Physical and mental health of long-term users of HIV preexposure prophylaxis in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV. We aimed to assess mental and physical health among long-term PrEP users in Australia's X-PLORE cohort. METHODS: In early 2021, 1485 X-PLORE participants were emailed a survey covering demographics, sexual practices, ongoing PrEP use, physical and psychological diagnoses received since commencing PrEP, substance use, and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Current anxiety and depression were assessed using GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaires. RESULTS: Of 476 participants (completion rate 32.1%), 99.8% were cis-gender men. Median PrEP use duration was 48 months (2002 person-years), with 81.7% currently using PrEP. PrEP-related toxicity was uncommon: 2.9% reported bone fractures, 1.3% low bone density, and 4.0% reported kidney problems, largely not necessitating PrEP cessation. Most (92.0%) rated their health as 'good' to 'excellent', and 22.6% reported improved health since starting PrEP, often because of improved mental health. Only 6.2% reported deterioration in health since starting PrEP, largely unrelated to PrEP. The most common diagnoses were hypertension (9.9%), depression (13.2%) and anxiety (14.9%); 17% had PHQ-9 scores indicating current moderate-to-severe depression, which was associated with unemployment [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.90], regular cannabis use (aOR 2.49), and having ceased PrEP (aOR 2.13). CONCLUSION: Among long-term PrEP users, of which over 80% were currently using PrEP, self-reported PrEP toxicity was uncommon. With almost one in five PrEP users categorized as having depression, and with higher risk among those having ceased PrEP, we recommend routine screening for depression and anxiety in PrEP users and corresponding follow-up of patients no longer attending for PrEP.

A cross-disciplinary view of current and emerging COVID-19 developments.

The emergency phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is over. Still, the work goes on in understanding the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its evolution, infection impacts - acute and long term - as well as therapeutics and the lessons for preventing and responding to future pandemics. Research into the long-term post-infection effects and therapeutic interventions also expands as the post-infection period lengthens. We provide an overview of the leading edge of COVID-19 research across clinical, epidemiological and social domains.

Mpox (monkeypox) knowledge, concern, willingness to change behaviour, and seek vaccination: results of a national cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: In mid-2022, a global mpox (formerly 'monkeypox') outbreak affecting predominantly gay and bisexual men emerged in non-endemic countries. Australia had never previously recorded mpox cases and there was no prior research on knowledge or attitudes to mpox among gay and bisexual men across Australia. METHODS: We conducted a national, online cross-sectional survey between August 2022 and September 2022. Participants were recruited through community organisation promotions, online advertising, and direct email invitations. Eligible participants were gay, bisexual or queer; identified as male (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary; aged 16years or older; and lived in Australia. The main outcome measures were: knowledge and concern about mpox; recognition of mpox symptoms and transmission routes; vaccination history; acceptability of behavioural changes to reduce mpox risk, and willingness to be vaccinated. RESULTS: Of 2287 participants, most participants were male (2189/2287; 95.7%) and gay (1894/2287; 82.8%). Nearly all had heard about mpox (2255/2287; 98.6%), and the majority were concerned about acquiring it (1461/2287; 64.4%). Most of the 2268 participants not previously diagnosed with mpox correctly identified skin lesions (2087; 92%), rash (1977; 87.2%), and fever (1647; 72.6%) as potential symptoms, and prolonged and brief skin-to-skin contact as potential ways to acquire mpox (2124, 93.7%; and 1860, 82%, respectively). The most acceptable behavioural changes were reducing or avoiding attendance at sex parties (1494; 65.9%) and sex-on-premises venues (1503; 66.4%), and having fewer sexual partners (1466; 64.6%). Most unvaccinated and undiagnosed participants were willing to be vaccinated (1457/1733; 84.1%). CONCLUSIONS: People at risk of mpox should be supported to adopt acceptable risk reduction strategies during outbreaks and to seek vaccination.

