Sensing the (digital) pulse. Future steps for improving the secondary use of data for research in Switzerland.

Introduction: Ensuring that the health data infrastructure and governance permits an efficient secondary use of data for research is a policy priority for many countries. Switzerland is no exception and many initiatives have been launched to improve its health data landscape. The country now stands at an important crossroad, debating the right way forward. We aimed to explore which specific elements of data governance can facilitate - from ethico-legal and socio-cultural perspectives - the sharing and reuse of data for research purposes in Switzerland. Methods: A modified Delphi methodology was used to collect and structure input from a panel of experts via successive rounds of mediated interaction on the topic of health data governance in Switzerland. Results: First, we suggested techniques to facilitate data sharing practices, especially when data are shared between researchers or from healthcare institutions to researchers. Second, we identified ways to improve the interaction between data protection law and the reuse of data for research, and the ways of implementing informed consent in this context. Third, we put forth ideas on policy changes, such as the steps necessary to improve coordination between different actors of the data landscape and to win the defensive and risk-adverse attitudes widespread when it comes to health data. Conclusions: After having engaged with these topics, we highlighted the importance of focusing on non-technical aspects to improve the data-readiness of a country (e.g., attitudes of stakeholders involved) and of having a pro-active debate between the different institutional actors, ethico-legal experts and society at large.

REPRESENT: REPresentativeness of RESearch data obtained through the 'General Informed ConsENT'.

BACKGROUND: We assessed potential consent bias in a cohort of > 40,000 adult patients asked by mail after hospitalization to consent to the use of past, present and future clinical and biological data in an ongoing 'general consent' program at a large tertiary hospital in Switzerland. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, all adult patients hospitalized between April 2019 and March 2020 were invited to participate to the general consent program. Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from patients' electronic health records (EHR). Data of those who provided written consent (signatories) and non-responders were compared and analyzed with R studio. RESULTS: Of 44,819 patients approached, 10,299 (23%) signed the form. Signatories were older (median age 54 [IQR 38-72] vs. 44 years [IQR 32-60], p < .0001), more comorbid (2614/10,299 [25.4%] vs. 4912/28,676 [17.1%] with Charlson comorbidity index ≤ 4, p < .0001), and more often of Swiss nationality (6592/10,299 [64%] vs. 13,813/28,676 [48.2%], p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that actively seeking consent creates a bias and compromises the external validity of data obtained via 'general consent' programs. Other options, such as opt-out consent procedures, should be further assessed.

Viral Rebound Kinetics Correlate with Distinct HIV Antibody Features.

Plasma viremia reoccurs in most HIV-infected individuals once antiretroviral therapy (ART) is interrupted. The kinetics of viral rebound, specifically the time until plasma virus becomes detectable, differ quite substantially between individuals, and associations with virological and immunological factors have been suggested. Standard clinical measures, like CD4 T-cell counts and plasma HIV RNA levels, however, are poor predictive markers. Antibody features, including Fc functionality and Fc glycosylation have been identified as sensitive surrogates for disease activity in multiple diseases. Here, we analyzed HIV-specific antibody quantities and qualitative differences like antibody-mediated functions, Fc gamma receptor (FcγR) binding, and IgG Fc glycosylation as well as cytokine profiles and cellular HIV DNA and RNA levels in 23 ART-suppressed individuals prior to undergoing an analytical ART interruption (ATI). We found that antibodies with distinct functional properties and Fc glycan signatures separated individuals into early and delayed viral rebounders (≤4 weeks versus >4 weeks) and tracked with levels of inflammatory cytokines and transcriptional activity of the viral reservoir. Specifically, individuals with early viral rebound exhibited higher levels of total HIV-specific IgGs carrying inflammatory Fc glycans, while delayed rebounders showed an enrichment of highly functional antibodies. Overall, only four features, including enhanced antibody-mediated NK cell activation in delayed rebounders, were necessary to discriminate the groups. These data suggest that antibody features can be used as sensitive indicators of HIV disease activity and could be included in future ATI studies.IMPORTANCE Plasma viremia reoccurs in most HIV-infected individuals once antiretroviral therapy is interrupted, and interindividual differences in the kinetics of viral rebound have been associated with virological and immunological factors. Antibody features, including Fc functionality and Fc glycosylation, have been identified as sensitive surrogates for disease activity in multiple diseases. Here, we systematically analyzed HIV-specific antibody quantities and qualitative differences in 23 ART-suppressed individuals prior to undergoing an analytical ART interruption (ATI). We found that antibodies with distinct functional properties and Fc glycan signatures separated individuals into early and delayed viral rebounders and tracked with levels of inflammatory cytokines and transcriptional activity of the viral reservoir. These data suggest that antibody features can be used as sensitive indicators of HIV disease activity and could be included in future HIV eradication studies.

