Questioning risk compensation: pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men, capital region of Denmark, 2019 to 2022.

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV, but its association with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has raised concerns about risk compensation, potentially impacting the expansion of PrEP programmes.AimWe examined the relationship between PrEP and the incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we compared STI rates before and after PrEP initiation among users in the capital region of Denmark (2019-2022), calculating incidence rate ratios adjusted for age and testing frequency (aIRR). To pinpoint when increases began, we plotted weekly STI rates, adjusting the timeline to correspond with PrEP initiation.ResultsThe study included 1,326 PrEP users with a median age of 35 years. The STI incidence rate per 100,000 person-years rose from 35.3 before to 81.2 after PrEP start, with an aIRR of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.18-1.56). Notably, this increase preceded PrEP initiation by 10-20 weeks. Specific aIRR for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.03-1.48), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04-1.47) and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.76-1.72), respectively. In subanalyses for anatomical sites aIRR was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.01-1.56) for rectal chlamydia and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.45-0.96) for genital gonorrhoea.ConclusionWe found a 35% increase in STI incidence associated with PrEP use. It started before PrEP initiation, challenging the assumption that PrEP leads to risk compensation. Instead, the data suggest that individuals seek PrEP during periods of heightened sexual risk-taking. Consequently, PrEP programmes should include sexual health consultations, STI testing, treatment and prevention strategies to prevent HIV and improve sexual health.

Risk of Depression in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Nationwide Population-based Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with depression. However, previous studies have not addressed familial factors. METHODS: Nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study of people with HIV (PWH) in Denmark between 1995 and 2021 who were matched on sex and date of birth with a comparison cohort randomly selected from the Danish population. Family-related factors were examined by inclusion of siblings of those in the cohorts. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for depression, receipt of antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and suicide, as well as the yearly proportions of study cohorts with psychiatric hospital contact due to depression and receipt of antidepressants from 10 years before to 10 years after study inclusion. RESULTS: We included 5943 PWH and 59 430 comparison cohort members. Median age was 38 years, and 25% were women. We observed an increased risk of depression, receipt of antidepressants, ECT, and suicide among PWH in the 2 first years of observation (HR, 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-4.4), HR, 3.0 (95% CI: 2.7-3.4), HR, 2.8 (95% CI: .9-8.6), and HR, 10.7 (95% CI: 5.2-22.2), thereafter the risk subsided but remained increased. The proportions of PWH with psychiatric hospital contact due to depression and receipt of antidepressants were increased prior to and especially after HIV diagnosis. Risk of all outcomes was substantially lower among siblings of PWH than among PWH (HR for receipt of antidepressants, 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0-1.2). CONCLUSIONS: PWH have an increased risk of depression. Family-related factors are unlikely to explain this risk.

Incidence of Childbirth, Pregnancy, Spontaneous Abortion, and Induced Abortion Among Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Nationwide Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (WWH) has improved in recent decades. We aimed to investigate incidences of childbirth, pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and induced abortion among WWH in a nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study. METHODS: We included all WWH aged 20-40 years treated at an HIV healthcare center in Denmark from 1995 to 2021 and a matched comparison cohort of women from the general population (WGP). We calculated incidence rates per 1000 person-years and used Poisson regression to calculate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) of childbirth, pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and induced abortion stratified according to calendar periods (1995-2001, 2002-2008, and 2009-2021). RESULTS: We included 1288 WWH and 12 880 WGP; 46% of WWH were of African origin, compared with 1% of WGP. Compared with WGP, WWH had a decreased incidence of childbirth (aIRR, 0.6 [95% confidence interval, .6-.7]), no difference in the incidence of pregnancy (0.9 [.8-1.0]) or spontaneous abortion (0.9 [.8-1.0]), but an increased incidence of induced abortion (1.9 [1.6-2.1]) from 1995 to 2021. The aIRRs for childbirth, pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion increased from 1995-2000 to 2009-2021, while the aIRR for induced abortion remained increased across all time periods for WWH. CONCLUSIONS: From 1995 to 2008, the incidences of childbirth, pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion were decreased among WWH compared with WGP. From 2009 to 2021, the incidence of childbirth, pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion no longer differed among WWH compared with WGP. The incidence of induced abortions remains increased compared with WGP.

