Transmission dynamics and molecular characterization of HIV-1 epidemic among therapeutic failure patients in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil.

The HIV-1 epidemic in southern Brazil is mostly caused by subtype C, which contrasts the dominance of subtype B in the other regions of the country. Santa Catarina (SC), although the smallest state in the southern region, presents one of the highest incidences and mortality rates in Brazil due to AIDS. This work investigated the HIV-1 molecular diversity and phylogenetic transmission networks in SC state by analyzing a database of 3070 sequences of the national genotyping service. HIV-1C proved to be the most frequent subtype, with a significant increase in prevalence over time. HIV-1B was observed to be associated with highly educated men, suggesting a compartmentalization from other subtypes. Such observation was confirmed by the high frequency of HIV-1B circulating in MSM transmission networks. Identified transmission clusters were majority composed by individuals living up to 25 km away and interstate linkages were mainly between southern neighbor states. In general, individuals between 25 and 40 years old and sequences sampled after 2014 were more likely to be in transmission chains, in agreement with the universal treatment protocol launched in 2014. The present study brings new insights about HIV-1 transmission dynamics in southern Brazil.

Eu acho que a química entrou em reprovação: Relações afetivo-sexuais de homens jovens vivendo com HIV/aids e com carga viral indetectável / Creo que la química ya no fue la misma: Relaciones afectivo-sexuales de hombres jóvenes que viven con VIH/sida y con carga viral indelectable / The chemistry between us just became weird: Affective-sexual relationships of young men living with HIV/AIDS and with undetectable viral load

Resumo Neste artigo, discutimos narrativas sobre as relações afetivo-sexuais de homens jovens vivendo com HIV/aids, com carga viral indetectável e possibilidade de não transmis-sibilidade do HIV. Realizamos dez entrevistas semiestruturadas com homens que fazem sexo com homens, entre 18 e 30 anos, acompanhados em um SAE - Serviço de Assistência Es-pecializada de Salvador-BA, em 2017. Nas narrativas em foco, a condição de indetectável aparece como uma mudança [bio]identitária importante, e sua manutenção como uma res-ponsabilidade contínua consigo e com o outro. Apesar de avanços biomédicos e das novas possibilidades interativas abertas nesse cenário, os efeitos estigmatizantes do HIV persistem, sustentados pelos discursos de medo e culpa por uma possível transmissão do vírus. Uma noção de corpos perigosos, de risco, em detrimento dos avanços alcançados com os estudos que indicam que indetectável=intransmissível.

Resumen En este artículo, discutimos narrativas sobre las relaciones afectivo-sexuales de hombres jóvenes que viven con VIH/sida, con carga viral indetectable y posibilidades de no transmisibilidad del VIH. Hicimos diez entrevistas semi-estructuradas con hombres que tienen sexo con hombres, entre 18 y 30 años, en seguimiento en el servicio especializado de salud, en Salvador de Bahía, 2017. En las narrativas en foco, la condición de indetectable expresa un cambio bio-identitario importante, y su mantenimiento una responsabilidad con-tinua consigo y con el otro. A pesar de los avances biomédicos y de las nuevas posibilidades interactivas abiertas en ese escenario, los efectos estigmatizantes del VIH persisten, respal-dados en discursos de miedo y culpa por la posible transmisión del virus. Una noción de cuerpos peligrosos y riesgosos, a pesar de los avances logrados en los estudios que afirman indetectable=intransmisible.

Abstract In this article, we discuss narratives on affective-sexual relationships of young men living with HIV/AIDS, with undetectable viral load and possibility of not transmit-ting HIV. We conducted ten semi-structured interviews with men who have sex with men, aged between 18 and 30 years old, followed at a specialized health service in Salvador, Ba-hia, Brazil, in 2017. In these narratives, the undetectable condition appears as an impor-tant [bio]identity change, and its maintenance as an ongoing responsibility to themselves and others. Despite biomedical advances, the 'undetectable equals Untransmittable' (U=U) campaign and new interactive possibilities open up in this scenario, the stigma of HIV as well as a notion of dangerous/risky bodies persist, supported by discourses of fear and guilt for a possible virus transmission.

