Plasma-Derived HIV-1 Virions Contain Considerable Levels of Defective Genomes.

Genetically-characterizing full-length HIV-1 RNA is critical for identifying genetically-intact genomes and for comparing these RNA genomes to proviral DNA. We have developed a method for sequencing plasma-derived RNA using long-range sequencing (PRLS assay; ∼8.3 kb from gag to the 3' end or ∼5 kb from integrase to the 3' end). We employed the gag-3' PRLS assay to sequence HIV-1 RNA genomes from ART-naive participants during acute/early infection (n = 6) or chronic infection (n = 2). On average, only 65% of plasma-derived genomes were genetically-intact. Defects were found in all genomic regions but were concentrated in env and pol. We compared these genomes to near-full-length proviral sequences from paired peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples for the acute/early group and found that near-identical (>99.98% identical) sequences were identified only during acute infection. For three participants who initiated therapy during acute infection, we used the int-3' PRLS assay to sequence plasma-derived genomes from an analytical treatment interruption and identified 100% identical genomes between pretherapy and rebound time points. The PRLS assay provides a new level of sensitivity for understanding the genetic composition of plasma-derived HIV-1 RNA from viremic individuals either pretherapy or after treatment interruption, which will be invaluable in assessing possible HIV-1 curative strategies. IMPORTANCE We developed novel plasma-derived RNA using long-range sequencing assays (PRLS assay; 8.3 kb, gag-3', and 5.0 kb, int-3'). Employing the gag-3' PRLS assay, we found that 26% to 51% of plasma-derived genomes are genetically-defective, largely as a result of frameshift mutations and deletions. These genetic defects were concentrated in the env region compared to gag and pol, likely a reflection of viral immune escape in env during untreated HIV-1 infection. Employing the int-3' PRLS assay, we found that analytical treatment interruption (ATI) plasma-derived sequences were identical and genetically-intact. Several sequences from the ATI plasma samples were identical to viral sequences from pretherapy plasma and PBMC samples, indicating that HIV-1 reservoirs established prior to therapy contribute to viral rebound during an ATI. Therefore, near-full-length sequencing of HIV-1 particles is required to gain an accurate picture of the genetic landscape of plasma HIV-1 virions in studies of HIV-1 replication and persistence.

Are HIV-1-Specific Antibody Levels Potentially Useful Laboratory Markers to Estimate HIV Reservoir Size? A Review.

Despite the benefits achieved by the widespread availability of modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV RNA integration into the host cell genome is responsible for the creation of latent HIV reservoirs, and represents a significant impediment to completely eliminating HIV infection in a patient via modern ART alone. Several methods to measure HIV reservoir size exist; however, simpler, cheaper, and faster tools are required in the quest for total HIV cure. Over the past few years, measurement of HIV-specific antibodies has evolved into a promising option for measuring HIV reservoir size, as they can be measured via simple, well-known techniques such as the western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this article, we re-visit the dynamic evolution of HIV-1-specific antibodies and the factors that may influence their levels in the circulation of HIV-positive individuals. Then, we describe the currently-known relationship between HIV-1-specific antibodies and HIV reservoir size based on study of data from contemporary literature published during the past 5 years. We conclude by highlighting current trends, and discussing the individual HIV-specific antibody that is likely to be the most reliable antibody for potential future utilization for quantification of HIV reservoir size.

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in an HIV positive Mexican cohort.

BACKGROUND: HIV subjects have several kidney pathologies, like HIV-associated nephropathy or antiretroviral therapy injury, among others. The global prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is 8-16%; however, in HIV subjects, the prevalence varies between geographic regions (2-38%). The aim was to determine the prevalence of CKD and identify the associated risk factors. METHODS: A longitudinal descriptive study was carried out at the 'Hospital Civil de Guadalajara' Feb'18 - Jan'19. Basal clinical, demographic, opportunistic infections (OI), and laboratory data were obtained at months 0 and 3; inclusion criteria were ≥ 18 years old, naïve HIV + , urine albumin/creatinine ratio, serum creatinine & urine test, and signed informed consent. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression statistical analyses were made. RESULTS: One hundred twenty subjects were included; 92.5% were male, 33 ± 9.5 years, 60% consumed tobacco, 73% alcohol, and 59% some type of drug. The CKD prevalence was 15.8%. CKD patients had a higher risk of hepatitis C virus coinfection, Relative Risk (RR):5.9; HCV infection, RR:4.3; ≥ 30 years old, RR:3.9; C clinical-stage, RR:3.5; CD4+ T cells count < 200 cells/µL, RR: 2.4; and HIV-1 viral load ≥ 100,000 cop/mL, RR: 2.7. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a higher CKD prevalence in patients with HIV; higher CKD development with coinfections as Hepatitis C Virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The identification and prompt management of CKD and coinfections should be considered to avoid the progression and to delay renal replacement therapy as long as possible.