Potential drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral drugs and comedications, including dietary supplements, among people living with HIV: A clinical survey.

OBJECTIVE: Age-related comorbidities, polypharmacy and thereby the risk of potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) among people living with HIV (PLWH) have increased over the years. We estimated the prevalence of comedications, including dietary supplements, and evaluated PDDIs among PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Denmark in an outpatient setting. METHODS: Information on prescription medication, over-the-counter medication and dietary supplements was obtained from adult PLWH receiving ART attending two outpatient clinics in Denmark. The PDDIs were identified using the University of Liverpool's drug interaction database. Associations between PDDIs and relevant variables were compared using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 337 PLWH receiving ART with a median age of 53 years (interquartile range: 45-61) were included; 77% were male and 96% had a HIV-RNA viral load < 50 copies/mL. Twenty-six per cent of participants received five or more comedications and 56% consumed dietary supplements. Co-administration of drugs requiring dose adjustment or monitoring was identified in the medication lists of 52% of participants, and 4.5% were on drugs that should not be co-administered. Male sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-3.4], being on a protease inhibitor (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.9-9.7), receiving five or more comedications (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.5-7.2), taking over-the-counter medications (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3) and dietary supplements (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.3) were independent predictors of PDDIs. CONCLUSION: Potential drug-drug interactions were common among our study population Our study confirms that polypharmacy and being on a protease inhibitor-based regimen increase the risk of PDDIs considerably and highlights the importance of questioning PLWH about dietary supplement intake.

Humoral response to two doses of BNT162b2 vaccination in people with HIV.

BACKGROUND: People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk of severe COVID-19. We aimed to determine humoral responses in PWH and controls who received two doses of BNT162b2. METHODS: In 269 PWH and 538 age-matched controls, we measured IgG and neutralizing antibodies specific for the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 at baseline, 3 weeks and 2 months after the first dose of BNT162b2. RESULTS: IgG antibodies increased from baseline to 3 weeks and from 3 weeks to 2 months in both groups, but the concentrations of IgG antibodies were lower in PWH than that in controls at 3 weeks and 2 months (p = 0.025 and <0.001), respectively. The IgG titres in PWH with a humoral response at 2 months were 77.9% (95% confidence interval [62.5%-97.0%], age- and sex-adjusted p = 0.027) of controls. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced IgG antibody response to vaccination with BNT162b2 was found in PWH, and thus increased awareness of breakthrough infections in PWH is needed.

Mortality and cause of death in persons with chronic hepatitis B virus infection versus healthy persons from the general population in Denmark.

The study aimed to determine adjusted all-cause mortality and cause of death in persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection compared with age- and sex-matched persons from the general population. We used nationwide registers to identify persons aged ≥18 years with chronic HBV infection in 2002-2017 in Denmark and included 10 age- and sex-matched controls for each. Follow-up was from 6 months after diagnosis until death, emigration, or 31 December 2017. Mortality rate ratios (MRRs) adjusted for age, sex, employment, origin and comorbidity were calculated using Poisson regression. Unadjusted cause-specific mortality rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution. A total of 6988 persons with chronic HBV infection and 69,847 controls were included. During a median follow-up of 7.7 years (range 0.0-15.5), 315 (5%) persons with-and 1525 (2%) without-chronic HBV infection died. The adjusted all-cause MRR was 1.5 (95% CI 1.2-2.0). Persons with chronic HBV infection had increased mortality due to liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma (MRR 12.3 [8.6-17.7]), external causes (MRR 3.3 [2.5-4.7]), endocrine disease (MRR 3.2 [1.8-5.4]), genitourinary disease (MRR 3.2 [1.2-7.6]) and neoplasms (except hepatocellular carcinoma; MRR 1.6 [1.2-2.0]). In conclusion, this study showed an increased all-cause mortality in persons with chronic HBV infection in comparison with age- and sex-matched persons without chronic HBV infection which remained after adjustment for several confounding factors. Excess mortality was mainly associated with liver disease, but also external factors, endocrine disease, genitourinary disease and neoplasms (excluding hepatocellular carcinoma).

Insulin resistance in people living with HIV is associated with exposure to thymidine analogues and/or didanosine and prior immunodeficiency.