Incidence and Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Among HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men Using HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Gay and bisexual men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are at increased risk for sexually transmissible infections. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk among PrEP users is less clear. We explored HCV prevalence and incidence among cohorts of gay and bisexual men using PrEP and sources of heterogeneity across studies. Methods: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of open-label PrEP studies to April 2022 reporting HCV prevalence at baseline or incidence during follow-up among gay and bisexual men using PrEP. Pooled prevalence and incidence estimates were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis, and subgroup analyses were performed by study- and country-level characteristics, including availability of HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy at time of study. Results: Twenty-four studies from 9 countries were included, with a total sample of 24 733 gay and bisexual men. Pooled HCV antibody baseline prevalence was 0.97% (95% CI, 0.63%-1.31%), and pooled HCV RNA baseline prevalence was 0.38% (95% CI, 0.19%-0.56%). Among 19 studies reporting HCV incidence, incidence ranged from 0.0 to 2.93/100 person-years (py); the pooled estimate was 0.83/100py (95% CI, 0.55-1.11). HCV incidence was higher in 12 studies that began follow-up before broad DAA availability (1.27/100py) than in 8 studies that began follow-up after broad DAA availability (0.34/100py) and higher in studies in Europe compared with North America and Australia. Conclusions: Early reports of high HCV incidence among PrEP-using cohorts likely reflect enrollment of individuals based on specific risk-based eligibility criteria for smaller studies and enrollment before DAA scale-up. In contexts where both DAAs and PrEP have been implemented at scale, studies report lower HCV incidence. PrEP-specific HCV testing guidelines should be guided by local epidemiology.

"How PrEPared are you?": Knowledge of and attitudes toward PrEP among overseas-born and newly arrived gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Australia.

Introduction: Overseas-born and newly arrived gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are at higher risk of acquiring HIV in comparison to Australian-born GBMSM. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is subsidized by the Australian government under Medicare, Australia's universal health insurance scheme, however many members of this population are Medicare-ineligible, which could prevent them from accessing PrEP. We wanted to explore participants' knowledge of and attitudes toward PrEP and their opinions of new PrEP modalities, namely injectable PrEP and PrEP implants. Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews between February 2021 to September 2021 with 22 overseas-born, newly arrived (<5 years in Australia) GBMSM of varying PrEP use. We asked their opinions of PrEP and their preferences of new PrEP modalities. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We conducted a reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data. Results: Participants' views reflect the intersections between systemic factors, such as Medicare ineligibility and the high cost of PrEP, with socio-cultural factors, such as lack of knowledge about PrEP, internalized stigma stemming from homo- and sex-negativity, and stigmatizing attitudes toward PrEP and PrEP users. For participants who were on PrEP, being community connected, having a positive relationship with doctors and nurses, and being informed of the option to purchase PrEP from overseas pharmacies at a low cost helped them to overcome some of these barriers. Additionally, there was a strong preference for injectable PrEP but not PrEP implants. Participants stressed the importance of providing a comprehensive information about PrEP specific to this population and to make PrEP free for all. Conclusions: We concluded that resources about PrEP specific to this population that address both systemic and socio-cultural factors are needed, and for these resources to be available in languages other than English. This is to coincide with on-going advocacy to increase the capacity of publicly funded sexual health clinics to provide multilingual PrEP services for people without Medicare, and to make PrEP free for all. These combined strategies have the potential to increase PrEP knowledge and uptake among this population.

Real-world trends in incidence of bacterial sexually transmissible infections among gay and bisexual men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Australia following nationwide PrEP implementation: an analysis of sentinel surveillance data.