Reliable Estimation of CD8 T Cell Inhibition of In Vitro HIV-1 Replication.

The HIV-1 viral inhibition assay (VIA) measures CD8 T cell-mediated inhibition of HIV replication in CD4 T cells and is increasingly used for clinical testing of HIV vaccines and immunotherapies. The VIA has multiple sources of variability arising from in vitro HIV infection and co-culture of two T cell populations. Here, we describe multiple modifications to a 7-day VIA protocol, the most impactful being the introduction of independent replicate cultures for both HIV infected-CD4 (HIV-CD4) and HIV-CD4:CD8 T cell cultures. Virus inhibition was quantified using a ratio of weighted averages of p24+ cells in replicate cultures and the corresponding 95% confidence interval. An Excel template is provided to facilitate calculations. Virus inhibition was higher in people living with HIV suppressed on antiretroviral therapy (n=14, mean: 40.0%, median: 43.8%, range: 8.2 to 73.3%; p < 0.0001, two-tailed, exact Mann-Whitney test) compared to HIV-seronegative donors (n = 21, mean: -13.7%, median: -14.4%, range: -49.9 to 20.9%) and was stable over time (n = 6, mean %COV 9.4%, range 0.9 to 17.3%). Cross-sectional data were used to define 8% inhibition as the threshold to confidently detect specific CD8 T cell activity and determine the minimum number of culture replicates and p24+ cells needed to have 90% statistical power to detect this threshold. Last, we note that, in HIV seronegative donors, the addition of CD8 T cells to HIV infected CD4 T cells consistently increased HIV replication, though the level of increase varied markedly between donors. This co-culture effect may contribute to the weak correlations observed between CD8 T cell VIA and other measures of HIV-specific CD8 T cell function.

Field evaluation of a prototype tuberculosis lipoarabinomannan lateral flow assay on HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients.

Detection of tuberculosis at the point-of-care (POC) is limited by the low sensitivity of current commercially available tests. We describe a diagnostic accuracy field evaluation of a prototype urine Tuberculosis Lipoarabinomannan Lateral Flow Assay (TB-LAM LFA) in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients using fresh samples with sensitivity and specificity as the measures of accuracy. This prototype combines a proprietary concentration system with a sensitive LFA. In a prospective study of 292 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis in Uganda, the clinical sensitivity and specificity was compared against a microbiological reference standard including sputum Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra and solid and liquid culture. TB-LAM LFA had an overall sensitivity of 60% (95%CI 51-69%) and specificity of 80% (95%CI 73-85%). When comparing HIV-positive (N = 86) and HIV-negative (N = 206) patients, there was no significant difference in sensitivity (sensitivity difference 8%, 95%CI -11% to +24%, p = 0.4351) or specificity (specificity difference -9%, 95%CI -24% to +4%, p = 0.2051). Compared to the commercially available Alere Determine TB-LAM Ag test, the TB-LAM LFA prototype had improved sensitivity in both HIV-negative (difference 49%, 95%CI 37% to 59%, p<0.0001) and HIV-positive patients with CD4+ T-cell counts >200cells/µL (difference 59%, 95%CI 32% to 75%, p = 0.0009). This report is the first to show improved performance of a urine TB LAM test for HIV-negative patients in a high TB burden setting. We also offer potential assay refinement solutions that may further improve sensitivity and specificity.

