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Blenkinsop A, Pantazis N, Kostaki EG, Sofocleous L, van Sighem A, Bezemer D, van de Laar T, van der Valk M, Reiss P, de Bree G, Ratmann O. Sources of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With a Migration Background: A Viral Phylogenetic Case Study in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. J Infect Dis 2024:jiae267. [PMID: 38976562 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiae267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men and women with a migration background comprise an increasing proportion of incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases across Western Europe. METHODS To characterize sources of transmission in local transmission chains, we used partial HIV consensus sequences with linked demographic and clinical data from the opt-out AIDS Therapy Evaluation in the Netherlands (ATHENA) cohort of people with HIV in the Netherlands and identified phylogenetically and epidemiologically possible HIV transmission pairs in Amsterdam. We interpreted these in the context of estimated infection dates, and quantified population-level sources of transmission to foreign-born and Dutch-born Amsterdam men who have sex with men (MSM) within Amsterdam transmission chains. RESULTS We estimate that Dutch-born MSM were the predominant sources of infections among all Amsterdam MSM who acquired their infection locally in 2010-2021, and among almost all foreign-born Amsterdam MSM subpopulations. Stratifying by 2-year intervals indicated time trends in transmission dynamics, with a majority of infections originating from foreign-born MSM since 2016, although uncertainty ranges remained wide. CONCLUSIONS Native-born MSM have predominantly driven HIV transmissions in Amsterdam in 2010-2021. However, in the context of rapidly declining incidence in Amsterdam, the contribution from foreign-born MSM living in Amsterdam is increasing, with some evidence that most local transmissions have been from foreign-born Amsterdam MSM since 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikos Pantazis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Georgia Kostaki
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Marc van der Valk
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, The Netherlands
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Godelieve de Bree
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Ratmann
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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A 95% decline in estimated newly acquired HIV infections, Amsterdam, 2010 to 2022. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2300515. [PMID: 37796442 PMCID: PMC10557385 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.40.2300515] [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: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The infrastructure in cities provides unique opportunities to eliminate HIV. Since 2014, the HIV Transmission Elimination AMsterdam Initiative, a consortium involved in HIV prevention and care, has employed an integrated approach to curb HIV incidence in Amsterdam. This effort contributed to the 95% decline in estimated newly acquired infections and the 79% decline in observed new HIV diagnoses in Amsterdam from 2010 to 2022. In 2022, Amsterdam reached and exceeded the 95-95-95 UNAIDS treatment cascade goals (98-95%-96%).
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Bogers S, Nieuwkerk P, van Dijk N, Schim van der Loeff M, Geerlings S, van Bergen J. Understanding the effect of an educational intervention to optimize HIV testing strategies in primary care in Amsterdam - results of a mixed-methods study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:201. [PMID: 37777732 PMCID: PMC10541686 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) play a key role in provider-initiated HIV testing, but opportunities for timely diagnosis are regularly missed. We implemented an educational intervention to improve HIV testing by GPs from 2015 to 2020, and observed a 7% increase in testing in an evaluation using laboratory data. The objective for the current study was to gain a deeper understanding of whether and how practices and perceptions of GPs' HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing behaviour changed following the intervention. METHODS We performed a mixed-methods study using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to assess self-reported changes in HIV/STI testing by participating GPs. Questionnaires were completed by participants at the end of the final educational sessions from 2017 through 2020, and participating GPs were interviewed from January through March 2020. Questionnaire data were analysed descriptively, and open question responses were categorised thematically. Interview data were analysed following thematic analysis methods. RESULTS In total, 101/103 participants completed questionnaires. Of 65 participants that were included in analyses on the self-reported effect of the programme, forty-seven (72%) reported it had changed their HIV/STI testing, including improved STI consultations, adherence to the STI consultation guideline, more proactive HIV testing, and more extragenital STI testing. Patients' risk factors, patients' requests and costs were most important in selecting STI tests ordered. Eight participants were interviewed and 15 themes on improved testing were identified, including improved HIV risk-assessment, more proactive testing for HIV/STI, more focus on HIV indicator conditions and extragenital STI testing, and tools to address HIV during consultations. However, several persistent barriers for optimal HIV/STI testing by GPs were identified, including HIV-related stigma and low perceived risk. CONCLUSIONS Most GPs reported improved HIV/STI knowledge, attitude and testing, but there was a discrepancy between reported changes in HIV testing and observed increases using laboratory data. Our findings highlight challenges in implementation of effective interventions, and in their evaluation. Lessons learned from this intervention may inform follow-up initiatives to keep GPs actively engaged in HIV testing and care, on our way to zero new HIV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Bogers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Pythia Nieuwkerk
