Comparative gender analysis of the seroprevalence of varicella zoster virus among HIV-infected individuals receiving care at Offa, north-central Nigeria

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections are common and contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients. This study was conducted to determine the level of exposure, compare the gender distribution pattern and correlate with CD4 count, history of chicken pox and demographics among HIV patients. Methodology: Blood samples were collected from 273 randomly selected HIV-positive patients (93 males and 180 females) receiving care and management at the General Hospital Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria, between September 2019 and March 2020, after obtaining informed consent. Sera were separated from the blood samples and tested for the presence of VZV-specific IgG antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results: The seroprevalence rate of VZV in the selected HIV patients was 76.9% (210/273), which was similar in both male (83.9%, 78/93) and female (73.3%, 132/180) patients (χ 2=3.265, p=0.071). The seroprevalence rates of VZV in both male and female patients were significantly associated with marital status, occupational status, and CD4+ cell count (p<0.05), however, age group was not significantly associated with VZV seroprevalence in both male (χ2=8.014, p=0.155) and female (χ2=4.689, p=0.455) patients. The seroprevalence of VZV in males (32%) who reported history of chicken pox was about twice that of females (17.4%) (OR=2.235, 95% CI=1.162-4.302, p=0.023). Conclusion: The level of exposure of HIV-infected individuals to VZV in Offa, Nigeria is high and is similarly distributed in both male and female genders. However, more males with VZV exposure reported history of chicken pox (acute infection) than their female counterparts.

HIV Seroprevalence in Mogadishu, Somalia: a Retrospective Study between 2015 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a major global public health problem. This study aimed to obtain current epidemiological data on the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODS: This study included 92,270 anti-HIV test results reported for 82,954 different individuals between 2015 and 2019. HIV tests were performed using the Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay and retested with the Elecsys HIV combi PT assay. RESULTS: HIV seropositivity was found to be 0.32% (269/82,954) in all individuals over a period of four years. Anti-HIV seropositivity in the 0 - 14, 15 - 19, 15 - 24, 15 - 49, and > 15 age groups were as follows: 0.17% (11/6,441), 0.17% (12/7,131), 0.15% (35/24,132), 0.37% (212/56,895), and 0.34% (258/76,513), respectively. In HIV-infected patients, anti-HBs, HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-TP (syphilis) seropositivity was found to be 30.3% (56/185), 9.54% (23/241), 1.24% (3/242), and 3.45% (2/58), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study provide comprehensive data on the HIV epidemiology in Somalia. We believe that the results presented in this study will contribute to the risk analysis and planning of preventive policies of national and global health organizations.

Seroprevalencia del virus dela hepatitis B, del virus de la hepatitis Cy del virus de la inmunodeficienciahumana en una muestra de pacientesdiagnosticados de trastorno porconsumo de alcohol en Albacete / Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in a sample of patients diagnosed with Alcohol User Disorder in Albacete (Spain)

FUNDAMENTOS: Estudios relatan mayor prevalencia de VHC, VHB y VIH en población con Trastorno de Consumo de Alcohol. Elobjetivo de nuestro estudio fue determinar la seroprevalencia para Virus de Hepatitis B (VHB), Virus de Hepatitis C (VHC) y el Virus dela Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) en pacientes con trastorno por consumo de alcohol, así como determinar si existe un correctocribaje serológico de éstos.MÉTODOS : Estudio retrospectivo de 204 pacientes con trastorno por consumo de alcohol seguidos en la unidad de conductas adic-tivas de Albacete, que iniciaron tratamiento desde el año 2013-2014 en adelante, el último paciente fue reclutado en diciembre de 2017.RESULTADOS: Nuestra muestra tiene 160 hombres (78,4%) y 44 mujeres (21,6%). La mediana de edad es 46,2 años. 161 pacientes(78,9%) tenían serología de VIH y fue negativa en todos. 146 pacientes (71,6%) tenían serología negativa de hepatitis B y 12 (5,9%)estaban vacunados. 36 pacientes (17,6%) no tenían serología realizada de hepatitis B. En 10 pacientes la serología de hepatitis B fuepositiva (4,9%; IC95% 1,9-7,9%). 159 pacientes (77,9%) tenían serología negativa de hepatitis C, y 37 pacientes no la tenían realizada(18,1%). 8 pacientes tenían serología positiva (prevalencia de 3,9%; IC95% 1,2-6,6%). Excluyendo a los pacientes que no tenían serolo-gía la seroprevalencia fue de 5,9% (IC95% 2,3-9,6%) y de 4.8% (IC95% de 1,5-8,1%) respectivamente. La no realización de serologíasse asoció a mayor edad y un menor consumo de Unidades de Bebida Estándar (UBEs) por semana.CONCLUSIONES: La seroprevalencia de VHB y VHC en pacientes con trastorno por consumo de alcohol es alta. Debería asegurarseque el 100% de pacientes con trastorno de consumo de alcohol, se realicen serologías de VHC, VIH, VHB disminuyendo pérdida deoportunidades diagnósticas.(AU)

