Sexually transmitted infections in women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Terry Beirn Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS (CPCRA)

Incidence and predictors of reinfection with trichomoniasis based on nucleic acid amplification testing results in HIV-infected patients

Trichomonas vaginalis infection contributes to HIV transmission. The study objective was to determine the incidence and predictors of T. vaginalis reinfection among HIV-infected women in Birmingham, Alabama. A retrospective cohort study of women at an urban HIV clinic from August 2014 to March 2016 with T. vaginalis by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) was conducted. Time to first episode of reinfection was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The association of various predictors was evaluated by univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses. Of 612 HIV-infected women at the UAB HIV clinic tested for T. vaginalis by the Aptima TV assay, 110 (18.0%) were identified with prevalent T. vaginalis infection. Overall, 25/110 (22.7%) had a first episode of T. vaginalis reinfection by NAAT with a rate of 3.7 reinfections per 100 person-months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3, 5.2). In univariate analysis, only an HIV viral load (VL) ≥200 copies/ml approached statistical significance (hazard ratio = 2.26; 95% CI: 0.97, 5.29, p = 0.06). After adjusting for age and race, the association of HIV VL ≥200 copies/ml remained strong (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.49; 95% CI: 0.99, 6.27, p = 0.05). T. vaginalis reinfection was high among HIV-infected women in this sample, necessitating enhanced disease control efforts in this high-risk population.

Unsafe sexual behaviors among HIV-positive men and women in Honduras: the role of discrimination, condom access, and gender

BACKGROUND

We conducted a study among HIV-positive men and women in Honduras to describe demographics, HIV risk behaviors and sexually transmitted infection prevalence, and identify correlates of unsafe sex.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from HIV clinics and nongovernmental organizations in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, Honduras in a cross-sectional study in 2006. We used audio-assisted computer interviews on demographics; behaviors in the past 12 months, 6 months, and 30 days; and access to care. Assays performed included herpes (HSV-2 Herpes Select), syphilis (rapid plasma reagin [RPR] and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay [TPPA]) serology, and other sexually transmitted infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess variables associated with unprotected sex across all partner types in the past 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 810 participants, 400 were from Tegucigalpa and 410 from San Pedro Sula; 367 (45%) were men. Mean age was 37 years (interquartile range: 31-43). Consistent condom use for men and women was below 60% for all partner types. In multivariate analysis, unprotected sex was more likely among women (odds ratio [OR]: 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-3.1, P = 0.007), those with HIV diagnoses within the past year (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7, P = 0.016), those reporting difficulty accessing condoms (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4-4.7, P = 0.003), and those reporting discrimination (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Programs targeting HIV-positive patients need to address gender-based disparities, improve condom access and use, and help establish a protective legal and policy environment free of stigma and discrimination.

Longitudinal effects of SafeTalk, a motivational interviewing-based program to improve safer sex practices among people living with HIV/AIDS

Programs to help people living with HIV/AIDS practice safer sex are needed to prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We sought to assess the impact of SafeTalk, a multicomponent motivational interviewing-based safer sex program, on HIV-infected patients' risky sexual behavior. We enrolled sexually active adult HIV-infected patients from one of three clinical sites in North Carolina and randomized them to receive the 4-session SafeTalk intervention versus a hearthealthy attention-control. There was no significant difference in the proportion of people having unprotected sex between the two arms at enrollment. SafeTalk significantly reduced the number of unprotected sex acts with at-risk partners from baseline, while in controls the number of unprotected sex acts increased. Motivational interviewing can provide an effective, flexible prevention intervention for a heterogeneous group of people living with HIV.

Incident sexually transmitted infections among persons living with diagnosed HIV/AIDS in New York City, 2001-2002: a population-based assessment

OBJECTIVE/GOAL

To describe the incidence of 3 bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) in New York City (NYC) and to identify predictors for STI acquisition.

STUDY DESIGN

The surveillance registry of PLWHA diagnosed with HIV through December 31, 2000, and reported to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene was matched with the surveillance registry of persons diagnosed with other STIs during 2001-2002. Incident STIs were defined as cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or early syphilis acquired after HIV diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among 62,264 NYC PLWHA, 1466 (2.4%) had an incident STI diagnosed during 2001-2002. Two-year cumulative STI incidence was highest among PLWHA who were men (2.6%), non-Hispanic white (3.2%), aged 13-24 years (8.4%), men who have sex with men (4.5%), and persons living with HIV (non-AIDS) (4.1%). Predictors of STI acquisition among PLWHA varied substantially by STI type.

