Screening acute HIV infections among Chinese men who have sex with men from voluntary counseling & testing centers

A novel internet sampling for HIV surveillance: feasibility of self-sampling and preparation of DBS for delivery detection of HIV total nucleic acid and complementarity to sentinel surveillance

BACKGROUND

To propose a new mode of HIV test and surveillance among population of men who have sex with men (MSM): Internet-based Self-sampling at home plus Laboratory testing of HIV total nucleic acid (TNA) in dried blood spot (DBS) (ISL of DBS TNA). Feasibility of ISL of DBS TNA was studied. Characteristics of the new mode and that of conventional surveillance mode at HIV voluntary counseling and testing clinic (VCT) were compared.

METHODS

A non-governmental organization (NGO) published the recruitment information on the WeChat public account. MSM filled in the questionnaire online, applied for self-sampling service package, and mailed the self made DBS to professional laboratory. The laboratory performed HIV TNA test and submitted the test results to online platform. Participants queried test results online with their unique ID. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) followed up participants with positive nucleic acid results using IDs and contact information. Rates were compared by using the Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Four hundred twenty-three questionnaires were completed. 423 self-sampling service packages were sent out and 340 DBSs were returned to professional laboratory within one month with qualified rate of sampling as high as 95.0% (323/340). Seven samples were found to be TNA positive. Comparing ISL of DBS TNA with sentinel surveillance, it was found that there was a significant difference in the composition ratio of the two modes of surveillance population (P < 0.05). HIV prevalence of ISL of DBS as 2.17% was significantly lower than sentinel site as 8.96% (χ2 = 14.953, P = 0.000 < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ISL of DBS TNA proposed is feasible and has a high self-sampling qualification rate, good confidentiality. It is an effective supplement to routine sentinel surveillance and has important promotion value.

The quality of published health economic evaluations on screening programs in China: a systematic review and quantitative appraisal

BACKGROUND

This study seeks to assess the quality of HEEs reporting on screening programs over the last 20 years in China, to identify potential predictors of reporting quality.

METHODS

We performed a literature search of HEE studies published in PubMed, Embase, CNKI, and WANFANG from 2000 to 2021. The search terms included 'screening,' 'China,' 'CEA,' 'CBA,' 'CUA,' and all other names for health economic evaluation. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the reporting quality using CHEERS checklist. A generalized linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of reporting quality.

RESULTS

133 of 1,281 identified studies was included. The reporting quality scores showed an increasing trend and the mean score was 0.56. Some items were underreported, such as study perspective, discount rate, measurement of effectiveness, analytical methods, uncertainty, heterogeneity etc. Five factors (year of publication, journal type, first author's affiliation, economic evaluation type, specialty journals or not) predicted a higher score of reporting quality in the regression analyses (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the quality of HEEs on screening programs in China showed an improving trend. Given the significance of reporting quality, it is advisable to report HEE results following standard evaluation guidelines to improve their transparency.

Testing strategies to detect acute and prevalent HIV infection in adult outpatients seeking healthcare for symptoms compatible with acute HIV infection in Kenya: a cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Detection of acute and prevalent HIV infection using point-of-care nucleic acid amplification testing (POC-NAAT) among outpatients with symptoms compatible with acute HIV is critical to HIV prevention, but it is not clear if it is cost-effective compared with existing HIV testing strategies.

METHODS

We developed and parametrised a decision tree to compare the cost-effectiveness of (1) provider-initiated testing and counselling (PITC) using rapid tests, the standard of care; (2) scaled-up provider-initiated testing and counselling (SU-PITC) in which all patients were tested with rapid tests unless they opted out; and (3) opt-out testing and counselling using POC-NAAT, which detects both acute and prevalent infection. The model-based analysis used data from the Tambua Mapema Plus randomised controlled trial of a POC-NAAT intervention in Kenya, supplemented with results from a stochastic, agent-based network model of HIV-1 transmission and data from published literature. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Kenyan government using a primary outcome of cost per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted over a 10-year time horizon.

RESULTS

After analysing the decision-analytical model, the average per patient cost of POC-NAAT was $214.9 compared with $173.6 for SU-PITC and $47.3 for PITC. The mean DALYs accumulated per patient for POC-NAAT were 0.160 compared with 0.176 for SU-PITC and 0.214 for PITC. In the incremental analysis, SU-PITC was eliminated due to extended dominance, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) comparing POC-NAAT to PITC was $3098 per DALY averted. The ICER was sensitive to disability weights for HIV/AIDS and the costs of antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

POC-NAAT offered to adult outpatients in Kenya who present for care with symptoms compatible with AHI is cost-effective and should be considered for inclusion as the standard of HIV testing in this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Tambua Mapema ("Discover Early") Plus study (NCT03508908) conducted in Kenya (2017-2020) i.e., Post-results.

