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Atkinson A, Tulloch K, Boucoiran I, Money D. Guideline No. 450: Care of Pregnant Women Living with HIV and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal Transmission. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102551. [PMID: 38734074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102551] [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] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This guideline provides an update on the care of pregnant women living with HIV and the prevention of perinatal HIV transmission. This guideline is a revision of the previous guideline, No. 310 Guidelines for the Care of Pregnant Women Living With HIV and Interventions to Reduce Perinatal Transmission, and includes an updated review of the literature with contemporary recommendations. TARGET POPULATION Pregnant women newly diagnosed with HIV during antenatal screening and women living with HIV who become pregnant. This guideline does not include specific guidance for girls/women of reproductive age living with HIV who are not pregnant. OUTCOMES Prevention of perinatal HIV transmission is a key indicator of the success of a health care system and requires multidisciplinary care of pregnant women living with HIV. Intended outcomes include guidance on best practice in perinatal management for Canadian health care providers for pregnant women living with HIV; reduction of perinatal transmission of HIV toward a target of eradication of perinatal transmission; provision of optimal antenatal care for pregnant women to ensure the best maternal health outcomes and HIV suppression; and evidence-based support and recommendations for pregnant women living with HIV, maintaining awareness and consideration of the complex psychosocial impacts of living with HIV. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS The perinatal transmission of HIV has significant morbidity and mortality implications for the child, with associated lifelong health care costs. Pregnancy presents an emotionally and physically vulnerable time for pregnant women as well as an opportunity to engage them in health promotion. This guidance does not include recommendations with additional costs to health care facilities compared with the previous guideline. Application of the recommendations is aimed at health benefits to both mother and child by optimizing maternal health and preventing perinatal HIV transmission. EVIDENCE Published and unpublished literature was reviewed with a focus on publications post-2013. OVID-Medline, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant publications available in English or French for each section of this guideline. Results included systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies published from 2012 to 2022. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline until May 2023. Unpublished literature, protocols, and international guidelines were identified by accessing the websites of health-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALIDATION METHODS The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE The intended users of this guideline include obstetric care providers and infectious disease clinicians who provide care for pregnant women living with HIV. SOCIAL MEDIA SUMMARY Updated Canadian HIV in pregnancy guideline informed by global research and tailored to Canadian healthcare needs and goals for pregnant women living with HIV and their families. SUMMARY STATEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS.
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Atkinson A, Tulloch K, Boucoiran I, Money D. Directive clinique n o 450 : Prise en charge des femmes enceintes vivant avec le VIH et interventions pour réduire le risque de transmission périnatale. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102552. [PMID: 38729607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
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Phillips T, Gomba Y, Myer L. Comparing a point-of-care urine tenofovir lateral flow assay to self-reported adherence and their associations with viral load suppression among adults on antiretroviral therapy. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:96-103. [PMID: 38084797 PMCID: PMC10872537 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13953] [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] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care (POC) lateral flow assays (LFA) to detect tenofovir (TFV) in urine have been developed to measure short-term ART adherence. Limited data exist from people living with HIV in routine care. METHODS Adults on TFV-containing regimens, having a routine viral load (VL) at an HIV clinic in Cape Town, South Africa were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Patients recalled missed ART doses in the past three and 7 days and urine was tested using a POC TFV LFA. VL on the day was abstracted from medical records. RESULTS Among 314 participants, 293 (93%) had VL <1000 copies/mL, 20 (6%) had no TFV detected and 24 (8%) reported ≥1 missed dose in the past 3 days. Agreement between VL ≥1000 and undetectable TFV was higher compared to 3-day recall of ≥1 missed dose (Kappa 0.504 vs. 0.163, p = 0.015). The AUC to detect VL ≥1000 was 0.747 (95% CI 0.637-0.856) for undetectable TFV. This was statistically significantly better than for 7-day recall (0.571 95% CI 0.476-0.666, p = 0.040) but not for 3-day recall (0.587 95% CI 0.492-0.681, p = 0.071) of ≥1 missed dose. CONCLUSION In this largely virally suppressed cohort, TFV in urine had better agreement with VL than self-reported adherence and was a better predictor of viraemia on two of three self-report measures. Used in combination with VL, the POC urine TFV LFA could flag patients with viraemia in the presence of ART. Further research is needed to understand the potential application in different populations on ART, including pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamsin Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yolanda Gomba