CONCLUSIONS

This population-based surveillance registry cross-match reveals that high-risk sexual practices occur among specific segments of the NYC PLWHA population. To decrease associated morbidity and prevent the secondary spread of HIV and STIs, prevention efforts should focus on PLWHA who continue to engage in high-risk sexual activity.

Associations Between Recent Gender-Based Violence and Pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Condom Use Practices, and Negotiation of Sexual Practices Among HIV-Positive Women

BACKGROUND

This study sought to document the prevalence of recent gender-based violence (rGBV) among seropositive women and to determine the association between rGBV and pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), condom use, and negotiation of sexual practices.

METHODS

A total of 304 seropositive women recruited from HIV clinics in the southeastern United States who reported being sexually active in the previous 6 months with 1 partner were included in analyses. Gender-based violence during the previous 3 months, condom use, and negotiation of sexual practices were assessed. Biologic samples for pregnancy and STI testing were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 10.2% of women reported a history of rGBV. rGBV was related to inconsistent condom use practices, pregnancy, and abuse stemming from requests for condom use. No associations were found between rGBV and negotiation of sexual practices and STIs.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of rGBV among HIV-positive women emphasizes the need for screening of abuse and highlights the need for the design and implementation of integrated intervention approaches necessary in addressing the needs of this population.

"He won't use condoms": HIV-infected women's struggles in primary relationships with serodiscordant partners

We investigated the sexual behaviors of 55 HIV-infected women in Wisconsin who narrated their lives in 10 interviews over 2 years during 2000 to 2003. We sought to examine the interpersonal situations in which sexual risk occurred. During the prospective period, 58% (32) were abstinent and 24% (13) practiced safe sex exclusively. The remaining 18% (10) engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse, but only in primary partnerships, almost all of which were with serodiscordant partners. We focused on experiential detail and narrative depth of 10 women who had sex without condoms. These narratives demonstrate how the women attempted to initiate condom use but engaged in unprotected sexual intercourse regularly at the insistence of their partners. Consequently, these women lived in trepidation of causing their partners' sickness and death.

Care and management of the infant of the HIV-1-infected mother

Mother-to-child transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus continues to be a major global health problem. The pediatric HIV-1 epidemic is fueled by HIV-1 infection in women of childbearing age with vertical transmission in utero or at the time of birth. In resource-rich countries, the birth of an infected child is a sentinel health event signaling a chain of missed opportunities and barriers to prevention. Because the fate and ultimate HIV-infection status of the baby is inextricably linked to the infection status of the mother and her general state of well-being, we provide in this review: 1) background and state-of-the-art management guidelines for optimum maternal care; 2) strategies to minimize the risk of vertical transmission of HIV; and 3) recommendations for managing infants born to HIV-infected women. These are discussed under four case scenarios that obstetric and pediatric providers frequently encounter in their practices.

A randomized controlled trial to reduce HIV transmission risk behaviors and sexually transmitted diseases among women living with HIV: The WiLLOW Program

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of an intervention to reduce HIV transmission risk behaviors and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and enhance HIV-preventive psychosocial and structural factors among women living with HIV.

DESIGN

A randomized controlled trial of 366 women living with HIV in Alabama and Georgia.

INTERVENTION

The intervention emphasized gender pride, maintaining current and identifying new network members, HIV transmission knowledge, communication and condom use skills, and healthy relationships.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Unprotected vaginal intercourse. OTHER OUTCOMES: Proportion never used condoms, incident STDs, psychosocial factors, and number of supportive network members.

RESULTS

Over the 12-month follow-up, women in the WiLLOW intervention, relative to the comparison, reported fewer episodes of unprotected vaginal intercourse (1.8 vs. 2.5; P = 0.022); were less likely to report never using condoms (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; P = 0.008); had a lower incidence of bacterial infections (Chlamydia and gonorrhea) (OR = 0.19; P = 0.006); reported greater HIV knowledge and condom use self-efficacy, more network members, fewer beliefs that condoms interfere with sex, and fewer partner-related barriers to condom use; and demonstrated greater skill in using condoms.

CONCLUSION

This is the first trial to demonstrate reductions in risky sexual behavior and incident bacterial STDs and to enhance HIV-preventive psychosocial and structural factors among women living with HIV.

