Maraviroc, as a Switch Option, in HIV-1-infected Individuals With Stable, Well-controlled HIV Replication and R5-tropic Virus on Their First Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Plus Ritonavir-boosted Protease Inhibitor Regimen: Week 48 Results of the Randomized, Multicenter MARCH Study.

BACKGROUND: Alternative combination antiretroviral therapies in virologically suppressed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients experiencing side effects and/or at ongoing risk of important comorbidities from current therapy are needed. Maraviroc (MVC), a chemokine receptor 5 antagonist, is a potential alternative component of therapy in those with R5-tropic virus. METHODS: The Maraviroc Switch Study is a randomized, multicenter, 96-week, open-label switch study in HIV type 1-infected adults with R5-tropic virus, virologically suppressed on a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor (PI/r) plus double nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (2 N(t)RTI) backbone. Participants were randomized 1:2:2 to current combination antiretroviral therapy (control), or replacing the protease inhibitor (MVC + 2 N(t)RTI arm) or the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor backbone (MVC + PI/r arm) with twice-daily MVC. The primary endpoint was the difference (switch minus control) in proportion with plasma viral load (VL) <200 copies/mL at 48 weeks. The switch arms were judged noninferior if the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the difference in the primary endpoint was < -12% in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. RESULTS: The ITT population comprised 395 participants (control, n = 82; MVC + 2 N(t)RTI, n = 156; MVC + PI/r, n = 157). Baseline characteristics were well matched. At week 48, noninferior rates of virological suppression were observed in those switching away from a PI/r (93.6% [95% CI, -9.0% to 2.2%] and 91.7% [95% CI, -9.6% to 3.8%] with VL <200 and <50 copies/mL, respectively) compared to the control arm (97.6% and 95.1% with VL <200 and <50 copies/mL, respectively). In contrast, MVC + PI/r did not meet noninferiority bounds and was significantly inferior (84.1% [95% CI, -19.8% to -5.8%] and 77.7% [95% CI, -24.9% to -8.4%] with VL <200 and <50 copies/mL, respectively) to the control arm in the ITT analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These data support MVC as a switch option for ritonavir-boosted PIs when partnered with a 2-N(t)RTI backbone, but not as part of N(t)RTI-sparing regimens comprising MVC with PI/r. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01384682.

Monitoring of HIV treatment in seven countries in the WHO Region of the Americas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of adequate monitoring and the costs of measuring CD4+ T-lymphocytes (CD4+ cell) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load in people receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in seven countries in the WHO Region of the Americas. METHODS: We obtained retrospective, longitudinal data for 14 476 adults who started a first ART regimen at seven HIV clinics in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico and Peru between 2000 and 2011. We estimated the proportion of 180-day periods with adequate monitoring, which we defined as at least one CD4+ cell count and one viral load measurement. Factors associated with adequate monitoring were analysed using regression methods. The costs of the tests were estimated. FINDINGS: The median follow-up time was 50.4 months; the proportion of 180-day periods with adequate CD4+ cell counts was 69% while the proportion with adequate monitoring was 62%. Adequate monitoring was more likely in participants who were older, who started ART more recently, whose first regimen included a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor or who had a CD4+ cell count less than 200 cells/µl at ART initiation. The cost of one CD4+ cell count ranged from 7.37 United States dollars (US$) in Argentina to US$ 64.09 in Chile; the cost of one viral load measurement ranged from US$ 20.34 in Brazil to US$ 186.28 in Haiti. CONCLUSION: In HIV-infected participants receiving ART in the WHO Region of the Americas, CD4+ cell count and viral load monitoring was often carried out less frequently than regional guidelines recommend. The laboratory costs of monitoring varied greatly.

[Extrapulmonary pneumocystosis: a case report]. / Neumocistosis extrapulmonar: comunicación de un caso.

We report a case of a middle-age male patient, with newly HIV infection in AIDS stage diagnosis, no comorbitidies, who was hospitalized for subacute malaise, fever, self-limited unproductive cough and no bloody chronic diarrea. The diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia was performed by imagenological suspicion and stains of cysts of this pathogen with bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Treatment was initiated with oral cotrimoxazole and starting HAART with good clinical outcome. Concomitantly, an etiologic study was conducted for chronic diarrhea and through histopathological examination of colonic mucosa, numerous extracellular cystic structures Pneumocystis characteristics were observed, performing the diagnosis of extrapulmonary pneumocystosis. Extrapulmonary pneumocystosis is a rare cause of P. jiroveci infection, requires a high index of suspicion and should be approached in HIV patients with severe AIDS which is common in co-infection of various infections and is peremptory to make an etiologic diagnosis and early treatment.

[Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HIV infection in Latin-American immigrants: comparative analysis from clinical records in a clinical care centre in Santiago in the last decade]. / Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la infección por VIH en inmigrantes latinoamericanos versus chilenos: estudio comparativo en un centro de atención de Santiago a partir de registros de 2003-2013.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing number of immigrants to Chile in the last years, especially from South American countries. The phenomenon of immigration and its consequences has been studied by international literature, and different health care needs have been reported for this group as compared with local population. In Chile this phenomenon is poorly studied and HIV prevention campaigns are focused on national population needs. OBJECTIVE: To determine baseline clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the HIV infection in Latin-American immigrants presenting to a referral HIV clinical care centre between the years 2003-2013. METHODS: Retrospective analysis. Baseline characteristics of Latin-American immigrants at admission to the infectious disease unit were compared to a peered group of Chileans in the same unit. RESULTS: There was an increase in the number of immigrants trough out the observation period. Foreigners presented larger proportion of women (26% vs. 9%) and heterosexual conduct as compared to nationals (37% vs 22%). The majority of immigrants came from Peru (55%) and Colombia (12%). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in regards to gender and sexual behavior. This brings up the need to address different prevention strategies with more emphasis in women and heterosexual population in this vulnerable group.

Humoral immune response in people living with HIV after administration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine CoronaVac or BNT162b2 or CoronaVac/BNT162b2 booster sequence: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The evidence of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness in people living with HIV (PLWH) is limited. This study evaluated the humoral immune response to CoronaVac™ (virus inactivated) and BNT162b2 (mRNA- based) vaccines in PLWH and HIV-negative controls, with and without a booster sequence. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on PLWH and HIV-negative controls who received CoronaVac or BNT162b2, with a subgroup receiving a CoronaVac/BNT162b2 booster. Blood samples were collected 4-6 months after primary vaccination and tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 protein S (aSAb) and neutralizing antibodies (NtAb) using validated assays. Immune response was evaluated by age, sex, previous COVID-19 history, and CD4 + cell count. FINDINGS: One hundred and eighty nine participants were enrolled with 161 (85%) being PLWH. Among participants without previous known COVID-19, median aSAb levels were significantly lower in PLWH who received CoronaVac compared to BNT162b2 (32 U/mL vs. 587 U/mL, p < 0.001), with similar results in HIV-negative controls. NtAb presence was also significantly lower after CoronaVac compared to BNT162b2 (30% vs. 93%, p < 0.001). The booster sequence group showed a significant increase in aSAb titers in both PLWH and HIV-negative controls (from 33 U/ml to 2500 U/ml, p < 0.001), and NtAb positivity increased from 20% to 95 % in PLWH, and 27% to 100% in HIV-negative controls. Prior COVID-19 led to significantly higher post-vaccine antibody titers particularly in the BNT162b2 group. PLWH with CD4 + count < 200 cells/mL showed a weaker immune response to both vaccines. INTERPRETATION: CoronaVac resulted in a weaker immune response in both PLWH and HIV-negative controls compared to BNT162b2, particularly in immunosuppressed PLWH without prior COVID-19. Hybrid immunity and heterologous booster vaccination increased antibody levels. FUNDING: Local funding.

[Failure of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia with concomitant use of leucovorin: Case report]. / Falla de la profilaxis con cotrimoxazol para la neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci con el uso concomitante de leucovorina: Reporte de un caso.

The concomitant use of leucovorin and cotrimoxazole in PCP can lead to therapeutic failure and increased risk of death due to antagonism. It is important to keep this possible antagonistic interaction in mind even during prophylaxis. This paper presents a case with this failure outcome.

[First isolation of KPC in Chile: from Italy to a public hospital in Santiago]. / Primer caso de detección de bla(KPC) en Chile: desde Italia a un hospital público de Santiago.

Carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae is an emerging problem worldwide. Among the mechanisms involved are the production of ESBLs or AmpC associated with porins loss or the presence of carbapenemases. Among these, the KPC betalactamase has become especially relevant given its rapid spread.In this article we present the first case of isolation of a strain of KPC producer Klebsiella pneumoniae at a hospital in Santiago, in a patient coming from Italy, with a history of multiple hospitalizations for treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and subjected to several cycles of chemotherapy and hemodialysis. The strain was isolated from a urine culture on the seventh day of the patient's arrival to Chile. The isolate was resistant to quinolones, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins and carbapenems, retaining only susceptibility to tigecycline and colistin. In phenotypic test it was found to have positive Hodge test and positive synergy with carbapenems/boronic acid. Polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the presence of beta-lactamases TEM, SHV and KPC-2. None other Class A serine-carbapenemase or metallo-bectalactamases were present.

Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Vaccine-Breakthrough Coronavirus Disease 2019 Cases Compared With Contemporary Unvaccinated Hospitalized Adults.

The inactivatedsevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine (CoronaVac) has been the principal vaccine used in Chile's prebooster immunization campaign. We compared major outcomes in 206 hospitalized vaccinated adults vs 507 unvaccinated adults (mid-2021). Individuals in the vaccinated group were much older, required less critical care, had lower mortality (adjusted by age), and had shorter hospitalization than those in the unvaccinated group. Benefits were most pronounced in those ≥60years of age.

[Virological evolution of patients with HIV infection that start antiretroviral therapy with a very high baseline viral load]. / Evolución virológica de pacientes con infección por VIH que inician terapia antirretroviral con carga viral basales muy alta.

BACKGROUND: The degree of viral suppression in HIV patients who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) with very high viral loads (CV) is unknown. AIM: To know the percentage of viral suppression in HIV patients who start ART with CV ≥ 500,000 copies/mL at 96 weeks. METHOD: Retrospective study. Patients who started ART with a CV ≥ 500,000 copies/mL between 2008 and 2018 were included, stratifying on the basis of a logarithmic scale. The percentage of viral suppression and the variables associated with this outcome were determined. RESULTS: 221 patients were included. The median age and CV were 43 years and 6.0 log, respectively, with the majority (37%) being in stage C3 at the start of ART. 48.8 and 87.7% of the patients achieved viral suppression at one year and two years of follow-up, respectively. It was observed that the older the immunosuppression, and the higher CV, the longer the time to achieve undetectability. Virological failure was only demonstrated in three patients. DISCUSSION: Patients with HIV infection who start ART with very high CVs take longer to achieve viral suppression, which is proportional to the magnitude of this and the degree of immunosuppression, without this entailing a greater risk of virological failure.

Role and effects of zinc supplementation in HIV-infected patients with immunovirological discordance: A randomized, double blind, case control study.

INTRODUCTION: It has been estimated that between 15% and 18% of patients who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) do not achieve a successful immune recovery despite complete virological suppression. In the literature this phenomenom is known as poor immune recovery or immunovirological discordance (IVD). Zinc has an immunomodulatory role associated with T lymphocytes and its supplementation could enhance immune recovery. OBJECTIVE: To determine if zinc supplementation on IVD patients prevents immune failure after 12 months of supplementation. Secondary objectives were to determine serum zinc levels in HIV patients with and without IVD and the frequency of hypozincemia in discordant patients. METHOD: We reviewed the historical record of patients under care at Arriarán Foundation. Following inclusion criteria were defined: 1) age ≥ 18 years, 2) standard ART (three effective drugs) for at least 18 months, 3) virologically suppressed for 12 months, 3) persistence of CD4 count ≤200 cells/mm3 and/or increase ≤ 80 cells/mm3 after one year of viral undetectability. A control group was assigned paired 1:1 by sex, age (± 2 years) that did achieved an increase of CD4> 350 cells/ mm3. In both groups plasma zinc levels were determined. In a later phase, patients with IVD were randomized to receive zinc (15 mg daily) versus placebo. Patients were followed for 12 months with CD4 count, viral load and zinc levels determinations every 4-6 months. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients, 40 patients with IVD criteria and 40 controls were included. 92.5% were men, and age average was 47.5 years. The median baseline CD4 was 189 cells/mm3 (71-258) in the cases vs. 552.5 cells/ mm3 (317-400) in the control group with a median increase at the end of the study of 39 cell/mm3 and 19 cell/mm3 respectively. There was no difference in baseline plasma zinc levels between both groups (81.7 + 18.1 in cases versus 86.2 + 11.0 in controls). In the 40 patients with IVD, the median absolute increase in CD4 after annual zinc supplementation was 31.5 cells/mm3 in the treated group versus 50 cells/mm3 in the placebo group, this difference being statistically not significant (p = 0.382). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IVD have plasma zinc levels similar to those who achieve adequate immune recovery. Zinc supplementation in IVD patients showed a statistically non-significant difference in in CD4 levels between cases and controls. The results warrant a comparative study with a larger number of patients.