BACKGROUND: Although data from large implementation trials suggest that sexually transmissible infection (STI) risk increases among gay and bisexual men who initiate HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), there are few data on the trends in population-level STI incidence in the years following widespread PrEP implementation. We aimed to describe trends in bacterial STI incidence among gay and bisexual men using PrEP across Australia in the context of broad PrEP availability through Australia's subsidised medicines scheme. METHODS: We analysed linked clinical data from HIV-negative gay and bisexual men aged 16 years or older who had been prescribed PrEP across a sentinel surveillance clinical network, including 37 clinics in Australia, between Jan 1, 2016, and Dec 31, 2019. Patients were included if they had STI testing at least twice during the observation period. Repeat testing methods were used to calculate chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and any STI incidence rates during individuals' periods of PrEP use. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for estimated change in incidence per half calendar year (6-month) period were calculated using negative binomial regression. Secondary analyses compared STI incidence rates across individuals initiating PrEP in each year from 2016 to 2019, as well as by length of time using PrEP (per each additional 6 months of PrEP use). FINDINGS: 22 730 men were included in the analyses. During the observation period, 11 351 chlamydia infections were diagnosed in 6630 (30·1%) of 22 034 men over 25 991·2 person-years of PrEP use (incidence rate 43·7 cases [95% CI 42·9-44·5] per 100 person-years). Chlamydia incidence decreased from 48·7 cases per 100 person-years in July-December, 2016, to 42·0 cases per 100 person-years in July-December, 2019 (IRR for estimated change per 6-month period 0·98 [95% CI 0·97-0·99]; p=0·0031). 9391 gonorrhoea infections were diagnosed in 5885 (26·9%) of 21 845 men over 24 858·7 person-years of PrEP use (incidence rate 37·8 cases [95% CI 37·0-38·5] per 100 person-years). Gonorrhoea incidence decreased from 45·5 cases per 100 person-years in July-December, 2016, to 37·2 cases per 100 person-years in July-December, 2019 (IRR 0·97 [95% CI 0·96-0·98]; p<0·0001). Declines in chlamydia and gonorrhoea incidence were most prominent in the first 18 months of observation and incidence was stable thereafter. 2062 syphilis infections were diagnosed in 1488 (7·7%) of 19 262 men over 21 978·9 person-years of PrEP use (incidence rate 9·4 cases [95% CI 9·0-9·8] per 100 person-years). Syphilis incidence increased from 6·2 cases per 100 person-years in July-December, 2016, to 9·8 cases per 100 person-years in July-December, 2019 (IRR 1·08 [95% CI 1·05-1·10]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: Chlamydia and gonorrhoea incidence among gay and bisexual men using PrEP were highest in the early months of PrEP implementation in Australia and stabilised at slightly lower rates thereafter following wider PrEP uptake. Lower prospective STI risk among people initiating PrEP in later years contributed to the observed trends in STI incidence. Widespread PrEP implementation can contribute to increased STI screening and detection. FUNDING: Australian Department of Health, National Health and Medical Research Council.

Antiretroviral Initiation at ≥800 CD4+ Cells/mm3 Associated With Lower Human Immunodeficiency Virus Reservoir Size.

BACKGROUND: Identifying factors that determine the frequency of latently infected CD4+ T cells on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may inform strategies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure. We investigated the role of CD4+ count at ART initiation for HIV persistence on ART. METHODS: Among participants of the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment Study, we enrolled people with HIV (PWH) who initiated ART with CD4+ T-cell counts of 500-599, 600-799, or ≥ 800 cells/mm3. After 36-44 months on ART, the levels of total HIV-DNA, cell-associated unspliced HIV-RNA (CA-US HIV-RNA), and two-long terminal repeat HIV-DNA in CD4+ T cells were quantified and plasma HIV-RNA was measured by single-copy assay. We measured T-cell expression of Human Leucocyte Antigen-DR Isotype (HLA-DR), programmed death-1, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (pSTAT5). Virological and immunological measures were compared across CD4+ strata. RESULTS: We enrolled 146 PWH, 36 in the 500-599, 60 in the 600-799, and 50 in the ≥ 800 CD4 strata. After 36-44 months of ART, total HIV-DNA, plasma HIV-RNA, and HLA-DR expression were significantly lower in PWH with CD4+ T-cell count ≥ 800 cells/mm3 at ART initiation compared with 600-799 or 500-599 cells/mm3. The median level of HIV-DNA after 36-44 months of ART was lower by 75% in participants initiating ART with ≥ 800 vs 500-599 cells/mm3 (median [interquartile range]: 16.3 [7.0-117.6] vs 68.4 [13.7-213.1] copies/million cells, respectively). Higher pSTAT5 expression significantly correlated with lower levels of HIV-DNA and CA-US HIV-RNA. Virological measures were significantly lower in females. CONCLUSIONS: Initiating ART with a CD4+ count ≥ 800 cells/mm3 compared with 600-799 or 500-599 cells/mm3 was associated with achieving a substantially smaller HIV reservoir on ART.

Latent Class Analysis of Sexual Behaviours and Attitudes to Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Gay and Bisexual Men Using PrEP.

