HIV prevalence in China: integration of surveillance data and a systematic review

Prevalence, incidence, and residual risk for human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors from 2003 to 2022 in Guangzhou, China

BACKGROUND

China's significant population affected by HIV poses a substantial threat to blood transfusion safety. Despite advancements in blood testing techniques, a residual risk of HIV transmission persists. Accurately assessing HIV epidemic and the residual risk is vital for monitoring blood supply safety and evaluating the effectiveness of new screening tests.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of HIV detection results among voluntary blood donors from 2003 to 2022. The study included data on HIV-confirmed positive donors, HIV prevalence, infection risk factors, and an incidence-window period mathematical model to estimate the residual risk of HIV.

RESULTS

Between 2003 and 2022, HIV prevalence among blood donors in Guangzhou showed a peak-shaped trend, initially increasing before declining. The overall HIV prevalence was 18.9 infections per 100,000 donations. Male donors had a significantly higher prevalence compared with female donors. Donors aged 26-35 years had the highest prevalence. Ethnic minority donors had a higher prevalence compared with Han donors. Repeat donors had a lower prevalence compared with first-time donors. Donors from other provinces had a higher prevalence compared with local donors. During the period of 2003 to 2022, the residual risk of HIV in Guangzhou steadily decreased, reaching a notable 1 in 526,316 donations in the past two years.

CONCLUSION

The HIV epidemic among blood donors in Guangzhou remains severe, but the residual risk of HIV is decreasing. Novel detection methods have proven advantageous in reducing this residual risk. Implementing additional effective measures is imperative to ensure blood safety and curb the spread of HIV.

Men with a history of commercial heterosexual contact play essential roles in the transmission of HIV-1 CRF55_01B from men who have sex with men to the general population in Guangxi, China

Background

There is increasing focus on HIV-1 CRF55_01B in China. However, there is limited information regarding the dissemination of CRF55_01B across different regions and populations in Guangxi. This study was performed to elucidate the evolutionary history of the introduction and dissemination of CRF55_01B in Guangxi.

Methods

Molecular network and phylogenetic analyses were used to investigate the transmission characteristics of CRF55_01B in China. The analyses particularly focused on the cross-provincial spatial and temporal transmission patterns between Guangdong Province and Guangxi, as well as the transmission dynamics among different regions and populations within Guangxi.

Results

In total, 2226 partial pol sequences of CRF55_01B strains sampled from 2007 to 2022 were collected, including 1895 (85.09%) sequences from Guangdong, 199 (8.94%) sequences from Guangxi, and 172 (7.59%) sequences from other provinces of China. Most people living with HIV in Guangxi were infected with HIV-1 through heterosexuals (52.76%). Among these, 19.10% had a history of commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) and 15.58% had a history of non-marital non-commercial heterosexual contact (NMNCHC). Overall, 1418 sequences were identified in the molecular network. Notably, the sequences from Guangdong Province were most closely linked to those from Guangxi. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CRF55_01B was first introduced from Shenzhen City to Nanning City around 2007. Subsequently, CRF55_01B established local transmission within Guangxi, with Nanning City serving as the transmission center from 2008 to 2017. After 2017, the CRF55_01B strain spread to other regions of Guangxi. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and men with a history of CHC have played a significant role in the transmission of CRF55_01B among different populations in Guangxi.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence on the transmission trajectory of CRF55_01B among different regions and populations in Guangxi. Given the bridging role of men with a history of CHC in the dissemination of CRF55_01B from MSM to the general population, it is imperative to enhance surveillance among key populations to mitigate the secondary transmission of HIV-1.

Analysis of the immunological response to antiviral therapy in patients with different subtypes of HIV/AIDS: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of standardised antiretroviral therapy (ART) among different HIV subtypes in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and to screen the best ART regimen for this patient population.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was performed, and PLWHA residing in Huzhou, China, between 2018 and 2020, were enrolled.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 625 patients, who were newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the AIDS Prevention and Control Information System in Huzhou between 2018 and 2020, were reviewed.

ANALYSIS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Data regarding demographic characteristics and laboratory investigation results were collected. Immune system recovery was used to assess the effectiveness of ART, and an increased percentage of CD4+ T lymphocyte counts >30% after receiving ART for >1 year was determined as immunopositive. A multiple logistic regression model was used to comprehensively quantify the association between PLWHA immunological response status and virus subtype. In addition, the joint association between different subtypes and treatment regimens on immunological response status was investigated.

RESULTS

Among 326 enrolled PLWHA with circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC and other HIV/AIDS subtypes, the percentages of immunopositivity were 74.0%, 65.6% and 69.6%, respectively. According to multivariate logistic regression models, there was no difference in the immunological response between patients with CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC and other subtypes of HIV/AIDS who underwent ART (CRF07_BC: adjusted OR (aOR) (95% CI) = 0.8 (0.4 to 1.4); other subtypes: aOR (95% CI) = 1.2 (0.6 to 2.3)). There was no evidence of an obvious joint association between HIV subtypes and ART regimens on immunological response.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardised ART was beneficial to all PLWHA, regardless of HIV subtypes, although it was more effective, to some extent, in PLWHA with CRF01_AE.

Prevalence, Trends and Correlates of HIV, Syphilis and HCV Infection Among Chinese Local and Cross-border Migrant Female Sex Workers in the Sino-Vietnam Border Area of Guangxi, 2016-2021

Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, limited data exist on the prevalence and trends of HIV, syphilis and HCV among FSWs in the Sino-Vietnam border area. To determine the prevalence, trends and correlates of STIs among Chinese local FSWs (CL-FSWs) and cross-border migrant FSWs (CM-FSWs), we conducted consecutive cross-sectional surveys from 2016 to 2021, recruiting 7747 CL-FSWs and 932 CM-FSWs. The overall HIV, syphilis and HCV prevalence declined from 1.0%, 8.8% and 1.7% to 0.1%, 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. There was no significant downward trend in the overall HIV and syphilis prevalence. However, HCV prevalence showed a decreasing trend among CL-FSWs. CM-FSWs had higher HIV prevalence (2.5% vs. 0.6%). Similarities and differences in STIs-related factors existed between CM-FSWs and CL-FSWs. For instance, receiving HIV-related services in the last year reduced the risk of HIV infection (for CM-FSWs: aOR = 0.234, 95% CI: 0.055-0.993; for CL-FSWs: aOR = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.058-0.567). Serving male clients at least 50 years old increased the risk of syphilis infection (for CM-FSWs: aOR = 4.277, 95% CI: 1.535-11.917; for CL-FSWs: aOR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.087-1.815). Moreover, CM-FSWs with past-year STIs history had a higher risk of HIV (aOR = 34.976, 95% CI: 5.338-229.176) and HCV infection (aOR = 17.649, 95% CI: 1.846-168.846), both of which were associated with multiple factors in CL-FSWs. It is therefore necessary to develop effective, accessible, high-quality and targeted interventions for CM-FSWs and CL-FSWs.

Optimizing health resource allocation for improving timely HIV diagnosis in China

INTRODUCTION

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) updated the 95-95-95 targets for the HIV endgame in 2030. To achieve the first target in a timely manner, we investigate the optimized strategy of resource allocation to maximize timely HIV diagnosis in 14 populations in China.

METHODS

We developed a mathematical model by integrating epidemiological, demographical and behavioural data from 12 high-risk and two general populations to evaluate the impact of various resource allocation strategies of HIV testing on HIV incidence in China. We identified the optimized allocation strategy that maximizes the number of HIV diagnoses at an estimated total spending on HIV tests in China and calculated the per-capita cost of new HIV case detection.

RESULTS

We estimated that 144,795 new HIV cases may occur annually in 14 populations in China, with a total annual spending of US$2.8 billion on HIV testing. The largest proportion of spending was allocated to general males (44.0%), followed by general females (42.6%) and pregnant women (5.1%). Despite this allocation strategy, only 45.5% (65,867/144,795, timely diagnosis rate) of annual new infections were diagnosed within a year of acquisition, with a cost of $42,852 required for each new HIV case detection. By optimizing the allocation of HIV testing resources within the same spending amount, we found that general females received the highest proportion of spending allocation (45.1%), followed by low-risk men who have sex with men (13.9%) and pregnant women (8.4%). In contrast, the proportion of spending allocation for the general males decreased to 0.2%. With this optimized strategy, we estimated that 120,755 (83.4%) of annual new infections would be diagnosed within a year of acquisition, with the cost required for one HIV case detection reduced to $23,364/case. Further spending increases could allow for significant increases in HIV testing among lower-risk populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimizing resource allocation for HIV testing in high-risk populations would improve HIV timely diagnosis rate of new infections and reduce cost per HIV case detection.

A novel internet sampling for HIV surveillance: feasibility of self-sampling and preparation of DBS for delivery detection of HIV total nucleic acid and complementarity to sentinel surveillance

BACKGROUND

To propose a new mode of HIV test and surveillance among population of men who have sex with men (MSM): Internet-based Self-sampling at home plus Laboratory testing of HIV total nucleic acid (TNA) in dried blood spot (DBS) (ISL of DBS TNA). Feasibility of ISL of DBS TNA was studied. Characteristics of the new mode and that of conventional surveillance mode at HIV voluntary counseling and testing clinic (VCT) were compared.

METHODS

A non-governmental organization (NGO) published the recruitment information on the WeChat public account. MSM filled in the questionnaire online, applied for self-sampling service package, and mailed the self made DBS to professional laboratory. The laboratory performed HIV TNA test and submitted the test results to online platform. Participants queried test results online with their unique ID. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) followed up participants with positive nucleic acid results using IDs and contact information. Rates were compared by using the Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Four hundred twenty-three questionnaires were completed. 423 self-sampling service packages were sent out and 340 DBSs were returned to professional laboratory within one month with qualified rate of sampling as high as 95.0% (323/340). Seven samples were found to be TNA positive. Comparing ISL of DBS TNA with sentinel surveillance, it was found that there was a significant difference in the composition ratio of the two modes of surveillance population (P < 0.05). HIV prevalence of ISL of DBS as 2.17% was significantly lower than sentinel site as 8.96% (χ2 = 14.953, P = 0.000 < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ISL of DBS TNA proposed is feasible and has a high self-sampling qualification rate, good confidentiality. It is an effective supplement to routine sentinel surveillance and has important promotion value.

