Determinants of time to viral clearance among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals at Millennium COVID-19 care center in Ethiopia: A prospective observational study

Background: Understanding the COVID-19 disease course in terms of viral shedding is important to assist in providing a tailored isolation and treatment practice. Therefore, the current study aimed to estimate time to viral clearance and identify determinants among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals admitted to Millennium COVID-19 Care Center in Ethiopia. Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted among 360 randomly selected SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals who were on follow up from 2nd June to 5th July 2020. Kaplan Meier plots, median survival times, and Log-rank test were used to describe the data and compare survival distribution between groups. Association between time to viral clearance and determinants was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard survival model, where hazard ratio, P-value, and 95% CI for hazard ratio were used for testing significance Results: The Median time to viral clearance was 16 days. The log-rank test shows that having moderate and severe disease, one or more symptoms at presentation, and presenting with respiratory and constitutional symptoms seems to extend the time needed to achieve viral clearance. The Final Cox regression result shows that the rate of achieving viral clearance among symptomatic patients was 44% lower than patients who were asymptomatic (AHR=0.560, 95% CI=0.322-0.975, p-value=0.040). Conclusions: Presence of symptoms was found to be associated with delayed viral clearance implying that symptomatic patients are more likely to be infectious and therefore, attention should be paid to the practices regarding isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Factors associated with viral load suppression among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive adolescents and young adults in Ngororero District, Rwanda

Background Optimal viral load suppression results from good adherence to treatment. The viral load suppression advantages include the reduction of virus transmission. In Rwanda, however, viral load suppression among adolescents and young adults has been proven relatively low than in other age groups. Objectives To assess the factors associated with viral load suppression among adolescent and young adults in Ngororero district, Rwanda. Methods A cross sectional study that included 151 adolescents and young adults aged from 15 to 24 years was conducted in Ngororero district. Data were entered in Epi-Info version 7 software and analyzed using STATA15. Results Females and males were 68% and 32% respectively. Sixty percent of the participants were aged20-24 years. Multivariable analysis revealed the factors associated with viral load suppression: Ubudehe category 2, P= 0.016, AOR = 6.6, CI [1.4, 31.1]; ubudehe category 3, P= 0.004, AOR = 8.9, CI [2.01,39.8]; spending between 5 to 9 years on ART, P= 0.022, AOR = 0.16 [CI0.03, 0.89;) and often forget to take medication, P= 0.011, AOR = 0.35, CI [0.13, 0.97.] Conclusion Viral load suppression among adolescents and young adults was low. Improving socio-economic conditions of adolescents and young adults, as well as provision of continuous counselling to them during their whole treatment life can improve significantly their adherence.

Effect of a ward-based outreach team and adherence game on retention and viral load suppression

Background: Only 66% of South African people living with HIV (PLWH) are virologically suppressed. Therefore, it is important to develop strategies to improve outcomes.Objectives: Assess the effect of interventions on 12-month retention in care and virological suppression in participants newly initiated on antiretroviral therapy.Method: Fifty-seven clinics were randomised into four arms: Ward-based primary health care outreach teams (WBPHCOTs); Game; WBPHCOT­Game in combination; and Control (standard of care). Sixteen clinics were excluded and four re-allocated because lay counsellors and operational team leaders failed to attend the required training. Seventeen clinics were excluded due to non-enrolment. Results: A total of 558 participants from Tshwane district were enrolled. After excluding ineligible participants, 467 participants were included in the analysis: WBPHCOTs (n = 72); Games (n = 126); WBPHCOT­Games (n = 85); and Control (n = 184). Retention in care at 12 months was evaluable in 340 participants (86.2%) were retained in care and 13.8% were lost to follow-up. The intervention groups had higher retention in care than the Control group, but this only reached statistical significance in the Games group (96.8% vs 77.8%; relative risk [RR] 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13­1.38; P = 0.01). The 12 month virologic suppression rate was 75.3% and was similar across the four arms.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that an adherence game intervention could help keep PLWH in care.What this study adds: Evidence that interventions, especially Games, could improve retention in care