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Mental Health, Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nynke van Dijk
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health, Center of Expertise Urban Vitality Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Schim van der Loeff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Geerlings
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan van Bergen
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- STI AIDS Netherlands, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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4
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Bogers S, Schim van der Loeff M, Boyd A, van Dijk N, Geerlings S, van Bergen J. Improving provider-initiated testing for HIV and other STI in the primary care setting in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Results from a multifaceted, educational intervention programme. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282607. [PMID: 36877664 PMCID: PMC9987818 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282607] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) play a key role in HIV testing. However, the proportion of people diagnosed with late-stage HIV remains high, and opportunities for earlier diagnosis are being missed. We implemented an educational intervention to improve HIV and STI testing in primary care in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. METHODS GPs were invited to participate in an educational program between 2015 and 2020, which included repeat sessions using audit and feedback and quality improvement plans. Data on HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing by GPs were collected from 2011 through 2020. The primary outcome was HIV testing frequency, which was compared between GPs before and after participation using Poisson regression. Secondary outcomes were chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing frequencies, and positive test proportions. Additional analyses stratified by patient sex and age were done. FINDINGS GPs after participation performed 7% more HIV tests compared to GPs before participation (adjusted relative ratio [aRR] 1.07, 95%CI 1.04-1.09); there was no change in the proportion HIV positive tests (aRR 0.87, 95%CI 0.63-1.19). HIV testing increased most among patients who were female and ≤19 or 50-64 years old. After participation, HIV testing continued to increase (aRR 1.02 per quarter, 95%CI 1.01-1.02). Chlamydia testing by GPs after participation increased by 6% (aRR 1.06, 95%CI 1.05-1.08), while gonorrhoea testing decreased by 2% (aRR 0.98, 95%CI 0.97-0.99). We observed increases specifically in extragenital chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing. CONCLUSIONS The intervention was associated with a modest increase in HIV testing among GPs after participation, while the proportion positive HIV tests remained stable. Our results suggest that the intervention yielded a sustained effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Bogers
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Internal Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Maarten Schim van der Loeff
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Internal Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anders Boyd
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nynke van Dijk
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Geerlings
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Internal Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Quality of Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van Bergen
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- STI AIDS Netherlands, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Blenkinsop A, Monod M, van Sighem A, Pantazis N, Bezemer D, Op de Coul E, van de Laar T, Fraser C, Prins M, Reiss P, de Bree GJ, Ratmann O. Estimating the potential to prevent locally acquired HIV infections in a UNAIDS Fast-Track City, Amsterdam. eLife 2022; 11:e76487. [PMID: 35920649 PMCID: PMC9545569 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background More than 300 cities including the city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands have joined the UNAIDS Fast-Track Cities initiative, committing to accelerate their HIV response and end the AIDS epidemic in cities by 2030. To support this commitment, we aimed to estimate the number and proportion of Amsterdam HIV infections that originated within the city, from Amsterdam residents. We also aimed to estimate the proportion of recent HIV infections during the 5-year period 2014-2018 in Amsterdam that remained undiagnosed. Methods We located diagnosed HIV infections in Amsterdam using postcode data (PC4) at time of registration in the ATHENA observational HIV cohort, and used HIV sequence data to reconstruct phylogeographically