Hepatitis B and C virus infection among HIV patients within the public and private healthcare systems in Chile: A cross-sectional serosurvey.

BACKGROUND: Coinfections of HIV patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are mayor public health problems, contributing to the emerging burden of HIV-associated hepatic mortality. Coinfection rates vary geographically, depending on various factors such as predominant transmission modes, HBV vaccination rates, and prevalence of HBV and HCV in the general population. In South America, the epidemiology of coinfections is uncertain, since systematic studies are scarce. Our study aimed to analyze rates of HBV and HCV infection in people living with HIV attending centers of the public and private health system in Chile. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study including a public university hospital and a private health center in Santiago, Metropolitan Region in Chile. Serum samples were used to determine serological markers of hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc total, HBeAg, anti-HBe) and anti-HCV. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: 399 patients were included (353 from public, 46 from private health center). Most (92.8%) were male, with a median age of 38.3 years; 99.4% acquired HIV through sexual contact (75.0% MSM); 25.7% had AIDS and 90.4% were on ART. In 78.9%, viral loads were <40 cps/mL; the median CD4 cell count was 468 cells/mm3. According to their serological status, 37.6% of patients were HBV naïve (susceptible), 6.5% were vaccinated, 43.6% had resolved HBV infection, and 5.8% were chronically infected. The rate of vaccination was 4.5% in the public and 21.7% in the private system. HCV coinfection was found in 1.0% of all patients. CONCLUSION: HBV coinfection rate was within the range of other South American countries, but lower than in non-industrialized regions in Asia and Africa. A low percentage of patients were HBV vaccinated, especially within the public system. HCV coinfection rate was very low, most probably due to the rareness of injecting drug use.

Frequency of non-communicable diseases in people 50 years of age and older receiving HIV care in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: A growing population of older adults with HIV will increase demands on HIV-related healthcare. Nearly a quarter of people receiving care for HIV in Latin America are currently 50 years or older, yet little is known about the frequency of comorbidities in this population. We estimated the prevalence and incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people 50 years of age or older (≥50yo) receiving HIV care during 2000-2015 in six centers affiliated with the Caribbean, Central and South American network for HIV epidemiology (CCASAnet). METHODS: We estimated the annual prevalence, and overall prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, psychiatric disorders, chronic liver and renal diseases, and non-AIDS-defining cancers, and multimorbidity (more than one NCD) of people ≥50yo receiving care for HIV. Analyses were performed according to age at enrollment into HIV care (<50yo and ≥50yo). RESULTS: We included 3,415 patients ≥50yo, of whom 1,487(43%) were enrolled at age ≥50 years. The annual prevalence of NCDs increased from 32% to 68% and multimorbidity from 30% to 40% during 2000-2015. At the last registered visit, 53% of patients enrolled <50yo and 50% of those enrolled ≥50yo had at least one NCD. Most common NCDs at the last visit in each age-group at enrollment were dyslipidemia (36% in <50yo and 28% in ≥50yo), hypertension (17% and 18%), psychiatric disorders (15% and 10%), and diabetes (11% and 12%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of NCDs and multimorbidity in people ≥50 years receiving care for HIV in CCASAnet centers in Latin America increased substantially in the last 15 years. Our results make evident the need of planning for provision of complex, primary care for aging adults living with HIV.

Pneumonia in HIV-infected persons: increased risk with cigarette smoking and treatment interruption.