Feeding of HIV-exposed children in a city in south of Brazil: family capability, clinical and social conditions / Alimentação de crianças expostas ao HIV em um município do sul do Brasil: capacidade familiar, condição clínica e social

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the association between the sociodemographic and clinical aspects of the caregiver and the child, the family's ability to prepare and administer milk and complementary feeding of children exposed to HIV. Methods: cross-sectional study performed with 72 caregivers, in Brazil, through the tool of sociodemographic and clinical characterization of the caregiver and the Capability to Care for HIV-Exposed Children Assessment Scale. Results: there was a high capability to feed (76.6%), both for milk (85.0%) and comple-mentary (65%) feeding. For the milk feeding, accessing the health unit in any situation (p=0.003), having other child exposed to HIV (p=0.013), maintaining the follow-up in the health service (p=0.048) and not consuming alcohol (p=0.045) influenced on the higher probability of the caregiver to present high capability, while residing in the peri-urban area (p=0.002) indicated moderate capability. For the complementary feeding, the higher the schooling (p=0.025), the number of appointments scheduled for the child (p=0.045) and the child being followed up in the health service (p=0.035), the higher the probability of obtaining high capability. Conclusions: the exposure of social and clinical factors of caregivers influences the ability to feed. To ensure adequate nutrition, it is necessary for the health services to be able to consider the geo-socio-cultural characteristics of families in the elaboration of guidelines.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a associação entre os aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos do cuidador e da criança, a capacidade familiar para preparar e administrar a alimentação láctea e complementar de crianças expostas ao HIV. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado com 72 cuidadores, entre fevereiro de 2016 a março de 2017, por meio de instrumento de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica do cuidador e Escala de Avaliação da Capacidade para Cuidar de Crianças Expostas ao HIV. Resultados: evidenciou-se alta capacidade para alimentar (76,6%), tanto para alimen-tação láctea (85,0%) quanto complementar (65%). Para a láctea, acessar a unidade básica em qualquer situação (p=0,003), ter outros filhos expostos ao HIV (p=0,013), manter o acompanhamento no serviço de saúde (p=0,048) e não consumir álcool (p=0,045) influen-ciou na maior probabilidade de o cuidador apresentar alta capacidade, enquanto que residir em zona periurbana (p=0,002) indicou capacidade moderada. Para a alimentação comple-mentar, quanto maior a escolaridade (p=0,025), o número de consultas da criança (p=0,045) e a criança estar em acompanhamento no serviço de saúde (p=0,035), maior a probabilidade de obter capacidade alta. Conclusões: a exposição dos fatores sociais e clínicos das cuidadoras influencia na capacidade para alimentar. Para garantir a alimentação adequada, é necessário que os serviços de saúde estejam aptos a considerar as características geo-sócio-culturais das famílias na elaboração das orientações.

Social and behavioral characteristics of male blood donors and their sexual partners: an analysis to define risk subsets.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men in Brazil are deferred from donation for 1 year since their last sexual contact. Legal proceedings in front of the Brazilian Supreme Court could compel blood collection agencies to discontinue use of sexual orientation questions. METHODS: Data from male participants in a completed HIV risk factor case-control study were used to evaluate whether it is possible to differentiate donors at lower and higher risk for HIV using two analytical approaches: latent class and random forest analyses. RESULTS: Male blood donors were divided into three distinct risk profile classes. Class 1 includes donors who are heterosexual (96.4%), are HIV negative (88.7%), have a main partner (99.4%), and practice unprotected sex (77.8%). Class 2 includes donors who are men who have sex with men /bisexuals' (100.0%), are HIV positive (97.4%), and were not aware of their sexual partners' HIV status (80.3%). Class 3 includes donors who are heterosexual (84.1%), practice unprotected vaginal/anal heterosexual sex (66.8% vs. 40.9%), and were both HIV positive and HIV negative (49.5% vs. 50.5%). We also found that asking donors about their partner(s)' HIV serostatus could replace asking about donors' sexual orientation and types of partners with relatively minor shifts in sensitivity (0.76 vs. 0.58), specificity (0.89 vs. 0.94), and positive predictive value (0.85 vs. 0.88). CONCLUSION: Sexual orientation questions on the donor questionnaire could be replaced without great loss in the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. Social and sexual behaviors of donors and their partners are proxies for HIV risk and can help to develop modified questions that will need controlled trials to be validated.

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the Southern Region of Santa Catarina, from 2005 to 2015: analysis of risk factors to seroconversion in newborns / Transmissão vertical do HIV na Região Sul de Santa Catarina, 2005-2015: análise dos fatores de risco para soroconversão em nascidos vivos