Uncertainties about the need for ethics approval in Switzerland: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: To ensure ethical oversight, researchers wanting to conduct “research” involving human beings are typically required to obtain prior approval from an independent ethics committee. However, it can sometimes be unclear if a project needs to be submitted for ethics approval. Swiss researchers can contact research ethics committees via a “jurisdictional inquiry” for clarification whether a project needs to be submitted for ethics approval. AIMS OF THE STUDY: (1) To examine the characteristics of Swiss jurisdictional inquiries, and (2) to identify possible uncertainties regarding the correct interpretation of existing legislation in Switzerland. METHODS: All jurisdictional inquiries submitted to Swiss research ethics committees between July and December 2017 were reviewed using qualitative content analysis. We then conducted an online survey between June 2018 and July 2018 with all researchers who had submitted a jurisdictional inquiry including a descriptive quantitative analysis. RESULTS: The review included 271 jurisdictional inquiries. Analysis identified three groups of jurisdictional inquiries: 80.4% (218/271) sought clarification whether the project had to be submitted for ethical approval; 18.5% (50/271) requested a “declaration of no objection”; and 1.1% (3/271) asked for a clarification about which of the two ordinances was applicable to the project. Analysis identified eight distinct legal issues that appeared to be the main cause for a number of jurisdictional inquiries, with the two most frequently identified issues being whether the project will produce generalisable knowledge, and whether the project uses fully anonymised data. Overall, research ethics committees decided that 78.6% (213/271) of the jurisdictional inquiries were outside their jurisdiction and did not require ethical approval, and that 15.6% required submission for ethical approval. The online survey achieved a 56.8% response rate. The majority of respondents (94/166; 56.6%) reported that all the questions they were asked during the submission of the jurisdictional inquiry were easy to understand. Respondents reported that 88% (147/166) of all projects were started or planned to start. The vast majority (154/166; 93%) of respondents also agreed with the decisions made by the research ethics committee. CONCLUSIONS: Jurisdictional inquiries are an important means for researchers to clarify whether their project requires ethical oversight. However, this mixed-methods study has identified some difficulties in the interpretation of legal terms, which often reflect persistent structural issues that many other countries also face. More detailed guidance may be helpful to reduce the researchers’ uncertainties and ethics committees’ workloads in relation to jurisdictional inquiries.