A Confounding Discourse Analysis of Vietnamese Sex Workers' Talk in the City of Kaiyuan, China

BACKGROUND

Vietnamese female sex workers (VFSWs) cross the border into Kaiyuan City, Yunnan Province yearly. However, very little is known about both the health and psychological issues VFSWs experience. The objectives of this study were to explore the dominant discourses that emerged from the VFSWs' talk. The interviews occurred between May 2018 and June 2018 with 20 VFSWs who worked in Kaiyuan City, China. The English translated transcripts were analyzed using an eclectic feminist method of discourse analysis. Two discourses emerged. First, "Agency when working in Karaoke Bars and other Indoor Venues", and second, "Negative Impacts on Psychological Well-being and Other Problems from Migration." As for Discourse 1, the VFSWs positioned themselves as having agency over choosing their clientele as well as agency over what they were willing to negotiate with their clients to establish boundaries of their bodies. As for the Discourse 2, while there was a discourse of agency in their work there was also a contrasting, confounding discourse around the negative impact on psychological well-being and reports of stress as a migrant worker. Discourse 1 and Discourse 2 are confounding. When analyzed together, the discourses suggest that the impacts on psychological well-being may be more related to the migrant status of the women, supporting the notion of systemically influenced agency.

Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Klebsiella aerogenes among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, China

Klebsiella aerogenes is a common infectious bacterium that poses a threat to human health. Nevertheless, there are limited data on the population structure, genetic diversity, and pathogenicity of K. aerogenes, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). The present study aimed to clarify the sequence types (STs), clonal complexes (CCs), resistance genes, and virulence factors of popular strains. Multilocus sequence typing was used to describe the population structure of K. aerogenes. The Virulence Factor Database and Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database were used to assess the virulence and resistance profiles. In this study, next-generation sequencing was performed on nasal swabs specimens collected in an HIV Voluntary Counseling Testing outpatient department in Guangzhou, China, from April to August 2019. The identification results showed that a total of 258 K. aerogenes isolates were collected from 911 participants. We found that the isolates were most resistant to furantoin (89.53%, 231/258) and ampicillin (89.15%, 230/258), followed by imipenem (24.81%, 64/258) and cefotaxime (18.22%, 47/258). The most common STs in carbapenem-resistant K. aerogenes were ST4, ST93, and ST14. The population has at least 14 CCs, including several novel ones identified in this study (CC11-CC16). The main mechanism of drug resistance genes was antibiotic efflux. Based on the presence of the iron carrier production genes irp and ybt, we identified two clusters according to virulence profiles. In cluster A, CC3 and CC4 carry the clb operator encoding the toxin. Increased monitoring is needed for the three main ST type strains carried by MSM. The main clone group CC4 has a large number of toxin genes, and it spreads among MSM. Caution is needed to prevent further spread of this clone group in this population. In sum, our results may provide a foundation for the development of new therapeutic and surveillance strategies for treating MSM.

Experiences of visiting female sex workers, social interaction, support and HIV infection among elderly men from rural China

OBJECTIVES

To make clear the roles of social interaction and social support in HIV infection among elderly men who visit female sex workers (FSW).

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study: 106 newly HIV (+) vs. 87 HIV (-) elderly men who visited FSW with similar age, education levels, marital statuses, monthly expenses for entertainment and migration experiences. Experiences of visiting FSW, social interaction, and intimate social support were obtained. Backward binary logistic regression was applied.

RESULTS

Cases' first visit to FSW happened at the age of 44.01 ± 12.25, older than controls (33.90 ± 13.43). 23.58% cases had gotten HIV-related health education (HRHE) before, less than controls (57.47%). More cases (48.91%) "always" got material support than controls (34.25%). Less cases gave "close" (38.04%) comments toward daily life, "satisfied" (34.78%) with their sexual life, "agree" being emotional fulfilled (46.74%) than controls (71.23% ,64.38%, and 61.64%). Risky factors for HIV infection among elderly men were having 3000 YUAN and above monthly income, visiting teahouse with friends, living without spouses, visiting different FSW, visiting FSW for other reason, receiving material support from most intimate sexual partner, older age of first visit to FSW. The protective factors were receiving HRHE, visiting FSW due to loneliness, and giving positive comments toward daily life with most intimate sexual partner.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly men's social interactions are mainly visiting teahouse which is a potential sexual venue. Getting HRHE is formal protective social interactions but very rare for cases (23.58%). Social support from sexual partner is not enough. Emotional support is protective meanwhile material support only is risky for becoming HIV-positive.

Intimate Partner Violence and Willingness to Use Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Chengdu, China

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common in men who have sex with men (MSM). MSM also face increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection. However, it is not known whether IPV experience of MSM in China would affect their attitudes toward pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. A cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the associations between different types of IPV and willingness to use PrEP in a sample of 608 MSM from November 2018 to May 2019 in Chengdu, China. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between different types of IPV and willingness to use PrEP. The average age of the participants was 31.8 ± 12.3 years, 48.9% of them were aware of PrEP before this study, and only 7.2% were aware of long-acting injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP). The overall willingness to use any type of PrEP in the next 6 months was 82.2%. Approximately one third of the participants (n = 198) had experienced at least one type of IPV. We found that experience of sexual perpetration was negatively associated with the willingness to use on-demand PrEP (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.16-0.67) and the overall willingness to use any type of PrEP (ORa = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.15-0.64). The willingness to use LAI-PrEP also had negative associations with any type of monitoring IPV (ORa = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.38-0.91), controlling victimization (ORa = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.21-0.82), and emotional victimization (ORa = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35-0.97). The findings of this study demonstrate that IPV experiences are negatively associated with willingness to use PrEP among MSM, suggesting that PrEP promotion programs should consider IPV screening and develop explicit intervention strategies for both perpetrators and victims.

Self-sampled specimens demonstrate comparable accuracy and consistency to clinician-sampled specimens for HPV detection among men who have sex with men in China

OBJECTIVES

Despite a high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM), few have ever tested. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of HPV self-sampling among Chinese MSM, with the purpose of measuring the feasibility of self-sampling as an alternative in HPV testing scenarios.

METHODS

Eligible participants were those who were assigned male at birth, aged 18 or above, had sex with men in the past year and had never gotten HPV vaccine. Participants followed the instructions to self-sample and were also clinician-sampled from the same anatomical sites (oral fluid, penis and rectum) in both approaches. All specimens were processed using multiplex PCR assay. The reference standard of an individual with a true positive for HPV is determined via PCR test, regardless of sampling methods. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each approach independently and kappa test was used to assess the consistency between the two approaches.

RESULTS

Overall, 211 MSM were recruited at the local clinic from April to October 2020 in Zhuhai, China. The mean age was 31 years old. Only 3% of the participants sought help from healthcare providers during self-sampling. The prevalence of HPV was 49% (103 of 211). Clinician sampling detected 91 of 103 MSM infected with HPV, with a sensitivity of 88.3% (95% CI 80.2 to 93.6) and a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI 95.7 to 100.0). Self-sampling detected 81 of 103 MSM infected with HPV, with a sensitivity of 78.6% (95% CI 69.2 to 85.9) and a specificity of 100.0% (95% CI 95.7 to 100.0). The level of agreement was moderate between clinician sampling and self-sampling (k=0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-sampled HPV testing demonstrated comparable accuracy and consistency to clinician sampling among MSM in China. It holds the potential to complement sexual health services especially among key populations.

WeChat-based HIV E-report, A New Manner for HIV Serostatus Request and Disclosure and Their Associated Factors Among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Prospective Subgroup Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trails (Preprint)

BACKGROUND

Requesting and disclosing HIV serostatus is associated with a reduction in HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the reliability of common methods for HIV serostatus requests and disclosure is unsatisfactory. Validated approaches for requesting and disclosing HIV serostatus are necessary.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the use of the HIV e-report as authentic evidence of HIV serostatus among the MSM community in Guangzhou, China. Additionally, the study aimed to explore its correlates with HIV serostatus requesting and disclosure receiving behavior.

METHODS

This study is a subgroup analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) that enrolled 357 participants during the first year. Participants in this RCT were recruited from the WeChat-based HIV testing service miniprogram developed by Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China. Participants completed web-based questionnaires at baseline and at the month 3 follow-up, which covered sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related information, HIV serostatus requests, HIV serostatus disclosure receiving, and HIV e-report usage. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The WeChat-based HIV e-report was available in Guangzhou when the RCT project started. At the month 3 follow-up, 32.2% (115/357) of participants had their own HIV e-reports, and 37.8% (135/357) of them had received others' HIV e-reports. For HIV serostatus requests, 13.1% (27/205) and 10.5% (16/153) of participants started to use HIV e-reports to ask the HIV serostatus of regular and casual male sex partners, respectively. Of the regular and casual male sex partners, 27.3% (42/154) and 16.5% (18/109), respectively, chose HIV e-reports to disclose HIV serostatus. Compared to MSM who did not have HIV e-reports, those who said, "I had had my own HIV e-report(s) but hadn't sent to others" (multivariate odds ratio 2.71, 95% CI 1.19-6.86; P=.02) and "I had had my own HIV e-reports and had sent to others" (multivariate odds ratio 2.67, 95% CI 1.07-7.73; P=.048) were more likely to request HIV serostatus from their partners. Whereas no factor was associated with HIV serostatus disclosure received from partners.

CONCLUSIONS

The HIV e-report has been accepted by the MSM community in Guangzhou and could be applied as a new optional way for HIV serostatus request and disclosure. This innovative intervention could be effective in promoting infectious disease serostatus disclosure among the related high-risk population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03984136; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03984136.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s12879-021-06484-y.

Spatial disparities of HIV prevalence in South Africa. Do sociodemographic, behavioral, and biological factors explain this spatial variability?

