Performance of the Applied Biosystems HIV-1 Genotyping Kit with Integrase.

HIV genotyping is used to assess HIV susceptibility to antiretroviral drugs. The Applied Biosystems HIV-1 Genotyping Kit with Integrase (AB kit, Thermo Fisher Scientific) detects resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in HIV protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT), and integrase (IN). We compared results from the AB kit with results obtained previously with the ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System. DNA amplicons from the AB kit were also analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). HIV RNA was extracted using the MagNA Pure 24 instrument (Roche Diagnostics; 96 plasma samples, HIV subtype B, viral load range: 530-737,741 copies/mL). FASTA files were generated from AB kit data using Exatype (Hyrax Biosciences). DNA amplicons from the AB kit were also analyzed by NGS using the Nextera XT kit (Illumina). Drug resistance was predicted using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. The mean genetic distance for sequences from ViroSeq and the AB kit was 0.02% for PR/RT and 0.04% for IN; 103 major RAMs were detected by both methods. Four additional major RAMs were detected by the AB kit only. These four major RAMs were also detected by NGS (detected in 18.1%-38.2% of NGS reads). NGS detected 27 major RAMs that were not detected with either of the Sanger sequencing-based kits. All major RAMs detected with ViroSeq were detected with the AB kit; additional RAMs were detected with the AB kit only. DNA amplicons from the AB kit can be used for NGS for more sensitive detection of RAMs.

Interest in I-PrEP and Willingness to Participate in Clinical Trials Among Men and Transfeminine Persons Who have Sex with Men in Sub-Saharan Africa: Quantitative and Qualitative Findings from HPTN 075.

This study explored interest in injectable PrEP (I-PrEP) and willingness to participate in clinical trials testing new biomedical HIV prevention strategies among men and transfeminine persons who have sex with men (MSM & TGP), using data collected in the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study, which took place at sites in Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. Data result from a survey among 267 18-44 years old HIV negative participants, complemented with semi-structured interviews with 80 purposively recruited persons. Correlations coefficients were calculated to identify demographic and psychosocial factors associated with interest in I-PrEP. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using concept-driven and subsequent data-driven coding. Most surveyed participants expressed an interest in I-PrEP. Quantitatively, only being interested in other HIV prevention measures was associated with interest in I-PrEP. Qualitatively, most participants preferred I-PrEP to O-PrEP and remained interested in I-PrEP despite barriers such as the somewhat invasive nature of the procedure and potential side effects of I-PrEP. Interest in I-PrEP was driven by the possibility of avoiding sexual or HIV stigma. Access to healthcare and altruism-such as assisting in the development of new HIV prevention methods-positively impacted willingness to participate in clinical trials. With I-PrEP favored by most participants, it is potentially a critical tool to prevent HIV infection among MSM & TGP in sub-Saharan Africa, with the mitigation of stigma as a major advance. Recruitment of MSM & TGP in biobehavioral clinical trials seems feasible, with altruistic reasons and receiving I-PrEP and free medical care as major motivators.

RESUMEN: Este estudio exploró el interés en la PrEP inyectable (I-PrEP) y la voluntad de participar en ensayos clínicos que prueban nuevas estrategias biomédicas de prevención del VIH entre hombres y personas transfemeninas que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH y TGP), utilizando datos recopilados en la Red de Ensayos de Prevención del VIH. (HPTN) 075, que se llevó a cabo en sitios de Kenia, Malawi y Sudáfrica. Los datos son el resultado de una encuesta entre 267 participantes VIH negativos de entre 18 y 44 años, complementada con entrevistas semiestructuradas con 80 personas reclutadas intencionalmente. Se calcularon coeficientes de correlación para identificar factores demográficos y psicosociales asociados con el interés en la I-PrEP. Las entrevistas cualitativas se analizaron mediante codificación basada en conceptos y, posteriormente, basada en datos. La mayoría de los participantes encuestados expresaron interés en la I-PrEP. Cuantitativamente, sólo estar interesado en otras medidas de prevención del VIH se asoció con el interés en la I-PrEP. Cualitativamente, la mayoría de los participantes prefirieron la I-PrEP a la O-PrEP y siguieron interesados en la I-PrEP a pesar de barreras como la naturaleza algo invasiva del procedimiento y los posibles efectos secundarios de la I-PrEP. El interés en la I-PrEP fue impulsado por la posibilidad de evitar el estigma sexual o del VIH. El acceso a la atención sanitaria y el altruismo (como la asistencia en el desarrollo de nuevos métodos de prevención del VIH) tuvieron un impacto positivo en la voluntad de participar en ensayos clínicos. Dado que la mayoría de los participantes prefieren la I-PrEP, es potencialmente una herramienta crítica para prevenir la infección por VIH entre HSH y TGP en el África subsahariana, con la mitigación del estigma como un avance importante. El reclutamiento de HSH y TGP en ensayos clínicos bioconductuales parece factible, con razones altruistas y recibir I-PrEP y atención médica gratuita como principales motivadores.

Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infections in Women Who Received Injectable Cabotegravir or Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Emtricitabine for HIV Prevention: HPTN 084.

BACKGROUND: HIV Prevention Trials Network 084 demonstrated that long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB) was superior to daily oral tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) for preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in sub-Saharan African women. This report describes HIV infections that occurred in the trial before unblinding. METHODS: Testing was performed using HIV diagnostic assays, viral load testing, a single-copy RNA assay, and HIV genotyping. Plasma CAB, plasma TFV, and intraerythrocytic TFV-diphosphate concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Forty HIV infections were identified (CAB arm, 1 baseline infection, 3 incident infections; TDF/FTC arm, 36 incident infections). The incident infections in the CAB arm included 2 with no recent drug exposure and no CAB injections and 1 with delayed injections; in 35 of 36 cases in the TDF/FTC arm, drug concentrations indicated low or no adherence. None of the cases had CAB resistance. Nine women in the TDF/FTC arm had nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance; 1 had the nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance mutation, M184V. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all incident HIV infections occurred in the setting of unquantifiable or low drug concentrations. CAB resistance was not detected. Transmitted nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance was common; 1 woman may have acquired nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor resistance from study drug exposure.

Differing Correlates of Incident Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among a Cohort of Black Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Recruited in 6 US Cities (HIV Prevention Trials Network 061).

ABSTRACT: Compared with Black cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), Black transgender women had a higher incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (25.9 [11.1-46.3] vs. 9.6 [8.10-11.3] per 100 person-years), higher rates of income and housing insecurity, and condomless receptive anal intercourse. Further investigation of unique risk pathways among transgender women is critical.

Characterization of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection in Cisgender Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex With Men Receiving Injectable Cabotegravir for HIV Prevention: HPTN 083.

BACKGROUND: The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 083 trial demonstrated that long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was more effective than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men. We characterized HIV infections that occurred in the blinded phase of HPTN 083. METHODS: Retrospective testing included HIV testing, viral load testing, quantification of study drugs, and HIV drug resistance testing. RESULTS: Fifty-eight infections were evaluated, including 51 incident infections (12 in CAB arm and 39 in TDF/FTC arm). In many cases (5 in CAB arm and 37 in TDF/FTC arm), infection was associated with low or unquantifiable study drug concentrations. In 4 cases, infection occurred with on-time CAB-LA injections and expected plasma CAB concentrations. CAB exposure was associated with prolonged viral suppression and delayed antibody expression. In some cases, delayed HIV diagnosis resulted in CAB provision to participants with undetected infection, delayed antiretroviral therapy, and emergence of drug resistance; most of these infections would have been detected earlier with viral load testing. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of HIV infection and prompt antiretroviral therapy initiation could improve clinical outcomes in persons who become infected despite CAB-LA prophylaxis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the correlates of HIV protection in persons receiving CAB-LA.

HIV Prevention Trials Network 078: High Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies Among Urban US Men Who Have Sex With Men, Independent of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status.