Abstract Objectives: to analyze both frequency and risk factors for seroconversion among newborns of HIV-positive mothers to HIV. Methods: a cohort study was conducted with children residing in Southern Region of Santa Catarina. Secondary data from the notification files and medical records of newborn's mothers of infected infants were used. The participants were all the newborns from 2005 to 2015 that were exposed to HIV through vertical transmission and attended a municipal health care center. Results: there were 104 cases of infant exposure to HIV. Seroconversion was confirmed in three cases, two of them died of AIDS during the study period. Breastfeeding (PR= 32.7; CI95%= 10.7-99.5; p= 0.002) and non-use of antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy (PR=18.2; CI95%= 2.0-163.0; p= 0.008) were risk factors for HIV seroconversion. Conclusions: seroconversion rates among neonates in Southern Region of Santa Catarina were similar to the national average. Seroconversion was associated with non-use of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Resumo Objetivos: investigar a frequência e analisar os fatores de risco para soroconversão entre nascidos vivos de mães soropositivas ao HIV. Métodos: foi realizado estudo de coorte, com crianças residentes na Região Sul de Santa Catarina. Foram usados dados secundários referentes a ficha de notificação e acompanhamento de criança exposta ao HIV e revisão do prontuário das mães das crianças infectadas. Participaram do estudo todos os nascidos vivos no período de 2005 a 2015 expostos ao HIV por transmissão vertical atendidos no serviço municipal de saúde. Resultados: houve 104 exposições ao HIV, sendo que em três casos se confirmou soroconversão e dois foram a óbito por Aids.O aleitamento materno (RP=32,7; IC95%=10,7-99,5); p=0,002) e o não uso de antirretroviral durante a gestação (RP=18,2; IC95%=2,0-163,0); p=0,008) foram fatores de risco para a soroconversão. Conclusões: a soroconversão em neonatos na Região Sul de Santa Catarina foi similar à média nacional. Houve associação com não utilização de terapia antirretroviral durante a gestação e aleitamento materno.

Índice de conhecimento das gestantes portadoras do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) acerca de sua patologia / Index of knowledge of pregnant women carriers of the Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) about its pathology

O presente estudo trata-se de pesquisa quantitativa realizada com Gestantes Portadoras do Vírus da ImunodeficiênciaHumana (HIV) acerca de sua Patologia, realizada no Instituto de Medicina Integrada Professor Fernando Figueira-IMIP, com afinalidade de verificar o índice de conhecimento das gestantes portadoras do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) a cercade sua patologia. Os dados foram coletados através de um questionário semi-estruturado. Na análise dos dados verificou-seque grande parte das gestantes passando de 50% das entrevistadas, tem conhecimento sobre o seu tratamento, autocuidado,prevenção, conhecimento da medicação, tipo de parto, importância da realização do pré-natal, exames, entre outros. Opresente estudo permitiu conhecer melhor a realidade de cada gestante a respeito do seu conhecimento diante de todo otratamento e a importância de um acompanhamento integrado para si e para o seu filho.

The Present Study this is quantitative research conducted with pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) to their About Pathology, held at the Institute of Integrated Medicine Professor Fernando Figueira–IMIP, with the purpose ofverifying the content knowledge of pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) about its pathology. Data werecollected through a semi-structured questionnaire. In analyzing the data it was found that most pregnant women from 50% ofrespondents, is knowledgeable about your treatment, care, prevention, knowledge of medication, type of delivery, the importanceof performing prenatal examinations, among other . This study allowed us to know better the reality of every pregnant womanabout her knowledge before any treatment and the importance of an integrated monitoring for you and your son.

Este estudio trata de un estudio cuantitativo de las mujeres embarazadas con el virus de inmunodeficienciahumana (VIH) sobre su patología, que se celebró en el Instituto de Medicina Integrada Profesor Fernando Figueira, IMIP, conel fin de verificar el índice de conocimiento de las mujeres embarazadas con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) acerca de su condición. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de un cuestionario semi-estructurado. En el análisis de datosse encontró que las mujeres más embarazadas aumentó del 50% de los encuestados, es conocedor de su tratamiento,el cuidado, la prevención, el conocimiento de la medicación, tipo de parto, la importancia de la realización de exámenesprenatales, entre otros . Este estudio nos permitió comprender mejor la realidad de cada mujer acerca de su conocimientoantes de que todo el tratamiento y la importancia de un seguimiento integrado para ti y tu hijo.

Usefulness of nucleic acid testing to reduce risk of hepatitis B virus transfusion-transmitted infection in Argentina: high rate of recent infections.

BACKGROUND: Results from 10-year experience using nucleic acid test (NAT) screening in a blood bank of Córdoba are presented, showing the first data on prevalence of recent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and occult HBV infections (OBIs) in Argentina. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Molecular screening was performed by COBAS AmpliScreen human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV-1) test Version 1.5 and COBAS AmpliScreen hepatitis C virus (HCV) test Version 2.0 and COBAS TaqScreen MPX and MPX Version 2.0 test (Roche Molecular Systems). To characterize OBI, additional molecular and serologic assays were performed. RESULTS: As results of NAT, 0.075% of the donors (155/205,388) tested positive for HIV, 0.05% (106/205,388) for HCV, and 0.045% (76/168,215) for HBV. Donors who tested positive for HIV or HCV by NAT were also positive by serology. There was one of 33,643 donors recently infected with HBV. At time of donation, six of 76 (7.9%) donors with confirmed HBV infection presented virologic and serologic profiles consistent with OBI. By additional studies three were OBI, two were window period infections, and one remained unclassified. CONCLUSION: NAT contributed significantly to the reduction of the potential risk of HBV transmission with a frequency of one in 56,072, detecting three in 168,215 donors without serologic evidence of infection. NAT also detected three in 168,215 OBIs. The finding of high frequency of recent infections (1/33,643), unexpected for this country, highlights the need of promoting unified effective regulations that enforce the use of NAT in all blood banks in Argentina and points out the importance of assessing the risk of HBV transmission in blood banks of other countries considered to be low-endemic.