Background

In 2021, an estimated 38 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally, with over two-thirds living in African regions. In South Africa, ~20% of South African adults are living with HIV. Accurate estimation of the risk factors and spatial patterns of HIV risk using individual-level data from a nationally representative sample is invaluable for designing geographically targeted intervention and control programs.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS16). The study involved all men and women aged 15 years and older, who responded to questions and tested for HIV in the SDHS. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were fitted to our data with a nonparametric bivariate smooth term of spatial location parameters (X and Y coordinates). The GAMs were used to assess the spatial disparities and the potential contribution of sociodemographic, biological, and behavioral factors to the spatial patterns of HIV prevalence in South Africa.

Results

A significantly highest risk of HIV was observed in east coast, central and north-eastern regions. South African men and women who are widowed and divorced had higher odds of HIV as compared to their counterparts. Additionally, men and women who are unemployed had higher odds of HIV as compared to the employed. Surprisingly, the odds of HIV infection among men residing in rural areas were 1.60 times higher (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12, 2.29) as compared to those in urban areas. But men who were circumcised had lower odds of HIV (AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.52, 0.98), while those who had STI in the last 12 months prior to the survey had higher odds of HIV (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.44, 3.68).

Conclusion

Spatial heterogeneity in HIV risk persisted even after covariate adjustment but differed by sex, suggesting that there are plausible unobserved influencing factors contributing to HIV uneven variation. This study's findings could guide geographically targeted public health policy and effective HIV intervention in South Africa.

A New HIV-1 K28E32-Reverse Transcriptase Variant Associated with the Rapid Expansion of CRF07_BC among Men Who Have Sex with Men

HIV-1 CRF07_BC originated among injection drug users (IDUs) in China. After diffusing into men who have sex with men (MSM), CRF07_BC has shown a rapid expansion in this group; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identified a new K₂₈E₃₂ variant of CRF07_BC that was characterized by five specific mutations (E28K, K32E, E248V, K249Q, and T338S) in reverse transcriptase. This variant was mainly prevalent among MSM, and was overrepresented in transmission clusters, suggesting that it could have driven the rapid expansion of CRF07_BC in MSM, though founder effects cannot be ruled out. It was descended from an evolutionary intermediate accumulating four specific mutations and formed an independent phylogenetic node with an estimated origin time in 2003. The K₂₈E₃₂ variant was demonstrated to have significantly higher in vitro HIV-1 replication ability than the wild type. Mutations E28K and K32E play a critical role in the improvement of in vitro HIV-1 replication ability, reflected by improved reverse transcription activity. The results could allow public health officials to use this marker (especially E28K and K32E mutations in the reverse transcriptase (RT) coding region) to target prevention measures prioritizing MSM population and persons infected with this variant for test and treat initiatives. IMPORTANCE HIV-1 has very high mutation rate that is correlated with the survival and adaption of the virus. The variants with higher transmissibility may be more selective advantage than the strains with higher virulence. Several HIV-1 variants were previously demonstrated to be correlated with higher viral load and lower CD4 T cell count. Here, we first identified a new variant (the K₂₈E₃₂ variant) of HIV-1 CRF07_BC, described its origin and evolutionary dynamics, and demonstrated its higher in vitro HIV-1 replication ability than the wild type. We demonstrated that five RT mutations (especially E28K and K32E) significantly improve in vitro HIV-1 replication ability. The appearance of the new K₂₈E₃₂ variant was associated with the rapidly increasing prevalence of CRF07_BC among MSM.

Sexual behaviour changes and HIV infection among men who have sex with men: evidence from an open cohort in China

BACKGROUND

The HIV epidemic in key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM) is a public health issue of worldwide concern. China has seen an increase in newly diagnosed HIV infections through male-male sexual contact in the past decade. In a long-term cohort, how the complex behaviour pattern of MSM changed and the association with the HIV risk are unclear at present.

METHODS

This study was conducted from October 2011 to December 2019 in Tianjin. MSM were recruited by snowball sampling through online and offline ways. Demographic and sexual behavioural data were collected for analysis. Three indicators (condom use in last anal sex, frequency of condom use during anal sex and the number of sexual partners) were used to define the behaviour change. Participants with zero, one, and two or three risk indicators were categorised into behaviour types of 'protective', 'moderate', and 'fragile', respectively. Change in behaviour type between baseline and each visit was considered. Time-varying Cox models were performed to evaluate HIV infection risk.

RESULTS

Of 2029 MSM included in the study, 127 were new HIV diagnoses. The overall incidence rate was 3.36 per 100 person-years. The percentage of 'protective' and 'moderate' behaviour types had a conspicuous growth trend as the follow-up. Furthermore, the HIV incidence rate in each visit among different behaviour transition types showed a general downward trend as the number of total follow-up times increased. Individuals who remained in 'fragile' (adjusted HR (aHR): 25.86, 95% CI: 6.92 to 96.57) or changed from 'protective' to 'moderate' (aHR: 4.79, 95% CI: 1.18 to 19.47), 'protective' to 'fragile' (aHR: 23.03, 95% CI: 6.02 to 88.13), and 'moderate' to 'fragile' (aHR: 25.48, 95% CI: 6.79 to 95.40) between baseline and the last follow-up had a higher HIV risk. Gained risk indicators were associated with the increase of HIV risk (gained one indicator, aHR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.68 to 4.24; gained two or three indicators, aHR: 4.99, 95% CI: 3.00 to 8.31) while losing just one risk indicator could halve the risk (aHR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Among MSM in Tianjin, it is necessary to get timely behaviour change for those with high-incidence behaviour patterns while sustaining for those with low-incidence patterns.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2000039500).

Impact of National Volume-Based Procurement on the Procurement Volumes and Spending for Antiviral Medications of Hepatitis B Virus

Introduction: Although persistent inhibition of HBV replication by antiviral therapy has shown to slow disease progression, cost-related access barriers to these essential medicines are becoming salient. The national volume-based procurement (NVBP) was piloted in China and led to substantial reduction in the list price of prescription drugs. To examine the impact of NVBP on selected antiviral medication costs per defined daily dose (DDD), procurement volumes, and spending. Methods: We employed an interrupted time series design to examine changes in cost per defined daily dose (DDD), procurement volumes, and spending for NVBP bid-winning antiviral medications (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and entecavir) in 11 pilot cities from 2017 to 2020. Procurement transaction data were obtained from 9,454 hospitals in the Chinese Hospital Pharmaceutical Audit (CHPA) database. In the secondary analysis, the control group comprised two non-NVBP drugs (adefovir and lamivudine) procured in 11 cities not exposed to the NVBP. Results: Cost per DDD of the two hepatitis B virus (HBV) antiviral medications reduced by CNY1.598 (p = 0.002) immediately following the implementation of NVBP, dropping from an average cost of CNY16.483 per DDD at baseline to CNY6.420 at the end of the observation period. NVBP implementation resulted in a substantial reduction in daily costs of antivirals and an increase in monthly procurement volumes by 6.674 million DDDs (p = 0.017), while monthly spending was reduced by CNY138.26 million (p = 0.002). In the secondary ITS analysis with a control group, the average cost per DDD of the NVBP bid-winning antivirals declined by CNY4.537 (p < 0.001), monthly procurement volumes increased by 7.209 million DDDs (p = 0.002), and monthly spending dropped by CNY138.83 million (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Volume-based procurement piloted in China may be effective for reducing price and total expenditures and improving drug utilization, which is especially important for HBV patients who need constant access to antiviral therapies.

HIV Serostatus Disclosure Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China in the Era of U=U and PrEP

Given the recent evidence on "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the present study aimed to investigate HIV disclosure behaviors and their associations with sexual risk behaviors and U=U and PrEP awareness among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 689 MSM recruited through a gay-friendly non-governmental organization located in Chengdu, China in 2018-2019. Information was collected by a structured self-administrated questionnaire. The enrolled sample included 554 (80.4%) participants who were HIV-negative and 135 (19.6%) participants with an unknown HIV status. In terms of disclosure, 41.4% of participants informed all partners about their HIV status all the time (informing behavior), while 30.4% asked all partners about their HIV status all the time (asking behavior). Only one-fifth knew about U=U, but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Half (50.5%) had heard of PrEP but this was not statistically associated with either informing or asking behavior. Common barriers to informing and asking behaviors were lower risk perception of HIV infection, a history of sexually transmitted infections, engagement in receptive sex, and a history of sex with casual partners. We found that both U=U and PrEP awareness and HIV serostatus disclosure were infrequent and not associated in this study of Chinese MSM. These data indicate huge information gaps among MSM in China.

Stigma in a Collectivistic Culture: Social Network of Female Sex Workers in China

In this egocentric network study, we explored Chinese collectivism in relation to social network characteristics and sex work-related stigma among mid-age female sex workers (FSWs). Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 1245 mid-age FSWs from three cities in China. We found that a one standard deviation (SD) increase in FSWs' collectivism was associated with a 0.18 SD decrease in social support (95% CI - 0.32, - 0.04), a 0.20 SD decrease in network effective size (i.e., the diversity of a social network; 95% CI - 0.30, - 0.10), and a 0.21 SD decrease in network betweenness (i.e., the "bridging potential" of egos within their networks; 95% CI - 0.33, - 0.09). Among participants who perceived more sex work stigma, the association between collectivism and FSWs' network betweenness was attenuated. In a collective culture emphasizing group values and honor, belonging to a less interconnected social network may give FSWs a structural advantage to cope with stigma and secure social support.

Using the hybrid EMD-BPNN model to predict the incidence of HIV in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China, 2004–2018

Background

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a malignant infectious disease with high mortality caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, and up to now there are no curable drugs or effective vaccines. In order to understand AIDS’s development trend, we establish hybrid EMD-BPNN (empirical modal decomposition and Back-propagation artificial neural network model) model to forecast new HIV infection in Dalian and to evaluate model’s performance.