Gay and bisexual men (GBM) who use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to those who don't use PrEP. Since the implementation of PrEP in Australia, it is possible that attitudes towards STIs have shifted in line with changes in risk and transmission dynamics in the context of increased screening. As the extent to which GBM utilise STI prevention strategies likely depends on their attitudes towards STIs and STI prevention, the aims of this study were to use latent class analysis (LCA) to classify GBM using PrEP on the basis of their attitudes towards STIs and reported risk behaviours, and examine how these categorisations relate to risk of STI acquisition. 1225 GBM who were previously enrolled in a PrEP implementation study (The PrEPX Study) completed a survey focused on sexual behaviours and attitudes towards STIs 1 year post-study follow-up. Data on chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis testing and positivity were available through a sentinel network of participating study clinics. Using LCA, participants were allocated into four classes; Class 1, "Some concern and lowest risk"; Class 2, "Low concern and lower risk"; Class 3, " High concern and higher risk"; and Class 4, "Low concern and highest risk". The majority (78%) of participants were classified into Class 3 or Class 4, two groups which were distinguished by highly disparate attitudes towards STIs but with a similar proportion of participants diagnosed with a bacterial STI in the last 12 months (48% and 57%, respectively). Findings suggest that attitudes towards STIs among GBM using PrEP in Australia vary considerably, and this will likely influence their receptivity to different STI prevention strategies.

The Presence or Absence of Symptoms Among Cases of Urethral Gonorrhoea Occurring in a Cohort of Men Taking Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the PrEPX Study.

We aimed to estimate how often urethral gonorrhoea is symptomatic among men in the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Expanded Victoria study. Eighty-seven percent of 213 cases of urethral gonorrhoea were symptomatic. Ensuring men with urethral gonorrhoea both recognize and present early for treatment is critical to reduce transmission.

Brief Report: Low Incidence of Hepatitis C Among a Cohort of HIV-Negative Gay and Bisexual Men Using HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Melbourne, Australia, and the Contribution of Sexual Transmission.

BACKGROUND: PrEPX was an Australian HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) study conducted between 2016 and 2018. This analysis aimed to estimate hepatitis C (HCV) incidence and explore likely modes of transmission. SETTING: Cohort study of PrEP users in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: HCV tests were conducted at enrollment and every 12 months thereafter. HCV incident cases were identified from laboratory data. Likely modes of transmission were inferred from computer-assisted self-interviews, medical records, and interviews. RESULTS: Among 3202 PrEPX participants tested for HCV at baseline, HCV RNA-positive prevalence was 0.22% (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.45). Among participants testing HCV antibody-negative or RNA-negative at baseline, 2058 had at least one follow-up HCV test. Eight incident HCV cases were identified during 2111 person-years of follow-up (incidence 0.38/100 person-years); all were primary infections in men who had sex with men. Clinical, laboratory, and computer-assisted self-interviews data were available for all, and 6 cases were interviewed. Three cases were attributable to injecting drug use (IDU). A fourth case reported IDU, but his HCV was attributable to sexual transmission. Four other cases reported no IDU and probably acquired HCV sexually. Most cases reported anal trauma in the context of condomless receptive anal intercourse during group sex at sex-on-premises venues. CONCLUSIONS: In PrEPX, HCV incidence was low compared to international PrEP studies, and most cases were transmitted sexually. Our findings highlight the need for HCV prevention messaging by clinicians, in sex-on-premises venues, and on digital platforms used to arrange group sex; and the need for HCV screening among some PrEP-using men who have sex with men.

New Potential Axes of HIV Neuropathogenesis with Relevance to Biomarkers and Treatment.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) affect approximately half of people living with HIV despite viral suppression with antiretroviral therapies and represent a major cause of morbidity. HAND affects activities of daily living including driving, using the Internet and, importantly, maintaining drug adherence. Whilst viral suppression with antiretroviral therapies (ART) has reduced the incidence of severe dementia, mild neurocognitive impairments continue to remain prevalent. The neuropathogenesis of HAND in the context of viral suppression remains ill-defined, but underlying neuroinflammation is likely central and driven by a combination of chronic intermittent low-level replication of whole virus or viral components, latent HIV infection, peripheral inflammation possibly from a disturbed gut microbiome or chronic cellular dysfunction in the central nervous system. HAND is optimally diagnosed by clinical assessment with imaging and neuropsychological testing, which can be difficult to perform in resource-limited settings. Thus, the identification of biomarkers of disease is a key focus of the field. In this chapter, recent advances in the pathogenesis of HAND and biomarkers that may aid its diagnosis and treatment will be discussed.

The Potential Impact of a Gel-Based Point-of-Sex Intervention in Reducing Gonorrhea Incidence Among Gay and Bisexual Men: A Modeling Study.