BACKGROUND: Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is uncommon, yet documented among men who have sex with men (MSM), primarily among those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: In the HIV Prevention Trials Network 078 study (HPTN 078), which assessed an integrated strategy to achieve HIV viral suppression, 1305 MSM were screened across 4 geographically diverse US cities. At screening, demographic/behavioral/psychosocial questionnaires were completed, along with HIV and HCV testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with HCV antibody positivity. RESULTS: Among the 1287 (99%) of the MSM with HCV antibody results, the median age was 41, 69% were black, 85% had a high school education or more, 35% were employed, 70% had HIV, and 21% had undergone substance use counseling. The median lifetime number of male sexual partners was 17 (interquartile range, 6-50), and 246 (19%) were HCV antibody positive. HCV antibody positivity was high in MSM with HIV (20%) and MSM without HIV (17%) (P = .12) and was higher in those receiving substance use counseling (36%) than in those who had not (15%) (P ≤ .01). Substance use counseling (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.80-3.51) and unstable housing (2.16; 1.40-3.33) were associated with HCV antibody positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 5 MSM screened for HPTN 078 have been infected with HCV. The prevalence is high regardless of HIV status and is high even in those who did not undergo substance use counseling. In HIV burden networks, high HCV infection prevalence may occur in MSM without HIV. As implementation of preexposure prophylaxis expands and condom use declines, routine HCV counseling and screening among MSM are important.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Drug Resistance, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Superinfection Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 Study.

BACKGROUND: The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study evaluated the feasibility of enrolling and retaining men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) from Kenya, Malawi, and South Africa. During the study follow-up, 21 participants acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (seroconverters). We analyzed HIV subtype diversity, drug resistance, transmission dynamics, and HIV superinfection data among MSM and TGW enrolled in HPTN 075. METHODS: HIV genotyping and drug resistance testing were performed for participants living with HIV who had viral loads >400 copies/mL at screening (prevalent cases, n = 124) and seroconverters (n = 21). HIV pol clusters were identified using Cluster Picker. Superinfection was assessed by a longitudinal analysis of env and pol sequences generated by next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: HIV genotyping was successful for 123/124 prevalent cases and all 21 seroconverters. The major HIV subtypes were A1 (Kenya) and C (Malawi and South Africa). Major drug resistance mutations were detected in samples from 21 (14.6%) of 144 participants; the most frequent mutations were K103N and M184V/I. Phylogenetic analyses identified 11 clusters (2-6 individuals). Clusters included seroconverters only (n = 1), prevalent cases and seroconverters (n = 4), and prevalent cases only (n = 6). Superinfections were identified in 1 prevalent case and 2 seroconverters. The annual incidence of superinfection was higher among seroconverters than among prevalent cases, and was higher than the rate of primary HIV infection in the cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This report provides important insights into HIV genetic diversity, drug resistance, and superinfection among MSM and TGW in sub-Saharan Africa. These findings may help to inform future HIV prevention interventions in these high-risk groups.

Multifactorial Correlates of Incident Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Recruited in 6 US Cities (HIV Prevention Trials Network 061).

BACKGROUND: Black men who have sex with men are at a disproportionate risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). Understanding the drivers of those disparities can lead to culturally tailored interventions. We aimed to characterize the incidence and correlates of STI among Black individuals from HIV Prevention Trials Network 061, a multicity cohort study conducted from 2009 to 2011 in the United States. METHODS: We used Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) accounting for within-participant correlation over multiple follow-up visits (enrollment, 6 and 12 months). We examined correlates of incident rectal and urethral STI as well as incident syphilis. RESULTS: Among 1522 individuals, the incidences of urethral and rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection were 1.0 (95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.8) and 4.6 (95% CI, 3.5-6.3) cases per 100 person-years, respectively. The incidences of urethral and rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection were 2.5 (95% CI, 1.7-3.6) and 2.5 (95% CI, 1.7-3.7) cases per 100 person-years, respectively. The incidence of syphilis was 3.6 (95% CI, 2.7-4.9) cases per 100 person-years. Younger age was associated with increased odds of incident urethral (aHR, 5.1; 95% CI, 2.3-11.1) and rectal (aHR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.6-4.3) STI. Diagnosis of a rectal STI at baseline (aHR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0) and use of saliva as lubricant (aHR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.8) were associated with incident rectal STI. Diagnosis of syphilis at baseline was associated with incident syphilis during follow-up (aHR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.5-12.2). CONCLUSIONS: Younger participants had the highest STI incidence. Use of saliva as lubricant may be a driver of rectal infection, which deserves further study.