Methods

The monthly HIV data series are decomposed by EMD method, and then all decomposition results are used as training and testing data to establish BPNN model, namely BPNN was fitted to each IMF (intrinsic mode function) and residue separately, and the predicted value is the sum of the predicted values from the models. Meanwhile, using yearly HIV data to established ARIMA and using monthly HIV data to established BPNN, and SARIMA (seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average) model to compare the predictive ability with EMD-BPNN model.

Results

From 2004 to 2017, 3310 cases of HIV were reported in Dalian, including 101 fatal cases. The monthly HIV data series are decomposed into four relatively stable IMFs and one residue item by EMD, and the residue item showed that the incidence of HIV increases firstly after declining. The mean absolute percentage error value for the EMD-BPNN, BPNN, SARIMA (1,1,2) (0,1,1)12 in 2018 is 7.80%, 10.79%, 9.48% respectively, and the mean absolute percentage error value for the ARIMA (3,1,0) model in 2017 and 2018 is 8.91%.

Conclusions

The EMD-BPNN model was effective and reliable in predicting the incidence of HIV for annual incidence, and the results could furnish a scientific reference for policy makers and health agencies in Dalian.

Epidemiological trends of severely immunosuppressed people living with HIV at time of starting antiretroviral treatment in China during 2005-2018

OBJECTIVES

High HIV-related mortality is mainly associated with severe immunosuppression (CD4 count < 50 cells/μL) in people living with HIV (PLWH). This study intended to explore the trends in epidemic and early mortality among PLWH with severe immunosuppression for further targeted intervention.

METHODS

We extracted the data of treatment-naïve PLWH with severe immunosuppression from China's National Free Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Program database. Early mortality (within 6 or 12 months after initiating ART) and spatial, temporal, and population distribution were analyzed during 2005-2018.

RESULTS

Of 748,066 treatment-naïve PLWH, 105,785 (14.1%) were severely immunosuppressed PLWH aged more than 15-year-old. The proportion of severely immunosuppressed PLWH peaked at 31.4% and then decreased with time, leveling off at approximately 11-12% from 2015 onward. Early mortality rates of these PLWH declined significantly (from 17.0% to 8.1% after 6 months of initiating ART; 20.4% to 10.6% after 12 months; both p values < 0.01) from 2005-2007 to 2016-2018. In the South-central and Southwest, the number of these PLWH was larger than that in the other regions during 2005-2018, and it increased to 4780 (37.1%) and 3370 (26.2%) in 2018. The proportion of PLWH aged 30-44 years among all treatment-naïve severely immunosuppressed PLWH in each region was higher than that of other age groups during 2005-2018. After the proportion decreased during 2005-2007, the proportion of PLWH aged 45-59 years in Southwest and South-central were increased steadily from 11% (69/626) and 16.7% (358/2140) in 2007 to 33.8% (1138/3370) and 34.0% (1626/4780) in 2018, respectively; the proportion of PLWH aged ≥60 years showed an increasing trend during 2005-2018; while changes in the proportion of those age groups were less pronounced in North and Northeast. The proportion of PLWH infected by heterosexual contact was high at 83% (2798/3370) in Southwest, and 75.1% (3588/4780) in South-central in 2018; conversely, proportion of PLWH infected by homosexual contacts was largest in North (57.8% [500/865]) and Northeast (59.9% [561/936]).

CONCLUSIONS

The persistent burden of treatment-naïve PLWH with severe immunosuppression remains challenging. Our results provide evidence for policy-makers to allocate resources and establish targeting strategies to identify early infection of PLWH.

An Analysis of Predictive Sample-to-Cutoff Index for HIV Infection Confirmation Using Elecsys® HIV Combi PT Assay

BACKGROUND

Early and rapid diagnosis is crucial in HIV preventing and treatment. However, the false-positive rate (FPR) by 4-th generation detection assays was high in low-HIV-prevalence regions.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the relation between sample-to-cutoff index (COI) and HIV confirmatory results, and to explore a new COI threshold in our own laboratory to predict HIV infection.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed primarily reactive results by Elecsys® HIV combi PT assays and their confirmatory results by western blot (WB) at Nanjing Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The mean COI values of true positive (TP), false positive (FP), and indeterminate groups were compared, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal COI value for predicting HIV infection.

RESULTS

Totally 150,980 HIV serological results were reviewed, and 305 (0.2%) were primarily reactive. There are 82 (26.89%) true positives, 210 (71.92%) false positives, and 11 indeterminate samples confirmed by WB tests, and another 2 patients rejected WB tests. Mean COI values of TP (643.5) were greatly higher than that of FP (3.174) (P < 0.0001), but there is no significant difference between FP and indeterminate groups. Combining the requirement of HIV diagnosis and ROC analysis, 9.87 was established as the optimal threshold to predict the infection, with 100% sensitivity and 99.99% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

By adjusting the COI threshold, the FP samples can be reduced and the efficiency of screening assays can be increased, which can save much additional reagent and staff costs and much time for delivery of HIV test results.

HIV-1 genetic transmission networks among people living with HIV/AIDS in Sichuan, China: a genomic and spatial epidemiological analysis

BACKGROUND

Spatialized HIV genetic transmission networks can help understand dynamic changes of HIV-1 at the regional level. This study aimed to combine genomic, epidemiological, and spatial data to investigate the patterns of the HIV-1 epidemic at both individual and regional levels among people living with HIV (PLWH) with virological failure of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

We evaluated the transmission patterns of 5,790 PLWH with identified pol sequences of the five main HIV-1 subtypes (B, CRF08_BC, CRF85_BC, CRF07_BC, and CRF01_AE) in Sichuan Province, China. A phylogenetic cluster was defined as a group of sequences with genetically similar HIV strains, with all phylogenetic clusters forming an HIV-1 genetic transmission network for each subtype. Logistic regression was used to identify the potential risk factors for phylogenetic clustering. Spatial analysis was applied to demonstrate the geographic patterns of phylogenetic clustering rates; intensity matrices and flow maps were made to demonstrate the intensity of transmission within and between cities.

FINDINGS

There were 2,159 (37.3%) of 5,790 PLWH, distributed in 452 phylogenetic clusters. Some individual clinical and behavioral factors were associated with phylogenetic clustering, including a viral load of >50,000 copies/ml (OR=1.16, 95%CI=1.02-1.33), infection of other sexually transmitted diseases (OR=1.38, 95%CI=1.12-1.69), and ≥5 non-marital sexual partners (OR=1.25, 95%CI=1.03-1.51), while >3 years of treatment since the initial ART was associated with less likelihood of phylogenetic clustering (OR=0.82, 95%CI=0.70-0.97). The phylogenetic clustering rates varied regionally and were highest in the central region of Sichuan, especially for subtype CRF08_BC. The significant spatial clusters of high and low phylogenetic clustering rates were detected in the east (Dazhou for B; Zigong and Luzhou for CFR08_BC) and west (Yaan and Ganzi for CRF07_BC), respectively. The proportion of intercity transmission varied across cities from 0.14 (Yibin) and 1.00 (Ganzi). Stronger intercity transmission than average existed between some cities, e.g., between Deyang and Neijiang. CRF07_BC was the most widespread subtype between cities, and CRF85_BC (a novel HIV-1 subtype) showed strong intercity transmission (e.g., between Yibin and Guangan).

INTERPRETATION

The phylogenetic clustering rates and intercity connections of HIV-1 have varied geographically, possibly due to varying human mobility, traffic convenience, and economic activities. Our findings enhanced the understanding of the dynamics of HIV-1 transmission from individual to city level, and demonstrated a novel cross-disciplinary (epidemiological, genetic, and spatial) approach by which we identified high-risk populations and areas. Our approach could be adapted to other regions for precision public health interventions.

FUNDING

The National Natural Science Foundation of China, Sichuan Science and Technology Program, Project of Sichuan Provincial Health Committee, Science and Technology Project of Sichuan Provincial Health Committee, Wuhan University 351 Talent Program, 2020, and the International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE).

Factors influencing HIV testing and counselling services among men who have sex with men in Western China: a cross-sectional study based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM), as a marginal population, has been largely ignored by health service projects. We assessed the utilization of HIV testing and counselling services and its influencing factors based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model, so as to provide a theoretical basis for future infectious disease prevention and control strategies and health services policy formulation for these population.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study. A sample survey was conducted in Western China, and an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among MSM. Based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model, the questionnaire divided the influencing factors into predisposing factor, enabling factor and need factor. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the utilization of HIV testing and counselling.

Results

There were 3184 valid questionnaires. In the survey of HIV health services, 82.85% MSM had HIV testing and 64.98% MSM had HIV counselling, respectively. Among the predisposing factor, age 25 years old and over was a facilitator of HIV testing and counselling, and ethnicity was a factor associated with HIV testing. Among the enabling factor, MSM living in urban were more likely to have access to testing and counselling services, and income was also linked to HIV testing. Among the need factor, a high level of HIV knowledge could promote testing and counselling, and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was a facilitator of testing.

Conclusions

HIV testing is widespread in Western China and higher than counselling service. MSM with high-risk characteristics should be identified as a priority in the future public health services.

User Preferences for an mHealth Approach to Support HIV Self-Testing and Linkage to HIV Prevention or Care Services for MSM in China

This research qualitatively explored user preferences for an app-based mHealth approach to support HIV self-testing and linkage to HIV prevention or care services developed for men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. We conducted 12 online focus group discussions with MSM participants (N = 48) about their preferences for using an app to meet their HIV self-testing and service linkage needs. Data were examined using thematic analysis. Participants specified four domains to align program delivery with their preferences for app-based intervention: (1) expanding HIV prevention/antiretroviral therapy concepts beyond basic knowledge; (2) enhancing the style and presentation of app-based messages; (3) incorporating interactive and dynamic app-engagement features; and (4) creating a "one station" app that covers the continuum of HIV services. Given the changing landscapes of HIV knowledge and community/user preferences for app-based interaction, findings underscore how engagement with end-user participants is essential to optimize mHealth interventions for HIV.