Ecthyma Gangrenosum: Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

Background: Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) are necrotic lesions that develop in the context of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia. Isolated reports describe EG in the setting of non-Pseudomonal infections. In a patient with EG, initial blood cultures showed Escherichia coli, and almost occulted P. aeruginosa bacteremia. Based on the clinical picture we suspected preponderant P. aeruginosa bacteremia, outgrown by concomitant low-grade E. coli bacteremia in the blood culture vials. Methods: We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with specific primers for P. aeruginosa and E. coli on blood collected at the same time for blood cultures. We also performed quantitative cultures of the strains isolated from the patient's blood. Results: Quantitative PCR showed that there were 1.5 × 10E7 copies/milliliter (ml) of P. aeruginosa DNA, whereas the quantity of E. coli DNA was below the detection limit of 2 × 10E4 copies/ml. We estimated that there was at least 1000 times more P. aeruginosa than E. coli. Quantitative cultures showed that E. coli grew faster than P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: Our patient with EG had preponderant P. aeruginosa bacteremia, that was almost occulted by concomitant low-grade E. coli bacteremia. Quantitative PCR was complementary to blood cultures in the final microbiological diagnosis, and proved beneficial in establishing the etiology of EG. This may question the existence of non-Pseudomonal EG, and also shows that blood culture results do not always reflect an "exact picture" of what happens in the patient's blood at the time of sampling. This case illustrates the importance of communication between the clinician and the microbiology laboratory to ensure best possible results.

Switch to etravirine for HIV-positive patients receiving statin treatment: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle changes and statins are the cornerstones in management of dyslipidaemia in patients with HIV infection. Replacement of an antiretroviral therapy (ART) component is a proposed therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk. In dyslipidaemic patients with HIV infection, we assessed the efficacy of replacing boosted protease inhibitor (bPI) or efavirenz (EFV) by etravirine (ETR) as an alternative to statin therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, open-label, multicentre, 12-week study of patients with HIV infection on ART including bPI or EFV, and statin treatment. Four weeks after statin interruption, bPI or EFV was switched to ETR (400 mg, 8 weeks) if serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was ≥ 3 mM. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients on ETR with no indication for statin treatment at study completion. Serum levels of HIV RNA, lipids and biomarkers of cardiovascular disease were also measured. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01543035). RESULTS: The 31 included patients had a HIV-1 RNA < 50 copies/mL (median age, 52 years; median CD4, 709 cell/mL; median LDL-C, 2·89 mM), 68% were on EFV, and 32% were on bPI. At week 4, 27 patients switched to ETR. At study completion, 15 patients (56%) on ETR did not qualify for statin treatment. After the ETR switch, serum levels of the cardiovascular biomarkers sICAM and MCP1/CCL2 decreased by 11·2% and 18·9%, respectively, and those of CCL5/RANTES and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 increased by 14·3% and 13·4%, respectively, indicating reduced cardiovascular risk. There were no notable treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Replacing bPI or EFV by ETR is a viable strategy to obviate primary prevention statin treatment.

Treatment of Clostridium difficile infection in a French university hospital.

UNLABELLED: The management of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become very daunting over the past decade because of increased incidence and severity both in hospital and the community. Guidelines recommend metronidazole, vancomycin, or fidaxomicin, depending on clinical presentation. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe CDI management and assess empirical CDI therapy complying with practice guidelines. METHODS: We performed a 2-year prospective cohort study in a university teaching hospital in Lyon, France. Criteria assessing the conformity of CDI patient management were: time elapsed between testing and start of treatment specific to CDI, antibiotics to fight CDI and treatment duration according to infection severity, concomitant therapy, and use of antidiarrheal drugs. RESULTS: Among 118 patients with confirmed CDI, 98 (83%) were specifically treated for CDI. Severe CDI was observed in 63 patients (53.9%). Treatment included metronidazole alone in 72 patients (73.5%), vancomycin alone in 1 patient (1%), and both in 25 patients (25.5%). The percentage of CDI treatment compliance with published guidelines in our hospital at the study period varied between 22% and 93%. A total of 16 patients (13.6%) died within 30 days after diagnosis. Death was related to CDI in nine patients (56.3% of deceased cases). CONCLUSION: This study identified significant gaps in our knowledge of CDI treatment. Increasing disease severity highlights the need to investigate antibiotic treatment in severely ill CDI patients, as data on this group are currently lacking.

Increased mortality after a first myocardial infarction in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients; a nested cohort study.