distinct, partially observed Amsterdam transmission chains. Individual-level infection times were estimated from biomarker data, and used to date the phylogenetically observed transmission chains as well as to estimate undiagnosed proportions among recent infections. A Bayesian Negative Binomial branching process model was used to estimate the number, size, and growth of the unobserved Amsterdam transmission chains from the partially observed phylogenetic data. Results Between 1 January 2014 and 1 May 2019, there were 846 HIV diagnoses in Amsterdam residents, of whom 516 (61%) were estimated to have been infected in 2014-2018. The rate of new Amsterdam diagnoses since 2014 (104 per 100,000) remained higher than the national rates excluding Amsterdam (24 per 100,000), and in this sense Amsterdam remained a HIV hotspot in the Netherlands. An estimated 14% [12-16%] of infections in Amsterdan MSM in 2014-2018 remained undiagnosed by 1 May 2019, and 41% [35-48%] in Amsterdam heterosexuals, with variation by region of birth. An estimated 67% [60-74%] of Amsterdam MSM infections in 2014-2018 had an Amsterdam resident as source, and 56% [41-70%] in Amsterdam heterosexuals, with heterogeneity by region of birth. Of the locally acquired infections, an estimated 43% [37-49%] were in foreign-born MSM, 41% [35-47%] in Dutch-born MSM, 10% [6-18%] in foreign-born heterosexuals, and 5% [2-9%] in Dutch-born heterosexuals. We estimate the majority of Amsterdam MSM infections in 2014-2018 originated in transmission chains that pre-existed by 2014. Conclusions This combined phylogenetic, epidemiologic, and modelling analysis in the UNAIDS Fast-Track City Amsterdam indicates that there remains considerable potential to prevent HIV infections among Amsterdam residents through city-level interventions. The burden of locally acquired infection remains concentrated in MSM, and both Dutch-born and foreign-born MSM would likely benefit most from intensified city-level interventions. Funding This study received funding as part of the H-TEAM initiative from Aidsfonds (project number P29701). The H-TEAM initiative is being supported by Aidsfonds (grant number: 2013169, P29701, P60803), Stichting Amsterdam Dinner Foundation, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corp. (study number: AI424-541), Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd (grant number: PA-HIV-PREP-16-0024), Gilead Sciences (protocol numbers: CO-NL-276-4222, CO-US-276-1712, CO-NL-985-6195), and M.A.C AIDS Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Blenkinsop
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and DevelopmentAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Mélodie Monod
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Nikos Pantazis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of AthensAthensGreece
| | | | - Eline Op de Coul
- Center for Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)BilthovenNetherlands
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, SanquinAmsterdamNetherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe GasthuisAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Christophe Fraser
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Reiss
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and DevelopmentAmsterdamNetherlands
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical CentersAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Godelieve J de Bree
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and DevelopmentAmsterdamNetherlands
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity InstituteAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Oliver Ratmann
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
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6
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van Bilsen WPH, Bil JP, Prins JM, Brinkman K, Leyten E, van Sighem A, Bedert M, Davidovich U, Burns F, Prins M. Testing and healthcare seeking behavior preceding HIV diagnosis among migrant and non-migrant individuals living in the Netherlands: Directions for early-case finding. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264435. [PMID: 35245293 PMCID: PMC8896686 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess differences in socio-demographics, HIV testing and healthcare seeking behavior between individuals diagnosed late and those diagnosed early after HIV-acquisition. Design Cross-sectional study among recently HIV-diagnosed migrant and non-migrant individuals living in the Netherlands. Methods Participants self-completed a questionnaire on socio-demographics, HIV-testing and healthcare seeking behavior preceding HIV diagnosis between 2013–2015. Using multivariable logistic regression, socio-demographic determinants of late diagnosis were explored. Variables on HIV-infection, testing and access to care preceding HIV diagnosis were compared between those diagnosed early and those diagnosed late using descriptive statistics. Results We included 143 individuals with early and 101 with late diagnosis, of whom respectively 59/143 (41%) and 54/101 (53%) were migrants. Late diagnosis was significantly associated with older age and being heterosexual. Before HIV diagnosis, 89% of those with early and 62% of those with late diagnosis had ever been tested for HIV-infection (p<0.001), and respectively 99% and 97% reported healthcare usage in the Netherlands in the two years preceding HIV diagnosis (p = 0.79). Individuals diagnosed late most frequently visited a general practitioner (72%) or dentist (62%), and 20% had been hospitalized preceding diagnosis. In these settings, only in respectively 20%, 2%, and 6% HIV-testing was discussed. Conclusion A large proportion of people diagnosed late had previously tested for HIV and had high levels of healthcare usage. For earlier-case finding of HIV it therefore seems feasible to successfully roll out interventions within the existing healthcare system. Simultaneously, efforts should be made to encourage future repeated or routine HIV testing among individuals whenever they undergo an HIV test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ward P. H. van Bilsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Janneke P. Bil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M. Prins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kees Brinkman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eliane Leyten