Lifetime commercial heterosexual behavior among HIV negative elderly men from rural Chengdu, China: a modified knowledge-attitude-practice perspective

Background

China is facing big challenges to achieve the “90–90-90 targets”. The HIV prevalence of elderly (≥50 years) men have been steadily increasing in China, mainly through the sexual transmission route, but sexual behaviors of them are far from well-studied. In 2019, elderly men accounted for 59.2% of HIV/AIDS cases in Sichuan, China.

Methods

The research design is a cross-sectional study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among 795 HIV negative elderly men from rural Chengdu, capital City of Sichuan. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were applied to examine factors associated with commercial heterosexual behavior from a modified Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) perspective.

Results

129 (16.23%) respondents admitted high-risk sexual behaviors, including 11.07% commercial heterosexual behavior, 6.16% extramarital, 2.89% casual and 0.25% homosexual behavior, and no one used condom consistently. 427(68.43%) had ever gotten HIV-related Health Education (HRHE), mainly through mass media (70.49%). The HIV-related knowledge awareness rate was only 31.41%. Migration history (AOR =2.46,95% CI = 1.02–5.91), age(≥60 vs. 50–59, OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.19–0.91), receiving HRHE from mass media (OR = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.16–0.85), marital status (married vs. never married, OR = 0.04, 95%CI = 0–0.52), and undecided (AOR =0.02, 95%CI = 0.01–0.09) and objection (AOR =0.04, 95%CI = 0.01–0.1) attitude toward commercial sex were related to lifetime commercial heterosexual behavior.

Conclusions

High-risk sexual behaviors are common among elderly men from rural areas in Chengdu. Receiving HRHE from mass media and undecided and objection attitude toward commercial sex prevent elderly from being involving in commercial heterosexual behavior. According to the results, health facilities should continue to conduct systematic interventions, paying more attention to 50–59 years old group. Sex and condom use need to be talked in public. Working with mass media, health facilities give elderly men education not only focusing on HIV/AIDS, but also on knowledge and skills of condom use.

Factors related to HIV testing frequency in MSM based on the 2011-2018 survey in Tianjin, China: a hint for risk reduction strategy

BACKGROUND

In recent years, HIV testing has become one of the effective strategies to reduce the risk of the infection. Frequent quarterly HIV testing can be cost effective. Therefore, an in-depth study of factors related to the testing behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) were analyzed to optimize intervention strategies.

METHODS

From March 2011 to October 2018, the project was implemented in a Tianjin (China) bathhouse, and 5165 MSM were surveyed using snowball sampling. Factors related to HIV testing behavior were analyzed by ordinal logistic regression analysis after grouping according to testing frequency, and comprehensive analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The multivariate logistic analysis showed that 6 variables including young MSM (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.92, p = 0.01), low-educated MSM (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.48-0.77, p < 0.0001), low HIV/AIDS knowledge (95% CI: 0.57-0.83, p < 0.0001), marital status (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07-1.57, p = 0.007), acceptance of condom promotion and distribution (OR = 14.52, 95% CI: 12.04-17.51, p < 0.0001), and frequency of condom use (p < 0.05) could link to HIV testing behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to achieve the 95-95-95 goal, target publicity, HIV/AIDS education and promotion of HIV self-testing kits should be carried out to encourage frequent HIV testing among MSM who are young (especially students), married to women, poorly educated and who are reluctant to always use condoms.

Measuring the uptake of continuous care among people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy and social determinants of the uptake of continuous care in the southwest of China: a cross-sectional study

Background

Continuous care is essential for people living with HIV. This study aimed to measure continuous care uptake and investigate the association between higher uptake of continuous care and behavioral and social factors, including HIV-acquisition risk and socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to November 2019 in an HIV treatment center of a specialized hospital in Kunming city, China. Fourteen service indicators were used to calculate composite care scores, which were classified into three levels (low, middle, and high), using principal component analysis. The Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations was employed to examine predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with composite care scores among people living with HIV.

Results

A total of 702 participants living with HIV aged ≥ 18 years (median age: 41.0 years, 69.4% male) who had been on ART for 1–5 years were recruited. Based on ordinal logistic regression modeling, predisposing factors: being employed (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–2.11), heterosexuals (AOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.11–2.25) and men who have sex with men (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.39–3.02) and enabling factors: Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.03–3.54), middle socioeconomic status (SES) (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01–2.01), were positively associated with the higher level of continuous care uptake, compared to the unemployed, people who inject drugs, those with no medical insurance and low SES, respectively.

Conclusion

There were large differences in continuous care uptake among people living with HIV. HIV-acquisition risk categories and socioeconomic factors were significant determinants of uptake of continuous care. Our findings could inform the development of evidence-based strategies that promote equitable healthcare for all people living with HIV.

The Epidemiological Analysis of HIV/AIDS Patients: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Department VS. Other Departments in A General Hospital of Shanghai, China

BACKGROUND

Hospital is an important place for HIV/AIDS screening, and a general hospital is composed of multiple departments. Different departments have different levels of understanding of HIV/AIDS, especially the sexually transmitted diseases (STD) department is the main place for HIV/AIDS screening.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to validate the common knowledge that the STD department is an important place for HIV/AIDS screening by comparing the epidemiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients in the STD department and other departments in Tongji Hospital, which can provide a theoretical basis for the precise and differentiated control of HIV/AIDS.

METHODS

A total of 283,525 HIV screening cases were analyzed from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2018 in the STD department and other departments. The epidemiological data of 226 HIV/AIDS cases were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Firstly, the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the population served by Tongji Hospital was higher than that in Shanghai and China. Secondly, the positive rate of HIV screening test in the STD department was ten times higher than that of other departments. Thirdly, the social-demographic characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients in the STD department were different from those in other departments. Fourthly, there were differences in age, education, marital status and number of sex partners between men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with women (MSW). Fifthly, there was no difference except age in social-demographic characteristics of MSM between the STD department and other departments. Sixthly, compared with other departments, the majority of HIV/AIDS patients in the STD department were MSM. Seventhly, syphilis and HIV co-infection were not statistically significant in HIV/AIDS patients between the STD department and other departments.

CONCLUSION

Firstly, the significantly higher positive rate of an HIV screening test in the STD department emphasizes its importance as a place for screening HIV/AIDS patients. Secondly, HIV/AIDS patients diagnosed in the general hospital were mainly transmitted by sexual contact, and MSM accounted for the most part of these patients. More attention should be paid to screen outpatients, especially in the STD department and young men.

Internalized Sexual Minority Stigma is Associated With HIV Testing Behavior Among Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Although studies have examined the relationship between HIV-related stigma and HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding whether sexual minority stigma and HIV testing are associated. The purpose of this study was to identify the association between sexual minority- and HIV-related stigmas with HIV-testing behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hunan Province of China. After controlling for covariates, the multivariate analyses showed that high internalized sexual minority stigma was negatively associated with HIV testing behavior in the previous year. However, anticipated sexual minority- and HIV-related stigmas were not associated with HIV-testing behavior. Findings suggest that internalized sexual minority stigma should be addressed in health care settings to encourage MSM to seek HIV testing services, especially considering the continuing HIV epidemic among MSM in China.

Impact of HIV-1 CRF55_01B infection on the evolution of CD4 count and plasma HIV RNA load in men who have sex with men prior to antiretroviral therapy

Background

CRF55_01B is a newly identified HIV-1 circulating recombinant form originated from MSM in China. However, its impact on the disease progression and transmission risk has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the impact of CRF55_01B infection on viral dynamics and immunological status so as to provide scientific evidence for further control and prevention effort on CRF55_01B. Linear mixed effect models were applied to evaluate CD4 cell count decline and viral load increase by subtype.

Results

Of the 3418 blood samples, 1446 (42.3%) were CRF07_BC, 1169 (34.2%) CRF01_AE, 467 (13.7%) CRF55_01B, 249 (7.3%) type B, and 87 (2.5%) other subtypes (CRF_08BC, CRF_01B, C). CRF55_01B had become the third predominant strain since 2012 in Shenzhen, China. CRF55_01B-infected MSM showed lower median of CD4 count than CRF07_BC-infected MSM (349.5 [IQR, 250.2–474.8] vs. 370.0 [IQR, 278.0–501.0], P < 0.05). CRF55_01B infection was associated with slower loss of CD4 count than CRF01_AE (13.6 vs. 23.3 [cells/µl]¹/²/year, P < 0.05)among MSM with initial CD4 count of 200–350 cells/µl. On the other hand, those infected with CRF55_01B showed higher median plasma HIV RNA load (5.4 [IQR, 5.0–5.9]) than both CRF01_AE (5.3 [IQR, 4.8–5.7], P < 0.05) and CRF07_BC (5.0 log10 [IQR, 4.5–5.5], P < 0.001) at the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Furthermore, the annual increasing rate of viral load for CRF55_01B infection was significantly higher than that of CRF07_BC (2.0 vs. 0.7 log10 copies/ml/year, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The relatively lower CD4 count and faster increase of plasma HIV RNA load of CRF55_01B-infected MSM without antiretroviral therapy suggest that CRF55_01B may lead to longer asymptomatic phase and higher risk of HIV transmission. Strengthened surveillance, tailored prevention strategies and interventions, and in-depth research focusing on CRF55_01B are urgently needed to forestall potential epidemic.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12977-021-00567-z.

Epidemiological characteristics and trends of notifiable infectious diseases in China from 1986 to 2016

Background

Since the 1980s, China has undergone significant social change and the incidence of infectious diseases has also changed considerably. Here, we report the epidemiological features and changes in notifiable infectious diseases in China from 1986 to 2016 to explore the factors contributing to the successful control of infectious diseases and the challenges faced in the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Methods

The data of notifiable infectious diseases in China from 1986 to 2016 were collected from the monthly analysis report of the National Infectious Disease Surveillance System. Joinpoint regression models were used to examine incidence and mortality trends from 1986 to 2016. IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0, Excel 2010 and R x64 3.5.2 were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 132 858 005 cases of notifiable infectious diseases were reported over these 31 years, with an average yearly incidence of 342.14/100 000. There were 284 694 deaths with an average yearly mortality rate of 0.73/100 000. The overall incidence and overall mortality of notifiable infectious diseases both showed a "U" distribution (ie, a decrease, stable, an increase, stable again). The top five diseases in terms of incidence were hand, foot and mouth disease, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, other infectious causes of diarrhea and dysentery, accounting for 78.0% of all reported cases. The top five causes of death were HIV/AIDS, rabies, tuberculosis, viral hepatitis and epidemic encephalitis B, which accounted for 76.07% of all mortalities. The diseases with the top five fatality rates were rabies, H5N1, H7N9, HIV/AIDS and plague, with rates of 91.06%, 66.07%, 38.51%, 25.19% and 10.31%, respectively.