Satisfacción de necesidades de anticoncepción en mujeres positivas al VIH: efecto sobre la eliminación de la transmisión vertical del virus / Meeting contraceptive needs of HIV-positive women: effect on elimination of vertical transmission of HIV

RESUMEN Cerca de 38% de embarazos no planeados se dan por necesidades insatisfechas en anticoncepción. En las mujeres positivas al VIH, las cifras se triplican, un fenómeno explicado por determinantes sociales como la pobreza, el acceso a los servicios de salud, la violencia y el desplazamiento forzoso, todos ellos elementos propios de la vida de estas mujeres. Los embarazos no planeados representan una carga psicológica vinculada con el temor de transmitir la infección a sus hijos, la orfandad y el asumir los riesgos durante el embarazo, a lo cual se añaden las consecuencias familiares y sociales que se manifiestan en baja asistencia al control prenatal, descuido de la salud y aumento de la posibilidad de transmisión vertical. El asesoramiento en anticoncepción diferencial e integrado a los servicios de atención y control del VIH es básico para lograr la eliminación de la transmisión vertical del VIH a corto y medio plazo. Reconocer que estas mujeres tienen características diferentes a las de la población general, como expresan su vida reproductiva, sus deseos e intenciones sobre la maternidad y que los embarazos no planeados representan una carga psicológica, social y económica adicional a la de las demás mujeres permitiría que el asesoramiento en anticoncepción se proporcionara en los programas de atención y seguimiento del VIH, en el mismo lugar y momento, con personal capacitado, capaz de comprender y atender sus necesidades reproductivas dentro de un marco de derechos, logrando que los sistemas de salud, basados en la responsabilidad que tienen con la sociedad, fueran capaces de ofrecer un asesoramiento en reproducción de calidad y dirigido a satisfacer las necesidades específicas de estas mujeres.

ABSTRACT Nearly 38% of unplanned pregnancies occur because of unmet contraceptive needs. In HIV-positive women, these figures triple, a phenomenon explained by social determinants such as poverty, access to health services, violence, and forced displacement, all of which are frequent elements in the lives of these women. Unplanned pregnancies represent a psychological burden related to women’s fear of transmitting the infection to their children, orphanhood, and assuming risks during pregnancy, in addition to family and social consequences that are expressed in lack of prenatal care, neglect of their health, and an increased likelihood of vertical transmission. Technical assistance for differentiated contraception counseling integrated into HIV care and control services is basic to achieving short- and medium-term elimination of vertical transmission of HIV. These women’s characteristics are different from those of the general population, as expressed in their reproductive lives, desires, and intentions regarding motherhood; and their unplanned pregnancies represent a greater psychological, social, and economic burden than that of other women. Recognizing this would allow contraception counseling to be provided by HIV care and follow-up programs, in the same place and time, with trained personnel, capable of understanding and meeting their reproductive needs within a rights-based framework, ensuring that health systems, based on the responsibility they have to society, would be capable of offering quality reproductive care counseling, aimed at meeting the specific needs of HIV-positive women.

Diseño de un programa educativo para incrementar los conocimientos sobre embarazo en mujeres seropositivas en edad fértil / Design of an educative program in order to increase pregnancy knowledge in seropositive women of childbearing age

Cada año continúa aumentando la cifra de personas infectadas con sida en el mundo. La atención a la salud sexual y reproductiva de la mujer seropositiva es importante para evitar la transmisión de madre a hijo. Con el objetivo de diseñar un programa educativo para incrementar los conocimientos sobre embarazo en las mujeres seropositivas en edad fértil del municipio Manzanillo, se realizó un estudio cuantitativo descriptivo de corte transversal, la población quedó constituido por 37 mujeres y la muestra fue de 12 seleccionadas a partir de un muestreo aleatorio simple. Se aplicó una encuesta creada por las autores de la presente investigación para determinar la motivación hacia la maternidad e identificar el nivel de conocimiento sobre cuestiones relacionadas con el embarazo en mujeres con VIH. El procesamiento estadístico se realizó mediante números absolutos y por cientos. Los resultados se presentan resumidos en tablas. El 75 por ciento de las mujeres seropositivas manifiestan motivación hacia la maternidad y el 100 por ciento presentan conocimientos insuficientes sobre cuestionesrelacionadas con el embarazo. En esta investigación predominan las mujeres seropositivas en edad fértil que manifiestan motivación hacia la maternidad y predominan las mujeres encuestadas que poseen conocimientos insuficientes en cuestiones relacionadas con el embarazo. Se diseña un programa educativo conformado por 10 sesiones que consta de técnicas de animación, cierre, educación para la salud y reflexión(AU)