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Haaglanden Medical Center, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten Bedert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Udi Davidovich
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona Burns
- Insitute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Vourli G, Katsarolis I, Pantazis N, Touloumi G. HIV continuum of care: expanding scope beyond a cross-sectional view to include time analysis: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1699. [PMID: 34535096 PMCID: PMC8447660 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The continuum of care (CoC) model has been used to describe the main pillars of HIV care. This study aims to systematically review methods and elucidate gaps in the CoC analyses, especially in terms of the timing of the progression through steps, recognized nowadays as a critical parameter for an effective response to the epidemic. METHODS A PubMed and EMBASE databases search up to December 2019 resulted in 1918 articles, of which 209 were included in this review; 84 studies presented in major HIV conferences were also included. Studies that did not provide explicit definitions, modelling studies and those reporting only on metrics for subpopulations or factors affecting a CoC stage were excluded. Included articles reported results on 1 to 6 CoC stages. RESULTS Percentage treated and virally suppressed was reported in 78%, percentage diagnosed and retained in care in 58%, percentage linked to care in 54% and PLHIV in 36% of the articles. Information for all stages was provided in 23 studies. Only 6 articles use novel CoC estimates: One presents a dynamic CoC based on multistate analysis techniques, two base their time-to-next-stage estimates on a risk estimation method based on the cumulative incidence function, weighted for confounding and censoring and three studies estimated the HIV infection time based on mathematical modelling. CONCLUSION A limited number of studies provide elaborated time analyses of the CoC. Although time analyses lack the straightforward interpretation of the cross-sectional CoC, they provide valuable insights for the timely response to the HIV epidemic. A future goal would be to develop a model that retains the simplicity of the cross-sectional CoC but also incorporates timing between stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Vourli
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
| | | | - Nikos Pantazis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece
| | - Giota Touloumi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology & Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, M. Asias 75, 115 27, Athens, Greece
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8
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Dijkstra M, van Rooijen MS, Hillebregt MM, van Sighem A, Smit C, Hogewoning A, Davidovich U, Heijman T, Hoornenborg E, Reiss P, van der Valk M, Prins M, Prins JM, Schim van der Loeff MF, de Bree GJ. Decreased Time to Viral Suppression After Implementation of Targeted Testing and Immediate Initiation of Treatment of Acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Amsterdam. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1952-1960. [PMID: 32369099 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) with acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (AHI) are a key source of new infections. To curb transmission, we implemented a strategy for rapid AHI diagnosis and immediate initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Amsterdam MSM. We assessed its effectiveness in diagnosing AHI and decreasing the time to viral suppression. METHODS We included 63 278 HIV testing visits in 2008-2017, during which 1013 MSM were diagnosed. Standard of care (SOC) included HIV diagnosis confirmation in < 1 week and cART initiation in < 1 month. The AHI strategy comprised same-visit diagnosis confirmation and immediate cART. Time from diagnosis to viral suppression was assessed for 3 cART initiation periods: (1) 2008-2011: cART initiation if CD4 < 500 cells/μL (SOC); (2) January 2012-July 2015: cART initiation if CD4 < 500 cells/μL, or if AHI or early HIV infection (SOC); and (3a) August 2015-June 2017: universal cART initiation (SOC) or (3b) August 2015-June 2017 (the AHI strategy). RESULTS Before implementation of the AHI strategy, the proportion of AHI among HIV diagnoses was 0.6% (5/876); after implementation this was 11.0% (15/137). Median time (in days) to viral suppression during periods 1, 2, 3a, and 3b was 584 (interquartile range [IQR], 267-1065), 230 (IQR, 132-480), 95 (IQR, 63-136), and 55 (IQR, 31-72), respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Implementing the AHI strategy was successful in diagnosing AHI and significantly decreasing the time between HIV diagnosis and viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maartje Dijkstra