Comparing rates of mycobacterial clearance in sputum smear-negative and smear-positive adults living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in people living with HIV (PLH) frequently presents as sputum smear-negative. However, clinical trials of TB in adults often use smear-positive individuals to ensure measurable bacterial responses following initiation of treatment, thereby excluding HIV-infected patients from trials. METHODS: In this prospective case cohort study, 118 HIV-seropositive TB patients were assessed prior to initiation of standard four-drug TB therapy and at several time points through 35 days. Sputum bacillary load, as a marker of treatment response, was determined serially by: smear microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF, liquid culture, and colony counts on agar medium. RESULTS: By all four measures, patients who were baseline smear-positive had higher bacterial loads than those presenting as smear-negative, until day 35. However, most smear-negative PLH had significant bacillary load at enrolment and their mycobacteria were cleared more rapidly than smear-positive patients. Smear-negative patients' decline in bacillary load, determined by colony counts, was linear to day 7 suggesting measurable bactericidal activity. Moreover, the decrease in bacterial counts was comparable to smear-positive individuals. Increasing cycle threshold values (Ct) on the Xpert assay in smear-positive patients to day 14 implied decreasing bacterial load. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that smear-negative PLH can be included in clinical trials of novel treatment regimens as they contain sufficient viable bacteria, but allowances for late exclusions would have to be made in sample size estimations. We also show that increases in Ct in smear-positive patients to day 14 reflect treatment responses and the Xpert MTB/RIF assay could be used as biomarker for early treatment response.

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.

Prevalence and correlates of dyslipidemia in HIV positive and negative adults in Western Kenya: A cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: There is increasing morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Dyslipidemia is a well-known CVD risk factor which has been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and its treatment in high-income countries. Studies in SSA that have examined the relationship between HIV and dyslipidemia have reported mixed results. In this study, we sought to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in HIV positive and negative adults (>=30 years old) and evaluate for association in Western Kenya with a higher prevalence expected among HIV positive individuals.HIV positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV negative individuals seeking HIV testing and counseling services were recruited into a cross-sectional study. Demographic and behavioral data and fasting blood samples were collected. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Associations between baseline demographic and clinical variables and dyslipidemia were analyzed using logistic regression.A total of 598 participants, 300 HIV positive and 298 HIV negative adults were enrolled. Dyslipidemia data was available for 564 (94%) participants. In total, 267 (47%) had dyslipidemia. This was not significantly different between HIV positive and HIV negative individuals (46% vs 49%, P = .4). In a multivariate analysis including both HIV positive and negative individuals, adults 50 to 59 years of age had a 2-fold increased risk of dyslipidemia (Odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval (1.2-3.5) when compared to 30 to 39-years-old participants. Abdominal obesity (OR 2.5), being overweight (OR 1.9), and low fruit and vegetable intake (OR 2.2) were significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Among HIV positive participants, time since HIV diagnosis, ART duration, use of (PI) protease inhibitor-based ART, viral load suppression, current cluster of differentiation (CD4) count and nadir CD4 did not have significant associations with dyslipidemia.The prevalence of dyslipidemia is high in Western Kenya, with nearly half of all participants with lipid abnormalities. Dyslipidemia was not significantly associated with HIV status, or with HIV-specific factors. Older age, being overweight, abdominal obesity, and low fruit and vegetable intake were associated with dyslipidemia and may be targets for public health interventions to lower the prevalence of dyslipidemia and CVD risk in sub-Saharan Africa.

Impact of long-term antiretroviral therapy on gut and oral microbiotas in HIV-1-infected patients.

In HIV-1-infected patients, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a key factor that may impact commensal microbiota and cause the emergence of side effects. However, it is not fully understood how long-term ART regimens have diverse impacts on the microbial compositions over time. Here, we performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing of the fecal and salivary microbiomes in patients under different long-term ART. We found that ART, especially conventional nucleotide/nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI)-based ART, has remarkable impacts on fecal microbial diversity: decreased α-diversity and increased ß-diversity over time. In contrast, dynamic diversity changes in the salivary microbiome were not observed. Comparative analysis of bacterial genus compositions showed a propensity for Prevotella-enriched and Bacteroides-poor gut microbiotas in patients with ART over time. In addition, we observed a gradual reduction in Bacteroides but drastic increases in Succinivibrio and/or Megasphaera under conventional ART. These results suggest that ART, especially NRTI-based ART, has more suppressive impacts on microbiota composition and diversity in the gut than in the mouth, which potentially causes intestinal dysbiosis in patients. Therefore, NRTI-sparing ART, especially integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)- and/or non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-containing regimens, might alleviate the burden of intestinal dysbiosis in HIV-1-infected patients under long-term ART.

Kaposi sarcoma misdiagnosed as granuloma annulare: A case of mistaken identity.