AIMS: HIV infection may be associated with an increased recurrence rate of myocardial infarction. Our aim was to determine whether HIV infection is a risk factor for worse outcomes in patients with coronaray artery disease. METHODS: We compared data aggregated from two ongoing cohorts: (i) the Acute Myocardial Infarction in Switzerland (AMIS) registry, which includes patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and (ii) the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS), a prospective registry of HIV-positive (HIV+) patients. We included all patients who survived an incident AMI occurring on or after 1st January 2005. Our primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality at one year; secondary outcomes included AMI recurrence and cardiovascular-related hospitalisations. Comparisons used Cox and logistic regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS: There were 133 HIV+, (SHCS) and 5,328 HIV-negative [HIV-] (AMIS) individuals with incident AMI. In the SHCS and AMIS registries, patients were predominantly male (72% and 85% male, respectively), with a median age of 51 years (interquartile range [IQR] 46-57) and 64 years (IQR 55-74), respectively. Nearly all (90%) of HIV+ individuals were on successful antiretroviral therapy. During the first year of follow-up, 5 (3.6%) HIV+ and 135 (2.5%) HIV- individuals died. At one year, HIV+ status after adjustment for age, sex, calendar year of AMI, smoking status, hypertension and diabetes was associated with a higher risk of death (HR 4.42, 95% CI 1.73-11.27). There were no significant differences in recurrent AMIs (4 [3.0%] HIV+ and 146 [3.0%] HIV- individuals, OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.41-3.27) or in hospitalization rates (OR 0.68 [95% CI 0.42-1.11]). CONCLUSIONS: HIV infection was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality one year after incident AMI.

HIV-1 genital shedding in HIV-infected patients randomized to second-line lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy versus tenofovir/lamivudine/lopinavir/ritonavir.

BACKGROUND: HIV-1 shedding in genital secretions is associated with HIV transmission risk. Limited data exist on the effect of second-line lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy (mLPV/r) on genital secretion of HIV RNA. METHODS: We measured HIV-1 in genital secretions of HIV-infected adults at time of failure from non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimens and at 48 weeks after being randomized to second-line mLPV/r versus tenofovir/lamivudine/LPV/r (TDF/3TC/LPV/r). Plasma and genital secretion (semen, vaginal swab) HIV RNA was quantified by the CobasAmpliprep/TaqMan assay. RESULTS: Forty enrolled (15 on mLPV/r and 25 on TDF/3TC/LPV/r). Median age was 37.8 years and 35% were male. Median baseline CD4(+) T-cell count was 222 cells/mm(3), plasma HIV RNA was 4.1 log10 copies/ml and genital secretion HIV RNA was 2.3 log10 copies/ml. At week 48, the proportion of patients with plasma HIV RNA<50 copies/ml was 13/15 (87%) in mLPV/r and 21/25 (84%) in TDF/3TC/LPV/r arms. Median genital HIV RNA was significantly decreased from baseline in both arms (P=0.009 in mLPV/r and P=0.001 in TDF/3TC/LPV/r). In subjects with suppressed plasma HIV RNA, 12/34 (35%; 6/13 [46%] in the mLPV/r and 6/21 [29%] in the TDF/3TC/LPV/r arms) had detectable HIV RNA (range 74-957 copies/ml) in the genital secretions (P=0.41). By multivariate analysis, the only predictor of having genital HIV RNA>50 copies/ml at week 48 was baseline genital secretion HIV RNA>50 copies/ml (P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: LPV/r either given alone or in combination with TDF/3TC as second-line treatment achieved high genital secretion HIV RNA suppression rate. Genital secretion HIV RNA remained detectable at low levels in one-third of patients with suppressed plasma viraemia.

The individualized genetic barrier predicts treatment response in a large cohort of HIV-1 infected patients.