Every year increases the amount of people infected with AIDS in the world. The attention to the seropositive woman's sexual and reproductive health is important to avoid mother-son transmission. This project was aimed to design a program in order to increase knowledges about pregnancy in seropositive women in fertile age in the municipality of Manzanillo, a quantitative-descriptive study of a cross section has been developed. The sample comprised 12 patients. A survey created by the authors of the present paper was applied to determine the level of motivation towards motherhood, as well as, to identify the level of knowledge about pregnancy. A statistical processing with absolute numbers and percents was carried out. Results are summarized in different table of contents. 75 percent of the HIV positive women have evidenced motivation towards maternity, and 100 percent of them have inadequate knowledge about matters related to pregnancy. HIV positive women in fertile age have prevailed in this research. Some of them have evidenced motivation towards maternity, and others have inadequate knowledge about matters related to pregnancy. An educative programme constituted of 9 sessions with animation, closing, educating for health and reflection is designed(EU)

[Meeting contraceptive needs of HIV-positive women: effect on elimination of vertical transmission of HIV]. / Satisfacción de necesidades de anticoncepción en mujeres positivas al VIH: efecto sobre la eliminación de la transmisión vertical del virus.

Nearly 38% of unplanned pregnancies occur because of unmet contraceptive needs. In HIV-positive women, these figures triple, a phenomenon explained by social determinants such as poverty, access to health services, violence, and forced displacement, all of which are frequent elements in the lives of these women. Unplanned pregnancies represent a psychological burden related to women's fear of transmitting the infection to their children, orphanhood, and assuming risks during pregnancy, in addition to family and social consequences that are expressed in lack of prenatal care, neglect of their health, and an increased likelihood of vertical transmission. Technical assistance for differentiated contraception counseling integrated into HIV care and control services is basic to achieving short- and medium-term elimination of vertical transmission of HIV. These women's characteristics are different from those of the general population, as expressed in their reproductive lives, desires, and intentions regarding motherhood; and their unplanned pregnancies represent a greater psychological, social, and economic burden than that of other women. Recognizing this would allow contraception counseling to be provided by HIV care and follow-up programs, in the same place and time, with trained personnel, capable of understanding and meeting their reproductive needs within a rights-based framework, ensuring that health systems, based on the responsibility they have to society, would be capable of offering quality reproductive care counseling, aimed at meeting the specific needs of HIV-positive women.

A criminalização da transmissão do HIV no Brasil: avanços, retrocessos e lacunas / The criminalization of HIV transmission in Brazil: advances, setbacks and gaps

Este estudo visa examinar os processos judiciais relacionados à infecção pelo vírus da Aids durante a pratica sexual no Brasil e suas implicações para a atualização do estigma do HIV/Aids. A reflexão foi centrada na análise dos processos de transmissão do HIV registrados no Portal JusBrasil e na revisão da produção acadêmica e de reportagens da mídia sobre o tema. Os dados revelam a convergência das visões de juristas, órgãos governamentais e representantes da sociedade civil organizada acerca das implicações negativas da criminalização da transmissão do HIV. Revelam-se também avanços, expressos pela jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal acerca da transmissão do vírus como transmissão de moléstia grave (Artigo 131), e não como tentativa de homicídio, e pela definição da Aids como agravo crônico e não como "sentença de morte". Todavia, existem retrocessos, como a tentativa de implementar leis que criminalizam a transmissão do vírus com penas severas e desconsideram as atuais tecnologias de prevenção e tratamento e os receios do estigma da Aids. Diante da escassez de estudos nacionais acerca do assunto, recomenda-se fomentar o debate e a produção acadêmica sobre os efeitos da criminalização da transmissão do HIV à luz do atual cenário da Aids no Brasil e no mundo.