The microscopic features of patch stage Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and interstitial granuloma annulare (GA) may be difficult to differentiate, because both may exhibit a subtle "busy" dermis due to infiltration of spindled cells between collagen bundles. The clinical distinction is particularly challenging in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-affected individuals, as the incidence of GA appears to be greater in the HIV-infected population. KS is the most common neoplasm in this population. Despite the significant decrease in the incidence of KS since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), KS tends to occur with late onset and indolent progression in patients with preserved immune function and minimal viral load. We present a 47-year-old homosexual HIV-positive man, under virologic and immunologic control on long-term HAART therapy, with a 5-year history of progressive red-brown patches and plaques on the legs, feet, hands, and trunk. Prior skin biopsy specimens were interpreted as interstitial GA. Histopathology on new skin biopsy specimens along with review specimens supported the diagnosis of plaque and patch stages of KS, respectively, supported by immunohistochemical expression of human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8). This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for KS in progressive, treatment-recalcitrant skin lesions, particularly in HIV-infected individuals.

HIV-1 drug resistance and genotypes circulating among HIV-positive key populations in Bangladesh: 2016 update.

OBJECTIVE: HIV-1 subtyping data of Bangladeshi strains are available in global HIV Sequence Database up to 2007, and there is no sequence of drug resistance profile based on the pol gene segment. This study aimed to update HIV genotyping data and describe the drug resistance mutations for the first time from Bangladesh using specimens from the latest HIV sero-surveillance conducted in 2016. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During HIV sero-surveillance, a total of 1268 people who inject drugs (PWID) and 3765 female sex workers (FSW) were screened and among them, 230 (18.1%) PWID and 7 (0.2%) FSW were HIV positive. Among HIV positives, randomly selected 74 specimens (60 male-PWID, 7 female-PWID, and 7 FSW) were subjected to gag, pol, and env gene sequencing using gene-specific primers. Genotyping was decided based on the partial gag and env genes while transmission dynamics was based on the gag sequence (n = 237). Drug resistance profiles were obtained by using the algorithm of the established available drug resistance database. RESULTS: HIV subtype C and C-related recombinants have remained the major circulating genotypes in Bangladesh. Although the recurring transmission of subtype C occurred among PWID, we identified possible transmission to other key populations (KPs), which suggests spillover from PWID through the sexual route. The prevalence of drug-resistant mutation was low, and all strains were susceptible to NRTIs and NNRTIs drugs. Unique recombination forms (URF) with genotype C for gag-pol and A1 for env was also identified. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings warrant continuous monitoring of HIV-positive individuals and future investigation to identify social networks within and between KPs to halt the transmission and prevent new infections.

Pilot implementation of a home-care programme with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, and syphilis self-sampling in HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND: Not all men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection currently receive sexual healthcare. To increase the coverage of high-quality HIV/STI care for MSM, we developed a home-care programme, as extended STI clinic care. This programme included home sampling for testing, combined with treatment and sexual health counselling. Here, we pilot implemented the programme in a hospital setting (HIV-positive MSM) to determine the factors for the successful implementation of STI home sampling strategies. METHODS: Healthcare providers from the HIV hospital treatment centre (Maastricht) were invited to offer free STI sampling kits (syphilis, hepatitis B, [extra]genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea laboratory testing) to their HIV-positive MSM patients (March to May 2018). To evaluate implementation of the program, quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess adoption (HIV care providers offered sampling kits to MSM), participation (MSM accepted the sampling kits) and sampling-kit return, STI diagnoses, and implementation experiences. RESULTS: Adoption was 85.3% (110/129), participation was 58.2% (64/110), and sampling-kit return was 43.8% (28/64). Of the tested MSM, 64.3% (18/28) did not recently (< 3 months) undergo a STI test; during the programme, 17.9% (5/28) were diagnosed with an STI. Of tested MSM, 64.3% (18/28) was vaccinated against hepatitis B. MSM reported that the sampling kits were easily and conveniently used. Care providers (hospital and STI clinic) considered the programme acceptable and feasible, with some logistical challenges. All (100%) self-taken chlamydia and gonorrhoea samples were adequate for testing, and 82.1% (23/28) of MSM provided sufficient self-taken blood samples for syphilis screening. However, full syphilis diagnostic work-up required for MSM with a history of syphilis (18/28) was not possible in 44.4% (8/18) of MSM because of insufficient blood sampled. CONCLUSION: The home sampling programme increased STI test uptake and was acceptable and feasible for MSM and their care providers. Return of sampling kits should be further improved. The home-care programme is a promising extension of regular STI care to deliver comprehensive STI care to the home setting for MSM. Yet, in an HIV-positive population, syphilis diagnosis may be challenging when using self-taken blood samples.