Association of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Use With HIV Incidence Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

IMPORTANCE

Evidence on HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) is critical to guide its large-scale implementation in low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate incident HIV infection, adherence, safety, and changes in sexual behaviors among MSM using daily PrEP (D-PrEP) and event-driven PrEP (ED-PrEP) in 4 cities in China.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted among HIV-seronegative MSM from December 11, 2018, to November 30, 2020, in Beijing, Shenyang, Chongqing, and Shenzhen. Participants self-chose D-PrEP or ED-PrEP regimens at baseline and could switch regimens during the 12-month study period. HIV-negative MSM who declined to initiate PrEP (nonusers) in the same cities joined a separate parallel prospective cohort and served as control individuals.

INTERVENTIONS

PrEP consisted of coformulated tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 300 mg, and emtricitabine, 200 mg.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was incident HIV infection. Poisson regression was used to obtain the HIV incidence rate ratio (IRR).

RESULTS

A total of 1530 MSM were included in the analysis (median age, 30 [IQR, 25-37] years). At baseline, 520 MSM chose D-PrEP (median age, 29 [IQR, 25-35] years) and 503 chose ED-PrEP (median age, 29 [IQR, 25-36] years). The median HIV Risk Index score was 18 (IQR, 12-22) among D-PrEP users and 18 (IQR, 11-22) among ED-PrEP users. Among 507 PrEP nonusers, the median age was 33 (IQR, 27-43) years, and the median HIV Risk Index score was 12 (IQR, 7-18). Although PrEP users had more baseline behaviors associated with HIV risk, the HIV incidence was lower among all PrEP users (adjusted IRR, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.04-0.21]), ED-PrEP users (adjusted IRR, 0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.22]), and D-PrEP users (adjusted IRR, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.04-0.33]) compared with PrEP nonusers. There was no difference in HIV incidence between D-PrEP users and ED-PrEP users (IRR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.06-2.04]). Event-driven PrEP users consumed 40% fewer tablets than D-PrEP users during the study period. Adherence, defined as the proportion of self-reported days with sexual intercourse in which PrEP was taken according to prescription of at least 90%, increased over time among ED-PrEP users (from 57.4% to 77.8%; P < .001 for trend) and decreased over time among D-PrEP users (from 75.1% to 72.1%; P = .02 for trend). Daily PrEP users reported fewer adverse events than ED-PrEP users (193 of 520 [37.1%] vs 241 of 503 [47.9%]).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this study suggest that D-PrEP and ED-PrEP regimens are associated with lower incidence of HIV and a good safety profile among high-risk MSM in China.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number: ChiCTR-IIN-17013762.

Priority Intervention Targets Identified Using an In-Depth Sampling HIV Molecular Network in a Non-Subtype B Epidemics Area

Molecular network analysis based on the genetic similarity of HIV-1 is increasingly used to guide targeted interventions. Nevertheless, there is a lack of experience regarding molecular network inferences and targeted interventions in combination with epidemiological information in areas with diverse epidemic strains of HIV-1.We collected 2,173 pol sequences covering 84% of the total newly diagnosed HIV-1 infections in Shenyang city, Northeast China, between 2016 and 2018. Molecular networks were constructed using the optimized genetic distance threshold for main subtypes obtained using sensitivity analysis of plausible threshold ranges. The transmission rates (TR) of each large cluster were assessed using Bayesian analyses. Molecular clusters with the characteristics of ≥5 newly diagnosed cases in 2018, high TR, injection drug users (IDUs), and transmitted drug resistance (TDR) were defined as priority clusters. Several HIV-1 subtypes were identified, with a predominance of CRF01_AE (71.0%, 1,542/2,173), followed by CRF07_BC (18.1%, 393/2,173), subtype B (4.5%, 97/2,173), other subtypes (2.6%, 56/2,173), and unique recombinant forms (3.9%, 85/2,173). The overall optimal genetic distance thresholds for CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC were both 0.007 subs/site. For subtype B, it was 0.013 subs/site. 861 (42.4%) sequences of the top three subtypes formed 239 clusters (size: 2-77 sequences), including eight large clusters (size ≥10 sequences). All the eight large clusters had higher TR (median TR = 52.4/100 person-years) than that of the general HIV infections in Shenyang (10.9/100 person-years). A total of ten clusters including 231 individuals were determined as priority clusters for targeted intervention, including eight large clusters (five clusters with≥5 newly diagnosed cases in 2018, one cluster with IDUs, and two clusters with TDR (K103N, Q58E/V179D), one cluster with≥5 newly diagnosed cases in 2018, and one IDUs cluster. In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis combining in-depth sampling HIV-1 molecular networks construction using subtype-specific optimal genetic distance thresholds, and baseline epidemiological information can help to identify the targets of priority intervention in an area epidemic for non-subtype B.