BACKGROUND: As people living with HIV (PLWH) are growing older, there is increased incidence of metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, for which insulin resistance is a key determinant. In this study, we aimed to investigate risk factors associated with insulin resistance in PLWH. METHODS: We included well-treated PLWH without hepatitis co-infection, and with available fasting serum insulin and plasma glucose (n = 643) from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection Study. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). We investigated the association between risk factors and high HOMA-IR in a logistic regression model adjusted for age, sex, abdominal obesity, smoking status, and origin. When including use of thymidine analogues and/or didanosine in the model, we also adjusted for time with HIV. RESULTS: Median (IQR) age of PLWH was 52 years (46-61), and 87% (n = 557) were male. Median (IQR) HOMA-IR was 1.86 (1.23-3.14) mmol/L × mU/L. Risk factors significantly associated with high HOMA-IR included older age, BMI ≥ 25, abdominal obesity, waist circumference, use of thymidine analogues and/or didanosine, time with HIV, and CD4+ nadir < 200 cells/µL. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin resistance in PLWH is associated with both use of thymidine analogues and/or didanosine and prior immunodeficiency suggesting that increased attention on blood glucose in these patients could be beneficial.

Length of stay in Denmark before HIV diagnosis and linkage to care: a population-based study of migrants living with HIV, Denmark, 1995 to 2020.

BackgroundMigrants face an increased risk of HIV infection and late presentation for HIV care.AimTo examine delays in HIV diagnosis, linkage to care (LTC), and risk of late presentation for migrants living with HIV in Denmark.MethodsWe conducted a population-based, nationwide study of adult migrants (n = 2,166) presenting for HIV care between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2020 in Denmark. Time from immigration to HIV diagnosis and from diagnosis to LTC, and late presentation were assessed, stratified by migrants' geographical regions of origin, using descriptive statistics.ResultsThe demographics of the migrant population changed over time. Overall, migrants diagnosed with HIV after immigration to Denmark resided a median of 3.7 (IQR: 0.8-10.2) years in Denmark before diagnosis. Median time from HIV diagnosis to LTC was 6 (IQR: 0-24) days. Migrants diagnosed with HIV infection before immigration had a median of 38 (IQR: 0-105) days from arrival in Denmark to LTC. The corresponding median times for 2015-20 alone were 4.1 (IQR: 0.9-13.1) years, 0 (IQR: 0-8) days, and 62 (IQR: 25-152) days, respectively. The overall proportion of late presentation among migrants diagnosed with HIV after immigration was 60%, and highest among migrants from sub-Saharan Africa and East and South Asia.ConclusionHIV diagnosis is still substantially delayed in Danish migrants, while LTC is timely. The proportions with late presentation are high. These results call for targeted interventions to reduce the number of migrants with undiagnosed HIV infections and of late presenters.

HIV infection is associated with thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms: a prospective matched cohort study.

AIMS: Little is known about the prevalence of aortic aneurysms among people living with HIV (PLWH). We investigated whether HIV status is independently associated with having aortic aneurysms. Furthermore, we determined risk factors associated with aortic aneurysms in PLWH. METHODS AND RESULTS: PLWH aged ≥40 years (n = 594) were recruited from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection study and matched for age and sex with uninfected controls (n = 1188) from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Aortic dimensions were assessed using contrast enhanced computed tomography. Aortic aneurysms were defined according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines, i.e. an aortic dilation of ≥50% or an infrarenal aortic diameter of ≥30 mm. Among PLWH and uninfected controls, the median (interquartile range) age was 52 (47-60) and 52 (48-61) and 88% and 90% were male, respectively. We found 46 aneurysms in 42 (7.1%) PLWH and 31 aneurysms in 29 (2.4%) uninfected controls (P < 0.001). PLWH had a significantly higher prevalence of ascending aortic aneurysms and infrarenal aortic aneurysms. In an adjusted model, HIV was independently associated with aortic aneurysms (adjusted odds ratio; 4.51 [95% confidence interval 2.56-8.08], P < 0.001). Within PLWH, obesity and hepatitis B co-infection were associated with aortic aneurysms. CONCLUSION: PLWH had four-fold higher odds of aortic aneurysms compared to uninfected controls, and HIV status was independently associated with aortic aneurysms. Among PLWH, age, obesity and hepatitis B co-infection were associated with higher odds of aortic aneurysms. Our findings suggest that increased attention to aortic aneurysms in PLWH may be beneficial.