BACKGROUND: Increases in sexually transmitted infections among gay and bisexual men (GBM) over the past decade have coincided with declines in condom use and rapid uptake of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We explored the impact of an antimicrobial gel-based point-of-sex intervention (gel-PSI) with a lower efficacy for reducing gonorrhea transmission risk than condoms on population-level gonorrhea incidence among GBM in Victoria, Australia. METHODS: A deterministic compartmental model of HIV and gonorrhea transmission was used to project annual gonorrhea incidence from 2020 to 2025. Individuals were classified as HIV-negative (PrEP or non-PrEP users) or HIV-positive, and further stratified by gonorrhoea risk (high/low). All possible scenarios where between 0% and 100% of GBM using condoms transitioned to gel-PSI (considered a downgrade in protection) and 0% and 100% of GBM not using condoms transitioned to gel-PSI (considered an upgrade in protection), with gel-PSI efficacy ranging from 20% to 50%, were run. RESULTS: The baseline scenario of no gel-PSI uptake (status quo) projected 94,367 gonorrhea infections between 2020 and 2025, with an exponentially increasing trend in annual infections. For a gel-PSI efficacy of 30%, a net reduction in cumulative gonorrhea incidence was projected, relative to the status quo, for any ratio of proportion of condom users "downgrading" to proportion of noncondom users "upgrading" to gel-PSI use of less than 2.6. Under the supposition of equal proportions of condom users and noncondom users switching to gel-PSI, a relative reduction was projected for any gel-PSI efficacy greater than 16%. CONCLUSIONS: Our model suggests that the introduction of a gel-PSI could have benefits for controlling gonorrhea transmission among GBM, even in scenarios where the gel-PSI is considerably less efficacious than condoms and when gel-PSI uptake leads to consequent reductions in consistent condom use.

Transformation of Australian Community Pharmacies Into Good Clinical Practice Compliant Trial Pharmacies for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.

Background: In Australia, clinical trial drugs are conventionally dispensed through clinical trial pharmacies only, while community pharmacies dispense drugs approved by Australia's regulatory body. A large HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis study aimed to deliver clinical trial drug through community pharmacies to improve convenience and mimic real world prescribing. This paper describes the process of making community trials compliant with good clinical practice and reports outcomes of delivering clinical trial drug through community pharmacies. Methods: Eight community and four clinical trial pharmacies across three Australian states were approached to participate. A good clinical practice checklist was generated and pharmacies underwent a number of changes to meet clinical trial pharmacy requirements prior to study opening. Changes were made to community pharmacies to make them compliant with good clinical trial practice including; staff training, structural changes, and implementing monitoring of study drug and prescribing practices. Study drug was ordered through standard clinical trial processes and dispensed from study pharmacies by accredited pharmacists. Throughout the trial, record logs for training, prescriber signature and delegation, temperature, participant, and drug accountability were maintained at each pharmacy. The study team monitored each log and delivered on-site training to correct protocol variations. Results: Each pharmacy that was approached agreed to participate. All community pharmacies achieved good clinical practice compliance prior to dispensing study drug. Over the course of the study, 20,152 dispensations of study drug occurred, 83% of these occurred at community pharmacies. Only 2.0% of dispensations had an error, and errors were predominantly minor. On five occasions a pharmacist who was not accredited dispensed study drug. Conclusions: Community based pharmacies can undergo training and modifications to achieve good clinical practice compliance and dispense clinical trial study drug. Community based pharmacies recorded few variations from study protocol. Community based pharmacies offer a useful alternative to clinical trial pharmacies to increase convenience for study participants and expanded use of these pharmacies should be considered for large clinical trials, including HIV prevention trials.

Interest in Switching to On-Demand HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Australian Users of Daily PrEP: An Online Survey.

We surveyed 970 PrEPX study participants to evaluate interest in switching from daily to on-demand PrEP in a study setting. Interested respondents (n = 469, 48%) more commonly reported PrEP cessation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.0; P < .001), difficulty with adherence (aOR, 1.6; P = .029), infrequent sex (aOR, 3.7; P < .001), and toxicity concerns (aOR, 2.7; P < .001).

Association of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis With Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Individuals at High Risk of HIV Infection.