The use of inappropriate anal douching tool associates with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China

Background

Rectal douching (RD) is widely practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM), and is associated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, the mechanism of how RD increases the risk of HIV infection is not well understood, and there is limited data on RD behavior in MSM practicing anal sex in China. We examine the purpose of RD, its timing in relation to anal sex, the types of RD products used, and risky sexual behaviors among MSM reporting anal sex.

Methods

Between August 2017 and December 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adult MSM in Shenyang, China. Data were collected on demographics, sexual behaviors, and RD for the most recent sexual intercourse by means of interviewer-administered face-to-face questionnaires. Blood samples were collected to test for antibodies to HIV and syphilis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors associated with HIV infection.

Results

A total of 515 eligible MSM participated in this survey (median age: 31 years). During the most recent anal intercourse, 28.3% (146/515) had condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), 21.4% (110/515) practiced serosorting, and more than half (61.6%, 317/515) reported RD before or after anal sex. Of those practicing RD, 96.8% (307/317) conducted RD before sex, while 62.5% (198/317) conducted RD after sex. The douching devices used were primarily shower hoses (85.3%, 262/307), and relatively few MSM used commercial RD products (8.1%, 25/307) before sex. The prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis was 11.7% and 13.2%, respectively. HIV infection was positively associated with RD, practicing RD before sex, the interaction between RD and CRAI using a shower hose for RD and other risk factors, practicing RD after sex, CRAI, using nitrite inhalants, main sexual role with males as bottom and syphilis infection.

Conclusions

RD is popular among Chinese MSM. Improper noncommercial RD tools use (such as shower hose), the interaction effect between RD and CRAI associated with HIV infection. Public health workers and the MSM community should publicize scientific knowledge and prevention approaches relating to RD and HIV transmission to MSM. We recommend that further studies should be conducted to understand the detailed mechanism between RD and increased HIV prevalence.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10276-z.

Acute and early HIV infection screening among men who have sex with men, a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Screening for acute and early HIV infections (AEHI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, undiagnosed AEHI among MSM and subsequent failure to link to care are important drivers of the HIV epidemic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of AEHI yield among MSM mobilized for AEHI testing; and assessed which risk factors and/or symptoms could increase AEHI yield in MSM.

METHODS

We systematically searched four databases from their inception through May 2020 for studies reporting strategies of mobilizing MSM for testing and their AEHI yield, or risk and/or symptom scores targeting AEHI screening. AEHI yield was defined as the proportion of AEHI cases among the total number of visits. Study estimates for AEHI yield were pooled using random effects models. Predictive ability of risk and/or symptom scores was expressed as the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were identified and included a variety of mobilization strategies (eight studies) and risk and/or symptom scores (fourteen studies). The overall pooled AEHI yield was 6.3% (95% CI, 2.1 to 12.4; I2  = 94.9%; five studies); yield varied between studies using targeted strategies (11.1%; 95% CI, 5.9 to 17.6; I2  = 83.8%; three studies) versus universal testing (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.8 to 2.4; two studies). The AUC of risk and/or symptom scores ranged from 0.69 to 0.89 in development study samples, and from 0.51 to 0.88 in validation study samples. AUC was the highest for scores including symptoms, such as diarrhoea, fever and fatigue. Key risk score variables were age, number of sexual partners, condomless receptive anal intercourse, sexual intercourse with a person living with HIV, a sexually transmitted infection, and illicit drug use. No studies were identified that assessed AEHI yield among MSM in SSA and risk and/or symptom scores developed among MSM in SSA lacked validation.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies mobilizing MSM for targeted AEHI testing resulted in substantially higher AEHI yields than universal AEHI testing. Targeted AEHI testing may be optimized using risk and/or symptom scores, especially if scores include symptoms. Studies assessing AEHI yield and validation of risk and/or symptom scores among MSM in SSA are urgently needed.

Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of early antiretroviral therapy and partners' pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Shenyang, China: a prospective cohort and costing study

BACKGROUND

Biomedical interventions such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are highly effective for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, China has not released national PrEP guidelines, and HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) is unchanged despite substantial scale-up of ART. We evaluated reductions in HIV transmission that may be achieved through early initiation of ART plus partners' PrEP.

METHODS

Six intervention scenarios were evaluated in terms of their impact on HIV transmission and their cost-effectiveness for 36 months post-infection. Three scenarios were based on observed data: non-ART, standard-ART, and early-ART. Another three scenarios were based on observed and hypothetical data: non-ART plus partners' PrEP, standard-ART plus partners' PrEP, and early-ART plus partners' PrEP. The number of onward transmissions was calculated according to viral load and self-reported sexual behaviors, and calibrated by the prevalence and incidence of HIV among Chinese MSM. Cost-effectiveness outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and cost-utility ratio (CUR).