Independent Association of Interleukin 6 With Low Dynamic Lung Function and Airflow Limitation in Well-Treated People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased risk of chronic pulmonary diseases. We compared cytokine concentrations (interleukin 6 [IL-6], interleukin 1ß, 2, 4, 10, and 17A, tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, soluble CD14 [sCD14] and soluble CD163 [sCD163]) in people with HIV (PWH) and uninfected controls and investigated whether elevated cytokine concentrations were independently associated with lung function indices in PWH. METHODS: We performed spirometry and measured cytokine concentrations by Luminex immunoassays or enzyme-linked immunoassay in 951 PWH and 79 uninfected controls from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection study. Regression analyses were used to explore associations between elevated cytokine concentrations and lung function indices. RESULTS: PWH were predominantly male (84.6%) and 94.2% had undetectable viral replication. In PWH, elevated IL-6 was associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (-212 mL [95% confidence interval, -308 to -116 mL]), lower forced vital capacity (-208 mL [-322 to -93 mL]), and airflow limitation (aOR, 2.62 [1.58-4.36]) (all P < .001) in models adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, smoking status, body mass index, and CD4 T-cell nadir. The association between IL-6 and dynamic lung function was modified by smoking (P for interaction = .005). CONCLUSION: IL-6 levels were elevated and independently associated with low dynamic lung function and airflow limitation in well-treated PWH, suggesting that systemic inflammation may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic pulmonary diseases.

Antigen processing influences HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte immunodominance.

Although cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 can potentially target multiple virus epitopes, the same few are recognized repeatedly. We show here that CTL immunodominance in regions of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 group-associated antigen proteins p17 and p24 correlated with epitope abundance, which was strongly influenced by proteasomal digestion profiles, affinity for the transporter protein TAP, and trimming mediated by the endoplasmatic reticulum aminopeptidase ERAAP, and was moderately influenced by HLA affinity. Structural and functional analyses demonstrated that proteasomal cleavage 'preferences' modulated the number and length of epitope-containing peptides, thereby affecting the response avidity and clonality of T cells. Cleavage patterns were affected by both flanking and intraepitope CTL-escape mutations. Our analyses show that antigen processing shapes CTL response hierarchies and that viral evolution modifies cleavage patterns and suggest strategies for in vitro vaccine optimization.

Global evolutionary analysis of chronic hepatitis C patients revealed significant effect of baseline viral resistance, including novel non-target sites, for DAA-based treatment and retreatment outcome.

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have proven highly effective against chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, some patients experience treatment failure, associated with resistance-associated substitutions (RASs). Our aim was to investigate the complete viral coding sequence in hepatitis C patients treated with DAAs to identify RASs and the effects of treatment on the viral population. We selected 22 HCV patients with sustained virologic response (SVR) to match 21 treatment-failure patients in relation to HCV genotype, DAA regimen, liver cirrhosis and previous treatment experience. Viral-titre data were compared between the two patient groups, and HCV full-length open reading frame deep-sequencing was performed. The proportion of HCV NS5A-RASs at baseline was higher in treatment-failure (82%) than matched SVR patients (25%) (p = .0063). Also, treatment failure was associated with slower declines in viraemia titres. Viral population diversity did not differ at baseline between SVR and treatment-failure patients, but failure was associated with decreased diversity probably caused by selection for RAS. The NS5B-substitution 150V was associated with sofosbuvir treatment failure in genotype 3a. Further, mutations identified in NS2, NS3-helicase and NS5A-domain-III were associated with DAA treatment failure in genotype 1a patients. Six retreated HCV patients (35%) experienced 2nd treatment failure; RASs were present in 67% compared to 11% with SVR. In conclusion, baseline RASs to NS5A inhibitors, but not virus population diversity, and lower viral titre decline predicted HCV treatment failure. Mutations outside of the DAA targets can be associated with DAA treatment failure. Successful DAA retreatment in patients with treatment failure was hampered by previously selected RASs.