Performance of a high-throughput next-generation sequencing method for analysis of HIV drug resistance and viral load.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of a high-throughput research assay for HIV drug resistance testing based on whole genome next-generation sequencing (NGS) that also quantifies HIV viral load. METHODS: Plasma samples (n = 145) were obtained from HIV-positive MSM (HPTN 078). Samples were analysed using clinical assays (the ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System and the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 Viral Load assay) and a research assay based on whole-genome NGS (veSEQ-HIV). RESULTS: HIV protease and reverse transcriptase sequences (n = 142) and integrase sequences (n = 138) were obtained using ViroSeq. Sequences from all three regions were obtained for 100 (70.4%) of the 142 samples using veSEQ-HIV; results were obtained more frequently for samples with higher viral loads (93.5% for 93 samples with >5000 copies/mL; 50.0% for 26 samples with 1000-5000 copies/mL; 0% for 23 samples with <1000 copies/mL). For samples with results from both methods, drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were detected in 33 samples using ViroSeq and 42 samples using veSEQ-HIV (detection threshold: 5.0%). Overall, 146 major DRMs were detected; 107 were detected by both methods, 37 were detected by veSEQ-HIV only (frequency range: 5.0%-30.6%) and two were detected by ViroSeq only. HIV viral loads estimated by veSEQ-HIV strongly correlated with results from the Abbott RealTime Viral Load assay (R2 = 0.85; n = 142). CONCLUSIONS: The NGS-based veSEQ-HIV method provided results for most samples with higher viral loads, was accurate for detecting major DRMs, and detected mutations at lower levels compared with a method based on population sequencing. The veSEQ-HIV method also provided HIV viral load data.

Accuracy of Self-Reported HIV Status Among African Men and Transgender Women Who Have Sex with Men Who were Screened for Participation in a Research Study: HPTN 075.

Some HIV-infected individuals in research studies may choose not to disclose knowledge of their HIV status to study staff. We evaluated the accuracy of self-reported HIV status among African men and transgender women who have sex with men and who were screened for a research study. Sixty-seven of 183 HIV-infected participants reported a prior HIV diagnosis. Samples from the remaining 116 participants were tested for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Thirty-six of the 116 participants had ARV drugs detected, indicating that they were on antiretroviral treatment; these participants were classified as previously diagnosed based on ARV drug testing. Among participants classified as previously diagnosed, disclosure of a prior HIV diagnosis varied among study sites (p = 0.006) and was more common among those who reported having sex with men only (p = 0.002). ARV drug testing in addition to self-report improves the accuracy for identifying individuals with a prior HIV diagnosis.

Sexual Networks, Dyadic Characteristics, and HIV Acquisition and Transmission Behaviors Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in 6 US Cities.

The role of sexual networks in the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among black men who have sex with men (MSM) is poorly understood. Using data from 1,306 black MSM in the BROTHERS Study (2009-2010) in the United States, we examined the relationships between multiple sexual dyadic characteristics and serodiscordant/serostatus-unknown condomless sex (SDCS). HIV-infected participants had higher odds of SDCS when having sex at least weekly (odds ratio (OR) = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37, 4.23) or monthly (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.24) versus once to a few times a year. HIV-uninfected participants had higher odds of SDCS with partners met offline at sex-focused venues (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.78) versus partners met online. In addition, having sex upon first meeting was associated with higher odds of SDCS (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.83) than was not having sex on first meeting, while living/continued communication with sexual partner(s) was associated with lower odds of SDCS (weekly: OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.85; monthly: OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.81; yearly: OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.85) versus discontinued communication. Persons with primary/steady nonprimary partners versus commercial partners had lower odds of SDCS regardless of HIV serostatus. This suggests the need for culturally relevant HIV prevention efforts for black MSM that facilitate communication with sexual partners especially about risk reduction strategies, including preexposure prophylaxis.

Antiretroviral Medication Adherence and Amplified HIV Transmission Risk Among Sexually Active HIV-Infected Individuals in Three Diverse International Settings.