Comparison of practicability and effectiveness between unassisted HIV self-testing and directly assisted HIV self-testing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a randomized feasibility trial.

BACKGROUND: HIV self-testing (HIVST) can be performed using directly assisted and unassisted approaches in facilities or communities to reach different populations. The aim of this study was to compare the practicability and effectiveness of the two delivery approaches for HIVST, unassisted HIVST (UH) and directly assisted HIVST (DAH), in the field setting of Kisangani, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). METHODS: A randomized (1:1), non-blinded, non-inferiority trial using a blood-based and facility-based HIVST method was carried out in four facilities in Kisangani, the DRC, targeting populations at high risk for HIV infection. The primary outcome was the difference in the practicability of the HIV self-test between the two arms. Practicability was defined as successfully performing the test and correctly interpreting the result. Requests for assistance, positivity rate, linkage to care, and willingness to buy an HIV self-test kit constituted the secondary outcomes for HIVST effectiveness. The adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) were calculated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: The rate of successfully performing the test was same (93.2%) in the UH and DAH arms. The rate of correctly interpreting the results was 86.9% in the UH arm versus 93.2% in the DAH arm, for a difference of - 6.3%. After the follow-up 72 h later, participants in the UH arm had a significantly lower chance of correctly interpreting the test results than those in the DAH arm (aRR: 0.60; P = 0.019). Although the positivity rate was 3.4% among the participants in the DAH arm and 1.7% among those in the UH arm, no significant differences were found between the two arms in the positivity rate, requests for assistance, and linkage to care. Willingness to buy an HIV self-test was higher in the UH arm than in the DAH arm (92.3% versus 74.1%; aRR: 4.20; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that UH is as practicable and effective as DAH among individuals at high risk for HIV infection in Kisangani, the DRC. However, additional support tools need to be assessed to improve the interpretation of the self-test results when using the UH approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PACTR201904546865585. Registered 03 April 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=6032.

Successful use of generic direct acting antiviral medications to treat hepatitis C-a New Zealand-wide study.

AIMS: Direct acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C (HCV) medications are funded in New Zealand since 2016 for some and since 2019 for all genotypes. The purpose of this study was to review New Zealand-wide data of the use of generic HCV DAA medications imported through Tasmanian FixHepC Buyer's Club and the associated side effect profiles. METHODS: This is a retrospective data audit on the use of generic DAAs to treat HCV; outcomes from consecutive hepatitis C patients (naïve and pre-treated) treated with generic DAAs (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, ribavirin) collected from all known sites that used Buyer's club medications in eight New Zealand district health board regions were summarised. Demographic, disease characteristics, FibroScan and blood markers' (platelets, ALT, GGT, AFP) data were collected. RESULTS: Study sample was 81.8% New Zealand European, 64.8% male of median 56.0 (IQR: 48.0-60.0) years old. Three participants (4.5%) were HIV positive. 74.7% of the participants had signs of fibrosis (F1-F4); 40.5% had cirrhosis/scaring (F4). 61.7% of the patients were naïve to treatment. 42.0%, 40.1% and 12.0% received sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, respectively; 32.1% also received ribavirin. 80.2% of patients received treatment for 12 weeks. 95.1% (154/162) of the sample achieved sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment, 2.5% relapsed, 1.2% were lost to follow-up. The main minor side effects included fatigue, headache, difficulty sleeping, experienced by 21.7%, 7.0%, 7.0%, respectively. An average total cost for medication and monitoring was 2,027 to 2,659 NZD (12 weeks), and 3,054 to 4,260 NZD (24 weeks) per patient. CONCLUSIONS: Generic DAAs to treat hepatitis C are safe, efficient and a cheaper than branded medications option.

Assessing linear CD4 decline quantifying diagnosis delay after HIV seroconversion: assessing the linearity assumption of CD4 decline.