Conclusions

This analysis will benefit the future monitoring of infectious diseases and public health measures in China.

Shift in HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Factors Associated with False Positives for HIV Testing: A Retrospective Study from 2013 to 2018 in Xi'an, China

BACKGROUND

In China, although quite a few bold programmes have been made for HIV/AIDS, the epidemic has still shown an increasing trend.

OBJECTIVES

The study was aimed to investigate the characteristics of new HIV/AIDS and the major factors of false positives (FP) for HIV testing.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed in a teaching hospital in Xi'an between 2013 and 2018. The overall characteristics and trends of new HIV/AIDS were described. Moreover, the major factors of FP were determined by the Pareto analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 469 new HIV/AIDS were diagnosed, with an increasing prevalence of the new HIV/AIDS from 0.0626% (41/65503) in 2013 to 0.0827% (115/139046) in 2018. Of them, the majority occurred in the males (88.50%), people aged 21-50 years (76.97%), migrants (60.98%), and sexual contact route (88.70%). There was a rapid increase in the annual number of new HIV/AIDS and increasing trends in groups of young individuals, students, and homosexual mode; however, a downward trend in the percentage of injecting drug use was also observed. Over 50 years old and patients from oncology, obstetrics, hepatobiliary surgery, nephrology, cardiology, and infectious disease constituted the major factors of FP.

CONCLUSION

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Xi'an is still evolving, therefore, effective strategies, appropriate education and scaling up HIV testing should be developed. In addition, old adults and specific departments were associated with FP.

Risk factors for drug-resistant tuberculosis, the association between comorbidity status and drug-resistant patterns: a retrospective study of previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China, during 2004-2019

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to identify the risk factors for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) and the association between comorbidity and drug resistance among retreated pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).

DESIGN

A retrospective study was conducted among all the 36 monitoring sites in Shandong, China, over a 16-year period. Baseline characteristics were collected from the TB Surveillance System. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact or Pearson's χ² test. The risk factors for drug resistance were identified using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic models. The influence of comorbidity on different types of drug resistance was evaluated by performing multivariable logistic models with the covariates adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, drinking/smoking history and cavity.

RESULTS

A total of 10 975 patients with PTB were recorded during 2004-2019, and of these 1924 retreated PTB were finally included. Among retreated PTB, 26.2% were DR-TB and 12.5% had comorbidity. Smoking (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.69, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.39), cavity (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.97) and comorbidity (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.02) were risk factors for DR-TB. Of 504 DR-TB, 9.5% had diabetes mellitus, followed by hypertension (2.0%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.8%). Patients with retreated PTB with comorbidity were more likely to be older, have more bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse) and have clinical symptoms (expectoration, haemoptysis, weight loss). Comorbidity was significantly associated with DR-TB (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.02), overall rifampin resistance (aOR: 2.17, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.36), overall streptomycin resistance (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.27) and multidrug resistance (aOR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.27) compared with pan-susceptible patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Smoking, cavity and comorbidity lead to an increased risk of drug resistance among retreated PTB. Strategies to improve the host's health, including smoking cessation, screening and treatment of comorbidity, might contribute to the control of tuberculosis, especially DR-TB, in China.

Epidemic of HIV infection among persons who inject drugs in mainland China: a series, cross-sectional study

Background

Studies have suggested that the injection drug use (IDU) was no longer the main transmission route of HIV/AIDS in China. However, there has never been a study to assess the national HIV epidemic among persons who inject drugs (PWIDs) based on a nationwide database.

Methods

PWIDs among new entrants in detoxification centers with HIV test results were extracted from the 2008–2016 National Dynamic Management and Control Database for Persons Who Use Drugs (NDMCD). Logistic regressions were used to analyze factors associated with HIV infection, and joinpoint regression were used to examine trends in the HIV prevalence.

Results

A total of 103,619 PWIDs among new entrants tested for HIV in detoxification centers between 2008 and 2016 were included in the analysis. The HIV prevalence was 5.0% (n = 5167) among PWIDs. A U-shaped curve of the HIV prevalence decreased from 4.9% in 2008 to 3.3% in 2010 (Annual Percent Change [APC] − 20.6, 95% CI − 32.5 to − 6.7, p < 0.05) and subsequently increased from 3.3% in 2010 to 8.6% in 2016 (APC 17.9, 95% CI 14.5–21.4, p < 0.05) was observed. The HIV prevalence in west regions in China all presented decreased trends, while central and eastern regions presented increased trends.

Conclusions

Although the HIV prevalence has been declining in general population, the HIV prevalence among PWIDs has shown an increasing trend since 2010. Current policies on HIV control in PWIDs should be reassessed.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-021-00511-6.

The Mediating Role of Coping Style: Associations Between Intimate Partner Violence and Suicide Risks Among Chinese Wives of Men Who Have Sex With Men

The wives of men who have sex with men, known as "Tongqi" in China, have increasingly attracted public attention due to their potential risks of suicide and sexually transmitted infections and HIV. However, few studies have explored the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and suicide risk or the mediating effect of coping style on these associations among Tongqi in China. To describe these relationships, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China from February 2016 to February 2017. A questionnaire, which consisted of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and reports of suicide attempts, was completed by 178 Chinese Tongqi. Bootstrap tests were performed to determine the mediating role of coping styles on the association between IPV and suicide risks. The median IPV score was 14 (range: 0-50), with the domain of negotiation ranking highest. The average coping style score was .37±.73; 61.2% of Tongqi have had suicidal ideation, and 11.8% had attempted suicide. IPV was significantly correlated with suicidal ideation (r^s = .19, p < .01) and suicide attempts (r^s = .29, p < .001). Participants with a negative coping style had higher suicidal ideation (r^s = -.39, p < .01) and suicide attempts (r^s = -.22, p < .01). Coping style had a full mediating effect on the association between IPV and suicidal ideation and a partial mediating effect on suicide attempts. Chinese Tongqi experienced high level of IPV and suicide risks. IPV contributed to the suicide risks of Chinese Tongqi, but these associations were mediated by coping style. Therefore, interventions to improve mental health and prevent suicide risks of Chinese Tongqi should focus on helping them develop a positive coping style to achieve the goal of Healthy China in 2030.

The Enigma of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Epidemic in China

Nearly 17 years ago China launched its National HIV/AIDS Response Program, yet the epidemic still is not slowing. New cases and new deaths increase every year—in 2005, 40 711 people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH) were diagnosed and 5729 died, whereas in 2019, 148 598 PLWH were diagnosed and 31 522 died. Moreover, the estimated PLWH population in China has risen to >1.25 million. However, epidemic data are worryingly complex and difficult to interpret, presenting challenges to the redirection and refocusing of efforts toward achievement of control. Here we present three “windows” into China’s epidemic data. From these viewpoints, it appears we still do not know how much infection exists, how much transmission is occurring, and in what contexts transmission happens. The enigma that is China’s HIV epidemic must be better understood. A new research agenda must be developed and executed if we are to change the future of HIV in China.

Impact of immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy among men who have sex with men infected with HIV in Chengdu, southwest China: trends analysis, 2008-2018

Background

Given the rampant HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu, southwest China, Treat All policy, defined as immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation after HIV diagnosis, was implemented since 2014. Real-world research evaluating impacts of immediate ART on HIV epidemics is needed to optimize policy-making as national and international guidelines have been lowering ART eligibility threshold. The purpose of this study is to: assess temporal trends of the HIV epidemic and impacts of Treat All policy among MSM; and lay foundation for HIV-related policy evaluation using longitudinal routine data from health information systems.

Methods

Data used in this study were HIV sentinel seroprevalence, annual reported HIV cases and ART coverage rate among MSM in Chengdu from 2008 to 2018, derived from national HIV/AIDS information system. Temporal trends of the HIV epidemic were described using Joinpoint Regression Program. Interrupted time-series method was deployed to evaluate Treat All policy.

Results

HIV sentinel seroprevalence rose from 11.20% in 2008 to 17.67% in 2013 and Annual Percent Change (APC) was 8.25% (95% CI − 2.40%, 20.07%), then decreased to 5.17% in 2018 (APC = − 19.63%, 95% CI − 27.54%, − 10.86%). Newly reported HIV cases increased from 168 cases in 2008 to 1232 cases in 2015 (APC = 26.99%, 95% CI 21.32%, 32.93%), and reduced to 1014 cases in 2018 (APC = − 8.80%, 95% CI − 18.45%, 2.01%). ART coverage rate has been climbing from 11.11% in 2008 to 92.29% in 2018 and Average Annual Percent Change was 16.09% (95% CI 11.76%, 20.59%). Results of interrupted time-series models showed that compared to an annual increase of 0.87% during pre-policy period, there was a decline of 3.08% (95% CI − 0.0366%, − 0.0250%) per year of HIV sentinel seroprevalence since 2014; and compared to an annual increase of 116 cases before 2014, there was an annual drop of 158 newly reported HIV cases (95% CI − 194.87%, − 121.69%) during the post-policy period.

Conclusions

Immediate ART after HIV diagnosis could potentially curb HIV transmission at population level among MSM, along with other strategies. Future assessment of HIV prevention and control policy can be carried out using routinely collected longitudinal data from health information systems.

HIV incidence among men who have sex with men using geosocial networking smartphone application in Beijing, China: an open cohort study

Background

Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone application (app) has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM, but data on HIV incidence and the changing risk behaviors of GSN app-using MSM are limited. We aims to assess the HIV incidence and its correlates among gay GSN app-using MSM in China.