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn S van Rooijen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Colette Smit
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Hogewoning
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Udi Davidovich
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Titia Heijman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Reiss
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Global Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Prins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan M Prins
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Schim van der Loeff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Godelieve J de Bree
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Promoting HIV indicator condition-guided testing in hospital settings (PROTEST 2.0): study protocol for a multicentre interventional study. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:519. [PMID: 34078315 PMCID: PMC8173796 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Late presentation remains a key barrier towards controlling the HIV epidemic. Indicator conditions (ICs) are those that are AIDS-defining, associated with a prevalence of undiagnosed HIV > 0.1%, or whose clinical management would be impeded if an HIV infection were undiagnosed. IC-guided HIV testing is an effective strategy in identifying undiagnosed HIV, but opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis through IC-guided testing are being missed. We present a protocol for an interventional study to improve awareness of IC-guided testing and increase HIV testing in patients presenting with ICs in a hospital setting. Methods We designed a multicentre interventional study to be implemented at five hospitals in the region of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Seven ICs were selected for which HIV test ratios (proportion of patients with an IC tested for HIV) will be measured: tuberculosis, cervical/vulvar cancer or high-grade cervical/vulvar dysplasia, malignant lymphoma, hepatitis B and C, and peripheral neuropathy. Prior to the intervention, a baseline assessment of HIV test ratios across ICs will be performed in eligible patients (IC diagnosed January 2015 through May 2020, ≥18 years, not known HIV positive) and an assessment of barriers and facilitators for HIV testing amongst relevant specialties will be conducted using qualitative (interviews) and quantitative methods (questionnaires). The intervention phase will consist of an educational intervention, including presentation of baseline results as competitive graphical audit and feedback combined with discussion on implementation and opportunities for improvement. The effect of the intervention will be assessed by comparing HIV test ratios of the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods. The primary endpoint is the HIV test ratio within ±3 months of IC diagnosis. Secondary endpoints are the HIV test ratio within ±6 months of diagnosis, ratio ever tested for HIV, HIV positivity percentage, proportion of late presenters and proportion with known HIV status prior to initiating treatment for their IC. Discussion This protocol presents a strategy aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of IC-guided testing and increasing HIV testing in patients presenting with ICs in hospital settings to identify undiagnosed HIV in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Trial registration Dutch trial registry: NL7521. Registered 14 February 2019. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06183-8.
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10
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Tang J. Immunogenetic determinants of heterosexual HIV-1 transmission: key findings and lessons from two distinct African cohorts. Genes Immun 2021; 22:65-74. [PMID: 33934119 PMCID: PMC8225584 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-021-00130-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenetic studies in the past three decades have uncovered a broad range of human genetic factors that seem to influence heterosexual HIV-1 transmission in one way or another. In our own work that jointly evaluated both genetic and nongenetic factors in two African cohorts of cohabiting, HIV-1-discordant couples (donor and recipient pairs) at risk of transmission during quarterly follow-up intervals, relatively consistent findings have been seen with three loci (IL19, HLA-A, and HLA-B), although the effect size (i.e., odds ratio or hazards ratio) of each specific variant was quite modest. These studies offered two critical lessons that should benefit future research on sexually transmitted infections. First, in donor partners, immunogenetic factors (e.g., HLA-B*57 and HLA-A*36:01) that operate directly through HIV-1 viral load or indirectly through genital coinfections are equally important. Second, thousands of single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously recognized as "causal" factors for human autoimmune disorders did not appear to make much difference, which is somewhat puzzling as these variants are predicted or known to influence the expression of many immune response genes. Replicating these observations in additional cohorts is no longer feasible as the field has shifted its focus to early diagnosis, universal treatment, and active management of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Tang
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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