RATIONALE: Bacterial pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity for HIV-infected persons and contributes to excess mortality in this population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency and risk factors for occurrence of bacterial pneumonia in the present era of potent antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: We evaluated data from a randomized trial of episodic antiretroviral therapy. The study, Strategies for Management of Antiretroviral Therapy, enrolled 5,472 participants at 318 sites in 33 countries. Study patients had more than 350 CD4 cells at baseline. Diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia was confirmed by a blinded clinical-events committee. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 16 months, 116 participants (2.2%) developed at least one episode of bacterial pneumonia. Patients randomized to receive episodic antiretroviral therapy were significantly more likely to develop pneumonia than patients randomized to receive continuous antiretroviral therapy (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-2.25; P = 0.02). Cigarette smoking was a major risk factor: Current-smokers had more than an 80% higher risk of pneumonia compared with never-smokers (hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.04; P = 0.02). Participants who were on continuous HIV treatment and were current smokers were three times more likely to develop bacterial pneumonia than nonsmokers. Current smoking status was significant, but a past history of smoking was not. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial pneumonia is a major source of morbidity, even for persons on potent antiretroviral therapy, including those with high CD4 cells. Efforts to reduce this illness should stress the importance of uninterrupted antiretroviral therapy and attainment and/or maintenance of nonsmoking status.

[Efectiveness and safety of switching to raltegravir-based regimen in dyslipidemic HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Arriaran Foundation]. / Efectividad y seguridad del cambio a esquema basado en raltegravir en pacientes con infección por VIH dislipidémicos bajo terapia anti-retroviral en Fundación Arriarán.

BACKGROUND: The impact of switching antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen for dyslipidemia management in HIV-infected (HIV+) patients has not been reported in Chile. AIM: To assess effectiveness and safety at 12 months after switching to raltegravir-based regimen for dyslipidemia management. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of HIV+ patients receiving ART at Arriaran Foundation, with dyslipidemia switched to raltegravir-based regimen for lipid management. RESULTS: 73 patients were included, receiving ART based in nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI; 50,7%) or protease inhibitor (PI; 49,3%), with mixed dyslipidemia (42,5%) or isolated hypertriglyceridemia (57,5%). At baseline, median total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were 228 mg/dl and 420 mg/dl, respectively; undetectable viral load (VL) was present in 94,5% of patients. Backbone ART was switched in 58,4% and lipid-lowering therapy was used by 89,1% of them. At 12 months, there was a significant decrease in TG (-43,6%) and TC (-19,3%). No cases of virologic failure were observed, although 10,9% of patients had detectable VL at 12 months, mostly transient. CONCLUSIONS: Switching ART to raltegravir-based regimen in dyslipidemic patients receiving NNRTI or PI is associated with a significative decrease in TG and TC at 12 months. This strategy is safe, but VL can be increased temporarily.

[Critical review of a suboptimal antibiotic, frequently overused and inappropriately dosed: Vancomycin]. / Análisis crítico de un antimicrobiano sub-óptimo, de frecuente sobre-utilización e inadecuada dosificación: Vancomicina.

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin, standard parenteral therapy for Gram positive cocci resistant to traditional beta-lactam antibiotics (Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci [CNS]) and Enterococcus spp, frequent agents of nosocomial infections, is extensively used empirically in that setting. However, its pharmacological weakness, narrow therapeutic margin and poorly predictable pharmacokinetics, make it a suboptimal drug according to contemporary criteria. Vancomycin is over utilized due to both, overestimation of bacterial infections and, in genuine cases, overestimation of the etiological role of these resistant cocci, either nosocomially or community acquired. New threats narrow further its therapeutic role: poorer outcomes in infections with higher vancomycin MIC and resistance by enterococci. It is frequently given at inappropriate dosage and intervals, failing to: give loading dose when recommended, measure blood levels, adjust dosing to changing renal function and continued use when not necessary. Newer anti staphylococcal drugs haven't replaced completely the role of vancomycin, which maintains its usefulness in contemporary medicine. CONCLUSION: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of vancomycin, current epidemiology and microbiology of infections for which it may be indicated, as well as the proper administration and monitoring, together with a prudent and selective indication will allow to preserve its present and future utility in the changing medical scenario.

[Plantar actinomycetoma in a patient without risk factors]. / Actinomicetoma plantar en un paciente sin factores de riesgo.

A case of plantar actinomycetoma without risk factors is presented, which was diagnosed by hystopatological analysis of a foot biopsy because of the suspicion of neoplasia. Since the patient did not fully respond to the first-line therapy antibiotics, a 24-weeks doxycycline regime was started, achieving a satisfactory response. Finally, a brief discussion on plantar mycetomas is presented.