Importance: Emerging evidence suggests that risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increases among gay and bisexual men following initiation of HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Objective: To describe STI incidence and behavioral risk factors among a cohort of predominantly gay and bisexual men who use PrEP, and to explore changes in STI incidence following PrEP commencement. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Expanded (PrEPX) Study, a multisite, open-label intervention study, was nested within the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance (ACCESS) clinic network. A total of 4275 participants were enrolled (July 26, 2016-April 1, 2018) in Victoria, Australia. Of these, 2981 enrolled at 5 ACCESS clinics (3 primary care, 1 sexual health, and 1 community-based HIV rapid testing service), had at least 1 follow-up visit, and were monitored until April 30, 2018. Exposures: Upon enrollment, participants received daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumurate and emtricitabine for HIV PrEP, quarterly HIV and STI testing, and clinical monitoring. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. Incidence rates and hazard ratios describing behavioral risk factors of STI diagnosis were calculated. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs), adjusted for change in testing frequency, described changes in STI incidence from 1-year preenrollment to study follow-up among participants with preenrollment testing data (n = 1378). Results: Among the 2981 individuals (median age, 34 years [interquartile range, 28-42]), 98.5% identified as gay or bisexual males, 29% used PrEP prior to enrollment, 89 (3%) withdrew and were censored at date of withdrawal, leaving 2892 (97.0%) enrolled at final follow-up. During a mean follow-up of 1.1 years (3185.0 person-years), 2928 STIs were diagnosed among 1427 (48%) participants (1434 chlamydia, 1242 gonorrhea, 252 syphilis). STI incidence was 91.9 per 100 person-years, with 736 participants (25%) accounting for 2237 (76%) of all STIs. Among 2058 participants with complete data for multivariable analysis, younger age, greater partner number, and group sex were associated with greater STI risk, but condom use was not. Among 1378 participants with preenrollment testing data, STI incidence increased from 69.5 per 100 person-years prior to enrollment to 98.4 per 100 person-years during follow-up (IRR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.29-1.56]). After adjusting for testing frequency, the increase in incidence from 1 year preenrollment to follow-up was significant for any STI (adjusted IRR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02-1.23]) and for chlamydia (adjusted IRR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.04-1.33]). Conclusions and Relevance: Among gay and bisexual men using PrEP, STIs were highly concentrated among a subset, and receipt of PrEP after study enrollment was associated with an increased incidence of STIs compared with preenrollment. These findings highlight the importance of frequent STI testing among gay and bisexual men using PrEP.

Sexual safety and HIV prevention in travel medicine: Practical considerations and new approaches.

Travellers who engage in sexual contact with a new sexual partner abroad may be at high risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but these risks can be reduced through appropriate planning during the pre-travel clinic visit. Here we discuss strategies available to the clinician to maximise travellers' sexual safety during travel. Strategies may include immunizations, condoms, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), self-initiated treatment of symptomatic bacterial STIs, post-exposure prophylaxis for bacterial STIs and hormonal contraception. We discuss the role of these different strategies for travellers, and provide resources to assist clinicians in making clinical decisions and in educating travellers about sexual safety.

Protocol for an HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Population Level Intervention Study in Victoria Australia: The PrEPX Study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV anti-retroviral therapy to prevent HIV transmission in people at high risk of HIV acquisition. PrEP is highly efficacious when taken either daily, or in an on-demand schedule. In Australia co-formulated tenofovir-emtricitabine is registered for daily use for PrEP, however, this co-formulation is not listed yet on the national subsidized medicines list. We describe a study protocol that aims to demonstrate if the provision of PrEP to up to 3800 individuals at risk of HIV in Victoria, Australia reduces HIV incidence locally by 25% generally and 30% among GBM. Methods: PrEPX is a population level intervention study in Victoria, Australia in which generic PrEP will be delivered to 3800 individuals for up to 36 months. Study eligibility is consistent with the recently updated 2017 Australian PrEP guidelines. Participants will attend study clinics, shared care clinics, or outreach clinics for quarterly HIV/STI screening, biannual renal function tests and other clinical care as required. Study visits and STI diagnoses will be recorded electronically through the ACCESS surveillance system. At each study visit participants will be invited to complete behavioral surveys that collect demographics and sexual risk data. Diagnosis and behavioral data will be compared between PrEPX participants and other individuals testing within the ACCESS surveillance system. A subset of participants will complete in depth surveys and interviews to collect attitudes, beliefs and acceptability data. Participating clinics will provide clinic level data on implementation and management of PrEPX participants. The population level impact on HIV incidence will be assessed using Victorian HIV notification data. Discussion: This study will collect evidence on the real world impact of delivery of PrEP to 3800 individuals at risk of acquiring HIV in Victoria. This study will provide important information for the broader implementation of PrEP planning upon listing of the tenofovir-emtricitabine on the national subsidized list of medicines. The study is registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616001215415).