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Onoya D, Sineke T, King R, Mokhele I, Sharma S, Dukashe M, Cele R, Bokaba D, Inglis R, Sigasa S, Bor J. Designing effective U = U communication strategies considering the needs of PLHIV, their partners, and healthcare worker constraints in South African clinics. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295920. [PMID: 38117817 PMCID: PMC10732369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295920] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We sought to understand the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) communication needs of persons living with HIV (PLHIV) and barriers to U = U communication among healthcare providers (HCPs) in South Africa. METHODS We conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with HCPs (N = 42) including nurses and counsellors from primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) in the Gauteng and Free State Provinces of South Africa, three FGDs (N = 27) with PLHIV recruited by snowball sampling from civil society organizations, and 27 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with recently diagnosed PLHIV in Johannesburg. IDIs and FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed, translated to English, and analysed thematically. RESULTS PLHIV were largely unaware and sceptical of U = U as the message appeared to contradict the mainstream HIV prevention clinical guidance. The low viral load (VL) knowledge further reduced confidence in U = U. PLHIV need support and guidance on the best approaches for sharing U = U information and disclosing their VL status to their partners, highlighting the central role of community understanding of U = U and VL to mediate the desired stigma reduction, social acceptance and emotional benefits of U = U for PLHIV. HCPs were uneasy about sharing U = U due to concerns about risk compensation and ART non-adherence and worried about enabling any ensuing HIV transmission. HCPs also need a simple, unambiguous, and consistent narrative for U = U, integrated with other HIV prevention messages. PLHIV and HCPs alike recommended a patient-centred approach to communicating U = U, focusing primarily on attaining viral suppression and emphasizing that condomless sex is only safe during periods of ART adherence. CONCLUSIONS These data highlight the need for simple U = U communication support targeting both HCP and PLHIV. Culturally appropriate communication materials, with training and ongoing mentorship of the clinic staff, are essential to improve patient-centred U = U communication in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorina Onoya
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tembeka Sineke
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel King
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Idah Mokhele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shubhi Sharma
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Mandisa Dukashe
- South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Refiloe Cele
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Dorah Bokaba
- Tshwane Department of Health, Tshwane, South Africa
| | | | - Simangele Sigasa
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jacob Bor
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Freitas CAM, Rossi TA, Dourado I, Castellanos MEP, Guimarães NS, Magno L. Mapping evidence on health promotion in HIV testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women using the social-ecological model and the vulnerability theoretical framework: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1946. [PMID: 37805484 PMCID: PMC10559455 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16860-9] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to map the scientific evidence on health promotion in human immunodeficiency virus) HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) based on the social-ecological model (i.e., individual, organizational and social levels) and the theoretical framework of vulnerability (i.e., individual, social, and programmatic levels). The reviewed studies indicated several barriers to accessing HIV testing (e.g., economic, structural, and bureaucratic) and demonstrated the potential for community approaches to promote greater access to HIV testing and minimize the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV testing, primarily through community leadership and social support networks. The socio-ecological model of health promotion and the vulnerability approach have the potential to contribute to improving HIV testing services by balancing the technical and political power of health services and providers with community participation while considering the social contexts. Therefore, there is a need for reflection on health promotion policies and programs aimed at expanding access to HIV testing among MSM and TGW through interventions that consider the social contexts and cultural perspectives. Moreover, inter-sectoral strategies aimed at improving living conditions and access to fundamental resources for maintaining health and well-being should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Amaral Moreno Freitas
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Basílio da Gama Street, Salvador, BA, 40110-040, Brazil.