Uso profiláctico de antimicrobianos fuera de la práctica quirúrgica y de procedimientos invasivos: bases conceptuales y operativas / Prophylactic use of antimicrobials outside surgical and invasive-procedure settings: conceptual and operational basis

El uso preventivo de antimicrobianos es de larga data y no se restringe a antibacterianos. Lo más consensuado y estructurado es la profilaxis antimicrobiana perioperatoria y ante procedimientos invasivos. Fuera de este contexto hay gran cantidad de situaciones, menos caracterizadas, con riesgo de infecciones en que se usan ampliamente, muchas veces con menor sistematización. Esta presentación presenta las bases conceptuales y operativas de este segundo tipo de profilaxis. Conceptualmente la profilaxis primaria pretende evitar la infección por agente único conocido o variados, por exposición ambiental o susceptibilidad específica de ese hospedero y es implementable antes o después de la exposición. Producida esta infección la meta de la profilaxis secundaria intenta evitar la enfermedad y puede tomar dos modalidades, en infecciones sin evidencias de enfermedad clínica o daños, la profilaxis corresponde a "tratamiento de infección latente" y, si aún en ausencia de manifestaciones clínicas, hay elementos de laboratorio precoces premonitorios de progresión, la profilaxis se denomina "tratamiento anticipatorio". Se presentan operacionalmente y resumidas las situaciones en contexto médico no invasivo con uso potencial preventivo de antimicrobianos en base a agentes posibles, situaciones ambientales de riesgo, vulnerabilidad del hospedero, medicamentos a usar, su duración y efectividad con enfoque mayoritario en medicina de adultos.

Antimicrobial use with preventive purpose probably began shortly after its therapeutic use, especially antibiotics. More consensus and sistematization exist with perioperative and invasive procedures prophylaxis. However, beyond that context, there is great number of non invasive medical situations with high risk of secondary infections either by acquisition of pathogens or activation of latent ones, in which antimicrobials are routinely used with preventive purpose, albeit with less sistematization and consensus. This presentation aims to lay down the conceptual and operational basis for antimicrobial prophylaxis in these settings, whose objective is preventing an infection (primary prophylaxis) by a known or a variety of pathogens, either by person to person transmission, enviromental exposure or particular susceptibility of the host, and can be implemented before or after exposure. If already infected, the antimicrobial prophylaxis goal is to avoid progression to disease (secondary prevention) and may take two conceptual approaches; first, without clinical disease but significant risk of progression, the modality can be called "treatment of latent infection". In the second, also clinically asymptomatic, but with premonitory laboratoy signs of impending progression present, early use of antimicrobial is called "preemptive treatment". This presentation will describe the most frequent medical situations where preventive use of antimicrobials is employed, together with the medications most consensually used, according to the host, the agent(s) and medical situation, with emphasis in adults.

Evaluación comparativa de medición de linfocitos CD4+ por dos técnicas: estándar nacional versus test rápido de ejecución local / Comparative evaluation of CD4+ lymphocyte measurement by two techniques: national standard versus point-of-care rapid test

ANTECEDENTES: El recuento de linfocitos CD4+ (LTCD4) es una herramienta fundamental para la evaluación y seguimiento de los pacientes que viven con VIH. En Chile, la medición de LTCD4 estandarizada es por citometría de flujo. En el sistema público se realiza en forma centralizada en tres centros. Actualmente existen tecnologías de medición rápida de recuento de LTCD4 en el lugar de atención, permitiendo optimizar la atención de pacientes con infección por VIH. OBJETIVO: Comparar la precisión de un test rápido de ejecución local versus la técnica estándar. METODOLOGÍA: Realización de ambas técnicas en un grupo de 102 pacientes durante su control regular de salud. RESULTADOS: El rango de variación promedio de los resultados entre las dos técnicas fue de 10%, con una concordancia en los recuentos de LTCD4 de 97% para el rango de CD4 < 200 cél/uL, de 88% para los pacientes con recuento de LTCD4 entre 200 y 349 cél/uL y de 67% en los rangos superiores. CONCLUSIÓN: La técnica por test rápido es un sistema fácil de aplicar, de bajo costo, con alta concordancia con la técnica estándar, lo que debería considerarse en la atención de los pacientes que viven con VIH.

