District-level HIV estimates using the spectrum model in five states of India, 2017

Clinical Profile and Adverse Effects of Dolutegravir Treatment in HIV-Positive Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Background The emergence of dolutegravir (DTG) within antiretroviral therapy (ART) has drastically improved the management of HIV/AIDS, marking a shift toward a chronic manageable condition. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding the real-world tolerability and adverse effects (AEs) of DTG. Objective This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics, adverse reactions, and adherence to treatment with DTG among HIV-positive individuals. Methods Through a prospective approach, we examined HIV-positive patients undergoing DTG-based ART regimens. Key parameters, including socio-demographic data, treatment adherence, and clusters of differentiation 4 (CD4) count, were evaluated. Enrolled patients were followed up for six months for the development of comorbidities and AEs. Results Initial observations indicate successful viral suppression and enhanced CD4 counts with DTG-based regimens, t(318)=2.0664, p=0.0392. However, a subset of participants experienced AEs such as neuropsychiatric symptoms (headaches and mood fluctuations), unintended weight gain, and other comorbidities linked to prolonged ART usage. Conclusion While DTG-based therapies offer substantial advantages in HIV/AIDS management, such as rapid viral suppression and reduced toxicity, ongoing vigilance for adverse effects, particularly neuropsychiatric symptoms and metabolic disturbances, is imperative for optimizing patient care. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the safety profile of DTG in real-world scenarios and mitigate potential adverse reactions.

Assessment of levels and trends of HIV infections among different subgroup populations of Gujarat State - Prioritization of the districts

Background

In India, HIV prevalence varies by region and high-risk groups. General population rates have decreased in high prevalence states through HIV Sentinel Surveillance among pregnant women, while low-moderate prevalence states show variable trends. Gujarat, in western India, has mixed HIV prevalence according to 2017 Sentinel Surveillance data.

Objectives

To study the level and trend of HIV positivity among pregnant women and high-risk groups (HRGs) across different districts of the state of Gujarat from year 2012-13 to 2016-17. To review the possible determinants of the HIV epidemic across the selected districts in the state of Gujarat.

Materials and Methods

Data from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) spanning 2012-17 was analyzed for HIV trends in Gujarat. This included combined HIV testing data from pregnant women at Integrated and Counseling Testing Centers, blood unit testing data from selected districts, and HIV testing among high-risk populations through Targeted Intervention sites.

Results

HIV cases in Kheda district declined post-2013-14 among pregnant women (0.38% to 0.21% in 2016-17), and in general ICTC clients (5.53% to 0.264% in 2017-18). MSM seropositivity dropped from 1.15% (2014-15) to 0.74% (2016-17), FSWs from 0.7% (2014-15) to 0.29% (2015-16). Contrastingly, blood donors exhibited an increasing trend, rising from 0.15% (2012-13) to 0.24% (2016-17). In Mehsana, ANC mother seropositivity rose to 0.6% (2013-14), fell to 0.32% (2015-16), and rose again to 0.48% (2016-17). General ICTC clients declined from 1.2% (2012-13) to 0.53% (2016-17). FSWs had 0.25% seropositivity (2015-16), while MSM saw a drop from 0.44% (2014-15) to 0.23% (2016-17). Blood donors' trend was inconsistent. Sabarkantha's pregnant women seropositivity dipped from 0.59% (2012-13) to 0.20% (2014-15), rising to 0.25% (2017-18). General ICTC client seropositivity decreased from 5.34% (2012-13) to 1.17% (2017-18).

Conclusion

While declines in HIV prevalence are evident among certain groups such as pregnant women and general ICTC clients, there are fluctuations in seropositivity among high-risk populations like MSM, FSWs, and blood donors. These insights emphasize the need for targeted interventions and ongoing monitoring to effectively address the evolving HIV landscape in these districts.

V. M. L, Dutta S, Devi HS, Vardhana Rao Mendu V, Kant S, Pandey A, Reddy DCS, Mehendale S, Rajan S. Diversity in HIV epidemic transitions in India: An application of HIV epidemiological metrices and benchmarks

Background

The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) has emphasized on the incidence-prevalence ratio (IPR) and incidence-mortality ratio (IMR) to measure the progress in HIV epidemic control. In this paper, we describe the status of epidemic control in India and in various states in terms of UNAIDS’s recommended metrices.

Method

The National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) of India spearheads work on mathematical modelling to estimate HIV burden based on periodically conducted sentinel surveillance for providing guidance to program implementation and policymaking. Using the results of the latest round of HIV Estimations in 2019, IPR and IMR were calculated.

Results

National level IPR was 0.029 [0.022–0.037] in 2019 and ranged from 0.01 to 0.15 in various States and Union Territories (UTs). Corresponding Incidence-Mortality Ratio was at 0.881 [0.754–1.014] nationally and ranged between 0.20 and 12.90 across the States/UTs.

Conclusions

Based on UNAIDS recommended indicators for HIV epidemic control, namely IPR and IMR; national AIDS response in India appears on track. However, the program success is not uniform and significant heterogeneity as well as expanding epidemic was observed at the level of States or UTs. Reinforcing States/UTs specific and focused HIV prevention, testing and treatment initiatives may help in the attainment of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.