| | - Thais Aranha Rossi
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), 2555 Silveira Martins Street, Salvador, BA, 41150000, Brazil
| | - Inês Dourado
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Basílio da Gama Street, Salvador, BA, 40110-040, Brazil
| | | | - Nathalia Sernizon Guimarães
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Basílio da Gama Street, Salvador, BA, 40110-040, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), 2555 Silveira Martins Street, Salvador, BA, 41150000, Brazil
| | - Laio Magno
- Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Basílio da Gama Street, Salvador, BA, 40110-040, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências da Vida, Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB), 2555 Silveira Martins Street, Salvador, BA, 41150000, Brazil
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Khan S, Tsang KK, Brophy J, Kakkar F, Kennedy VL, Boucoiran I, Yudin MH, Money D, Read S, Bitnun A. Canadian Paediatric and Perinatal HIV/AIDS Research Group consensus recommendations for infant feeding in the HIV context. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CANADA 2023; 8:7-17. [PMID: 37008587 PMCID: PMC10052908 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2022-11-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Providing comprehensive infant feeding guidance to families affected by HIV is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. While exclusive formula feeding remains the preferred recommendation for infants born to women living with HIV (WLWH) in high-income countries, a more nuanced approach that may include the option of breastfeeding under certain circumstances is emerging in many resource-rich countries. Methods: The Canadian Paediatric & Perinatal HIV/AIDS Research Group (CPARG) hosted a Canadian Institute of Health Research-funded meeting in 2016 to develop consensus among multidisciplinary providers around counselling and recommendations for infant feeding. After presentations by adult and pediatric health care providers, basic scientists, and community-based researchers, a subgroup drafted summary evidence-informed recommendations. Along with revisions among CPARG members, a community review was performed by a convenience sample of WLWH who had given birth in the past 5 years from Ontario and Quebec. A legal review was also conducted to ensure understanding of the criminalization potential and concern of HIV transmission and exposure. Results: The Canadian consensus guidelines continue to support formula feeding as the preferred method of infant feeding as it eliminates any residual risk of postnatal vertical transmission. Formula should be made available for all infants born to mothers living with HIV for their first year of life. A comprehensive approach to counselling WLWH is outlined to assist providers to effectively counsel on current evidence to ensure WLWH are fully informed in their decision making. For women meeting criteria to and elect to breastfeed, frequent maternal virologic monitoring, and follow-up is required of both mother and infant. Antiretroviral prophylaxis and monitoring are recommended for breastfed infants. The community review highlighted the importance of other supports and counselling needed for implementing effective formula feeding, aside from access to formula. The legal review provided clarifying language around child protection services involvement and the need to provide referral to legal resources or information upon request. Surveillance systems to monitor for cases of breastmilk transmission should be in place to improve gaps in care and develop further knowledge in this area. Conclusion: The Canadian infant feeding consensus guideline is designed to inform and enable better care for WLWH and their babies. Ongoing evaluation of these guidelines as new evidence emerges will be important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Khan
- McMaster Children’s Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kara K. Tsang
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jason Brophy
- Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fatima Kakkar
- Mother and Child Infection Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - V Logan Kennedy
- Women’s College Research Institute, Women’s College Hospital and Maple Leaf Medical Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boucoiran
- Mother and Child Infection Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mark H. Yudin
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, and Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah Money
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, an associate member in the Department of Medicine and the School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, an Associate Member of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Science, at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stanley Read
- Department of Pediatrics and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ari Bitnun
- The Hospital for Sick Children, and Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Meanley S, Egan JE, Ware D, Brennan-Ing M, Haberlen SA, Detels R, Palella F, Friedman MR, Plankey MW. Self-Reported Combination HIV Prevention Strategies Enacted by a Prospective Cohort of Midlife and Older Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States: A Latent Class Analysis. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:462-473. [PMID: 36394465 PMCID: PMC9839341 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0167] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Insights into combination HIV prevention (CHP) strategies to reduce HIV incidence among midlife and older adult men who have sex with men (MSM) are limited. The current study is a secondary data analysis evaluating CHP in a sample of sexually active midlife and older adult MSM (N = 566) from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study Healthy Aging Substudy. Stratified by HIV serostatus, we used latent class analyses to identify CHP classes based on self-reported sociobehavioral and biobehavioral prevention strategies that participants and their male partners used in the prior 6 months. We identified three CHP classes among men living without HIV (MLWOH), including the following: high CHP overall (43.0%), high anal sex abstention (15.0%), and low prevention overall (42.0%). Among men living with HIV (MLWH), we identified four CHP classes, including the following: high CHP overall (20.9%), high CHP/low condom use (27.1%), high condom reliance (22.3%), and low prevention overall (29.7%). There were small differences by sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behavior practices between the classes; however, poppers use was often linked to being in high CHP groups. Our findings support that CHP is not one-size-fits-all for midlife and older adult MSM. There remains a need to scale up clinical providers' sexual health communication practices to assist midlife and older MSM incorporate prevention strategies, particularly biobehavioral prevention strategies that align with their patients' lived experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Meanley
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James E. Egan
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Deanna Ware
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Mark Brennan-Ing
- Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Sabina A. Haberlen
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Roger Detels
- Department of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Frank Palella
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mackey R. Friedman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael W. Plankey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Olakunde BO, Ezeanolue EE. The virological consequences of low-level viraemia. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1699-e1700. [PMID: 36400076 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Babayemi O Olakunde
- Department of Community Prevention and Care Services, National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Abuja, Nigeria; Center for Translation and Implementation Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Echezona E Ezeanolue
- Center for Translation and Implementation Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria; HealthySunrise Foundation, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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Bictegravir nanomicelles and anionic pullulan loaded vaginal film: Dual mechanistic pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 221:416-425. [PMID: 36075305 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Locally delivered pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven to be a promising strategy to combat Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission but several findings encountered toxicities or proved to be marginally effective in clinical settings. Therefore, innovative, multifunctional, and safer alternatives are being progressively investigated. Herein, we explored negatively charged carbohydrate, anionic pullulan (AP) as a rapidly soluble film-former and novel anti-HIV agent. Additionally, Bictegravir (BCT), an HIV integrase inhibitor was co-delivered in the form of nanomicelles for sustained antiviral activity. BCT-loaded PLGA-PEG polymeric nanomicelles (BN) were incorporated into PVA/pullulan-based film matrix comprising of 2 % w/v AP (BN-AP film). In cell-based assays, biocompatibility and TEER values for BN-AP films were similar to control while the commercial vaginal contraceptive film (VCF®) showed severe cytotoxicity and drastically reduced the tight junction integrity. Rapid disintegration of BN-AP film with >85 % drug release was observed in simulated vaginal and seminal fluid. Most importantly, AP and BN-AP film significantly inhibited HIV-1 replication with IC50 at as low as 91 μg/mL and 0.708 nM, respectively. Therefore, this study entails successful development of BN-AP film that functioned as an effective, biocompatible dual-acting PrEP formulation.
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Transient Increases in Inflammation and Proapoptotic Potential Are Associated with the HESN Phenotype Observed in a Subgroup of Kenyan Female Sex Workers. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030471. [PMID: 35336878 PMCID: PMC8948937 DOI: 10.3390/v14030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) -stimulated genes (ISGs) are critical effectors of IFN response to viral infection, but whether ISG expression is a correlate of protection against HIV infection remains elusive. A well-characterized subcohort of Kenyan female sex workers, who, despite being repeatedly exposed to HIV-1 remain seronegative (HESN), exhibit reduced baseline systemic and mucosal immune activation. This study tested the hypothesis that regulation of ISGs in the cells of HESN potentiates a robust antiviral response against HIV. Transcriptional profile of a panel of ISGs with antiviral function in PBMC and isolated CD4+ T cells from HESN and non-HESN sex worker controls were defined following exogenous IFN-stimulation using relative RT-qPCR. This study identified a unique profile of proinflammatory and proapoptotic ISGs with robust but transient responses to exogenous IFN-γ and IFN-α2 in HESN cells. In contrast, the non-HESN cells had a strong and prolonged proinflammatory ISG profile at baseline and following IFN challenge. Potential mechanisms may include augmented bystander apoptosis due to increased TRAIL expression (16-fold), in non-HESN cells. The study also identified two negative regulators of ISG induction associated with the HESN phenotype. Robust upregulation of SOCS-1 and IRF-1, in addition to HDM2, could contribute to the strict regulation of proinflammatory and proapoptotic ISGs in HESN cells. As reducing IRF-1 in the non-HESN cells resulted in the identified HESN ISG profile, and decreased HIV susceptibility, the unique HESN ISG profile could be a correlate of protection against HIV infection.