RESULTS

The estimated number of onward transmissions by every 100 HIV-positive cases 36 months post-infection was 41.83 (95% credible interval: 30.75-57.69) in the non-ART scenario, 7.95 (5.85-10.95) in the early-ART scenario, and 0.79 (0.58-1.09) in the early-ART plus partners' PrEP scenario. Compared with non-ART, the early-ART and early-ART plus partners' PrEP scenarios were associated with an 81.0 and 98.1% reduction in HIV transmission, and had a CUR of $12,864/QALY and $16,817/QALY, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrated delivery of early ART and sexual partners' PrEP could nearly eliminate HIV transmission and reduce costs during the first 36 months of HIV infection. Our results suggest a feasible and cost-effective strategy for reversing the HIV epidemic among MSM in China.

High polymorphism rates in well-known T cell epitopes restricted by protective HLA alleles during HIV infection are associated with rapid disease progression in early-infected MSM in China

T cell epitopes restricted by several protective HLA alleles, such as B*57, B*5801, B*27, B*51 and B*13, have been very well defined over the past two decades. We investigated 32 well-known T cell epitopes restricted by protective HLA molecules among 54 Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) at the early stage of HIV-1 infection. Subjects in our cohort carrying protective HLA types did not exhibit slow CD4 T cell count decline (P = 0.489) or low viral load set points (P = 0.500). Variations occurred in 96.88% (31/32) of the known wild-type epitopes (rate 1.85-100%), and the variation rates of the strains of two CRF01_AE lineages were significantly higher than those of non-CRF01_AE strains (76.82% vs. 48.96%, P = 0.004; 71.27% vs. 8.96%, P = 0.025). Subjects infected with CRF01_AE exhibited relatively rapid disease progression (P = 0.035). Therefore, the lack of wild-type protective T cell epitopes restricted by classic protective HLA alleles in CRF01_AE HIV-1 strains may be one of the reasons why rapid disease progression is observed in Chinese MSM with HIV-1 infection.

Rapid CD4+ T-cell decline is associated with coreceptor switch among MSM primarily infected with HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Northeast China

OBJECTIVE

CRF01_AE is the most prevalent HIV-1 subtype among MSM in China. However, the characteristics and underlying mechanism of the accelerated CD4 T-cell decline in CRF01_AE-infected MSM remain incompletely understood.

DESIGN

A long-term prospective follow-up study was conducted with 1388 MSM at risk of HIV-1 infection in Northeast China. MSM with primary HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection were identified and followed for 3-6 years to explore the determinants of rapid CD4 T-cell decline.

METHODS

Tropism was determined in primary infection by both single genome amplification-based genotypic prediction using four different algorithms and phenotypic determination using clinical isolates. Serial isolates were used to determine phenotype of coreceptor switch. Human leukocyte antigen genotypes and T-cell activation markers were determined.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine MSM primarily infected with HIV-1 CRF01_AE were discovered and recruited for the follow-up study. CCR5-utilizing (R5) viruses accounted for up to 98% of HIV-1 CRF01_AE infections in Northeast China. Survival analysis indicated 39.5% of the patients underwent coreceptor switch within 3 years after infection. After adjustment for other potential risk factors, linear mixed-effect models demonstrated patients experienced R5 to CXCR4-utilizing/dual-tropic (X4/DM) coreceptor switch within 3 years after infection underwent a faster CD4 T-cell decline compared to those without coreceptor switch.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection among MSM in Northeast China is characterized by R5 viral infection and early R5 to X4/DM coreceptor switch, which is associated with rapid CD4 T-cell decline. The findings highlight the importance of immediate treatment among the CRF01_AE-infected MSM.

Poppers use and Sexual Partner Concurrency Increase the HIV Incidence of MSM: a 24-month Prospective Cohort Survey in Shenyang, China

The use of poppers is highly prevalent in MSM, but little is known about the association between their use and HIV incidence in China. A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in MSM in Shenyang. 475(79.6%) of eligible HIV-negative MSM participated in this prospective survey and near one fourth MSM (23.4%) ever used poppers. About one-third of the participants had condomless anal intercourse, half had multiple sexual partners and 10.5% were syphilis positive. The HIV incidence densities were15.5 (95% CI:9.4-23.4)/100 PY[person-years]) and 4.6 (95% CI:2.9-7.0)/100 PY in poppers-users and non-poppers-users, respectively. Predictors of HIV seroconversion included poppers-using-behavior, having had more than two male partners, practicing group sex, unprotected anal intercourse(UAI) with male partners, and baseline syphilis positivity (all P < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of poppers, high-risk-sexual behaviors and syphilis infection significantly increase the HIV incidence among Shenyang MSM. It is essential for policy makers to add poppers to the official controlled illicit drug list to reduce HIV transmission among the MSM community. A comprehensive strategy should also be implemented to control both their high-risk-sexual behaviors and risk of syphilis infection, since these may represent novel ways to prevent new HIV infections in these MSM.