This study aims to examine the legal procedures related to infection with the Aids virus during sexual practices in the Brazilian context and its implications for updating the stigma of HIV/Aids. The reflection focused on the analysis of processes related to HIV transmission recorded in JusBrasil Portal and review of the academic literature and media reports on the subject. Data reveal the convergence of views of lawyers, government agencies and representatives of civil society about the negative implications of criminalization of HIV transmission; and advances expressed by the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court about the spread of the virus as a serious disease transmission (Article 131) and not as attempted murder and the definition of Aids as a chronic injury and not as "death sentence". However, there are setbacks as attempting to implement laws that criminalize the transmission of the virus with severe penalties and disregard the current technologies for the prevention and treatment of Aids and the stigma of fears. Given the scarcity of national studies on the subject, fostering debate and academic literature on the effects of criminalization of HIV transmission light of the current situation of Aids in Brazil and worldwide is recommended.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women and Infant HIV Transmission.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) can lead to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The prevalence of STIs and its association with HIV mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) were evaluated in a substudy analysis from a randomized, multicenter clinical trial. METHODOLOGY: Urine samples from HIV-infected pregnant women collected at the time of labor and delivery were tested using polymerase chain reaction testing for the detection of CT and NG (Xpert CT/NG; Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). Infant HIV infection was determined by HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction at 3 months. RESULTS: Of the 1373 urine specimens, 249 (18.1%) were positive for CT and 63 (4.6%) for NG; 35 (2.5%) had both CT and NG detected. Among 117 cases of HIV MTCT (8.5% transmission), the lowest transmission rate occurred among infants born to CT- and NG-uninfected mothers (8.1%) as compared with those infected with only CT (10.7%) and both CT and NG (14.3%; P = 0.04). Infants born to CT-infected mothers had almost a 1.5-fold increased risk for HIV acquisition (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-2.3; P = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: This cohort of HIV-infected pregnant women is at high risk for infection with CT and NG. Analysis suggests that STIs may predispose to an increased HIV MTCT risk in this high-risk cohort of HIV-infected women.

The Opposites Attract Study of viral load, HIV treatment and HIV transmission in serodiscordant homosexual male couples: design and methods.

BACKGROUND: Studies in heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples have provided critical evidence on the role of HIV treatments and undetectable viral load in reducing the risk of HIV transmission. There is very limited data on the risk of transmission from anal sex in homosexual male serodiscordant couples. METHODS/DESIGN: The Opposites Attract Study is an observational prospective longitudinal cohort study of male homosexual serodiscordant partnerships running from 2012 to 2015 and conducted in clinics throughout Australia, Brazil and Thailand. Couples attend two or more clinic visits per year. The HIV-positive partner's viral load is tested and the HIV-negative partner is tested for HIV antibodies at every clinic visit. Results from any tests for sexually transmitted infections are also collected. Detailed behavioural questionnaires are completed by both partners at the time of each visit. The primary research question is whether HIV incidence is lower in those couples where the HIV-positive partner is receiving HIV treatment compared to couples where he is not receiving treatment. A voluntary semen sub-study will examine semen plasma viral load in a subsample of HIV-positive partners in Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Bangkok. In cases of seroconversion of the initially HIV-negative partner, phylogenetic analysis will be conducted at the end of the study on virus from stored blood samples from both partners to determine if the infection came from the HIV-positive study partner. Men in new serodiscordant relationships will specifically be targeted for recruitment. DISCUSSION: This study will provide critical data on the reduction in HIV transmission risk associated with being on HIV treatment in homosexual male serodiscordant couples in different regions of the world. Data from men in new relationships will be particularly valuable given that the highest transmission risk is in the first year of serodiscordant relationships. Furthermore, the detailed behavioural and attitudinal data from the participant questionnaires will allow exploration of many contextual factors associated with HIV risk, condom use and the negotiation of sexual practice within couples.

The practice of nurses caring for families of pediatric inpatients in light of Jean Watson / La práctica del cuidado del enfermero com famílias de niños según jean watson / A prática do cuidado do enfermeiro com famílias de criança à luz de Jean Watson

Objective To know the facilities and the difficulties of nurses in caring practice of hospitalized children’s families in the light of Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring. Method It was used the descriptive qualitative approach. The data collection was conducted in three stages: presentation of theoretical content; engagement with families in the light of Watson’s theory; and semi-structured interview with 12 pediatric nurses. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, being possible to form three themes: Recognizing a framework for care; Considering the institutional context; and Challenges in family’s relationship. Results The theory favored reflections about self, about the institutions and about nurses’ relationship with the family of the child, normalized by a consciousness toward caring attitudes. Conclusion In this process, it is imperative that nurses recognize the philosophical-theoretical foundations of care to attend the child’s family in hospital.

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Objetivo Analizar la violencia contra los adolescentes a la luz de las categorías de género y generación. Método It was used the descriptive qualitative approach. The data collection was conducted in three stages: presentation of theoretical content; engagement with families in the light of Watson’s theory; and semi-structured interview with 12 pediatric nurses. The interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis, being possible to form three themes: Recognizing a framework for care; Considering the institutional context; and Challenges in family’s relationship. Resultados The theory favored reflections about self, about the institutions and about nurses’ relationship with the family of the child, normalized by a consciousness toward caring attitudes. Conclusión In this process, it is imperative that nurses recognize the philosophical-theoretical foundations of care to attend the child’s family in hospital.

