosed chemsex practice and 3% slamming. During follow-up, condom use for anal intercourse decreased from 41% to 13% (p ≤ 0.0001) and one HIV infection was detected; other risk behaviors and STIs remained stable. Chemsex, group sex, fluid exchange, and condomless anal intercourse were related to STI risk. Adherence was correct in 80% of users, and retention in care was 57%. Discontinuations and loss to follow-up were high, mainly affecting transgender women, sex workers, and people practicing fisting. CONCLUSION PrEP program implementation in our hospital was adequate, since it allowed, in a population at high HIV risk, overall users' risk behaviors and STIs to remain stable, with only one HIV diagnosis during the follow-up. We should target specific strategies to improve adherence and retention in care, as vulnerable subgroups at higher risk of loss to follow-up are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainoa Ugarte
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lorena de la Mora
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David García
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Rebollar
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa de Lazzari
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Berta Torres
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexy Inciarte
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Ambrosioni
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Chivite
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estela Solbes
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicolás de Loredo
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Federico Del Carlo
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana González-Cordón
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Blanco
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Martínez
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Mallolas
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Laguno
- Infectious Diseases Department, HIV/AIDS Unit, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Villarroel Street 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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