FOXO3, IRF4, and xIAP Are Correlated with Immune Activation in HIV-1-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men During Early HIV Infection

Forkhead box O (FOXO)1, FOXO3, interferon regulatory factor (IRF)4, X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (xIAP), and E74-like factor (ELF)4 have been described as important regulators of T cell functions and differentiation. However, whether these molecules are associated with HIV-1 disease progression is still unknown. In this study, we showed that the levels of FOXO3, IRF4, and xIAP mRNA in rapid progressors (RPs) were significantly higher than in HIV-negative healthy controls (HCs). Moreover, FOXO3 expression was positively correlated with HIV-1 viral load and CD4⁺ T cell activation. Remarkably, increased CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell activation was apparent in RPs compared with typical progressors and HCs. In addition, a profile of higher apoptosis, more CD8⁺ T_EM cells, and fewer CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ Naive T cells were observed in early HIV infection patients with low CD4⁺ T cell counts. Furthermore, in vitro, IRF4 and xIAP expression was enhanced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy people following T cell receptor stimulation. T cell activation was decreased by treatment with siRNA inhibiting FOXO3, IRF4, and xIAP. Our results show that significantly increased levels of FOXO3, IRF4, and xIAP mRNA in Chinese HIV-1-infected patients were related to T cell immune activation, implicating them as potential targets for developing new therapeutic avenues to slow down HIV-1 disease progression.

High rate of missed HIV infections in individuals with indeterminate or negative HIV western blots based on current HIV testing algorithm in China

It remains unclear if China's current HIV antibody testing algorithm misses a substantial number of HIV infected individuals. Of 196 specimens with indeterminate or negative results on HIV western blot (WB) retrospectively examined by HIV-1 nucleic acid test (NAT), 67.57% (75/111) of indeterminate WB samples, and 16.47% (14/85) of negative WB samples were identified as NAT positive. HIV-1 loads in negative WB samples were significantly higher than those in indeterminate WB samples. Notably, 86.67% (13/15) of samples with negative WB and double positive immunoassay results were NAT positive. The rate of HIV-1 infections missed by China's current HIV testing algorithm is unacceptably high. Thus, China should consider using NAT or integrating fourth generation ELISA into current only antibodies-based HIV confirmation. J. Med. Virol. 88:1462-1466, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

HIV Epidemic in Asia: Implications for HIV Vaccine and Other Prevention Trials

An overall decrease of HIV prevalence is now observed in several key Asian countries due to effective prevention programs. The decrease in HIV prevalence and incidence may further improve with the scale-up of combination prevention interventions. The implementation of future prevention trials then faces important challenges. The opportunity to identify heterosexual populations at high risk such as female sex workers may rapidly wane. With unabating HIV epidemics among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (TG) populations, an effective vaccine would likely be the only option to turn the epidemic. It is more likely that efficacy trials will occur among MSM and TG because their higher HIV incidence permits smaller and less costly trials. The constantly evolving patterns of HIV-1 diversity in the region suggest close monitoring of the molecular HIV epidemic in potential target populations for HIV vaccine efficacy trials. CRF01_AE remains predominant in southeast Asian countries and MSM populations in China. This relatively steady pattern is conducive to regional efficacy trials, and as efficacy warrants, to regional licensure. While vaccines inducing nonneutralizing antibodies have promise against HIV acquisition, vaccines designed to induce broadly neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immune responses of greater breadth and depth in the mucosal compartments should be considered for testing in MSM and TG. The rationale and design of efficacy trials of combination prevention modalities such as HIV vaccine and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remain hypothetical, require high adherence to PrEP, are more costly, and present new regulatory challenges. The prioritization of prevention interventions should be driven by the HIV epidemic and decided by the country-specific health and regulatory authorities. Modeling the impact and cost-benefit may help this decision process.

Potential impact on HIV incidence of higher HIV testing rates and earlier antiretroviral therapy initiation in MSM

BACKGROUND

Increased rates of testing, with early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, represent a key potential HIV-prevention approach. Currently, in MSM in the United Kingdom, it is estimated that 36% are diagnosed by 1 year from infection, and the ART initiation threshold is at CD4 cell count 350/μl. We investigated what would be required to reduce HIV incidence in MSM to below 1 per 1000 person-years (i.e. <535 new infections per year) by 2030, and whether this is likely to be cost-effective.

METHODS

A dynamic, individual-based simulation model was calibrated to multiple data sources on HIV in MSM in the United Kingdom. Outcomes were projected according to future alternative HIV testing and ART initiation scenarios to 2030, considering also potential changes in levels of condomless sex.

RESULTS

For ART use to result in an incidence of close to 1/1000 person-years requires the proportion of all HIV-positive MSM with viral suppression to increase from below 60% currently to 90%, assuming no rise in levels of condomless sex. Substantial increases in HIV testing, such that over 90% of men are diagnosed within a year of infection, would increase the proportion of HIV-positive men with viral suppression to 80%, and it would be 90%, if ART is initiated at diagnosis. The scenarios required for such a policy to be cost-effective are presented.