BACKGROUND: Studies report a higher prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV in the population with Alcohol Use Disorder. Our objectiveis to determine the seroprevalence for hepatitis B and C and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with alcohol usedisorder, as well as to determine if there is a correct serological screening of these.METHODS: Retrospective study of 204 patients with Alcohol Use Disorder followed up in the Addictive Behaviors Unit from Albacete.They started treatment from 2013-2014 onwards, the last patient was recruited in December of 2017.RESULTS: Our sample has 160 men (78.4%) and 44 women (21.6%). The median age is 46.2 years. 161 patients (78.9%) had HIV sero-logy and it was negative in all. 146 patients (71.6%) had negative hepatitis B serology and 12 (5.9%) were vaccinated. 36 patients (17.6%)had no hepatitis B serology performed. In 10 patients, hepatitis B serology was positive (4.9%; 95% CI 1.9-7.9%). 159 patients (77.9%)had negative hepatitis C serology, and 37 patients had not performed it (18.1%). 8 patients had positive serology (prevalence of 3.9%;95% CI 1.2-6.6%). Excluding patients who did not have serology, seroprevalence was 5.9% (95% CI 2.3-9.6%) and 4.8% (95% CI 1.5-8.1%)respectively. Failure to perform serologies was associated with older age and less weekly Standard Drink Units (SDUs) consumption.CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in patients with alcohol use disorder is high. It should be ensured that 100%of patients with alcohol use disorder undergo HCV, HIV, HBV serology, reducing the loss of diagnostic opportunities.(AU)

Efectos de la migración venezolana sobre la notificación de casos de VIH en Colombia / Effects of the Venezuelan migration phenomenon on the notification of HIV cases in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: En la última década, millones de venezolanos han emigrado de su país; Colombia ha sido su principal destino. Es importante evaluar las repercusiones de la migración sobre eventos de interés en salud pública como la infección por el VIH, a fin de adoptar políticas pertinentes para atender la epidemia. Sin embargo, la información del estado de salud de la población migrante y su impacto sobre la salud pública en Colombia es escasa. Objetivos: Evaluar el papel de los casos de VIH importados desde Venezuela en el comportamiento del evento VIH/SIDA/ mortalidad por VIH en Colombia. Metodología: Mediante cálculo integral se compara el área bajo las curvas de casos de VIH totales e importados notificados al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública de Colombia. Resultados: La curva de casos de VIH importados desde Venezuela tiene una contribución menor (2,26 %) en el incremento de casos notificados en Colombia. Conclusiones: La migración venezolana no es el principal factor responsable del incremento de casos de VIH en Colombia, deben evaluarse otros factores involucrados en la difusión de la pandemia a nivel local.

Abstract Introduction: Millions of Venezuelans have emigrated due to their country's socio-economic crisis in the last decade; Colombia has been their main destination. To adopt relevant policies to address the problem, it is important to assess the impact of migration on public health interest events such as HIV infection. However, information on the health status of immigrants and its repercussions on public health in Colombia is scarce. Objective: Outline how the Venezuelan migration phenomenon has impacted HIV notification within Colombia. Methodology: Through an integral calculation, the area under the curves of total and imported HIV cases reported to the National Public Health Surveillance System of Colombia are compared. Incidence measures are carried out among the migrant population and the Colombian regions with the highest concentration of migrants are analyzed in greater depth. Results: The curve of HIV cases imported from Venezuela has a smaller contribution (2.26%) in the increase of cases notified in Colombia. Conclusions: The migratory crisis is not the main cause responsible for the increase in cases in Colombia. Other factors involved in the spread of the pandemic at the local level must be evaluated.