Women and human immunodeficiency virus: unique management issues

Women currently account for an increasing proportion of the US population infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although women suffer from similar HIV-related complications as men, they also can have unique gynecologic manifestations, such as cervical dysplasia or severe pelvic inflammatory disease. Other gender-specific management issues include contraception and pregnancy. Fortunately, today the perinatal HIV transmission rate can be lowered to less than 2% with appropriate management. More couples, including those discordant for HIV infection, are opting to pursue conception. Providers caring for HIV-infected women should be knowledgeable about reproductive choices, including the full array of available options. Strategies shown to improve access of health care to HIV-infected women include integrating gynecologic services with primary care, daily availability of medical services, provision of transportation, and provision of on-site childcare.

Incidence and risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among women in an Alabama HIV clinic

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and incidence of curable sexually transmitted infections (STI), i.e., gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, or trichomoniasis, in a cohort of HIV-infected women. The study population was derived from women seeking primary care at an outpatient university HIV clinic who were participants in a women's natural history study. Enrollees (n = 225) were predominantly African-American, heterosexually infected, with mean age 35 years. Mean entry CD4+ T cell count was 405 cells/mm3. Over 6% were STI positive at initial screening. Subsequently, the combined curable STI incidence was 4.82/1000 woman-months over a median of 33 months of observation. Of 36 incident STIs, trichomoniasis was most common (n = 32). Predictors for acquisition of a curable STI included absenteeism at scheduled clinic appointments, RR = 1.99 (1.28, 3.08), and a higher CD4+ T cell count, RR = 1.15 (1.0028, 1.3115) for 100 cells. Interventions to prevent curable STI in HIV-infected women are warranted in primary care settings.

Importance of Sex Partner HIV Status in HIV Risk Assessment Among Men Who have Sex With Men

Clinical HIV risk assessments have not typically integrated questions about sex partners' HIV status with questions about condom use and type of sex. Since 2001, we have asked all men who have sex with men (MSM) evaluated in an urban sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic how often in the preceding 12 months they used condoms for anal sex with partners who were HIV-positive, HIV-negative, and of unknown HIV status. Overall, MSM displayed a pattern of assortative mixing by HIV status, particularly for unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). Nevertheless, 433 (27%) of 1580 MSM who denied knowing they were HIV-positive and 93 (43%) of 217 HIV-positive MSM reported having UAI with a partner of opposite or unknown HIV status. Among men who denied previously knowing they were HIV-positive, 24 (9.6%) of 251 MSM who reported having UAI with an HIV-positive partner or partner of unknown HIV status compared with 11 (1.7%) of 620 MSM who denied such exposure tested HIV-positive (odds ratio=5.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.8-12.1). UAI with an HIV-positive partner or partner with unknown HIV status was 69% sensitive and 73% specific in identifying men with previously undiagnosed HIV infection; UAI regardless of partner HIV status was 80% sensitive but only 45% specific. The positive predictive value was highest for risk assessments that included partner HIV status. Integrating questions about anal sex partner HIV status and condom use identifies MSM at greatest risk for HIV acquisition and transmission. These risk criteria might be effectively used to triage MSM into more intensive prevention interventions.

Trichomonas vaginalis Among HIV-Infected Women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) among HIV-infected populations. The relationship between Tv and immune status and HIV viral load as affected by protease inhibitor (PI) use has not been well examined.

GOAL

The goals were to evaluate the association between Tv and both immune status and PI use among HIV-infected women, and to characterize factors associated with Tv among HIV-infected women.

STUDY DESIGN

We used a retrospective cohort study conducted between 1990 and 2000.

RESULTS

Of 1578 women, the majority was under 35 years, black (AA), and infected heterosexually or with unidentified risk. Thirty percent (30.2%) had Tv at least once, and 36.9% had at least one subsequent positive test; Tv was more common than chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, or syphilis. After adjusting for follow-up time, young age, AA race, substance use, and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were associated with initial Tv infection, but pregnancy, immune status, and PI use were not associated. After adjusting for follow-up time, having other STDs was associated with and pregnancy was protective of subsequent Tv positivity, but immune status and PI use were not associated; neither were age, race, or substance use.

CONCLUSION

Tv is a common STD among HIV-infected women and does not appear to be associated with immune status or PI use. Aggressive screening might represent a means of reducing the incidence and prevalence of Tv.

New sexually transmitted diseases in HIV-infected patients: markers for ongoing HIV transmission behavior

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to describe the rate of new sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among HIV-infected patients and to define the behavioral and clinical characteristics of HIV-infected patients who return with a new STD in follow-up.

