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Dah TTE, De Baetselier I, Cuer B, Anoma C, Mensah E, Koné A, Diandé S, Dagnra CA, Faye-Kette HY, Yeo A, Yaya I, Spire B, Keita BD, Crucitti T, Vuylsteke B, Laurent C. Frequent chlamydia and gonorrhoea but very infrequent syphilis among men who have sex with men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in West Africa. Sex Transm Infect 2024; 100:201-207. [PMID: 38604698 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-056000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is being rolled out in West Africa, data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in PrEP users are scarce. We assessed the prevalence, incidence and determinants of bacterial STIs in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking PrEP in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Togo. METHODS A prospective cohort study among MSM initiating PrEP as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package was conducted between 2017 and 2021 in community-based clinics in the four study countries. Molecular screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) was performed at months 0, 6 and 12. Serological testing for syphilis was performed every 3 months over the first year of follow-up. Determinants of CT and/or NG incidence were identified using Poisson generalised linear mixed models. RESULTS A total of 598 participants with a median age of 24.7 years were included. Prevalence of CT and/or NG was 24.4% (95% CI 21.0 to 28.1), 22.4% (95% CI 18.4 to 26.8) and 29.0% (95% CI 24.2 to 34.1) at months 0, 6 and 12, respectively. The prevalence of syphilis ranged from 0.2% (95% CI 0.0 to 0.9) at month 0 to 0.8% (95% CI 0.2 to 2.4) at month 12. Ninety incident CT and/or NG infections occurred during a total follow-up time of 280.6 person-years (incidence rate 32.1 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 25.8 to 39.4). Three incident syphilis infections were detected during a total follow-up time of 459.7 person-years (incidence rate 0.7 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.9). CT and/or NG incidence was associated with condomless insertive anal sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.71, p=0.038). CONCLUSIONS CT and NG were frequent but syphilis was very infrequent in MSM using HIV PrEP in West Africa. HIV programme managers should integrate STI services into PrEP programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Université de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Irith De Baetselier
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Cuer
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Amadou Koné
- University of Sciences Technics and Technologies, Bamako, Mali
| | - Souba Diandé
- Laboratoire National de Recherche sur la Tuberculose et les Mycobactéries, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Hortense Yaobla Faye-Kette
- Département de Bactériologie-Virologie, Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- Laboratoire Central, CHU Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Alain Yeo
- Institut Pasteur Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Issifou Yaya
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Spire
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, ISSPAM Marseille France, Marseille, France
| | | | - Tania Crucitti
- Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Christian Laurent
- TransVIHMI, University of Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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Mohareb AM, Kouamé MG, Nouaman M, Kim AY, Larmarange J, Neilan AM, Lacombe K, Freedberg KA, Boyd A, Coffie P, Hyle EP. What does the scale-up of long-acting HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis mean for the global hepatitis B epidemic? J Int AIDS Soc 2024; 27:e26218. [PMID: 38444112 PMCID: PMC10935702 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) epidemics are interconnected with shared routes of transmission and specific antiviral drugs that are effective against both viruses. Nearly, 300 million people around the world live with chronic HBV, many of whom are from priority populations who could benefit from HIV prevention services. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV has implications in the prevention and treatment of HBV infection, but many people at increased risk of HIV acquisition may instead prefer long-acting formulations of PrEP, which are currently not active against HBV. DISCUSSION People at increased risk for HIV acquisition may also be at risk for or already be living with HBV infection. Oral PrEP with tenofovir is effective in preventing both HIV and HBV, and tenofovir is also the recommended treatment for chronic HBV infection. Although implementation of oral PrEP has been challenging in sub-Saharan Africa, investments in its scale-up could secondarily reduce the clinical impact of HBV. Long-acting PrEP, including injectable medicines and implantable rings, may overcome some of the implementation challenges associated with oral PrEP, such as daily pill burden, adherence challenges and stigma; however, current formulations of long-acting PrEP do not have activity against HBV replication. Ideally, PrEP programmes would offer both oral and long-acting formulations with HBV screening to optimize HIV prevention services and HBV prevention and care, when appropriate. People who are not immune to HBV would benefit from being vaccinated against HBV before initiating long-acting PrEP. People who remain non-immune to HBV despite vaccination may benefit from being offered oral, tenofovir-based PrEP given its potential for HBV PrEP. People using PrEP and living with HBV who are not linked to dedicated HBV care would also benefit from laboratory monitoring at PrEP sites to ensure safety when using and after stopping tenofovir. PrEP programmes are ideal venues to offer HBV screening, HBV vaccination for people who are non-immune and treatment with tenofovir-based PrEP for people with indications for HBV therapy. CONCLUSIONS Long-acting PrEP holds promise for reducing HIV incidence, but its implications for the HBV epidemic, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, should not be overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir M. Mohareb