BACKGROUND: The CD4+ lymphocyte cell count is an instrumental tool for the assessment and follow-up in the therapeutic management of patients living with HIV. In Chile, the standardized CD4+ lymphocyte count technique is by flow cytometry. In the public health system, it is performed centralized in 3 sites. Currently, there are technologies that allow measuring the CD4 lymphocyte count at the point of care, allowing to optimize the care of HIV-infected patients. AIM: To compare the accuracy of a point of care rapid test versus the standard technique in patients under regular care at a single HIV center. RESULTS: The average variation of the results between the two techniques was 10%, with a 97% concordance in CD4 range values for patients with CD4 below 200 cells/uL, 88% for CD4 counts between 200 and 349 cells/uL. and 67% above that range. CONCLUSION: This point of care test is an easy-to-operate, low-cost system with high correlation with the standard technique and should be considered in the care of patients living with HIV.

Características clínicas y epidemiológicas de casos de viruela símica en personas que viven con VIH: análisis observacional / Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of monkeypox cases in people living with HIV: observational analysis

ANTECEDENTES: La viruela del mono (mpox) es una zoonosis que se ha extendido rápida y globalmente desde mediados de 2022 y ha afectado mayoritariamente a hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar clínica y epidemiológicamente la infección por el virus mpox en personas que viven con VIH (PVVIH). PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un análisis clínico y epidemiológico a PVVIH que consultaron por sospecha de mpox en el Policlínico de Infectología del Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán. Se reportan los casos confirmados por reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC) entre el 11/07/2022 y 21/10/2022. RESULTADOS: Se confirmó mpox en 35 pacientes, todos HSH y, la mayoría, en terapia antirretroviral. La mediana de edad fue 37 años. El promedio de días entre fase inicial sistémica inespecífica y eruptiva fue 1,7. Las lesiones fueron de tipo maculopapulares, costrosas y umbilicadas en las zonas genital, perianal, dorso y extremidades, mayoritariamente. Trece individuos presentaron complicaciones y dos requirieron hospitalización. De los con examen de VDRL solicitado, el 46,4% fue reactivo en títulos no residuales. CONCLUSIONES: Se detectó llegada de mpox en un centro de atención de VIH en HSH en todos los niveles de estado inmune. Mayormente, los casos fueron leves a moderados y autolimitados. El cuadro clínico ha sido similar a lo descrito globalmente.

BACKGROUND. Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonosis that has spread rapidly and globally since mid-2022 and has mainly affected men who have sex with men (MSM). Aim: To characterize mpox clinically and epidemiologically in people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHOD: A clinical and epidemiological analysis was carried out on PLHIV who consulted for suspected mpox in the Infectious Disease clinic of the San Borja Arriarán Clinical Hospital. Cases confirmed by PCR are reported between 07/11/2022 and 10/21/2022. RESULTS: Mpox was confirmed in 35 patients, all MSM and on antiretroviral therapy. The median age was 37 years. The average number of days between the initial non-specific systemic and eruptive phase was 1.7. The lesions were maculopapular, crusted, and umbilicated, mainly in the genital, perianal, back, and extremity areas. Thirteen patients presented complications and two required hospitalizations. Of those with a requested VDRL test, 46.4% were reactive in non-residual titers. CONCLUSIONS: Arrival of mpox was detected at the HIV care center in MSM at all levels of immune status. Mostly, the cases were mild to moderate and self-limiting. The clinical picture has been similar to that described globally.

[Persons living with HIV/AIDS: ethnic and sociocultural differences in Chile]. / Perfil de personas con infección por VIH/SIDA: diferencial étnico, económico y socio-cultural en Chile.

BACKGROUND: The association between ethnicity and HIV/AIDS is an emerging and unexplored issue in Chile. AIM: To determine the profile of patients with HIV/AIDS by ethnicity and socioeconomic factors associated with diagnostic-therapeutic opportunity in the Araucania and Metropolitan regions. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 558 patients from two centers of HIV/AIDS in Chile. Data were collected using a questionnaire with clinical and sociocultural data obtained under informed consent. Descriptive analysis raw and stratified associations for each variable was performed. RESULTS: Mapuche patients were mostly male, heterosexual (53.1%), lower average age (36.7 years), educational and income level lower than no Mapuche patients. The median of CD4(+) lymphocytes from Mapuche patients was the lowest in the sample, less than 51 cells/mm3, under 25 percentile (CI 38-123). Lifestyle variables indicated that drug use, number of sexual partners, and relationships between men were associated with higher levels of income, education and no Mapuche ethnicity. CONCLUSION: There are differences between Mapuche and non Mapuche patients regarding their sociocultural and clinical status, which generates health inequalities.