PURPOSE: To estimate time from seroconversion to diagnosis, researchers have modeled time based on CD4 decline, assuming the square root of the CD4 count decreases linearly over time before antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation. If true, utilizing CD4 counts reported anytime in the pre-ART period would result in estimates of diagnosis delay that are not appreciably different. METHODS: We applied CD4 depletion model parameters from seroconverter cohorts to New York City residents diagnosed from 2006 to 2015, having two or more pre-ART CD4 counts. RESULTS: Median diagnosis delays based on first or second pre-ART CD4 counts were similar (n = 12,849; 2.8 years, interquartile range [IQR]: 0-7.7, and 2.8 years, IQR: 0-7.6, respectively; P = .09, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Among people whose second pre-ART CD4 count was measured more than 6 months after diagnosis (n = 2761), the average diagnosis delay based on first pre-ART CD4 count was shorter (1.5 years, IQR: 0-5.4) than the second pre-ART CD4 count (1.7 years, IQR: 0-6.0) but not significantly (P = .12). CONCLUSIONS: Results are consistent with the linearity assumption of the CD4 depletion model. To estimate population-level diagnosis delay, researchers may use pre-ART CD4 counts reported more than 6 months post-diagnosis.

Strongyloides hyperinfection in an HIV-positive kidney transplant recipient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis is caused by the helminth Strongyloides stercoralis and is well-recognised amongst transplant recipients. Serious complications, including Strongyloides hyperinfection which is a syndrome of accelerated autoinfection, or disseminated disease, can occur post-transplantation, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Here we present the first published case we are aware of, describing post-transplant Strongyloides hyperinfection in an HIV-positive kidney transplant patient. We discuss the diagnostic challenges and the role of pre-transplant screening. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old African-American male, originally from the Caribbean, received a deceased donor kidney transplant for presumed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. He was known to be HIV-positive, with a stable CD4 count, and an undetectable viral load. Five months post-transplant, he developed gastrointestinal symptoms and weight loss. He had a normal eosinophil count (0.1-0.2 × 109/L), negative serum cytomegalovirus DNA, and negative blood and stool cultures. His Strongyloides serology remained negative throughout. A diagnosis of Strongyloides hyperinfection was made by the histological examination of his duodenum and lung, which identified the parasites. He completed his course of treatment with Ivermectin but exhibited profound deconditioning and required a period of total parenteral nutrition. He was subsequently discharged after a prolonged hospital admission of 54 days. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the challenges in diagnosing Strongyloides infection and the need to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion. Non-invasive techniques for the diagnosis of Strongyloides may be insufficient. Routine pre-transplant serological strongyloidiasis screening is now performed at our centre.

The interpretation of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion on anal cytology: a comparative analysis with the cervical Papanicolaou test.

INTRODUCTION: Prior studies have shown that high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) tends to be underdiagnosed on anal cytology. Our study aims to decipher the interpretative challenges of HSIL that are more specific to anal cytology specimens by comparing them to cervical Papanicolaou tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred cases each of anal and cervical cytology specimens with HSIL interpretation and concordant histologic follow-up were retrieved and diagnostically confirmed. Patient demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record. The cytologic specimens were reviewed and statistically compared in terms of proportion of HSIL cells, HSIL patterns and types, and cytoplasmic area of HSIL cells (with digital image analysis). A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the patients with anal HSIL, 97% were human immunodeficiency virus-positive and 60% were men who have sex with men. The anal cytology specimens significantly differed from the cervical ones in several respects: proportion of HSIL cells, cytoplasmic area of HSIL cells, cases with HSIL cells in syncytial groups (10 versus 57) and cases with keratinizing HSIL (45 versus 10). The P value was <0.0001 for all comparisons except for the proportion of HSIL cells (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Anal cytologic HSIL, in contrast to its cervical counterpart, exhibits fewer abnormal cells and smaller size of the diagnostic cells with a higher percentage of keratinizing lesions. A careful scrutiny of the sample with an enhanced understanding of the morphology and better sampling may help improve the detection of anal HSIL on cytology.

