Predictors of HIV Molecular Cluster Membership and Implications for Partner Services.

Public health surveillance data used in HIV molecular cluster analyses lack contextual information that is available from partner services (PS) data. Integrating these data sources in retrospective analyses can enrich understanding of the risk profile of people in clusters. In this study, HIV molecular clusters were identified and matched to information on partners and other information gleaned at the time of diagnosis, including coinfection with syphilis. We aimed to produce a more complete understanding of molecular cluster membership in Houston, Texas, a city ranking ninth nationally in rate of new HIV diagnoses that may benefit from retrospective matched analyses between molecular and PS data to inform future intervention. Data from PS were matched to molecular HIV records of people newly diagnosed from 2012 to 2018. By conducting analyses in HIV-TRACE (TRAnsmission Cluster Engine) using viral genetic sequences, molecular clusters were detected. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between molecular cluster membership and completion of a PS interview, number of named partners, and syphilis coinfection. Using data from 4,035 people who had a viral genetic sequence and matched PS records, molecular cluster membership was not significantly associated with completion of a PS interview. Among those with sequences who completed a PS interview (n = 3,869), 45.3% (n = 1,753) clustered. Molecular cluster membership was significantly associated with naming 1 or 3+ partners compared with not naming any partners [adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 1.27 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.08-1.50), p = .003 and aOR: 1.38 (95% CI: 1.06-1.81), p = .02]. Alone, coinfection with syphilis was not significantly associated with molecular cluster membership. Syphilis coinfection was associated with molecular cluster membership when coupled with incarceration [aOR: 1.91 (95% CI: 1.08-3.38), p = .03], a risk for treatment interruption. Enhanced intervention among those with similar profiles, such as people coinfected with other risks, may be warranted.

Expanding Medicaid to Reduce Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission in Houston, Texas: Insights From a Modeling Study.

CONTEXT: Medicaid expansion has been nationally shown to improve engagement in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment and prevention continua, which are vital steps to stopping the HIV epidemic. New HIV infections in the United States are disproportionately concentrated among young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). Houston, TX, is the most populous city in the Southern United States with a racially/ethnically diverse population that is located in 1 of 11 US states that have not yet expanded Medicaid coverage as of 2021. METHODS: An agent-based model that incorporated the sexual networks of YBMSM was used to simulate improved antiretroviral treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) engagement through Medicaid expansion in Houston, TX. Analyses considered the HIV incidence (number of new infections and as a rate metric) among YBMSM over the next 10 years under Medicaid expansion as the primary outcome. Additional scenarios, involving viral suppression and PrEP uptake above the projected levels achieved under Medicaid expansion, were also simulated. RESULTS: The baseline model projected an HIV incidence rate of 4.96 per 100 person years (py) and about 368 new annual HIV infections in the 10th year. Improved HIV treatment and prevention continua engagement under Medicaid expansion resulted in a 14.9% decline in the number of annual new HIV infections in the 10th year. Increasing viral suppression by an additional 15% and PrEP uptake by 30% resulted in a 44.0% decline in new HIV infections in the 10th year, and a 27.1% decline in cumulative infections across the 10 years of the simulated intervention. FINDINGS: Simulation results indicate that Medicaid expansion has the potential to reduce HIV incidence among YBMSM in Houston. Achieving HIV elimination objectives, however, might require additional effective measures to increase antiretroviral treatment and PrEP uptake beyond the projected improvements under expanded Medicaid.

"Everything Fell Apart Once COVID-19 Hit"-Leveraging the COVID-19 Response to Strengthen Public Health Activities toward Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Qualitative Study.

COVID-19 caused widespread disruption of activities for Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE). In this study we assessed public health perspectives on leveraging the COVID-19 response to advance the goals of EHE. We conducted a qualitative study with 33 public health partners in the Midwestern and Southern United States from October 2020 to February 2022. Participants were asked how the strategies developed for COVID-19 could be applied to the HIV epidemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and examined using rapid qualitative analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) Rebuilding teams and adapting culture for success in EHE activities; (2) Recognizing and modernizing the role of disease intervention specialists (DIS); (3) Enhanced community awareness of the public health role in disease response and prevention; and (4) Leveraging COVID-19 data systems and infrastructure for EHE activities. The COVID-19 pandemic called attention to the dearth of public health funding and outdated information technology (IT) infrastructure used for HIV activities. It also led to greater public health knowledge, including increased familiarity with partner services and molecular epidemiology of HIV, and opportunities to develop new data systems for surveillance that can be applied to efforts for EHE.