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Mayasi N, Situakibanza H, Mbula M, Longokolo M, Maes N, Bepouka B, Ossam JO, Moutschen M, Darcis G. Retention in care and predictors of attrition among HIV-infected patients who started antiretroviral therapy in Kinshasa, DRC, before and after the implementation of the 'treat-all' strategy. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000259. [PMID: 36962315 PMCID: PMC10022330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The retention of patients in care is a key pillar of the continuum of HIV care. It has been suggested that the implementation of a "treat-all" strategy may favor attrition (death or lost to follow-up, as opposed to retention), specifically in the subgroup of asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLWH) with high CD4 counts. Attrition in HIV care could mitigate the success of universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. We performed a retrospective study of PLWH at least 15 years old initiating ART in 85 HIV care centers in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), between 2010 and 2019, with the objective of measuring attrition and to define factors associated with it. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics recorded at ART initiation included sex, age, weight, height, WHO HIV stage, pregnancy, baseline CD4 cell count, start date of ART, and baseline and last ART regimen. Attrition was defined as death or loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU was defined as "not presenting to an HIV care center for at least 180 days after the date of a last missed visit, without a notification of death or transfer". Kaplan-Meier curves were used to present attrition data, and mixed effects Cox regression models determined factors associated with attrition. The results compared were before and after the implementation of the "treat-all" strategy. A total of 15,762 PLWH were included in the study. Overall, retention in HIV care was 83% at twelve months and 77% after two years of follow-up. The risk of attrition increased with advanced HIV disease and the size of the HIV care center. Time to ART initiation greater than seven days after diagnosis and Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk of attrition. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy modified the clinical characteristics of PLWH toward higher CD4 cell counts and a greater proportion of patients at WHO stages I and II at treatment initiation. Initiation of ART after the implementation of the 'treat all" strategy was associated with higher attrition (p<0.0001) and higher LTFU (p<0.0001). Attrition has remained high in recent years. The implementation of the "treat-all" strategy was associated with higher attrition and LTFU in our study. Interventions to improve early and ongoing commitment to care are needed, with specific attention to high-risk groups to improve ART coverage and limit HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Mayasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Hippolyte Situakibanza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Marcel Mbula
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Murielle Longokolo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ben Bepouka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Jérôme Odio Ossam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinics of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC]
| | - Michel Moutschen
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
- AIDS Reference Laboratory, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Liège University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
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12
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O'Byrne P. HIV self-testing: A review and analysis to guide HIV prevention policy. Public Health Nurs 2021; 38:885-891. [PMID: 34043831 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
HIV self-testing is a relatively new approach to HIV testing that, with increasing licensure in many countries, is an impending intervention. Considering such current or near-future implementation, it is important for HIV prevention policymakers to reflect on if and how to incorporate HIV self-testing. In this paper, using the Impact Fraction Model and the Anderson-May equation, I discuss how HIV self-testing should be an efficacious prevention approach when targeted appropriately. I then review the potential impacts of self-testing on HIV surveillance and discuss possible ethical concerns about such testing. The outcome of this analysis is that, while some issues may arise related to surveillance, and while some ethical concerns can be raised, no empirical evidence substantiates either, suggesting that HIV self-testing is an important strategy if it can be focused on and used by the persons most affected by HIV.
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Ramoni S, Genovese G, Pastena A, Casazza G, Lunghi G, Marzano AV, Cusini M. Clinical and laboratory features of 244 men with primary syphilis: a 5-year single-centre retrospective study. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:479-484. [PMID: 33431607 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis incidence has exponentially increased in recent decades, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). Primary syphilis is characterised by a chancre appearing at the site of Treponema pallidum (TP) inoculation. Atypical morphological variants of syphilitic chancre are frequent. Clinical suspicion must be confirmed either by the demonstration of TP within the lesion through direct tests, such as dark field microscopy (DFM) or T. pallidum nucleic acid amplification technique (TP-NAAT), or by serological tests. OBJECTIVES To analyse the clinical features, the sexual behaviour and the role of diagnostic tests in a cohort of men with primary syphilis in Milan. METHODS Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of male patients with primary syphilis seen at the STI Center of the University of Milan between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed by at least one positive diagnostic test of either DFM, TP-NAAT or serology. RESULTS Among a total of 244 patients, 160 (65.6%) were MSM and 32 (13.1%) were living with HIV. One hundred twenty-four (50.8%) patients had a clinically atypical chancre. Chancres were exclusively extragenital in 30 (12.3%) patients, with MSM being more commonly affected (MSM vs heterosexuals: 16.3% vs 4.8%, respectively; p=0.012), and anal region the most frequently involved site. Chancres were multiple in 68/242 (28.1%) patients and morphologically atypical in 76/244 (31.1%). Diagnosis was obtained by (1) both serology and direct methods in 158/244 patients (64.7%), (2) serology solely in 47/244 (19.3%) and (3) direct methods solely in 39/244 (16%). DFM yielded positive results in 83/139 (59.7%) patients, while TP-NAAT gave positive results in 114/121 (94.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with primary syphilis frequently present with morphologically atypical chancres. Furthermore, MSM commonly exhibit extragenital involvement. A combined diagnostic approach including both direct and indirect tests is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ramoni
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Genovese
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Pastena
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lunghi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cusini
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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