Outcomes of donor-derived superinfection screening in HIV-positive to HIV-positive kidney and liver transplantation: a multicentre, prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: One of the primary risks of HIV-positive to HIV-positive organ transplantation is loss of virological control because of donor-derived HIV superinfection, which occurs when an HIV-positive individual becomes infected with a new distinct HIV strain. In this study, as part of the larger HIV Organ Policy Equity pilot study, HIV-positive to HIV-positive kidney and liver transplant recipients in the USA were examined for evidence of sustained donor-derived HIV superinfection. METHODS: In this multicentre, prospective, observational study, HIV-positive to HIV-positive kidney and liver transplant recipients were followed in three hospitals in the USA. Candidates with well controlled HIV infection on ART, no active opportunistic infections, and minimum CD4 T-cell counts (>100 cells per µL for liver and >200 cells per µL for kidney per federal guidelines) were eligible to receive a kidney or liver from deceased HIV-positive donors without active infections or neoplasm. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected from donor-recipient pairs at the time of transplantation, and from recipients at several timepoints up to 3 years after transplantation. Donor samples were assessed for HIV RNA viral load, CD4 cell count, and antiretroviral drug-resistant mutations. Donor and recipient HIV proviral DNA, and viral RNA from the viraemic timepoint were sequenced using a site-directed next-generation sequencing assay for the reverse transcriptase and gp41 genes. Neighbour-joining phylogenetic trees and direct sequence comparison were used to detect the presence of HIV superinfection. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02602262. FINDINGS: 14 HIV-positive to HIV-positive kidney and eight liver transplant recipients were followed from March, 2016, to July, 2019. 17 recipients had adequate viral sequences allowing for HIV superinfection assessment. Eight donors were suppressed (viral load <400 copies per mL), and none had multiclass drug-resistant mutations detected. None of the recipients examined had evidence of HIV superinfection. One recipient had a viraemic episode (viral load of 2 080 000 copies per mL) 3 years after transplantation as a result of non-adherence to ART. Only recipient viral sequences were detected during the viraemic episode, suggesting that the donor virus, if present, was not reactivated despite temporary withdrawal of ART. INTERPRETATION: These findings suggest that loss of HIV suppression due to donor-derived HIV superinfection might not be a significant clinical concern in carefully monitored ART suppressed HIV-positive organ recipients. FUNDING: US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Cancer Institute.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in HIV, HBV and HCV seropositive patients - Prognosis and its predictors.

INTRODUCTION: Patients receiving treatment for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) also may have coexisting viral infections caused by HIV, HBV, and HCV (seropositive). There is scarce literature regarding the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes for these patients with coexisting viral infections (seropositive HNSCC). We conducted this study to assess the clinical presentation and treatment outcomes (overall survival [OS] and disease-specific survival [DSS]) of seropositive HNSCC patients. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective cohort study on seropositive HNSCC patients registered at our center from 2012 to 2014. The viral infections were identified by the presence of the antibodies to these viruses in the patient's blood samples. RESULTS: Out of the 19,137 HNSCC patients registered, 156 patients had HBV, HCV, and/or HIV infection. Among these, HBV infection was the most common (n = 86/156, 55.1%) followed by HIV infection (n = 36/156, 23.1%) and HCV infection (n = 29/156, 18.6%). The oral cavity was the most common subsite involved. Majority of these patients presented at an advanced stage (advanced T stage - 71.8% and node positive - 62.2%). The majority of the patients received curative-intent treatment (65.4%). The OS at 3 years for these HNSCC patients with coexisting HIV, HBV, and HCV infection was 60%, 62.6%, and 57.5%, respectively, and their DSS at 3 years was 58.8%, 78.6%, and 53.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Seropositive patients with HNSCC often present in the advanced stage but have a good survival if treated appropriately.

HIV-1 Transmission Patterns Within and Between Risk Groups in Coastal Kenya.

HIV-1 transmission patterns within and between populations at different risk of HIV-1 acquisition in Kenya are not well understood. We investigated HIV-1 transmission networks in men who have sex with men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDU), female sex workers (FSW) and heterosexuals (HET) in coastal Kenya. We used maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetics to analyse new (N = 163) and previously published (N = 495) HIV-1 polymerase sequences collected during 2005-2019. Of the 658 sequences, 131 (20%) were from MSM, 58 (9%) IDU, 109 (17%) FSW, and 360 (55%) HET. Overall, 206 (31%) sequences formed 61 clusters. Most clusters (85%) consisted of sequences from the same risk group, suggesting frequent within-group transmission. The remaining clusters were mixed between HET/MSM (7%), HET/FSW (5%), and MSM/FSW (3%) sequences. One large IDU-exclusive cluster was found, indicating an independent sub-epidemic among this group. Phylodynamic analysis of this cluster revealed a steady increase in HIV-1 infections among IDU since the estimated origin of the cluster in 1987. Our results suggest mixing between high-risk groups and heterosexual populations and could be relevant for the development of targeted HIV-1 prevention programmes in coastal Kenya.