HIV seroprevalence in five key populations in Europe: a systematic literature review, 2009 to 2019.

BackgroundIn Europe, HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. Epidemiological data are primarily available from national HIV case surveillance systems that rarely capture information on sex work, gender identity or imprisonment. Surveillance of HIV prevalence in key populations often occurs as independent studies with no established mechanism for collating such information at the European level.AimWe assessed HIV prevalence in MSM, PWID, prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people in the 30 European Union/European Economic Area countries and the United Kingdom.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed studies published during 2009-19, by searching PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Data are presented in forest plots by country, as simple prevalence or pooled across multiple studies.ResultsEighty-seven country- and population-specific studies were identified from 23 countries. The highest number of studies, and the largest variation in HIV prevalence, were identified for MSM, ranging from 2.4-29.0% (19 countries) and PWID, from 0.0-59.5% (13 countries). Prevalence ranged from 0.0-15.6% in prisoners (nine countries), 1.1-8.5% in sex workers (five countries) and was 10.9% in transgender people (one country). Individuals belonging to several key population groups had higher prevalence.ConclusionThis review demonstrates that HIV prevalence is highly diverse across population groups and countries. People belonging to multiple key population groups are particularly vulnerable; however, more studies are needed, particularly for sex workers, transgender people and people with multiple risks.

A five-year audit of gaps in HIV testing and associations with TB treatment outcomes in Armenia, 2015-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Poor human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing practices and underreporting of HIV-related data in TB information systems remain barriers to effective care for TB-HIV co-infected patients. HIV testing and recording practices in national TB program have not been formally evaluated in Armenia. This study aimed to assess the recording completeness of HIV testing and HIV status in the national TB program electronic database, and to determine trend in HIV testing and the association between HIV testing and treatment outcomes for all TB patients registered in Armenia (2015-2019). METHODOLOGY: A cohort study of TB patients using routine programmatic data from the national TB program of Armenia. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2019, the electronic database was completed for HIV testing and HIV status by 48.1% and 97.5%, respectively. Of all registered TB patients 93.6% were tested for HIV. Of a total 4,674 patients, 1,085 (23.2%) had unsuccessful outcomes. Patients with HIV status "not tested" and "not recorded" compared to HIV "negatives" had 1.76 (95%CI 1.42-2.11) and 1.6 (95%CI 1.20-2.06) times higher risk of unsuccessful outcomes, respectively. Lost to follow-up was the most frequent unsuccessful outcome in HIV status "not tested" group. CONCLUSIONS: An analysis of nationwide data revealed incompleteness of the national TB electronic database for HIV data. Patients with HIV status "not tested" and "not recorded" had higher risk of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes. Upgrade of the electronic database with information on key indicators of TB-HIV services will facilitate improved monitoring and reporting.

It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it: The pitfalls of using routine data to measure early infant HIV diagnosis in HIV-exposed infants.

BACKGROUND: Early infant HIV diagnosis (EID) is critical to ensuring timely diagnosis of HIV-exposed infants, and treatment in those found to be infected. However estimates of coverage vary considerably, depending on data sources used. We used 4 methods to estimate coverage among a historical cohort of HIV-exposed infants in rural South Africa, between 2010-2016. METHODS: We estimated the proportion of infants ever tested (methods 1-3) and tested by 7 weeks of age (1-4) as follows: (1) infants born to women identified as HIV-positive in demographic surveillance were linked to those with ≥1 EID result in routine laboratory surveillance; (2) the number of infants with ≥1 EID result in laboratory surveillance divided by the estimated number of HIV-exposed infants, calculated as total live births multiplied by antenatal HIV seroprevalence; (3) the number of infants with ≥1 EID result in routine laboratory surveillance, divided by the number of HIV-exposed infants as estimated by the district health service; (4) from documentation in infants' Road-to-Health-booklets. RESULTS: The proportion ever tested was 43%, 88% and 138% for methods 1-3, and by 7 weeks of age was 25%, 49%, 86% and 46% for methods 1-4 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The four methods, applied to a range of routine data sources, resulted in estimates varying considerably, and the true coverage of EID remains unclear. Our findings highlight the importance of developing unique patient identifiers, improving training of healthcare providers using reporting systems, and ensuring the accuracy of healthcare records, to ensure the best possible health outcomes for HIV-exposed infants.