Successful biomedical prevention/treatment-as-prevention (TasP) requires identifying individuals at greatest risk for transmitting HIV, including those with antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence and/or 'amplified HIV transmission risk,' defined as condomless sex with HIV-uninfected/unknown-status partners when infectious (i.e., with detectable viremia or STI diagnosis according to Swiss criteria for infectiousness). This study recruited sexually-active, HIV-infected patients in Brazil, Thailand, and Zambia to examine correlates of ART nonadherence and 'amplified HIV transmission risk'. Lower alcohol use (OR = .71, p < .01) and higher health-related quality of life (OR = 1.10, p < .01) were associated with greater odds of ART adherence over and above region. Of those with viral load data available (in Brazil and Thailand only), 40 % met Swiss criteria for infectiousness, and 29 % had 'amplified HIV transmission risk.' MSM had almost three-fold (OR = 2.89, p < .001) increased odds of 'amplified HIV transmission risk' (vs. heterosexual men) over and above region. TasP efforts should consider psychosocial and contextual needs, particularly among MSM with detectable viremia.

Relation of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Intimate Partner Violence, and Depression to Risk Factors for HIV Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in 6 US Cities.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the relation of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), intimate partner violence (IPV), and depression to HIV sexual risk behaviors among Black men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: Participants were 1522 Black MSM recruited from 6 US cities between July 2009 and December 2011. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: Participants reported sex before age 12 years with someone at least 5 years older (31.1%), unwanted sex when aged 12 to 16 years (30%), IPV (51.8%), and depression (43.8%). Experiencing CSA when aged 12 to 16 years was inversely associated with any receptive condomless anal sex with a male partner (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.29, 0.86). Pressured or forced sex was positively associated with any receptive anal sex (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.57, 3.20). Experiencing CSA when younger than 12 years, physical abuse, emotional abuse, having been stalked, and pressured or forced sex were positively associated with having more than 3 male partners in the past 6 months. Among HIV-positive MSM (n = 337), CSA between ages 12 and 16 years was positively associated with having more than 3 male partners in the past 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of CSA, IPV, and depression were high, but associations with HIV sexual risk outcomes were modest.

Nondisclosure of HIV status in a clinical trial setting: antiretroviral drug screening can help distinguish between newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed HIV infection.

In The HIV Prevention Trials Network 061 study, 155 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men reported no prior HIV diagnosis; 83 of those men had HIV RNA levels of <1000 copies/mL at enrollment. Antiretroviral drug testing revealed that 65 of the 83 (78.3%) men were on antiretroviral treatment. Antiretroviral drug testing can help distinguish between newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed HIV infection.

Failure to identify HIV-infected individuals in a clinical trial using a single HIV rapid test for screening.

BACKGROUND: In the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 061 study, 8 (2.3%) of 348 HIV-infected participants identified as HIV uninfected at study enrollment using a single HIV rapid test for screening were found to be HIV infected after additional testing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the performance of different HIV assays for detection of HIV infection in HPTN 061 participants with missed infection and individuals with viral suppression. METHODS: Plasma samples from 8 HPTN 061 participants, 17 elite controllers, and 101 individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) were tested for HIV with 3 rapid tests, 2 laboratory-based immunoassays, and a Western blot assay. The HPTN 061 samples were also tested with 2 HIV RNA assays and an antiretroviral drug assay. RESULTS: Of the 8 HPTN 061 participants with missed infection, 1 was an elite controller, 1 was taking ART, 2 were missed because of testing or clerical errors, 1 had recent HIV infection (identified using a multi-assay algorithm), and 3 had acute HIV infection. Two (1.7%) of 118 individuals with viral suppression (both taking ART) had at least 1 false-negative test. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical trials, HIV infections can be missed for a variety of reasons. Using more than one assay to screen for HIV infection may reduce the number of missed infections.