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Objetivo Conhecer as facilidades e as dificuldades do enfermeiro na prática do cuidado das famílias de crianças internadas, à luz da Teoria do Cuidado Humano de Jean Watson. Método Utilizou a abordagem qualitativa descritiva. A coleta dos dados foi realizada em três etapas: apresentação do conteúdo teórico; engajamento com as famílias à luz da teoria de Watson; e entrevista semiestruturada com 12 enfermeiras de pediatria. As entrevistas foram submetidas à análise temática indutiva, sendo possível formar três temas: Reconhecendo um referencial para o cuidado; Considerando o contexto institucional; e Desafios no relacionamento com a família. Resultados A teoria favoreceu reflexões sobre o self, sobre as instituições e sobre o relacionamento com a família da criança, normalizadas por uma consciência voltada para atitudes de cuidado. Conclusão Nesse processo, é imperativo que o enfermeiro reconheça os fundamentos teórico-filosóficos do cuidado para atender à família da criança no hospital.
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Socialization patterns and their associations with unprotected anal intercourse, HIV, and syphilis among high-risk men who have sex with men and transgender women in Peru.

The association of socialization patterns with unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and HIV/STI prevalence remains underexplored in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in developing country settings. We evaluated the correlation of UAI, HIV, and syphilis with MSM/TW venue attendance and social network size among high-risk MSM and TW in Peru according to self-reported sexual identity. Frequency of venue attendance and MSM/TW social network size were lowest among heterosexual MSM and highest among TW respondents. Attendance (frequent or occasional) at MSM/TW venues was associated with increased odds of insertive UAI among heterosexual participants. Frequent venue attendance was associated with increased odds of receptive UAI among gay/homosexual, bisexual, and TW participants. Further investigation of the differing socialization patterns and associations with HIV/STI transmission within subgroups of Peruvian MSM and TW will enable more effective prevention interventions for these populations.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus: a tale of multiple outcomes.

Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 130 million people and 3 million new infections occur annually. HCV is also recognized as an important cause of chronic liver disease in children. The absence of proofreading properties of the HCV RNA polymerase leads to a highly error prone replication process, allowing HCV to escape host immune response. The adaptive nature of HCV evolution dictates the outcome of the disease in many ways. Here, we investigated the molecular evolution of HCV in three unrelated children who acquired chronic HCV infection as a result of mother-to-child transmission, two of whom were also coinfected with HIV-1. The persistence of discrete HCV variants and their population structure were assessed using median joining network and Bayesian approaches. While patterns of viral evolution clearly differed between subjects, immune system dysfunction related to HIV coinfection or persistent HCV seronegativity stand as potential mechanisms to explain the lack of molecular evolution observed in these three cases. In contrast, treatment of HCV infection with PegIFN, which did not lead to sustained virologic responses in all 3 cases, was not associated with commensurate variations in the complexity of the variant spectrum. Finally, the differences in the degree of divergence suggest that the mode of transmission of the virus was not the main factor driving viral evolution.

Maternal ability to take care of children exposed to HIV.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the ability of mothers to take care of children exposed to HIV, using the Assessment Scale of Care Skills for Children Exposed to HIV at Birth and to check the association between the scale dimensions and maternal characteristics. METHOD: this cross-sectional study involved 62 HIV+ mothers whose children of up to one year old had been exposed to the virus at birth. The Assessment Scale of Care Skills for Children Exposed to HIV at Birth consists of 52 items and five dimensions, indicating high, moderate or low care ability. RESULTS: 72.7% of the mothers appropriately offered zidovudine syrup; 86.0% were highly skilled to prepare and administer milk formula; 44.4% were moderately able to prepare and administer complementary feeding; 76.5% revealed high ability to administer prophylactic treatment against pneumonia and 95.3% demonstrated high abilities for clinical monitoring and immunization. Significant associations were found between some maternal variables and the scale dimensions. CONCLUSION: the scale permits the assessment of maternal care delivery to these children and the accomplishment of specific child health interventions.