Geographical Disparities in HIV Seroprevalence Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and People Who Inject Drugs in Nigeria: Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of geographical heterogeneity of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID) can usefully inform targeted HIV prevention and care strategies. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to measure HIV seroprevalence and identify hotspots of HIV infection among MSM and PWID in Nigeria. METHODS: We included all MSM and PWID accessing HIV testing services across 7 prioritized states (Lagos, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Rivers, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory) in 3 geographic regions (North Central, South South, and South West) between October 1, 2016, and September 30, 2017. We extracted data from national testing registers, georeferenced all HIV test results aggregated at the local government area level, and calculated HIV seroprevalence. We calculated and compared HIV seroprevalence from our study to the 2014 integrated biological and behavioural surveillance survey and used global spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analysis to highlight patterns of HIV infection and identify areas of significant clustering of HIV cases. RESULTS: MSM and PWID had HIV seroprevalence rates of 12.14% (3209/26,423) and 11.88% (1126/9474), respectively. Global spatial autocorrelation Moran I statistics revealed a clustered distribution of HIV infection among MSM and PWID with a <5% and <1% likelihood that this clustered pattern could be due to chance, respectively. Significant clusters of HIV infection (Getis-Ord-Gi* statistics) confined to the North Central and South South regions were identified among MSM and PWID. Compared to the 2014 integrated biological and behavioural surveillance survey, our results suggest an increased HIV seroprevalence among PWID and a substantial decrease among MSM. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified geographical areas to prioritize for control of HIV infection among MSM and PWID, thus demonstrating that geographical information system technology is a useful tool to inform public health planning for interventions targeting epidemic control of HIV infection.

Plano estratégico nacional de resposta ao hiv e sida - pen v (2021 - 2025) / National strategic plan for the response to hiv and aids - pen v (2021 - 2025)

O Plano Estratégico Nacional (PEN) de Resposta ao HIV e SIDA 2021-2025 é o quinto plano de Moçambique. Baseia-se no progresso alcançado até o momento, aborda as causas da epidemia e lacunas identificadas durante os últimos cinco anos e busca ampliar as melhores práticas para garantir que a qualidade e a inovação sustentem a prestação de serviços. O PEN V descreve a estrutura estratégica para uma parceria multissetorial visando acelerar, ainda mais, o progresso na redução das novas infecções pelo HIV e mortes relaccionadas ao SIDA em Moçambique. As províncias desenvolverão planos de implementação provinciais específicos para o contexto local a fim de operacionalizar, com maior detalhe, os objectivos estratégicos e as acções recomendadas. Este processo descentralizado permitirá que as estratégias nacionais para o HIV sejam adaptadas às necessidades e condições específicas das províncias, distritos, municípios e comunidades. Os ministérios, o sector privado e a sociedade civil desenvolverão também os seus próprios planos de implementação sectoriais, todos alinhados com PEN V. O PEN V visa articular um quadro estratégico que irá orientar a visão política e programática da resposta nacional ao HIV e SIDA para os próximos cinco anos (2021-2025); informar as partes interessadas a nível nacional, provincial, distrital, municipal e comunitário sobre as orientações estratégicas, e, por último, servir de enquadramento para coordenar e acompanhar a implementação das acções da resposta nacional ao HIV e SIDA.