HTPN 078: an enhanced case management study to achieve viral suppression among viremic HIV-positive men who have sex with men in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: After identifying and recruiting men who have sex with men living with HIV and virally unsuppressed, this study attempted to enhance treatment and care via case management to increase the proportion who achieved viral suppression. DESIGN: Participants were randomized into one of two study arms: standard of care (SOC) or enhanced case management (CM) intervention. Participants were followed for 12 months with quarterly study assessments, with blood collected for CD4+ cell count testing, HIV viral load testing (primary prespecified outcome), and plasma storage. METHODS: Participants identified via respondent-driven sampling and direct recruitment and were invited to participate in the randomized controlled trial. The CM intervention provided a wide range of support services including, health education, clinical care coordination, medication adherence support, and social service assistance. The month-12 assessment included questions about healthcare utilization, stigma, substance use, and mental health. RESULTS: Among the 144 participants virally unsuppressed at baseline, most had had a previous positive HIV test result; were Black, non-Hispanic, gay and bisexual men, aged 22-50. Among the 128 participants at the last study visit, 68 were virally suppressed, with no statistically significant difference between the CM and SOC arms (viral suppression 42% and 53%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio = 0.62 [P = 0.15; 95% confidence interval: 0.32, 1.2]). CONCLUSIONS: Reaching targets of at least 90% sustained viral suppression among all people with HIV will likely require more than an individual-level CM approach that addresses barriers to optimal care and treatment at multiple levels.

Uptake of antiretroviral treatment and viral suppression among men who have sex with men and transgender women in sub-Saharan Africa in an observational cohort study: HPTN 075.

OBJECTIVES: HPTN 075 enrolled men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in sub-Saharan Africa. Persons in HIV care or on antiretroviral treatment (ART) were not eligible to enroll. We evaluated antiretroviral (ARV) drug use, viral suppression, and drug resistance in this cohort over a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS: Assessments included 64 participants with HIV (39 MSM, 24 TGW, and one gender not specified). ARV drugs were detected using a qualitative assay. Viral load (VL) and drug resistance testing were performed using commercial assays. RESULTS: Over 12 months, the proportion of participants using ARV drugs increased from 28.1% to 59.4% and the proportion with VLs <400 copies/mL increased from 21.9% to 57.8%. The rate of ART failure (detection of drugs without viral suppression) was similar at screening and 12 months (12.0% and 11.1%, respectively) and was similar among MSM and TGW. Two participants developed HIV drug resistance during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Over 12 months, ARV drug use in the cohort more than doubled and viral suppression increased nearly threefold without a significant increase in ART failure or drug resistance. These results suggest that ART can be successfully scaled up for HIV prevention and treatment in this high-risk population.

Comparing recruitment strategies to engage hard-to-reach men who have sex with men living with HIV with unsuppressed viral loads in four US cities: Results from HPTN 078.

INTRODUCTION: There is an urgent need to identify men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV with unsuppressed viral loads to prevent transmission. Though respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is traditionally used for hard-to-reach populations, we compare how RDS and direct recruitment (DR) perform in identifying MSM living with HIV with unsuppressed viral loads and identifying MSM with socio-demographics characteristic of hard-to-reach populations. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis among 1305 MSM who were recruited from March 2016 to December 2017 for a case management intervention trial (HPTN 078). We recruited participants across four cities using RDS and DR methods: Birmingham, AL; Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; and Boston, MA. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and underwent HIV testing. We compare the proportion of MSM with HIV and unsuppressed viral loads (HIV RNA ≥ 1000 copies/ml) based on recruitment method using Pearson chi-square tests. We also compare differences in race, income, healthcare coverage, education, sexual orientation, hidden sexuality and comfort with participating in the LGBT community between recruitment methods and perform non-parametric trend tests to see how demographics change across RDS recruitment waves. RESULTS: RDS recruited 721 men (55.2%) and DR yielded 584 men (44.8%). Overall, 69% were living with HIV, of whom 18% were not virally suppressed. HIV prevalence was higher among those recruited via DR (84%) compared to RDS (58%), p < 0.0001. Twenty per cent of DR recruits were not virally suppressed compared to 15% of RDS, though this was not significant. DR yielded a significantly higher proportion of Black participants and those with less than a high school diploma. The prevalence of low income, no healthcare coverage, bisexuality and hidden sexuality increased across RDS waves. CONCLUSIONS: DR was more efficient in identifying MSM living with HIV with unsuppressed viral loads; however, there was a higher proportion of hard-to-reach MSM who were low income, lacked health coverage, were bisexual and were not open with their sexuality in deeper waves of RDS. Researchers should consider supplementing RDS recruitment with DR efforts if aiming to identify MSM with unsuppressed viral loads via RDS.