Maternal ability to take care of children exposed to HIV / Capacidade de maes para cuidar de criancas expostas ao HIV / Capacidad de madres para cuidar de ninos expuestos al VIH

OBJECTIVE: to assess the ability of mothers to take care of children exposed to HIV, using the Assessment Scale of Care Skills for Children Exposed to HIV at Birth and to check the association between the scale dimensions and maternal characteristics. METHOD: this cross-sectional study involved 62 HIV+ mothers whose children of up to one year old had been exposed to the virus at birth. The Assessment Scale of Care Skills for Children Exposed to HIV at Birth consists of 52 items and five dimensions, indicating high, moderate or low care ability. RESULTS: 72.7% of the mothers appropriately offered zidovudine syrup; 86.0% were highly skilled to prepare and administer milk formula; 44.4% were moderately able to prepare and administer complementary feeding; 76.5% revealed high ability to administer prophylactic treatment against pneumonia and 95.3% demonstrated high abilities for clinical monitoring and immunization. Significant associations were found between some maternal variables and the scale dimensions. CONCLUSION: the scale permits the assessment of maternal care delivery to these children and the accomplishment of specific child health interventions. .

OBJETIVO: avaliar a capacidade de mães para cuidar de crianças expostas ao HIV, mediante a Escala de Avaliação da Capacidade para Cuidar de Crianças Expostas ao HIV e verificar a associação entre dimensões da escala e as características maternas. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, com participação de 62 mães HIV+ com filhos nascidos expostos ao vírus até um ano de idade. A Escala de Avaliação da Capacidade para Cuidar de Crianças Expostas ao HIV possui 52 itens e cinco dimensões que indicam alta, moderada ou baixa capacidade de cuidado. RESULTADOS: das mães, 72,7% ofertaram adequadamente zidovudina xarope; 86,0% possuíam alta capacidade para preparar e administrar o leite em pó; 44,4% possuíam moderada capacidade para preparar e administrar a alimentação complementar; 76,5% apresentaram alta capacidade para administrar a profilaxia contra pneumonia e 95,3% possuíam alta capacidade para o acompanhamento clínico e vacinação. Houve significância entre algumas variáveis maternas e dimensões da escala. CONCLUSÃO: a escala permite avaliar o cuidado materno dispensado às crianças e realizar intervenções específicas em prol da saúde infantil. .

OBJETIVO: evaluar la capacidad de madres para cuidar de niños expuestos al VIH mediante la Escala de Evaluación de la Capacidad para Cuidar de Niños Expuestos al VIH y verificar la asociación entre las dimensiones de la escala y las características maternas. MÉTODO: estudio transversal, involucrando a 62 madres HIV+ con hijos expuestos al virus al nacer con hasta un año de edad. La Escala de Evaluación de la Capacidad para Cuidar de Niños Expuestos al VIH contiene 52 ítems y cinco dimensiones que indican alta, moderada o baja capacidad de cuidado. RESULTADOS: el 72,7% de las madres ofertó adecuadamente el jarabe zidovudina; 86,0% tenía alta capacidad para preparar y administrar la leche en polvo; 44,4% poseía moderada capacidad para preparar y administrar la alimentación complementaria; 76,5% reveló alta capacidad para administrar la profilaxis contra neumonía y el 95,3% demostró alta capacidad para el acompañamiento clínico y la vacunación. Fue encontrada significancia entre algunas variables maternales y dimensiones de la escala. CONCLUSIÓN: la escala permite evaluar el cuidado materno prestado a los niños e implementar intervenciones específicas a favor de salud infantil. .

Stigma in AIDS nursing care in sub-saharan Africa and the Caribbean.

Some nurses who provide AIDS care, in addition to experiencing stigma themselves, also exhibit negative attitudes and perpetrate stigma and discrimination toward persons living with HIV (PLWHAs). We used a participatory research approach to explore the nature, context, and influence of stigma on the nursing care provided to PLWHAs in four low- and middle-income countries: Jamaica, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Eighty-four registered nurses, enrolled nurses, and midwives participated in interviews and 79 participated in 11 focus groups. Nurses were very aware of the stigma and discrimination that AIDS evoked, and made adjustments to their care to decrease the manifestation of AIDS stigma. Despite the assurance that PLWHAs were treated equally, and that universal precautions were used consistently, we found that in reality, nurses sometimes made decisions about nursing care that were based on the appearance of the patient or knowledge of his or her status.

[HIV seropositive women and their partners facing the decision of a pregnancy]. / Mulheres soropositivas para o HIV e seus companheiros frente à decisão pela gestação.

The purpose of this qualitative, descriptive exploratory study is to investigate the reasons why HIV seropositive women and their partners make the decision of becoming pregnant despite the risk of vertical transmission, contamination or reinfection of the partner. The subjects of this study were six pregnant women. Data collection was done through a semi-structured questionnaire which was organized in the NVIVO 2.0 software and interpreted through theme-based content analysis. Through this analysis three themes emerged: Pregnancy planning; Knowledge of HIV/AIDS transmission and treatment; Living in the context of HIV/AIDS. The relevance of this study resides on the fact that the desire of the couple in becoming parents remains, despite of the awareness regarding the risks of vertical transmission and contamination.