CONCLUSION

This analysis provides targets for the proportion of all HIV-positive MSM with viral suppression required to achieve substantial reductions in HIV incidence.

Pooled nucleic acid testing increases the diagnostic yield of acute HIV infections in a high-risk population compared to 3rd and 4th generation HIV enzyme immunoassays

OBJECTIVES

We compared a 3rd generation (gen) and two 4th gen HIV enzyme immunoassays (EIA) to pooled nucleic acid testing (PNAT) for the identification of pre- and early seroconversion acute HIV infection (AHI).

STUDY DESIGN

9550 specimens from males >18 year from clinics attended by men who have sex with men were tested by Siemens ADVIA Centaur(®) HIV 1/O/2 (3rd gen) and HIV Combo (4th gen), as well as by Abbott ARCHITECT(®) HIV Ag/Ab Combo (4th gen). Third gen non-reactive specimens were also tested by Roche COBAS(®) Ampliprep/COBAS® TaqMan HIV-1 Test v.2 in pools of 24 samples. Sensitivity and specificity of the three EIAs for AHI detection were compared.

RESULTS

7348 persons contributed 9435 specimens and had no evidence of HIV infection, 79 (94 specimens) had established HIV infection, 6 (9 specimens) had pre-seroconversion AHI and 9 (12 specimens) had early seroconversion AHI. Pre-seroconversion AHI cases were not detected by 3rd gen EIA, whereas 2/6 (33.3%) were detected by Siemens 4th gen, 4/6 (66.7%) by Abbott 4th gen and 6/6 (100%) by PNAT. All three EIAs and PNAT detected all individuals with early seroconversion AHI. Overall sensitivity/specificity for the EIAs relative to WB or NAT resolved infection status was 93.6%/99.9% for Siemens 3rd gen, 95.7%/99.7% for Siemens 4th gen and 97.9%/99.2% for Abbott 4th gen.

CONCLUSIONS

While both 4th gen EIAs demonstrated improved sensitivity for AHI compared to 3rd gen EIA, PNAT identified more AHI cases than either 4th gen assay. PNAT is likely to remain a useful strategy to identify AHI in high-risk populations.

A multicenter clinical evaluation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis IgG/IgM antibody detection using the colloidal gold method

A specific immunoassay method with the colloidal gold labeling technique has been developed more and more for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. The aim of this multicenter clinical evaluation was to evaluate the performance of a new serological diagnostic kit (the Trustline TB IgG/IgM Rapid Test kit) for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in China, with the Aupu TB Ab (IgG) Colloidal Gold Test kit being used as a control. A total of 1,009 specimens were collected from three TB hospitals, including 628 patients with TB, and 219 non-TB and 162 healthy patients as negative controls. According to the clinical diagnostic results, the sensitivities of the Trustline kit and the Aupu kit were 61.3 % and 53.7 %, respectively. Using the bacteriological test results as the "gold standard" to compare the results of the two kits, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Youden index (YI) were 77.60 %, 79.8 %, 73.31 %, 81.50 %, and 0.574 by the Trustline kit, and 67.86 %, 88.9 %, 83.27 %, 77.40 %, and 0.568 by the Aupu kit, respectively. Further, the sensitivity of the Trustline kit and the Aupu kit for the smear staining and the bacterial culture being positive was 75.6 %, 76.6 % and 65.6 %, 66.5 %, and for the negative result, it was 53.8 %, 50.9 % and 47.5 %, 45.0 %, respectively. Additionally, 35 specimens were IgM-positive by the Trustline kit; of these, 30 (4.8 %) were from patients with TB and 5 (1.3 %) were from individuals without TB. The results showed that the experimental test had a much higher sensitivity than the other commercial test and exhibited a good detection rate for M. tuberculosis infection. Therefore, this kit can be used in the supplementary diagnosis and screening of TB.

Challenges and potential barriers to the uptake of antiretroviral-based prevention in Asia and the Pacific region

Evidence has emerged over the past few years on the effectiveness of antiretroviral-based prevention technologies to prevent (i) HIV transmission while decreasing morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected persons, and (ii) HIV acquisition in HIV-uninfected individuals through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Only few of the planned studies on treatment as prevention (TasP) are conducted in Asia. TasP might be more feasible and effective in concentrated rather than in generalised epidemics, as resources for HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment could focus on confined and much smaller populations than in the generalised epidemics observed in sub-Saharan Africa. Several countries such as Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam, are now paving the way to success. Similar challenges arise for both TasP and PrEP. However, the operational issues for PrEP are amplified by the need for frequent retesting and ensuring adherence. This paper describes challenges for the implementation of antiretroviral-based prevention and makes the case that TasP and PrEP implementation research in Asia is much needed to provide insights into the feasibility of these interventions in populations where firm evidence of ‘real world’ effectiveness is still lacking.