Impact of molecular sequence data completeness on HIV cluster detection and a network science approach to enhance detection.

Detection of viral transmission clusters using molecular epidemiology is critical to the response pillar of the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Here, we studied whether inference with an incomplete dataset would influence the accuracy of the reconstructed molecular transmission network. We analyzed viral sequence data available from ~ 13,000 individuals with diagnosed HIV (2012-2019) from Houston Health Department surveillance data with 53% completeness (n = 6852 individuals with sequences). We extracted random subsamples and compared the resulting reconstructed networks versus the full-size network. Increasing simulated completeness was associated with an increase in the number of detected clusters. We also subsampled based on the network node influence in the transmission of the virus where we measured Expected Force (ExF) for each node in the network. We simulated the removal of nodes with the highest and then lowest ExF from the full dataset and discovered that 4.7% and 60% of priority clusters were detected respectively. These results highlight the non-uniform impact of capturing high influence nodes in identifying transmission clusters. Although increasing sequence reporting completeness is the way to fully detect HIV transmission patterns, reaching high completeness has remained challenging in the real world. Hence, we suggest taking a network science approach to enhance performance of molecular cluster detection, augmented by node influence information.

Methodological synthesis of Bayesian phylodynamics, HIV-TRACE, and GEE: HIV-1 transmission epidemiology in a racially/ethnically diverse Southern U.S. context.

This study introduces an innovative methodological approach to identify potential drivers of structuring HIV-1 transmission clustering patterns between different subpopulations in the culturally and racially/ethnically diverse context of Houston, TX, the largest city in the Southern United States. Using 6332 HIV-1 pol sequences from persons newly diagnosed with HIV during the period 2010-2018, we reconstructed HIV-1 transmission clusters, using the HIV-TRAnsmission Cluster Engine (HIV-TRACE); inferred demographic and risk parameters on HIV-1 transmission dynamics by jointly estimating viral transmission rates across racial/ethnic, age, and transmission risk groups; and modeled the degree of network connectivity by using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Our results indicate that Hispanics/Latinos are most vulnerable to the structure of transmission clusters and serve as a bridge population, acting as recipients of transmissions from Whites (3.0 state changes/year) and from Blacks (2.6 state changes/year) as well as sources of transmissions to Whites (1.8 state changes/year) and to Blacks (1.2 state changes/year). There were high rates of transmission and high network connectivity between younger and older Hispanics/Latinos as well as between younger and older Blacks. Prevention and intervention efforts are needed for transmission clusters that involve younger racial/ethnic minorities, in particular Hispanic/Latino youth, to reduce onward transmission of HIV in Houston.

An Assessment of Emergency Nurses' Perspectives on Nurse-Driven Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing in the Emergency Department.

INTRODUCTION: Engaging emergency clinicians in universal human immunodeficiency virus screening is paramount to achieving goals of reengaging human immunodeficiency virus-positive persons into care, identifying new human immunodeficiency virus cases, and linking them to care. The study aim was to identify beliefs and barriers towards opt-out human immunodeficiency virus testing among emergency nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study used Qualtrics software to deliver a survey on a tablet device to emergency nurses in a private Level 1 trauma hospital in Houston, Texas during downtimes of their clinical shifts. The survey evaluated perspectives on human immunodeficiency virus screening and knowledge relative to rapid screening and human immunodeficiency virus prevalence rates locally and nationally. RESULTS: Fifty emergency nurses were enrolled. Few nurses accurately identified human immunodeficiency virus prevalence rates at the local hospital and city level (10% and 42%, respectively). Most (54%) of nurses correctly estimated human immunodeficiency virus prevalence rates nationally. Nearly half of the nurses (42.0%) correctly predicted the cost of a rapid human immunodeficiency virus test with accuracy and most were willing to offer rapid human immunodeficiency virus testing all the time (60.0%). Eighty-eight percent of nurses were supportive of facilitating universal human immunodeficiency virus screening. However, 92.0% strongly supported human immunodeficiency virus testing for high risk patients only when compared to 80.0% support of testing for all eligible patients. Qualitative data revealed time constraints and follow-up concerns as barriers. DISCUSSION: Emergency nurses reported barriers that sometimes prevented application of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to human immunodeficiency virus screening. Strategies to overcome these barriers are instrumental to programmatic success. Solutions can corroborate the importance of emergency nurses to the nation's Ending the HIV Epidemic plan.

Brief Report: Discrepancies Between Self-Reported Adherence and a Biomarker of Adherence in Real-World Settings.

BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is only effective in preventing new HIV infections when taken consistently. In clinical practice, asking a patient about their adherence (self-report) is the predominant method of assessing adherence to PrEP. Although inexpensive and noninvasive, self-report is subject to social desirability and recall biases. Several clinical trials demonstrate a discrepancy between self-reported adherence and biomarker-based recent adherence. Less is known about the accuracy of self-report in real-world clinical settings. This brief report addresses this knowledge gap and describes the concordance between self-reported adherence and biomarker-based adherence in real-world clinical settings. METHODS: A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry urine test for tenofovir was developed and used clinically to detect recent nonadherence (no dose in at least 48 hours) for each individual. Two clinics' standard operating procedures recommend utilization of the urine-based adherence test for patients who self-report that they are not struggling with adherence. Those who self-report struggling with adherence receive enhanced adherence support without the need for additional testing. The number of results indicating recent nonadherence from these 2 clinics were analyzed to assess the concordance between self-reported adherence and biomarker-based adherence. RESULTS: Across 2 clinics, 3987 tests were conducted from patients self-reporting as "adherent," and 564 [14.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 13.1% to 15.2%] demonstrated recent nonadherence with the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry test. At clinic #1 in Florida, 3200 tests were conducted, and 465 (14.5%; 95% CI: 13.3% to 15.8%) demonstrated recent nonadherence. At clinic #2 in Texas, 787 tests were conducted, and 99 (12.6%; 95% CI: 10.4% to 14.9%) demonstrated recent nonadherence. CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of biomarker-based adherence monitoring at these 2 clinics resulted in 564 additional patients receiving enhanced adherence support who otherwise would not have been identified as nonadherent to their prescribed PrEP regimen. These findings suggest that objective adherence monitoring can be used clinically to enable providers to identify nonadherent patients and allocate support services accordingly.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the State of Texas of the United States: Past Reflections, Present Shortcomings, and Future Needs of the Public Health Response.

A strategy titled "Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America" aims to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence in the United States by at least 90% by 2030, using diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Texas is a Southern state that has one of the highest numbers of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV in the country, and where HIV disproportionately impacts minorities. We retrace the historical epidemic in its largest city, Houston, to illustrate the lessons learned and milestones accomplished, which could serve as guideposts for the future. We examine the current epidemic in Texas, including the achieved levels of HIV testing, treatment continua, and pre-exposure prophylaxis prescription, and compare and contrast these with the national estimates and Plan targets. Our findings call for urgent and accelerated expansion of efforts to end HIV in Texas.

Racial and sex disparities in HIV screening outcomes within emergency departments of Harris County, Texas.

OBJECTIVES: The emergency department provides opportunities for identifying undiagnosed HIV cases. We sought to describe the racial and sex epidemiology of HIV through ED screening in Harris County, Texas, one of the most diverse and populous metropolitan cities in the Southern United States. METHODS: We used a descriptive secondary analysis of a universal HIV screening program (2010-2017) to quantify demographic differences in HIV incidence. We applied a validated codebook to a dataset by the local health department containing 894,387 records of ED visits with 62 variables to assess race/ethnicity and sex differences. RESULTS: Of 885,199 (98.9%) patients screened for HIV during an ED visit, 1795 tested positive (incidence rate = 0.2%). Of those tested for HIV, most were White (66.3%), followed by racial minorities (African Americans (29.9%), Asians (3.6%), and American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders (natives) (0.1%). Half of those tested were Hispanic. Conversely, of patients testing positive (n = 1782, 99.3% of positive cases), most were African American (52.6%) followed by Whites (46.6%), Asians (0.7%), and natives (0.1%). Less than half (35.5%) of positives were Hispanic. A racial disparity in HIV incidence was discovered among African American females. This group represented 16.8% of the tested population; yet accounted for 65.8% of females who tested positive for HIV and 20.3% of all HIV-positive test results. CONCLUSION: Descriptive findings of the racial and sex epidemiology of HIV revealed that African American females had the largest disparity between the population tested and those who tested positive for HIV.

Déjà vu? A Comparison of Syphilis Outbreaks in Houston, Texas.