Fraction of Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels Are Elevated in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Compared to Uninfected Controls, Suggesting Increased Eosinophilic Airway Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Increased risk of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been reported in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation. We assessed FeNO levels in PLWH and matched uninfected controls and investigated whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status is independently associated with elevated FeNO. METHODS: FeNO was quantified by NIOX Vero and pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry in 432 PLWH from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection Study and in 1618 age- and sex-matched uninfected controls from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Elevated FeNO was defined as ≥25 parts per billion. Associations between FeNO and HIV status were adjusted for known potential confounders. RESULTS: Mean age of PLWH was 50.7 (standard deviation [SD], 11.1) years and 97.4% received combination antiretroviral therapy. PLWH had higher FeNO than uninfected controls (median, 17.0 [interquartile range {IQR}, 11.0-26.0] vs 13.0 [IQR, 9.0-19.0]; P < .001). Also, PLWH had a higher prevalence of elevated FeNO than uninfected controls (27.5% vs 12.3%; P < .001). This association remained after adjusting for age, sex, height, smoking status, use of airway medication, blood eosinophils, and immunoglobulin E (adjusted OR [aOR], 3.56 [95% CI, 2.51-5.04]; P < .001). Elevated FeNO was associated with self-reported asthma (aOR, 2.65 [95% CI, 1.66-4.24]; P < .001) but not with airflow limitation (aOR, 1.07 [95% CI, .71-1.62]; P = .745). CONCLUSIONS: HIV status was independently associated with elevated FeNO, suggesting increased eosinophilic airway inflammation. The potential impact on chronic lung disease pathogenesis needs further investigation.

Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Related Gut Microbiota Alterations on Metabolic Comorbid Conditions.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related microbiota signature, independent of sexual preferences and demographic confounders, in order to assess a possible impact of the microbiome on metabolic comorbid conditions. METHODS: Bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA analyses were performed on stool samples from 405 HIV-infected and 111 uninfected participants of the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) study. Individuals were stratified according to sexual behavior (men who have sex with men [MSM] vs non-MSM). RESULTS: After excluding MSM-associated microbiota traits and adjusting for confounders, we identified an HIV-related microbiota signature, consisting of lower biodiversity, increased relative abundance of the bacterial clades Gammaproteobacteria and Desulfovibrionaceae and decrease in several Clostridia. This microbiota profile was associated with a 2-fold excess risk of metabolic syndrome, driven by increase in Desulfovibrionaceae and decrease in Clostridia (Butyrivibrio, Coprococcus 2, Lachnospiraceae UCG-001 and CAG-56). This association was accentuated (5-fold excess risk) in individuals with previous severe immunodeficiency, which also modified the association between HIV-related microbiota signature and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area (P for interaction = .01). Accordingly, HIV-related microbiota was associated with 30-cm2 larger VAT in individuals with history of severe immunodeficiency, but not in those without. CONCLUSION: The HIV-related microbiota was associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome and VAT accumulation, particularly in individuals with previous severe immunodeficiency, driven by increased Desulfovibrionaceae and lower abundance of several Clostridia. Our findings suggest a potential interplay between HIV-related microbiota, immune dysfunction and metabolic comorbid conditions. Interventions targeting the gut microbiome may be warranted to reduce cardiovascular risk, particularly in individuals with previous immunodeficiency.

Clinical Outcomes in Persons Coinfected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus: Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment.

BACKGROUND: A hepatitis C (HCV) cure is associated with changes in lipids and inflammatory biomarkers, but its impact on clinical endpoints among treated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfected persons is unclear. METHODS: People living with HIV from EuroSIDA with a known HCV status after January 2001 were classified into strata based on time-updated HCV RNA measurements and HCV treatment, as either HCV antibody-negative; spontaneously resolved HCV; chronic, untreated HCV; cured HCV (HCV RNA-negative); or HCV treatment failures (HCV RNA-positive). Poisson regression was used to compare incidence rates between HCV groups for end-stage liver disease (ESLD; including hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), non-acquired immunodeficiency virus defining malignancy (NADM; excluding HCC), and cardiovascular disease (CVD). RESULTS: There were 16 618 persons included (median follow-up 8.3 years, interquartile range 3.1-13.7). There were 887 CVD, 902 NADM, and 436 ESLD events; crude incidence rates/1000 person-years follow-up were 6.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0-6.9) for CVD, 6.5 (95% CI 6.1-6.9) for NADM, and 3.1 (95% CI 2.8-3.4) for ESLD. After adjustment, there were no differences in incidence rates of NADM or CVD across the 5 groups. HCV-negative individuals (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.34) and those with spontaneous clearance (aIRR 0.61, 95% CI 0.36-1.02) had reduced rates of ESLD compared to cured individuals. Persons with chronic, untreated HCV infections (aIRR 1.47, 95% CI 1.02-2.13) or treatment failure (aIRR 1.80, 95% CI 1.22-2.66) had significantly raised rates of ESLD, compared to those who were cured. CONCLUSIONS: Incidences of NADM or CVD were independent of HCV group, whereas those cured had substantially lower incidences of ESLD, underlining the importance of successful HCV treatment for reducing ESLD.