Methods

We constructed an open cohort which was initiated and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM, recruited from June 2017 to December 2018. MSM completed an online questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status. Then each man had an HIV test, and those tested negatives were enrolled into the cohort. Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period, and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date. HIV incidence was calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time. Univariate (Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) and multivariate (proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence.

Results

A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort, 37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years: HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.37–4.57]. More than five sexual partners [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.04–6.67], and sex with HIV positive partners (HR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.16–12.64) in the preceding six months were positively associated with HIV seroconversion. Consistent condom use for anal sex (HR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.96), and reporting insertive anal sex only (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08–0.62) in the preceding six months were protective factors for HIV seroconversion.

Conclusions

Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV. As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk, GSN smartphone app could play an important role in HIV research among MSM.

A three-arm randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a positive psychology and social networking intervention in promoting mental health among HIV-infected men who have sex with men in China

AIMS

There is a lack of mental health promotion and treatment services targeting HIV-positive men who have sex with men (HIVMSM) in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mental health promotion efficacy of an online intervention that combined Three Good Things (TGT) with electronic social networking (TGT-SN) and an intervention that used TGT only (TGT-only), compared with a control group.

METHODS

We conducted a randomised controlled trial among HIVMSM in Chengdu, China. The participants were randomly assigned to the TGT-SN, TGT-only, and control groups. The participants in the TGT-SN group were divided into five social network groups and asked to post brief messages to the group about three good things that they had experienced and for which they felt grateful. The participants in the TGT-only group were only required to write down their three good things daily without sharing them with others. The control group received information about mental health promotion once a week for a month. The primary outcome was probable depression. Secondary outcomes were anxiety, positive and negative affect, gratitude, happiness and social support. These outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Repeated-measures analyses were conducted using generalised estimation equations. The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-TRC-13003252).

RESULTS

Between June 2013 and May 2015, 404 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to either the TGT-SN (n = 129), TGT-only (n = 139) or control group (n = 136). The main effects of TGT-SN (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.75, 95% CI 0.52-1.09; p = 0.131) and TGT-only (aOR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.57-1.21; p = 0.332) in reducing depression were statistically non-significant. The participants of the TGT-SN group showed significantly lower anxiety symptoms (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.89; p = 0.009) and negative affect (β = -1.62, 95% CI 2.98 to -0.26; p = 0.019) over time compared with those of the control group. No significant main effect was found for any secondary outcomes for the TGT-only group.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel intervention combining the TGT exercise with electronic social networking was found effective in reducing anxiety and negative affect among HIVMSM.

Paying for Sex Among Males and Females: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Melbourne, Australia

BACKGROUND

Most research focuses on individual selling sex but very few on paying for sex. This study aimed to determine the proportion of males and females who paid for sex and associated factors.

METHODS

We conducted a short survey at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March and April 2019, which included a question on whether they had paid for sex in the past 3 months. The proportion of individuals who had paid for sex was calculated by sex and sexual orientation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to identify individual's factors (e.g., demographics, sexual orientation, and HIV/sexually transmitted infection [STI] positivity) associated with paying for sex in the past 3 months.

RESULTS

The proportion who reported paying for sex in the past 3 months was 12.2% (42/345) among heterosexual males, followed by 6.4% (23/357) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and 0.2% (1/430) among females. HIV status, preexposure prophylaxis use, and sexual orientation were not associated with paying for sex among MSM. No MSM living with HIV reported paying for sex in the past 3 months. There was a significant association between paying for sex and gonorrhea (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-7.71; P = 0.041) but not HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia among MSM. HIV/STI was not associated with paying for sex among heterosexual males.

CONCLUSIONS

Paying for sex was more commonly reported among heterosexual males, followed by MSM. Females were very unlikely to pay for sex. There was a limited association between HIV/STI diagnosis and paying for sex among males.

Intestinal mucosal microbiota composition of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Guangzhou, China

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has been associated with intestinal dysbiosis, which includes an increase in the number of mucosa-associated pathobionts. In the present study, the intestinal mucosal microbiota patterns of HIV-infected patients were compared with those of healthy individuals in a population from Guangzhou, China. The gut microbiota of intestinal mucosal samples from 12 patients with HIV (transmission routes included sex and intravenous drug abuse) was compared with that of 12 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Gut microbial communities were profiled via sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes. Dysbiosis in HIV-infected individuals was characterized by decreased α-diversity, decreased levels of Firmicutes and increased levels of Proteobacteria. Furthermore, low mean counts of Lachnoclostridium, Roseburia, Thauera, Dorea and Roseburia inulinivorans, and high mean counts of Halomonas and Shewanella bacteria, were indicated to be HIV-associated mucosal bacterial alterations. The relative abundance of Fusobacterium and Lachnoclostridium was significantly decreased, while that of Halomonas and Shewanella was significantly increased in patients with sexually transmitted HIV-infection compared with healthy controls. Alterations of the gut microbiota during HIV infection were also indicated to be associated with the route of HIV transmission. Certain bacteria may be potential biomarkers for HIV infection in patients from Guangzhou, China.

Rectal douching among men who have sex with men in six cities in China: a cross-sectional study

Background Rectal douching, which is a common practice among men who have sex men (MSM) as a preparation for anal sex, may potentially increase the risk of HIV infection. However, little is known about the practice of rectal douching among Chinese MSM. This study investigated the characteristics of rectal douching and factors associated with rectal douching.

METHODS

Between January and March 2019, MSM aged ≥18 years in six cities in China were recruited to the study. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered online questionnaire. Chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with rectal douching by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Of 485 MSM in this study, 278 (57.3%) practiced rectal douching in the preceding 6 months. The most common reasons for douching before and after anal sex were hygiene/cleanliness (78.6% and 66.1% respectively) and HIV/STI prevention (8.5% and 17.4% respectively). The most used enemas and equipment before and after anal sex were tap water (73.5% and 70.2% respectively) and showerhead hoses (76.1% and 75.2% respectively). Men who engaged in both insertive and receptive anal sex (OR 8.84; 95% CI 4.52-17.30), exclusively receptive anal sex (OR 6.56; 95% CI 3.55-12.13), condom-less anal intercourse (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.03-2.63) and anal sex after alcohol use (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.00-2.35) were more likely to perform douching.

CONCLUSION

Rectal douching is common in MSM, some of whom may not realise the potential risks associated with douching. The co-occurrence of douching and other high-risk behaviours would make MSM more vulnerable to HIV. Health education aimed at informing MSM of the potential risks and addressing the high prevalence of douching are urgently needed.

HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) awareness and promotion among five key populations in China: A cross-sectional study

Background

This study investigated HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) awareness and promotion, and related sociodemographic and behavioural factors among five key populations in China.

Methods

From November 2018 to September 2019, we adopted convenience sampling to recruit participants who were age ≥ 18, self-reported HIV status as either negative or unknown and provided informed consent from five key populations cross-sectionally in 10 Chinese cities. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were adopted.

Findings

Our analysis included data from 2022 participants with a mean age of 35 years (SD = 11·62). Approximately 60% of participants reported non-consistent condom use in the past month, and 37% had not been tested for HIV in the past 12 months. There were 857 (42%) participants hearing about nPEP before the study, and 1728 (86%) endorsing nPEP promotion after learning about nPEP. Sociodemographic and behavioural factors related to both nPEP awareness and endorsement of nPEP promotion included the key population indicator, age, HIV knowledge score, and HIV testing over life course.

Interpretation

The key populations in China generally had low nPEP awareness, particularly people who use drugs and female sex workers, while seronegative partners had the lowest endorsement of nPEP promotion. nPEP education and promotion campaigns should be integrated into conventional HIV services, and tailored to sexually active young individuals, people with poor HIV knowledge, and people never tested for HIV.

Funding

China National Key Research and Development Program and National Science and Technology Major Project, and the i Guardian Platform of the People's Medical Publishing House.

Demographic features of identified PLWHA infected through commercial and nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact in China from 2015 to 2018: a retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Understanding the demographic characteristics of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) infected through commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) or nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact (NMNCHC) is important for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.

METHODS

Cases reported through the Chinese HIV/AIDS Case Reporting System (CRS) from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. A descriptive and preliminary inferential analysis were performed for those demographic characteristics deemed of interest.

RESULTS

Overall, 523,121 identified PLWHA between 2015 and 2018 in the CRS were analyzed. The constituent ratio of heterosexual transmission increased from 66.25% in 2015 to 71.48% in 2018. The proportion of CHC heterosexual transmission decreased from 40.18% in 2015 to 37.99% in 2018, while that of NMNCHC increased from 46.33% in 2015 to 49.02% in 2018. PLWHA infected through NMNCHC were significantly younger than those who were infected through CHC (Student's t test, P < 0.0001), with an average age gap ranging from 5.63 (2015) to 7.46 (2018) years, and the average age of both groups increased annually. The frequency of newly identified PLWHA who were infected through CHC had a remarkable increase among the ages of 65 and above. Gender distribution was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 8909.00(2015), 9941.90(2016), 11,004.00 (2017), 12,836.00(2018), all P < 0.0001), and the ratio of men to women in the NMCHC group was 1.50:1 (2015), 1.51:1 (2016), 1.54:1 (2017), and 1.52:1 (2018), while in the commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) group, these ratios were 11.45:1 (2015), 12.08:1 (2016), 12.53:1 (2017), and 13.28:1 (2018). Marital status was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 94.67 (2015), 109.88(2016), 58.18(2017), 152.38(2018), all P < 0.0001). As the educational level improved, the proportion of NMNCHC also increased (Cochran - Armitage test, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that heterosexual transmission was the primary mode of HIV transmission in China from 2015 to 2018. PLWHA infected through CHC and NMNCHC had different characteristics in age, gender, marital status, and educational level. The frequency of PLWHA infected through CHC increased substantially in the age group of 65 and above. This study provides useful baseline data for future studies on the heterosexual transmission of HIV in China.