HIV testing and seroprevalence among couples of people diagnosed with HIV in China: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Partner notification and testing could expand HIV testing and link infections to care. We performed a meta-analysis on HIV testing rate and prevalence among couples of people diagnosed with HIV in China. METHODS: Six electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, the China National Knowledge Internet, and WanFang) and abstracts of five HIV/sexually transmitted infections conferences were searched up to February 1, 2020. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to assess HIV testing rate and prevalence among couples of Chinese people diagnosed with HIV. RESULTS: Of 3,657 records retrieved, 42 studies were identified. Among them, three studies were conducted among pregnant women and 10 among men who have sex with men. The pooled uptake rate of couples HIV testing among Chinese people diagnosed with HIV was 65% (95% confidence interval, 57% -73%; 23 studies). The pooled HIV prevalence among couples who had an HIV test was 28% [24%-32%] (38 studies). Subgroup analyses showed that the pooled couples HIV testing uptake rates among pregnant women and men who have sex with men were 76% [66%-86%] (3 studies) and 49% [30%-68%] (8 studies), and the pooled HIV prevalence in two populations was 53% [27%-78%] (3 studies) and 14% [10%-17%] (10 studies), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly two-thirds of couples of people diagnosed with HIV have had an HIV test, of whom 28% were positive. Couples of MSM with a positive HIV diagnosis had a lower testing rate, which indicates more effective strategies need to be carried out to improve couples HIV testing among Chinese MSM.

Aspectos epidemiológicos da morbimortalidade pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana no nordeste brasileiro / Epidemiological aspects of morbimortality due human immunodeficiency virus in the brazilian northeast / Aspectos epidemiológicos de la morbimortalidad por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en el nordeste brasileño

Objetivo: descrever os aspectos epidemiológicos da morbimortalidade pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana no nordeste brasileiro entre 2013 e 2017. Métodos: estudo descritivo e transversal realizado com dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares. Selecionou-se as variáveis: unidades federativas, sexo, faixa etária, e cor/raça. Resultados: registrou-se 34.647 internações no nordeste brasileiro. Destes, 4.031 evoluíram para o óbito, correspondendo a mortalidade de 11,63%. Evidenciou-se maior morbidade (30,77%) e óbito (19,40%) em Pernambuco e maior mortalidade em Alagoas (19,40%). Os homens prevaleceram nas internações (65,98%), óbitos (69,51%) e mortalidade (12,26%). Os adultos entre 35 e 39 anos tiveram maior morbidade (17,66%) e óbitos (17,39%), já os idosos ≥80 anos, tiveram maior mortalidade (22,64%). A raça/cor parda prevaleceu nas internações (51,36%) e óbitos (49,71%) e os indígenas na mortalidade (50%). Conclusão: a epidemiologia das infecções reflete na necessidade de intervenções em saúde principalmente no estado de Alagoas por apresentar maior mortalidade pela patologia

Objective: to describe the epidemiological aspects of morbimortality due Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the Brazilian northeast between 2013 and 2017. Methods: descriptive and cross-sectional study with data collected through the hospital information systems. It were selected the variables: federative units, sex, age groups and color/race. Results: it was registered 34.647 hospitalizations in Brazilian northeast. Of these, 4.031 died, corresponding to the mortality of 11,63%. It were evidenced higher morbidity (30,77%) and death (19,40%) in Pernambuco and higher mortality in Alagoas (19,40%). The men have prevailed in the hospitalizations (65,98%), deaths (69,51%) and mortality (12,26%). The adults between 35 and 39 years old had greater morbidity (17,66%) and deaths (17,39%) and the elderly ≥80 years old had greater mortality (22,64%). The brown color/race have prevailed in the hospitalizations (51,36%) and deaths (49,71%) and the indigenous in the mortality (50%). Conclusion: the epidemiology of infections reflects in the need of health care interventions, mainly in the state of Alagoas for presenting greater mortality due pathology