Risk of HIV transmission through condomless sex in serodifferent gay couples with the HIV-positive partner taking suppressive antiretroviral therapy (PARTNER): final results of a multicentre, prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: The level of evidence for HIV transmission risk through condomless sex in serodifferent gay couples with the HIV-positive partner taking virally suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) is limited compared with the evidence available for transmission risk in heterosexual couples. The aim of the second phase of the PARTNER study (PARTNER2) was to provide precise estimates of transmission risk in gay serodifferent partnerships. METHODS: The PARTNER study was a prospective observational study done at 75 sites in 14 European countries. The first phase of the study (PARTNER1; Sept 15, 2010, to May 31, 2014) recruited and followed up both heterosexual and gay serodifferent couples (HIV-positive partner taking suppressive ART) who reported condomless sex, whereas the PARTNER2 extension (to April 30, 2018) recruited and followed up gay couples only. At study visits, data collection included sexual behaviour questionnaires, HIV testing (HIV-negative partner), and HIV-1 viral load testing (HIV-positive partner). If a seroconversion occurred in the HIV-negative partner, anonymised phylogenetic analysis was done to compare HIV-1 pol and env sequences in both partners to identify linked transmissions. Couple-years of follow-up were eligible for inclusion if condomless sex was reported, use of pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure prophylaxis was not reported by the HIV-negative partner, and the HIV-positive partner was virally suppressed (plasma HIV-1 RNA <200 copies per mL) at the most recent visit (within the past year). Incidence rate of HIV transmission was calculated as the number of phylogenetically linked HIV infections that occurred during eligible couple-years of follow-up divided by eligible couple-years of follow-up. Two-sided 95% CIs for the incidence rate of transmission were calculated using exact Poisson methods. FINDINGS: Between Sept 15, 2010, and July 31, 2017, 972 gay couples were enrolled, of which 782 provided 1593 eligible couple-years of follow-up with a median follow-up of 2·0 years (IQR 1·1-3·5). At baseline, median age for HIV-positive partners was 40 years (IQR 33-46) and couples reported condomless sex for a median of 1·0 years (IQR 0·4-2·9). During eligible couple-years of follow-up, couples reported condomless anal sex a total of 76 088 times. 288 (37%) of 777 HIV-negative men reported condomless sex with other partners. 15 new HIV infections occurred during eligible couple-years of follow-up, but none were phylogenetically linked within-couple transmissions, resulting in an HIV transmission rate of zero (upper 95% CI 0·23 per 100 couple-years of follow-up). INTERPRETATION: Our results provide a similar level of evidence on viral suppression and HIV transmission risk for gay men to that previously generated for heterosexual couples and suggest that the risk of HIV transmission in gay couples through condomless sex when HIV viral load is suppressed is effectively zero. Our findings support the message of the U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable) campaign, and the benefits of early testing and treatment for HIV. FUNDING: National Institute for Health Research.

Implementation of treatment recommendations for chronic hepatitis B in patients attending specialized hospital care in Denmark - a region wide study.