The success of combination antiretroviral therapy is limited by the evolutionary escape dynamics of HIV-1. We used Isotonic Conjunctive Bayesian Networks (I-CBNs), a class of probabilistic graphical models, to describe this process. We employed partial order constraints among viral resistance mutations, which give rise to a limited set of mutational pathways, and we modeled phenotypic drug resistance as monotonically increasing along any escape pathway. Using this model, the individualized genetic barrier (IGB) to each drug is derived as the probability of the virus not acquiring additional mutations that confer resistance. Drug-specific IGBs were combined to obtain the IGB to an entire regimen, which quantifies the virus' genetic potential for developing drug resistance under combination therapy. The IGB was tested as a predictor of therapeutic outcome using between 2,185 and 2,631 treatment change episodes of subtype B infected patients from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study Database, a large observational cohort. Using logistic regression, significant univariate predictors included most of the 18 drugs and single-drug IGBs, the IGB to the entire regimen, the expert rules-based genotypic susceptibility score (GSS), several individual mutations, and the peak viral load before treatment change. In the multivariate analysis, the only genotype-derived variables that remained significantly associated with virological success were GSS and, with 10-fold stronger association, IGB to regimen. When predicting suppression of viral load below 400 cps/ml, IGB outperformed GSS and also improved GSS-containing predictors significantly, but the difference was not significant for suppression below 50 cps/ml. Thus, the IGB to regimen is a novel data-derived predictor of treatment outcome that has potential to improve the interpretation of genotypic drug resistance tests.

Micro-structural brain alterations in aviremic HIV+ patients with minor neurocognitive disorders: a multi-contrast study at high field.

OBJECTIVE: Mild neurocognitive disorders (MND) affect a subset of HIV+ patients under effective combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). In this study, we used an innovative multi-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach at high-field to assess the presence of micro-structural brain alterations in MND+ patients. METHODS: We enrolled 17 MND+ and 19 MND- patients with undetectable HIV-1 RNA and 19 healthy controls (HC). MRI acquisitions at 3T included: MP2RAGE for T1 relaxation times, Magnetization Transfer (MT), T2* and Susceptibility Weighted Imaging (SWI) to probe micro-structural integrity and iron deposition in the brain. Statistical analysis used permutation-based tests and correction for family-wise error rate. Multiple regression analysis was performed between MRI data and (i) neuropsychological results (ii) HIV infection characteristics. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) based on MRI data was performed between MND+ and MND- patients and cross-validated with a leave-one-out test. RESULTS: Our data revealed loss of structural integrity and micro-oedema in MND+ compared to HC in the global white and cortical gray matter, as well as in the thalamus and basal ganglia. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant influence of sub-cortical nuclei alterations on the executive index of MND+ patients (p = 0.04 he and R²â€Š= 95.2). The LDA distinguished MND+ and MND- patients with a classification quality of 73% after cross-validation. CONCLUSION: Our study shows micro-structural brain tissue alterations in MND+ patients under effective therapy and suggests that multi-contrast MRI at high field is a powerful approach to discriminate between HIV+ patients on cART with and without mild neurocognitive deficits.

A validated assay by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous quantification of elvitegravir and rilpivirine in HIV positive patients.

Because of the large variability in the pharmacokinetics of anti-HIV drugs, therapeutic drug monitoring in patients may contribute to optimize the overall efficacy and safety of antiretroviral therapy. An LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous assay in plasma of the novel antiretroviral agents rilpivirine (RPV) and elvitegravir (EVG) has been developed to that endeavor. Plasma samples (100 µL) extraction is performed by protein precipitation with acetonitrile, and the supernatant is subsequently diluted 1:1 with 20-mM ammonium acetate/MeOH 50:50. After reverse-phase chromatography, quantification of RPV and EVG, using matrix-matched calibration samples, is performed by electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry by selected reaction monitoring detection using the positive mode. The stable isotopic-labeled compounds RPV-(13) C6 and EVG-D6 were used as internal standards. The method was validated according to FDA recommendations, including assessment of extraction yield, matrix effects variability (<6.4%), as well as EVG and RPV short and long-term stability in plasma. Calibration curves were validated over the clinically relevant concentrations ranging from 5 to 2500 ng/ml for RPV and from 50 to 5000 ng/ml for EVG. The method is precise (inter-day CV%: 3-6.3%) and accurate (3.8-7.2%). Plasma samples were found to be stable (<15%) in all considered conditions (RT/48 h, +4°C/48 h, -20°C/3 months and 60°C/1 h). Selected metabolite profiles analysis in patients' samples revealed the presence of EVG glucuronide, that was well separated from parent EVG, allowing to exclude potential interferences through the in-source dissociation of glucuronide to parent drug. This new, rapid and robust LCMS/MS assay for the simultaneous quantification of plasma concentrations of these two major new anti-HIV drugs EVG and RPV offers an efficient analytical tool for clinical pharmacokinetics studies and routine therapeutic drug monitoring service.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus prosthetic aortitis in an HIV-positive woman.