Objetivo: describir los aspectos epidemiológicos de la morbimortalidad por el Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana en el nordeste brasileño entre 2013 y 2017. Métodos: estudio descriptivo y transversal realizados con datos del Sistema de información hospitalaria. Fueran seleccionada las variables: unidades federativas, sexo, grupo de edad y color/raza. Resultados: se ha registrado 34.647 hospitalizaciones en el nordeste brasileño. De estos, 4.031 evolucionaron a óbito, correspondiendo la mortalidad de 11,63%. Se evidenció una mayor morbilidad (30,77%) y muertes (19,40%) en Pernambuco y mayor mortalidad in Alagoas (19,40%). Los hombres prevalecieron en la morbilidad (65,98%), muertes (69,51%) y mortalidad (12,26%). Los adultos entre 35 y 39 años tuvieran mayor morbilidad (17,66%) y muertes (17,39%), y las personas mayores ≥80 años tuvieran mayor mortalidad (22,64%). La color/raza parda prevaleció en las hospitalizaciones (51,36%) y muertes (49,71%) y los indígenas en la mortalidad (50%). Conclusión: la epidemiología de las infecciones refleja en la necesidad de intervenciones en la salud principalmente en el estado de Alagoas por presentar mayor mortalidad pela patología

Positividade ao hiv e fatores associados em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento / Positividad al vih y factores asociados en un centro de consejería y pruebas / Hiv positivity and associated factors in a counseling and testing center

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados à positividade ao Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) em usuários de um Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA). Método: Estudo transversal com 5.229 usuários que realizaram o teste rápido para HIV, registrados no Sistema de Informação do CTA. As análises bivariadas e multivariadas foram realizadas utilizando-se a regressão logística binária, com apresentação do OddsRatio, intervalo de confiança de 95% e p-valor <0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de infecção pelo HIV foi de 5,0% (259), com maior acometimento da população mais jovem (p=0,010). Observou-se maior positividade entre as pessoas vivendo com HIV/Aids (91,3%; p<0,001) e homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) (20%; p<0,001). Nas análises multivariadas verificou-se maior associação à infecção pelo HIV no modelo 2 que inclui, as variáveis sociodemográficas e comportamentais, como: o recorte populacional de HSH, o compartilhamento de seringas, a orientação sexual HSH, ter infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) nos últimos 12 meses, parceiro soropositivo para HIV e uso irregular ou não uso do preservativo nos últimos 12 meses com parceiro fixo. Conclusão: A vulnerabilidade ao HIV foi mais associada aos fatores relacionados ao compartilhamento de seringas e ao comportamento sexual, especialmente os HSH e as parcerias fixas.

resumen Objetivo: analizar los factores sociodemográficos y comportamentales asociados a la positividad al Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) en usuarios de un Centro de Consejería y Pruebas. Método: estudio transversal con 5.229 usuarios que realizaron la prueba rápida para VIH, registrados en el Sistema de Información del Centro. Los análisis bivariados y multivariados fueron realizados utilizando la regresión logística binaria, con presentación del OddsRatio, intervalo de confianza de 95% y p-valor <0,05. Resultados: la prevalencia de infección por el VIH fue de 5,0% (259), con mayor acometimiento de la población más joven (p=0,010). Se observó mayor positividad entre las personas viviendo con VIH/sida (91,3%; p<0,001) y hombres que hacen sexo con hombres (HSH) (20%; p<0,001). En los análisis multivariados se verificó mayor asociacióna la infección por el VIH en el modelo 2 que incluye las variables sociodemográficas y comportamentales como: el recorte poblacional de HSH, el compartir jeringas, la orientación sexual HSH, tener enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) en los últimos 12 meses, compañero seropositivo para VIHy uso irregular o la falta del uso de preservativo en los últimos 12 meses con compañero fijo. Conclusión: la vulnerabilidad al VIH fue más asociada a los factores relacionados al compartir jeringas y al comportamiento sexual, especialmente los HSH y los compañeros fijos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positivity in users of a Counseling and Testing Center (CTC). Method: Across-sectional study with 5,229 users who performed the rapid HIV test, registered in the CTC's Information System. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using binary logistic regression, presenting OddsRatio, 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of HIV infection was 5.0% (259), with greater involvement of the younger population (p=0.010). Greater positivity was observed among people living with HIV/AIDS(91.3%; p <0.001) and men who have sex with men (MSM) (20%; p<0.001). In multivariate analyzes, there was a greater association with HIV infection in model 2, which includes sociodemographic and behavioral variables, such as: the populational cut of MSM, needle sharing, MSM sexual orientation, having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the last 12 months, HIV-positive partner and irregular or no condom use in the last 12 months with a steady partner. Results: Conclusion: Vulnerability to HIV was more associated with factors related to needle sharing and sexual behavior, especially MSM and steady partnerships.