Objective: To evaluate implementation of national guideline recommendations on treatment initiation for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Denmark.Methods: Using DANHEP, a nationwide cohort of chronic hepatitis B and C patients attending specialized hospital care in Denmark, we performed a descriptive cohort study from January 2002 through December 2017. We identified patients with CHB in 3 of 5 Danish regions, with at least two hospital/outpatient clinic visits during the study period.Results: We identified 990 CHB patients who remained untreated throughout the study period, and 265 who initiated treatment. At their last visit 952/990 (96%, 95% CI 95-97) untreated patients did not meet current national criteria for treatment initiation while 198/265 (75%, 95% CI 69-80) who initiated treatment met the national criteria. Overall, 198/236 (84%, 95% CI 79-88) who met national treatment criteria, initiated treatment.Conclusion: The majority of CHB patients received care in line with national guideline recommendations for treatment initiation. We found that only few patients eligible for treatment remained untreated. However, a fourth of patients who received treatment were not eligible according to national guidelines.

Syphilitic hepatitis and neurosyphilis: an observational study of Danish HIV-infected individuals during a 13-year period.

OBJECTIVE: Syphilis is an STI that potentially affects any organ. Syphilitic hepatitis and neurosyphilis have been reported in both HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate syphilitic hepatitis and neurosyphilis among HIV-infected individuals during a 13-year period. METHODS: This retrospective study included all HIV-infected individuals ≥18 years diagnosed with syphilis between 1 May 2004 and 31 December 2016 in Copenhagen, Denmark. We used the unique 10-digit personal identification number assigned to all individuals in Denmark to link data from two nationwide registers to identify the patients. Patient files were revised to obtain clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: A total of 509 episodes of syphilis were diagnosed in 427 HIV-infected individuals attending three hospitals in Copenhagen, Denmark. The majority of the patients were men (99.5%), and the majority of men were men who have sex with men (96%). Twenty-seven patients (6%) met the criteria for neurosyphilis, and the neurological symptoms included ocular and auditory abnormalities, headache, paraesthesia, vertigo, facial paresis, motor weakness and unexplained pain in the legs. The patients with neurosyphilis were diagnosed in the secondary stage (84%) and in the early latent (8%) or late latent (8%) stage. Among the patients tested for liver affection, 41% met the criteria for syphilitic hepatitis. The patients with syphilitic hepatitis were diagnosed in the secondary stage (82%), primary stage (10%), and in the early latent (5%) or late latent (3%) stage. CONCLUSIONS: The study emphasises that patients with syphilis, also those seen at STI clinics, should undergo a thorough clinical examination and questioning to reveal neurological symptoms. Identification of patients with neurosyphilis is crucial since these patients undergo a different treatment. The study also emphasises that syphilis should be considered as a diagnosis in sexually active patients with liver .

"Development in well-being and social function among Danish hemophilia patients with HIV: a three-wave panel study spanning 24 years".

BACKGROUND: Between 1975 and 1985 a total of 91 Danish patients with moderate and severe hemophilia (PWH) was infected with HIV constituting a major scandal in the Danish health care system. This study describes the burden of HIV infection among Danish PWH by evaluating changes from 1988 to 2012 in well-being, social function, experiencing stigma and openness about disease among Danish HIV+ PWH. METHODS: Three anonymous surveys were conducted in 1988, 2001 and 2012 targeting all Danish patients with moderate to severe hemophilia. Survey responses were received from 53, 21 and 18 HIV+ PWH respectively. A matched comparison sample of HIV- PWH was identified for each survey-year, using propensity score matching. Differences for each survey-year and trends over time were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression. RESULTS: In 1988, HIV+ PWH had more psychosomatic symptoms than HIV- PWH, but in 2001 life satisfaction was higher among HIV+ PWH than among HIV- PWH. Tests of differences in trend over time showed larger improvements in life satisfaction among HIV+ PWH than HIV- PWH, while HIV- PWH showed an increase in educational level compared to HIV+ PWH. Analysis restricted to HIV+ PWH showed an increase in perceived stigmatization. CONCLUSIONS: Differences between Danish HIV+ and HIV- PWH regarding well-being and psychosomatic symptoms seem to have evened out between 1988 and 2012. However, results suggest that HIV+ PWH still experience stigmatization and lower levels of education.

Non-AIDS Comorbid Conditions in Persons Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Compared With Uninfected Individuals 10 Years Before HIV Diagnosis.

We evaluated the impact of non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factors by assessing the prevalence of non-AIDS comorbidity up to 10 years before HIV diagnosis in a population-based cohort of persons living with HIV and the background population. These data demonstrates a trend toward increased non-AIDS comorbidity before HIV diagnosis.