- Medical Practice Evaluation CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS ResearchBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Menan Gérard Kouamé
- Département de Santé PubliqueUFR d'Odonto‐stomatologieUniversité Félix Houphouët BoignyAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Marcellin Nouaman
- Département de Santé PubliqueUFR d'Odonto‐stomatologieUniversité Félix Houphouët BoignyAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Arthur Y. Kim
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS ResearchBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Joseph Larmarange
- Centre Population et DéveloppementUniversité Paris Cité, IRD, InsermParisFrance
| | - Anne M. Neilan
- Medical Practice Evaluation CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS ResearchBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of General Academic PediatricsDepartment of PediatricsMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, IPLESPParisFrance
- Department of Infectious DiseasesSt. Antoine Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Kenneth A. Freedberg
- Medical Practice Evaluation CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS ResearchBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of General Internal MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Anders Boyd
- Stichting HIV MonitoringAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPublic Health Service of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Infectious DiseasesAmsterdamthe Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious DiseasesAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Patrick Coffie
- Département de Santé PubliqueUFR d'Odonto‐stomatologieUniversité Félix Houphouët BoignyAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
- Département de Dermatologie et InfectiologieUniversité Félix Houphouët‐BoignyAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - Emily P. Hyle
- Medical Practice Evaluation CenterMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard University Center for AIDS ResearchBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Kamusiime B, Beima-Sofie K, Chhun N, Nalumansi A, Nalukwago GK, Kasiita V, Twesige CC, Kansiime R, Muwonge TR, Kyambadde P, Kadama H, Mudiope P, Glick S, Lambdin B, Mujugira A, Heffron R. "Take services to the people": strategies to optimize uptake of PrEP and harm reduction services among people who inject drugs in Uganda. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:13. [PMID: 38395940 PMCID: PMC10893723 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of HIV acquisition and often encounter barriers to accessing healthcare services. Uganda has high HIV prevalence among PWID and lacks integrated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction services. Understanding PWID experiences accessing and using harm reduction services and PrEP will inform strategies to optimize integration that align with PWID needs and priorities. METHODS Between May 2021 and March 2023, we conducted semi-structured interviews with PWID in Kampala, Uganda. We recruited participants with and without previous experience accessing harm reduction services and/or PrEP using purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were audio recorded, translated, and transcribed. We used thematic analysis to characterize motivations for uptake of harm reduction and HIV prevention services, and strategies to optimize delivery of needle and syringe programs (NSP), medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and PrEP. RESULTS We conducted interviews with 41 PWID. Most participants were relatively aware of their personal HIV risk and accurately identified situations that increased risk, including sharing needles and engaging in transactional sex. Despite risk awareness, participants described engaging in known HIV risk behaviors to satisfy immediate drug use needs. All reported knowledge of harm reduction services, especially distribution of sterile needles and syringes, and many reported having experience with MOUD. Participants who had accessed MOUD followed two primary trajectories; limited resources and relationships with other PWID caused them to discontinue treatment while desire to regain something they believed was lost to their drug use motivated them to continue. Overall, PrEP knowledge among participants was limited and few reported ever taking PrEP. However, participants supported integrating PrEP into harm reduction service delivery and advocated for changes in how these services are accessed. Stigma experienced in healthcare facilities and challenges acquiring money for transportation presented barriers to accessing current facility-based harm reduction and HIV prevention services. CONCLUSIONS Meeting the HIV prevention needs of PWID in Uganda will require lowering barriers to access, including integrated delivery of PrEP and harm reduction services and bringing services directly to communities. Additional training in providing patient-centered care for healthcare providers may improve uptake of facility-based services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Kamusiime
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristin Beima-Sofie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Nok Chhun
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | | | - Vicent Kasiita
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Ritah Kansiime
- Most-At-Risk Populations Initiative (MARPI), National STI Control Unit, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Peter Kyambadde
- Most-At-Risk Populations Initiative (MARPI), National STI Control Unit, Kampala, Uganda
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Sara Glick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Barrot Lambdin
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Research Triangle Institute, Berkeley, USA