HIV related high risk behaviors and willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials among China MSM by computer assisted self-interviewing survey

Background. The number of new HIV infections among MSM of China is rapidly increasing in recent years and behavioral interventions have had limited effectiveness. To control the HIV pandemic may lie in an HIV vaccine. This study examined the factors associated with willingness to participate (WTP) in HIV vaccine clinical trials among China MSM. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among MSM from three cities in northeast China. Questionnaires pertaining to MSM risk behavior and WTP in HIV vaccine trials were administered through computer assisted self-interviewing (CASI). Results. A total of 626 MSM participated in this survey. 54.8% had occasional male partners and 52.2% always used condoms with male sex partners. HIV prevalence was 5.0%. 76.7% were WTP in a preventive HIV vaccine clinical trial. Results showed that HIV vaccination is a means of protection for spouses and family; family support to participate in vaccine trials and desire for economic incentives were significantly associated with WTP. Conclusions. There was a high proportion of WTP in HIV vaccine trials among Chinese MSM. The high HIV prevalence and high proportion of risky sexual behavior indicate that Liaoning MSM are potential candidates for HIV vaccine trials.

Targeting screening and social marketing to increase detection of acute HIV infection in men who have sex with men in Vancouver, British Columbia

OBJECTIVES

The contribution of acute HIV infection (AHI) to transmission is widely recognized, and increasing AHI diagnosis capacity can enhance HIV prevention through subsequent behavior change or intervention. We examined the impact of targeted pooled nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) and social marketing to increase AHI diagnosis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vancouver.

DESIGN

Observational study.

METHODS

We implemented pooled NAAT following negative third-generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA) testing for males above 18 years in six clinics accessed by MSM, accompanied by two social marketing campaigns developed by a community gay men's health organization. We compared test volume and diagnosis rates for pre-implementation (April 2006-March 2009) and post-implementation (April 2009-March 2012) periods. After implementation, we used linear regression to examine quarterly trends and calculated diagnostic yield.

RESULTS

After implementation, the AHI diagnosis rate significantly increased from 1.03 to 1.84 per 1000 tests, as did quarterly HIV test volumes and acute to non-acute diagnosis ratio. Of the 217 new HIV diagnoses after implementation, 54 (24.9%) were AHIs (25 detected by pooled NAAT only) for an increased diagnostic yield of 11.5%. The average number of prior negative HIV tests (past 2 years) increased significantly for newly diagnosed MSM at the six study clinics compared to other newly diagnosed MSM in British Columbia, per quarter.

CONCLUSION

Targeted implementation of pooled NAAT at clinics accessed by MSM is effective in increasing AHI diagnoses compared to third-generation EIA testing. Social marketing campaigns accompanying pooled NAAT implementation may contribute to increasing AHI diagnoses and frequency of HIV testing.

Overcoming biological, behavioral, and structural vulnerabilities: new directions in research to decrease HIV transmission in men who have sex with men

Men who have sex with men (MSM), including transgender women, comprise a heterogeneous group of individuals whose sexual behaviors and gender identities may vary widely between cultures and among individuals. Their sources of increased vulnerability to HIV are diverse, including the increased efficiency of HIV transmission via unprotected anal intercourse, sexual role versatility, asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections, and behavioral factors that may be associated with condomless sex with multiple partners. Societal stigmatization of homosexual behavior and gender nonconformity may result in internalized negative feelings that lead to depression, other affective disorders, and substance use, which in turn are associated with increased risk-taking behaviors. Social stigma and punitive civil environments may lead to delays in seeking HIV and sexually transmitted disease screening, and later initiation of antiretroviral therapy. The iPrEX study demonstrated that chemoprophylaxis can decrease HIV acquisition in MSM, and the HIV prevention trials network 052 study established the biological plausibility that earlier initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy can decrease HIV transmission to uninfected partners. Despite these advances, MSM remain among the most significantly HIV-affected population in resource-rich and limited settings. New studies will integrate enhanced understanding of the biology of enhanced rectal transmission of HIV and the focused use of antiretrovirals for prevention with culturally tailored approaches that address the potentiating social and behavioral factors associated with enhanced HIV spread among MSM.

Detection of acute HIV-1 infections utilizing NAAT technology in Dallas, Texas

BACKGROUND

The detection of an acute human immunodeficiency virus infection (AHI) is vital in the fight against the spread of HIV to uninfected partners. Detection early after transmission is critical because the virus is replicating at a high level and is undetectable by serological markers. Nucleic acid amplification testing can detect HIV-1 RNA 10-12 days after exposure.

OBJECTIVE

Provide Dallas County Public Health Department the ability to detect an AHI and maintain a three day turn-around-time for a reactive specimen.