BACKGROUND: After reaching an all-time low in 2000, syphilis incidence in the United States has increased as the burden shifted from heterosexuals to men who have sex with men (MSM). Houston, Texas, experienced 2 outbreaks of syphilis during this transformation in trends. Further evaluation is necessary to determine if these outbreaks occurred among the same subpopulations. METHODS: Surveillance data collected on all reported infectious syphilis cases in Houston from 1971 to 2013 were analyzed. Trends in incidence among MSM and human immunodeficiency virus-positive Houston residents were examined. Peak syphilis years subsequent to 1999, years 2007 and 2012, were compared to determine if outbreaks arose in distinctive subpopulations. Categorical variables between these years were compared using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, whereas further associations between the years were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Incidence among MSM was 20.9 to 32.1 times higher than other men from 2005 to 2013. After adjusting for covariates, cases in 2012 were significantly more likely to be Hispanic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.03-2.53), reported meeting partners via the Internet (AOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.18-2.58), and engaged in anonymous sex (AOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.40-2.63) in comparison to cases in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: We found marked disparities of syphilis by subpopulation in Houston. Herein, we present evidence that outbreaks have been distinct in a major southern city with a high burden of syphilis.

Re-engagement in HIV Care: A Clinical and Public Health Priority.

As many as 40-50% of persons living with HIV (PLWH) who once were in HIV care are no longer in care. It is estimated that these individuals account for over 60% of HIV transmissions. So, preventing the leaving of care and re-engaging PLWH with care are crucial if the HIV epidemic is to be brought under control. Clinicians can improve retention by keeping in close contact with patients. Governmental public health agencies have great expertise in finding and engaging in care persons with sexually transmitted infections. This expertise can be used to re-engage PLWH with HIV care, but it can only be utilized if the agencies know that someone is out of care. Data on who has left care are in the hands of HIV providers. This requires a close working relationship between HIV providers and public health agencies.

Benefits of a routine opt-out HIV testing and linkage to care program for previously diagnosed patients in publicly funded emergency departments in Houston, TX.

BACKGROUND: The Routine Universal Screening for HIV program provides opt-out HIV testing and linkage to care for emergency department (ED) patients in Harris Health System, Houston, TX. Seventy-five percent of patients testing positive in this program have been previously diagnosed. Whether linkage to care is increased among these patients is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of persons tested for HIV in the ED between 2008 and 2012 but had a previously documented positive HIV test ≥1 year prior. Outcomes were engagement in care (≥1 HIV outpatient visits in 6 months), retention in care (≥2 HIV outpatient visits in 12 months, at least 3 months apart), and virologic suppression (<200 copies/mL in 12 months) compared before and after the ED visit. Analysis was conducted using McNemar test and multivariate conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 202,767 HIV tests identified 2068 previously diagnosed patients. The mean age was 43 years with 65% male and 87% racial and ethnic minorities. Engagement in care increased from 41.3% previsit to 58.8% postvisit (P < 0.001). Retention in care increased from 32.6% previsit to 47.1% postvisit (P < 0.001). Virologic suppression increased from 22.8% previsit to 34.0% postvisit (P < 0.001). Analyses revealed that engagement in care after visit improved most among younger participants (ages 16-24 years), retention improved across all groups, and virologic suppression improved most among participants aged 25-34 years. CONCLUSIONS: Routine opt-out HIV testing in an ED paired with standardized service linkage improves engagement, retention, and virologic suppression in previously diagnosed patients.

HIV testing implementation in two urban cities: practice, policy, and perceived barriers.

BACKGROUND: Although funding has supported the scale up of routine, opt-out HIV testing in the US, variance in implementation mechanisms and barriers in high-burden jurisdictions remains unknown. METHODS: We conducted a survey of health care organizations in Washington, DC and Houston/Harris County to determine number of HIV tests completed in 2011, policy and practices associated with HIV testing, funding mechanisms, and reported barriers to testing in each jurisdiction and to compare results between jurisdictions. RESULTS: In 2012, 43 Houston and 35 DC HIV-testing organizations participated in the survey. Participants represented 85% of Department of Health-supported testers in DC and 90% of Department of Health-supported testers in Houston. The median number of tests per organization was 568 in DC and 1045 in Houston. Approximately 50% of organizations in both DC and Houston exclusively used opt-in consent and most conducted both pre- and post-test counseling with HIV testing (80% of organizations in DC, 70% in Houston). While the most frequent source of funding in DC was the Department of Health, Houston organizations primarily billed the patient or third-party payers. Barriers to testing most often reported were lack of funding, followed by patient discomfort/refusal with more barriers reported in DC. CONCLUSIONS: Given unique policies, resources and programmatic contexts, DC and Houston have taken different approaches to support routine testing. Many organizations in both cities reported opt-in consent approaches and pre-test counseling, suggesting 2006 national HIV testing recommendations are not being followed consistently. Addressing the barriers to testing identified in each jurisdiction may improve expansion of testing.