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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Mthimkhulu N, Chidumwa G, Kutywayo A, Mataboge P, Martin CE, Kwatsha K, Makalela N, Mazibuko M, Butler V, Mullick S. Factors influencing the uptake of a mono-PrEP implant for the prevention of HIV: Males' perspectives from three South African provinces. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296341. [PMID: 38166044 PMCID: PMC10760848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention method; however, males over 15 years face challenges with its effective use. Long-acting prevention products could address barriers to effective PrEP use. This study aimed to estimate the potential uptake of a mono-PrEP implant and the factors influencing uptake among males in South Africa. The study also examined messaging and demand creation tactics that males perceive will improve HIV prevention uptake. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods study comprising participatory workshops and a self-administered survey among 142 PrEP-eligible males (18-40 years) in three provinces (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and Kwa-Zulu Natal) in South Africa from July to November 2022. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the potential uptake of a hypothetical, non-biodegradable mono-PrEP implant and socioeconomic and behavioural factors. Workshop data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS The top three HIV prevention products that males would consider using were the monthly pill (74.6%), the mono-PrEP implant (62.7%), and event-driven oral PrEP (59.2%). If one prevention option was available, 31.7% of participants stated that they would use the monthly oral pill, 28.2% would use the six-monthly injection, and 19.7% the mono-PrEP implant. Four key themes were noted as influential to potential mono-PrEP uptake: "Health Over Everything", "Mono-PrEP Implant Concerns", "Potential Disclosure of Mono-PrEP Use", and "Information Distribution Channels". Participants preferred social and mainstream media as information distribution channels to receive information on HIV prevention services, including the mono-PrEP implant. CONCLUSION In this study among predominantly heterosexual men in South Africa, there was interest in long-acting HIV prevention methods but concerns about the mono-PrEP implant. A comprehensive and participatory introduction will be needed for the implant, to improve acceptability and address potential concerns. Demand-creation strategies utilising social media and health campaigns should be considered to engage and reach males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nqaba Mthimkhulu
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Glory Chidumwa
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison Kutywayo
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Paballo Mataboge
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Khanyiswa Kwatsha
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Mbali Mazibuko
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vusile Butler
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Reyniers T, Fiorentino M, Babo SAY, Ouedraogo M, Kanta I, Agbegnigan LE, Rojas D, Anoma C, Dah TTE, Mensah E, Keita BD, Spire B, Vuylsteke B, Laurent C. The Perceived Added Value of Bimonthly Injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis According to West African Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Focus Group Study. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2023; 37:480-488. [PMID: 37862074 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2023.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Bimonthly long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) can become an important additional tool for HIV prevention among West African men who have sex with men (MSM). The objective was to explore the perceived added value of LAI-PrEP as an HIV prevention tool among MSM in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. We conducted eight focus group discussions among 62 HIV-negative MSM between April and May 2021. Participants were recruited via local community-based clinics. Data collection and analysis were guided by grounded theory and community-based participatory approaches. Participants were generally knowledgeable about HIV, and explained particular barriers for HIV prevention in their communities (e.g., denial of HIV). The added value of LAI-PrEP relative to condoms was similar to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in terms of perceived advantages (e.g., improved sexual satisfaction) or disadvantages (e.g., no protection against other sexually transmitted infections). Compared with oral PrEP, LAI-PrEP was perceived to provide better protection against HIV and to be more convenient (e.g., no need to be mindful of intake and less risk for stigma). Concerns included fear of needles, doubts about efficacy, potential side effects, and difficulties for ensuring timely injections (e.g., when traveling abroad). The results demonstrate that injectable PrEP can be of particular interest to subgroups of West African MSM, although existing HIV prevention tools such as condoms and oral PrEP will remain valuable alongside of, or instead of, LAI-PrEP. Increasing awareness about HIV and tackling discrimination based on sexual orientation continue to be crucial factors to be addressed for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Reyniers
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marion Fiorentino
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Rojas
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
- Coalition Plus, Community-Based Research Laboratory, Pantin, France
| | | | - Ter Tiero Elias Dah
- Association African Solidarité, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
- UFR Sciences de la Santé, Université de Ouahigouya, Ouahigouya, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Bruno Spire
- INSERM, IRD, Sciences Economiques et Sociales de la Santé et Traitement de l'Information Médicale (SESSTIM), ISSPAM, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Bea Vuylsteke
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christian Laurent
- TransVIHMI, Université Montpellier, IRD, Inserm, Montpellier, France
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