STUDY DESIGN

The population includes patients requesting HIV testing at various clinics throughout the state of Texas. Analyze various pool sizes for the pooling of specimens with the Aptima HIV-1 RNA qualitative assay to detect an acute HIV infection. Modify the HIV testing algorithm to include the detection of an acute HIV infection without delaying reporting results to original submitters. Perform a study to compare the detection of HIV in various HIV assays (3rd generation EIA assay, 4th generation EIA assay, HIV-1 RNA NAAT). Perform public health follow-up on patients who are confirmed to have an acute HIV infection with a goal of preventing the spread to uninfected partners.

RESULTS

A pooling protocol was validated and performed concurrently with the EIA to maintain a reactive result released after three days of collection. Of the 148,888 (2009-2012) specimens screened for HIV, 161 AHIs were detected and the public health follow-up identified an additional 13 new HIV infections that had been a contact to one of the AHIs.

CONCLUSION

Without the advancement in technology, patients could have received a negative or indeterminate test prior to implementing the NAAT, resulting in a delay in diagnosis and potential spread to uninfected partners. Improving the detection of an AHI is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.

Transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in rapid progressors in early HIV infection identifies a signature closely correlated with disease progression

BACKGROUND

A substantial percentage (10%-15%) of HIV-infected individuals experience a sharp decline in CD4(+) T-cell counts and progress to AIDS quickly after primary infection. Identification of biomarkers distinguishing rapid progressors (RPs) vs chronic progressors (CPs) is critical for early clinical intervention and could provide novel strategies to facilitate vaccine design and immune therapy.

METHODS

mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RPs and CPs were investigated at 111 (22) days [mean (SD)] of HIV infection. The association of mRNA and miRNA expression with disease progression was examined by ROC analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

Pathway enrichment analysis showed that genes with deregulated expression in RPs were primarily involved in apoptosis pathways. Furthermore, we found that 5 miRNAs (miR-31, -200c, -526a, -99a, and -503) in RPs were significantly decreased compared to those in CPs (P < 0.05). The decreased expression of these miRNAs was associated with a rapid disease of progression of HIV infection with a 94% predictive value as measured by the area under the curve. The upregulated predicted targets from the 5 signature miRNAs and all upregulated genes identified from mRNA microarray analysis converged to the apoptosis pathway. Moreover, overexpression of miR-31 in primary human T cells promoted their survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have identified a distinct transcriptomic signature in PBMCs of RPs and provided novel insights to the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

Prospective cohort study of HIV incidence and molecular characteristics of HIV among men who have sex with men(MSM) in Yunnan Province, China

Background

Yunnan has the largest number of reported HIV/AIDS cases among all Chinese provinces, the reported prevalence of HIV among Yunnan men who have sex with men (MSM) passed 10%, while HIV incidence epidemic and molecular characteristics of new infected Yunnan MSM were not evaluated before.

Methods

An 18 months prospective followed up with a frequency of 3 month per visit were conducted among HIV seronegative MSM in Kunming cityduring 2009–2011. Interviewer-administrated questionnaires were carried out. Blood specimens were obtained to test for syphilis and HIV, in which HIV were evaluated by standard HIV enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and HIV nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). Near full-length regions of the HIV-1 were evaluated for subtyping, primary drug resistance mutations.

Results

During the follow-up 70.1% of the recruited 378 MSM retained in the cohort. Eleven MSM seroconverted to HIV and fifteen MSM seroconverted to syphilis. The HIV incidence and syphilis incidence was 3.5 (95% CI 1.8-6.2) cases /100 person year(PY) and 5.3 (95% CI 3.0-8.7) cases/100 PY, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that baseline syphilis infection (aHR, 17.7), occupation (students vs. others [aHR, 5.7], retirees vs. others [aHR, 4.1]), bleeding experience after receptive anal intercourse (aHR,7.6), and minority ethnic(vs. Han) [aHR, 5.7] were independent risk factors for HIV seroconversion(each P<0.05). Among the 7/11 successfully amplified near full-length sequences, 71.4% (5/7) were CRF01_AE, and 28.6% (2/7) were CRF07_BC. Two HIV transmission pairs were detected among seroconverted minority ethnic MSM.

Conclusions

HIV incidence was moderately high among Yunnan MSM. Yunnan province need to strengthen both HIV and syphilis screening among MSM population. Some subpopulations of MSM, such as students, retirees and minority ethnic groups require more HIV epidemic surveillance and strengthened behavior interventions. HIV subtypes and primary drug resistance should be continually monitored to track cross-group transmission of HIV strains.

Reconstituting the epidemic history of HIV strain CRF01_AE among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Liaoning, northeastern China: implications for the expanding epidemic among MSM in China

HIV CRF01_AE accounted for 84% of the recent infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Liaoning Province of northeastern China. CRF01_AE strains were grouped into two distinct clusters (designated clusters 1 and 2) that were also detected in other regions in China. Phylodynamics study revealed that these two CRF01_AE strains were independently introduced into the population of MSM in China in the early and mid-1990s. Our study elucidated unique features of dynamics and interrelationships of MSM epidemics in China.