DESIGN

The study design was a record-based clinical cohort study focusing on patients testing HIV-seropositive in the STD clinics of Baltimore, Maryland from 1993 to 1998.

METHODS

The authors identified those HIV-infected patients later diagnosed with an STD in follow-up and compared their demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics with those who were not diagnosed with an STD in follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 796 men and 354 women with HIV infection, 13.9% of men and 11.9% of women were diagnosed with an STD after their initial HIV diagnosis. HIV-infected men returned with a new STD at a rate of 7 cases per 100 person-years; HIV-infected women returned at a rate of 5.6 cases per 100 person-years. In men, multiple sex partners and sex worker contact were associated with a subsequent STD diagnosis (OR = 1.67, p =.037; OR = 1.82, p =.015, respectively). In women, age younger than 30 years was associated with the diagnosis of an STD after the diagnosis of HIV infection (OR = 2.94, p =.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients diagnosed with HIV in an STD clinic setting commonly return with new STDs in follow-up, suggesting continued exposure of HIV to others. More intensive screening and counseling interventions focused on STD prevention in those with HIV infection is a necessary HIV prevention strategy.

Incidence and predictors of reinfection with Trichomonas vaginalis in HIV-infected women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may facilitate transmission of HIV to uninfected partners.

GOAL

To describe the incidence of reinfection with Trichomonas vaginalis in HIV-infected women and to assess predictors of reinfection.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study using data abstracted from medical records of HIV-infected women with at least one diagnosis of trichomoniasis.

RESULTS

Approximately one third (36%) of the study population was reinfected with T vaginalis during the follow-up period, with an incidence of 16.4 reinfections per 100 person years. Significant predictors of reinfection included history of another STI (hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.08-2.14) and becoming pregnant during the follow-up period (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high rate of reinfection with T vaginalis in HIV-infected women. Further research that includes information on sexual partners should be conducted to better describe the reinfection patterns of trichomoniasis.

Sexually transmitted infections in European HIV-infected women: incidence in relation to time from infection. European Study on the Natural History of HIV Infection in Women

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in HIV-infected women in relation to time from infection and sexual behaviour.

DESIGN

The European study on the natural history of HIV infection in women is a prospective cohort study of 487 HIV-infected women with a known interval of seroconversion from 12 European countries.

METHODS

Incidence was measured with person-time methods. Generalized estimating equations analysis was used to determine risk factors for STI.

RESULTS

At entry, 15% of the women were diagnosed with at least one acute STI (chlamydial infection, trichomoniasis or gonorrhoea), 10% with at least one other STI (genital warts or genital ulcerations) and 13% with vaginal candidiasis. Although frequently diagnosed during follow-up, the occurrence of acute STI and vaginal candidiasis decreased, whereas the occurrence of other STI increased with ongoing time from HIV infection. Furthermore, women with a history of prostitution [relative risk (RR), 2.00; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.20-3.33] and women with irregular condom use (RR, 7.74; 95% CI, 3.52-17.0) were at higher risk for an acute STI.

CONCLUSIONS

Although STI diagnoses were frequent, the occurrence of acute STI declined with time from infection which might be explained by changed sexual behaviour over time. The occurrence of other STI increased with time from HIV infection, presumably due to reactivation as a result of immunosuppression.

Predictors and risk-taking consequences of drug use among HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVE

To determine rates of drug use among women with HIV, and to examine associations between drug use, health, risk behavior, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort study of 260 women with confirmed HIV-positive serostatus.

METHODS

Each participant contributed a self-report interview, a clinical examination, laboratory testing of cultures for Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and urinalysis for the presence of metabolites of cocaine and opiates. Data were examined on 140 women at 1-year follow-up. Women were defined as drug users if they reported crack, cocaine, or heroin use in the 6 months before the interview or if they had a positive toxicologic test result for cocaine or opiates.

RESULTS

34% of those in the sample were classified as positive for drug use. Drug use was associated with the number of sexual partners, age at first intercourse, prevalence of STDs, and lower quality of life. STDs were present at baseline in 33.7% and 15.5% of drug users and nonusers, respectively. Drug use among this population was also associated at both baseline and follow-up with the likelihood of having a Karnofsky score below 80, and with overall perceived general health.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug users in this cohort were more likely to engage in behaviors that place them at risk for STDs, to have elevated STD prevalence, and to have lower perceived health across several indices. Identification of drug use and treatment for it need to be a central component of HIV care for women.