A 49-year-old woman with a 15-year history of HIV-hepatitis C virus coinfection had aortic valve and ascending aorta replacement in 2007. She presented with abdominal pain, episodic diarrhea, and profuse sweating in 2010. Thoracoabdominal positron emission tomography-computed tomography finally suggested infectious aortitis, a diagnosis confirmed by a blood culture positive for Capnocytophaga canimorsus.

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its association with antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected men: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among HIV-infected men and its association with components of antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: Cross-sectional data on sexual dysfunction were collected in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) between December 2009 and November 2010. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between ED and exposure to 24 different antiretroviral drugs from four drug classes. RESULTS: During the study period, 5,194 of 5,539 eligible men in the SHCS had a follow-up visit; 4,064 men answered a question on ED for the first time. Among these men, ED was experienced often by 459 (11%), sometimes by 543 (13%), rarely by 389 (10%), never by 2,526 (62%) and 147 (4%) did not know. ED was associated with older age, an earlier HIV diagnosis and depression. No association was found with any drug class; however, ED was associated with cumulative exposure to either zalcitabine (OR 1.29 per year of use; 95% CI 1.07, 1.55) or enfuvirtide (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.08, 1.52). CONCLUSIONS: Around 1 in 10 men in the SHCS reported often experiencing ED. We found no association between ED and any drug class, but those exposed to zalcitabine or enfurvitide (drugs no longer or rarely used) were more likely to report ED; this second association was probably not causal.

Rivastigmine for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders: a randomized crossover pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of rivastigmine for the treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in a cohort of long-lasting aviremic HIV+ patients. METHODS: Seventeen aviremic HIV+ patients with HAND were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study to receive either oral rivastigmine (up to 12 mg/day for 20 weeks) followed by placebo (20 weeks) or placebo followed by rivastigmine. Efficacy endpoints were improvement on rivastigmine in the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) and individual neuropsychological scores of information processing speed, attention/working memory, executive functioning, and motor skills. Measures of safety included frequency and nature of adverse events and abnormalities on laboratory tests and on plasma concentrations of antiretroviral drugs. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were computed to look for treatment effects. RESULTS: There was no change on the primary outcome ADAS-Cog on drug. For secondary outcomes, processing speed improved on rivastigmine (trail making test A: F(1,13) = 5.57, p = 0.03). One measure of executive functioning just failed to reach significance (CANTAB spatial working memory [strategy]: F(1,13) = 3.94, p = 0.069). No other change was observed. Adverse events were frequent, but not different from those observed in other populations treated with rivastigmine. No safety issues were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Rivastigmine in aviremic HIV+ patients with HAND seemed to improve psychomotor speed. A larger trial with the better tolerated transdermal form of rivastigmine is warranted. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class III evidence that rivastigmine is ineffective for improving ADAS-Cog scores, but is effective in improving some secondary outcome measures in aviremic HIV+ patients with HAND.

Impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the molecular epidemiology of newly diagnosed HIV infections.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HIV-1 transmission trends and the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on newly diagnosed HIV infections in Geneva, Switzerland. DESIGN: Retrospective molecular epidemiology analysis of all newly HIV-diagnosed individuals between 2008 and 2010. METHODS: Phylogenetic analyses were performed using pol sequences of 780 newly HIV-1 diagnosed individuals between 2000 and 2010 (mandatory reporting) and 1058 individuals diagnosed before 2000. All clusters (bootstrap value >98%) including individuals diagnosed in 2008-2010 were analyzed. Recent HIV infections (<1 year) were determined by documented seroconversion and/or fraction of ambiguous nucleotides. Median viral load and HAART coverage during the study period were obtained from patients included in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). RESULTS: Among 142 newly diagnosed individuals during 2008-2010, 49% had a recent infection and 42% were included in transmission clusters. Among the latter, two-thirds were included in new clusters and one-third expanded previously known clusters. MSM carrying resistant strains were more frequently included in clusters. Only 1.8% of individuals diagnosed before 2000 and 10.8% diagnosed during 2000-2008 were included in clusters involving individuals diagnosed between 2008 and 2010. During 2008-2010, the median population viral load of SHCS-enrolled individuals was significantly lower for individuals diagnosed before 2000 than for those diagnosed during 2000-2008 and 2008-2010 and HAART coverage significantly higher. CONCLUSIONS: MSM with recent HIV infection are a significant source of onward transmission. Individuals diagnosed before 2000 were only exceptionally related to newly diagnosed infections between 2008 and 2010. Prevention campaigns need to be focused on improving diagnosis for recently infected individuals.

A randomized comparison of second-line lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy versus tenofovir/lamivudine/lopinavir/ritonavir in patients failing NNRTI regimens: the HIV STAR study.

BACKGROUND: Data informing the use of boosted protease inhibitor (PI) monotherapy as second-line treatment are limited. There are also no randomized trials addressing treatment options after failing first-line non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-regimens. METHODS: HIV-infected subjects ≥18 years, with HIV RNA≥1,000 copies/ml while using NNRTI plus 2 NRTIs, and naive to PIs were randomized to lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) 400/100 mg twice daily monotherapy (mono-LPV/r) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) once daily plus lamivudine (3TC) twice daily plus LPV/r 400/100 mg twice daily (TDF/3TC/LPV/r) at nine sites in Thailand. The primary outcome was time-weighted area under curve (TWAUC) change in HIV RNA over 48 weeks. The a priori hypothesis was that the mono-LPV/r arm would be considered non-inferior if the upper 95% confidence limit in TWAUC mean difference was ≤0.5 log(10) copies/ml. RESULTS: The intention-to-treat (ITT) population comprised 195 patients (mono-LPV/r n=98 and TDF/3TC/LPV/r n=97): male 58%, baseline mean (sd) age of 38 (7) years, CD4(+) T-cell count of 204 (135) cells/mm(3) and HIV RNA of 4.1 (0.6) log(10) copies/ml. The majority had HIV-1 recombinant CRF01_AE infection, and thymidine analogue mutation (TAM)-2 was 3× more common than TAM-1. At 48 weeks, the difference in TWAUC HIV RNA between arms was 0.15 (95% CI -0.04, 0.33) log(10) copies/ml, consistent with our definition of non-inferiority. However, the proportion with HIV RNA<50 copies/ml was significantly lower in the mono-LPV/r arm: 61% versus 83% (ITT, P<0.01). Baseline HIV RNA≥5 log(10) copies/ml (P<0.001) and mono-LPV/r use (P=0.003) were predictors of virological failure. Baseline genotypic sensitivity scores ≥2 and TAM-2 were associated with better virological control in subjects treated with the TDF-containing regimen. CONCLUSIONS: In PI-naive patients failing NNRTI-based first-line HAART, mono-LPV/r had a significantly lower proportion of patients with HIV RNA<50 copies/ml compared to the TDF/3TC/LPV/r treatment. Thus, mono-LPV/r should not be recommended as a second-line option.