HIV and AIDS in Poland in 2018.

AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological situation of newly diagnosed HIV infections and AIDS cases and death among AIDS cases in Poland in 2018 in comparison to the changes in preceding years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of the epidemiological situation was based on reports of newly detected HIV cases and AIDS cases and the results of the annual survey of HIV testing conducted among the laboratories throughout the country. RESULTS: In 2018 there were 1,209 HIV cases newly diagnosed in Poland (diagnosis rate: 3.15 per 100,000), including 100 among non-Polish citizens. The frequency of newly detected HIV infections decreased by nearly 14.8% compared to the previous year and was higher by almost 6.8% compared to the median in 2012-2016 years. The total number of AIDS cases was 110 (incidence 0.29 per 100,000), and 23 people died from AIDS disease (0.06 per 100,000). New HIV diagnoses were reported mainly among people in age 30 to 39 years (37.8%) and among men (86.8%). Among cases with known transmission route, 77.0% concerned among men who had sexual contact with men (MSM). However, compared to the previous year, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of infected people in all key populations, related to higher risk of HIV infection. In addition, we observe the drop in total number of infected people in 2018 compared to the previous year. Whether these observations represent just fluctuations or a stable tendency, related to decreasing incidence in different key populations can only be assessed in the following years. The percentage of AIDS cases diagnosed at the same time with HIV diagnosis decreased by 4% percent points in comparison to 2017 (from 75.7% to 71.84% of all incident AIDS cases). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the decreasing total number of new HIV diagnoses overall and among different key populations compared to the previous year, it is too early to conclude that these are the results of positive preventive measures. Still, all actions should be taken to ensure timely linkage to care, considering the growing number of infected people among foreigners residing in Poland, and to improve the low frequency of testing towards HIV in the whole population.

Increasing HIV prevalence and injection drug use among men who have sex with men in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Vietnam has been conducting HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) integrated bio-behavioral surveillance surveys on men who have sex with men (MSM) as well as other key populations since 2005. Although HIV prevalence in the Vietnamese general population remains below 1%, it is expected to be much higher among MSM.Data on HIV prevalence and sexual and drug use behaviors were collected from MSM in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in 2006 (n = 397), 2009 (n = 399) and 2013 (n = 350) using respondent-driven sampling. Eligible participants were males, aged ≥15 years who reported having manual, oral, or anal sexual activity with males in the past year and lived, worked or socialized in HCMC.HIV seroprevalence among MSM was 5.8% in 2006, 16.1% in 2009 and 12.1% in 2013 and prevalence of at least one STI (syphilis, gonorrhea and/or chlamydia infection) was 11.4% in 2006 and 15.6% in 2009 (no data for 2013). Significant, but small, increasing trends were found for MSM who reported ever testing and receiving results for HIV and for HIV prevalence. No significant changes for condom use, injecting and non-injecting drug use, or and receipt of free condoms were observed.Although a small percentage of MSM reported injecting drugs, HIV was positively associated with ever injecting drugs. Programs targeting MSM should include screening and treatment for injection drug use to most effectively control the HIV/AIDS epidemic among MSM in HCMC.

Update: Routine screening for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus, civilian applicants for U.S. military service and U.S. Armed Forces, active and reserve components, January 2015-June 2020.

This report provides an update through June 2020 of the results of routine screening for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among civilian applicants for military service and among members of the active and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces. During January 2015- June 2020, full-year seroprevalences among applicants for service remained stable and ranged from 0.30 to 0.34 per 1,000 tested. Seroprevalences also peaked in 2015 for active component service members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force and among reservists of the Navy and Marine Corps. Overall, across the services, HIV antibody seroprevalences were highest among Army reservists, Army National Guard members, and Navy reservists and lowest among Air National Guard members, Marine Corps active component members, and Air Force reservists. Across active and reserve components of all services, HIV antibody seroprevalences continued to be higher among men than women.