A method to alleviate false-positive results of the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay

To explore the effects of urea dissociation on reducing false-positive results of  the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay. A retrospective analysis was used to evaluate the false-positive rate of the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay. Six false-positive sera, six positive sera and six sera from patients with early HIV infection were collected. Dissociation was performed using 1 mol/L, 2 mol/L, 4 mol/L, 6 mol/L, or 8 mol/L urea, and HIV screening assay were then detected to select the appropriate concentration of urea dissociation. Next, 55 false-positive sera and 15 sera from early HIV infection were used to verify the best concentration of urea to achieve dissociation. Retrospective analysis showed that the COI of the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay in false-positive sera ranged from 1.0 to 200.0, and approximately 97.01%(227/234) of false-positive sera were in the range of 1.0-15.0. The avidity index (AI) in positive and false-positive sera decreased as the urea dissociation concentration increased. When the dissociation concentration was 6 mol/L, the AI of false-positive serum was between 0.0234 and 0.2567, and the AI of early HIV infection sera was between 0.4325 and 0.5017. The difference in AI between false-positive and positive samples was significant. When negativity was defined as an AI of less than 0.3970, the sensitivity and specificity were 100.0% and 100.0%, respectively. Urea-mediated dissociation could significantly reduce the false-positive rate of the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay with a low COI. Our findings provided a reference for distinguishing positive and false-positive of the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay.

A national survey of HIV knowledge, sexual practices and attitude towards homosexuality for HIV elimination among young people in China

Background Elimination of HIV is a public health priority in China, but there has been reports of an upsurge in HIV among young people. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the awareness of HIV knowledge, attitudes towards homosexuality and practice of sexual behaviours among Chinese aged 15-24 years.

METHODS

The face-to-face survey was conducted from June to August 2017, collecting data on sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related knowledge, attitudes towards homosexuality and practice of sexual behaviours among Chinese senior high school and university students. A generalised linear model (GLM) was used to assess the different levels of HIV knowledge between groups, and identify the key contributors to HIV knowledge scores.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 73.6% (1355/1840) of the students approached. The overall level of HIV-related knowledge was low (58.9%, 10.6/18); 48.0% (650/1355) supported same-sex marriage; and 6.9% (93/1355) self-identified as homosexual or bisexual. The major factors associated with higher scores [mean ± standard deviation (s.d.)] in HIV knowledge among students included: having received school-based HIV education (11.47 ± 3.51 vs 9.02 ± 4.14, P < 0.05); support for same-sex marriage (11.69 ± 3.33 vs 9.49 ± 4.29, P < 0.05) and older age (11.61 ± 2.78 vs 9.87 ± 4.17, P < 0.05). Compared with females, males were significantly more likely (all P < 0.05) to report masturbation (60.7% vs 7.6%), pornography experiences (77.4% vs 35.3%), sexual encounters (24.6% vs 12.3%), casual sex (37.0% vs 18.1%) and sex under the influence of alcohol (29.5% vs 12.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is is still much room for improvement in terms of HIV/AIDS prevention and health education for Chinese young people, and more comprehensive and diverse models of education for HIV prevention are urgently needed.

The genotype distribution, infection stage and drug resistance mutation profile of human immunodeficiency virus-1 among the infected blood donors from five Chinese blood centers, 2014-2017

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) exhibits high diversity and complexity in China, challenging the disease surveillance and antiretroviral therapy. Between July 1, 2014 and January 30, 2017, we investigated the profiles of HIV-1 infection stages, genotype distribution and drug resistance mutations (DRMs) using plasma samples from HIV Western blot (WB) confirmed blood donors from five Chinese blood centers (Chongqing, Guangxi, Luoyang, Mianyang, and Urumqi). HIV pol regions consisted of whole protease and partial reverse transcriptase were genotyped and analyzed for DRMs. Lag-Avidity testing was performed to identify the infection stages. Of the 356 HIV-1 WB positive samples tested by Lag-avidity assay, 19.1% (68/356) were recent infections. Genotyping on 356 amplified sequences presented the subtype distributions as following: CRF07_BC (65.7%), CRF08_BC (7.3%), CRF01_AE (19.1%), B (4.2%), CRF55_01B (3.1%), CRF59_01B (0.3%) and CRF68_01B (0.3%). No significant difference in genotype distribution was observed between recent and long-term infections. 48 DRMs were identified from 43 samples, indicating a drug resistance prevalence of 12.1% (43/356), which include seven protease inhibitors (PIs) accessory DRMs (Q58E, L23I and I84M), two PIs major DRMs (M46I, M46L), seven nucleoside RT inhibitors DRMs (D67N, K70Q, K219R and M184L), and 32 non-nucleoside RT inhibitors DRMs (K103N, V179E, K238N, V179D, E138G, G190E, A98G, Y188D and E138A). In addition, we had also identified CRFs from the 01B subtype including CRF55_01B (3.1%), CRF59_01B (0.3%) and CRF68_01B (0.3%). As an important part of the continuous monitoring of HIV-1 circulating strains among blood donors, our findings were expected to contribute to the comprehensive AIDS control and development of proper diagnostics for HIV-1 in China.

Social Capital in Old People Living with HIV Is Associated with Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Objective

Old people living with HIV (PLWH) are experiencing a lower quality of life (QoL) than their younger counterparts and have received insufficient attention in China. Given that social capital has been proven to be effective in improving QoL in other countries, we aimed to examine the association between social capital and QoL among old PLWH in China.

Methods

The data presented in this study was based on the baseline sample of an ongoing observational prospective cohort study, which was carried out from November 2018 to February 2019. Participants were old PLWH aged ≥50 in Sichuan, China, and were recruited by stratified multistage cluster sampling from 30 communities/towns. A total of 529 eligible participants finished the face-to-face investigation to measure their social capital (i.e., individual and family- (IF-) based social capital and community and society- (CS-) based social capital) and QoL. The QoL's dimensions of physical health summary (PCS) and mental health summary (MCS) were taken as dependent variables. Stepwise linear regression models were used to examine the association between social capital and QoL.

Results

After considering all significant covariates, the PCS was nonsignificantly correlated with IF-based social capital (β = −0.08, 95% CI [-0.28-0.11]) and CS-based social capital (β = 0.28, 95% CI [-0.03-0.59]), and MCS was significantly correlated with IF-based social capital (β = 0.77, 95% CI [0.54-0.99], p < 0.001) and CS-based social capital (β = 0.40, 95% CI [0.08-0.72], p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Targeted interventions related to building up social capital should be applied to improve the QoL of old PLWH. Providing extra relief funds and allowances might be helpful to improve PCS; improving community networking and engagement and improving family care might be helpful to improve MCS among this vulnerable population.

Changing trends in the types of drug used and infectious disease prevalence among drug users in jiangsu province, china

BACKGROUND

In recent years, a boom of synthetic drugs, especially methamphetamine has been documented in China, however, the situation in Jiangsu was unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changing trends in types of drug used, examine the prevalence trends of HIV, syphilis and HCV over time and compare the demographic, drug and sexual behaviors among different types of people who use drugs (PWD) in Jiangsu Province, China.

METHODS

Consecutive cross-sectional studies were conducted from 2011 to 2015 in nine compulsory detoxification centers, which were HIV sentinel surveillance sites, in Jiangsu Province, China. A structured questionnaire was administered in a face-to-face interview with each participant to collect demographic, behavioral and laboratory information. Participants were classified into three types: opioids PWD (using heroin, opium, morphine and dolantin); stimulant PWD (using cocaine, methamphetamine, methylene dioxymetham-phetamine and Magu); poly-drug PWD (using opioids and stimulant drugs simultaneously).

RESULTS

Among a total of 16,164 PWD recruited from 2011 to 2015, the proportion of opioids PWD declined from 40.1% in 2011 to 11.8% in 2015, while the proportion of stimulant PWD increased from 53.6% to 84.3%. Overall HIV, syphilis, and HCV prevalence for the period was 0.3%, 9.6% and 31.6%, respectively. As types of drugs used shifted from opioids to stimulants, HIV prevalence increased (P = 0.031) while HCV decreased (P<0.001). HIV, syphilis and HCV prevalence trends varied across the three subgroups. Injection and needle-sharing behaviors differed between opioids and stimulant PWD, whereas unsafe sexual behaviors were similar. Poly-drug PWD might have higher risks for these infections due to combinations of unsafe sexual and injection behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Although the trend of drugs used have changed over time, HIV, syphilis and HCV infection risk behaviors among PWD still exist. Therefore, traditional intervention strategies should seek to address the challenge of increasing stimulant PWD. Access to convenient testing services, as well as pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV risk reduction should be improved among PWD. Antiviral treatment for HCV should be added to medical insurance coverage as soon as possible in Jiangsu Province.

Predicting the diagnosis of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men using machine learning approaches

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop machine learning models and evaluate their performance in predicting HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosis based on a cohort of Australian men who have sex with men (MSM).

METHODS

We collected clinical records of 21,273 Australian MSM during 2011-2017. We compared accuracies for predicting HIV and STIs (syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia) diagnosis using four machine learning approaches against a multivariable logistic regression (MLR) model.

RESULTS

Machine learning approaches consistently outperformed MLR. Gradient boosting machine (GBM) achieved the highest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for HIV (76.3%) and STIs (syphilis, 85.8%; gonorrhoea, 75.5%; chlamydia, 68.0%), followed by extreme gradient boosting (71.1%, 82.2%, 70.3%, 66.4%), random forest (72.0%, 81.9%, 67.2%, 64.3%), deep learning (75.8%, 81.0%, 67.5%, 65.4%) and MLR (69.8%, 80.1%, 67.2%, 63.2%). GBM models demonstrated the ten greatest predictors collectively explained 62.7-73.6% of variations in predicting HIV/STIs. STIs symptoms, past syphilis infection, age, time living in Australia, frequency of condom use with casual male sexual partners during receptive anal sex and the number of casual male sexual partners in the past 12 months were most commonly identified predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning approaches are advantageous over multivariable logistic regression models in predicting HIV/STIs diagnosis.