HIV incidence in a multinational cohort of men and transgender women who have sex with men in sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from HPTN 075.

Few studies have assessed HIV incidence in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We assessed HIV incidence and its correlates among MSM and TGW in SSA enrolled in the prospective, multi-country HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study, conducted from 2015 to 2017. Participants were enrolled at four sites in SSA (Kisumu, Kenya; Blantyre, Malawi; Cape Town and Soweto, South Africa). Eligible participants reported male sex assignment at birth, were 18 to 44 years of age, and had engaged in anal intercourse with a man in the preceding three months. Participation involved five study visits over 12 months. Visits included behavioral assessments and testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Twenty-one of 329 persons acquired HIV during the study [incidence rate: 6.96/100 person-years (PY) (95% CI: 4.3, 10.6)]. Among TGW, HIV incidence was estimated to be 8.4/100 PY (95% CI: 2.3, 21.5). Four participants were found to have acute HIV infection at their first HIV-positive visit. HIV incidence varied among the four study sites, ranging from 1.3/100 PY to 14.4/100 PY. In multivariate longitudinal analysis, factors significantly associated with HIV acquisition were engagement in unprotected receptive anal intercourse [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 5.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4, 14.4] and incident rectal gonorrhea and/or chlamydia (AHR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.1, 6.8). The higher HIV incidence in Cape Town compared to Blantyre could be explained by the higher prevalence of several risk factors for HIV infection among participants in Cape Town. Annual HIV incidence observed in this study is substantially higher than reported HIV incidence in the general populations in the respective countries and among MSM in the United States. Intensification of HIV prevention efforts for MSM and TGW in SSA is urgently needed.

The feasibility of recruiting and retaining men who have sex with men and transgender women in a multinational prospective HIV prevention research cohort study in sub-Saharan Africa (HPTN 075).

INTRODUCTION: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are profoundly affected by HIV with high HIV prevalence and incidence. This population also faces strong social stigma and legal barriers, potentially impeding participation in research. To date, few multi-country longitudinal HIV research studies with MSM/TGW have been conducted in SSA. Primary objective of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 075 study was to assess feasibility of recruiting and retaining a multinational prospective cohort of MSM/TGW in SSA for HIV prevention research. METHODS: HPTN 075, conducted from 2015 to 2017, was designed to enroll 400 MSM/TGW at four sites in SSA (100 per site: Kisumu, Kenya; Blantyre, Malawi; Cape Town, South Africa; and Soweto, South Africa). The number of HIV-positive persons was capped at 20 per site; HIV-positive persons already in care were excluded from participation. The one-year study included five biobehavioural assessments. Community-based input and risk mitigation protocols were included in study design and conduct. RESULTS: Of 624 persons screened, 401 were enrolled. One in five participants was classified as transgender. Main reasons for ineligibility included: (a) being HIV positive after the cap was reached (29.6%); (b) not reporting anal intercourse with a man in the preceding three months (20.6%); and (c) being HIV positive and already in care (17.5%). Five (1.2%) participants died during the study (unrelated to study participation). 92.9% of the eligible participants (368/396) completed the final study visit and 86.1% participated in all visits. The main, overlapping reasons for early termination included being (a) unable to adhere to the visit schedule, predominantly because of relocation (46.4%), and (b) unable to contact the participant (32.1%). Participants reported strong motivation to participate and few participation barriers. Four participants reported social harms (loss of confidentiality and sexual harassment by study staff) that were successfully addressed. CONCLUSIONS: HPTN 075 successfully enrolled a multinational sample of MSM/TGW in SSA in a prospective HIV prevention research study with a high retention rate and few documented social harms. This supports the feasibility of conducting large-scale research trials in this population to address its urgent, unmet HIV prevention needs.