COVID-19 and HIV viral load suppression in children andadolescents in Durban, South Africa

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses challenges to paediatric and adolescent HIV treatment programme. Modelling exercises raised concerns over potential impact of disruptions. Objectives: To describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on viral load (VL) testing among infants, children and adolescents on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Durban, South Africa. Method: Routinely collected, aggregated data of monthly VL counts done on all those less than 19 years old from January 2018 to January 2022 was analysed. An interrupted time series analysis using a Prais-Winsten linear regression model, including terms for lockdowns and excess mortality determined VL trends. Results: The unadjusted mean VL was 2166 (confidence interval [CI]: 252.2) and 2016 (CI: 241.9), P = 0.039, and percentage VL suppression rates (72.9%, CI: 2.4% vs 73.6%, CI: 1.8%) across COVID and pre-COVID periods, showing no significant difference, P = 0.262. In the interrupted time series analysis, modelled monthly VL counts did not differ significantly by lockdown level (e.g., level 5 lockdown: ­210.5 VLs, 95% CI: ­483.0 to +62.1, P = 0.138) or excess mortality (­0.1, 95% CI: ­6.3 to 6.1, P = 0.969). A significant downward trend in VL testing over time, including during the pre-COVID-19 period (­6.6 VL per month, 95% CI: ­10.4 to ­2.7, P = 0.002), was identified. Conclusion: Viral load suppression for children and adolescents were not negatively affected by COVID-19. A trend of decrease in VL testing predated COVID-19. What this study adds: Evidence presented that HIV VL testing and suppression rates in children and adolescents in a high burden setting were sustained through the COVID pandemic.

Recency of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy use and viral loads among symptomatic sexually transmitted infection service attendees in South Africa

Background. Better integration of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and treatment services is needed to accelerate progress towards the goal of zero new HIV infections. Objectives. To describe HIV positivity, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, viral suppression and recency of HIV infection among symptomatic STI service attendees at two primary care clinics in South Africa. Methods. In a cross-sectional study, male and female STI service attendees presenting with symptoms consistent with STI syndromes were enrolled following informed consent. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed and appropriate genital and blood specimens were collected for STI testing and HIV biomarker measurements including recency of infection and antiretroviral (ARV) drug levels. Descriptive statistics were used to describe enrolled attendees, and to determine the proportion of attendees who were HIV-positive, recently infected, taking ART and virally suppressed. HIV-positive attendees with detectable ARVs were considered to be on ART, while those with viral loads (VLs) ≤200 copies/mL were considered virally suppressed. Results. Of 451 symptomatic attendees whose data were analysed, 93 (20.6%) were HIV-positive, with 15/93 (16.1%) being recently infected. Recent infection was independently associated with genital ulcer disease at presentation, especially ulcers with no detectable STI pathogens. Among the 78 (83.9%) with long-term infection, only 30 (38.5%) were on ART, with 23/30 (76.7%) virally suppressed. Conclusions. In a population at risk of HIV transmission, there was a high burden of recent infection and unsuppressed VLs. Incorporating pre-exposure prophylaxis, ART initiation and adherence support into STI services will be necessary for progress towards eliminating HIV transmission

Factors associated with viral non-suppression among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Objectives: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a public health issue with more than 25 million deaths since 1990. As of 2019, Nigeria has a national prevalence of 1.4% among 15-49 years and about 1.9 million people living with HIV, according to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. This study assessed the factors responsible for unsuppressed viral load among patients accessing care at Federal Medical Centre HIV Clinic in Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria.Methods: The study design was descriptive cross-sectional. Data was collected using the qualitative method; an In-depth interview was conducted among 20 virally unsuppressed HIV patients currently on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) at Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta. The participants were purposively selected. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Although almost all the participants were aware of HIV, their knowledge of HIV was inadequate. Non-adherence to drugs, side effects of medications, the psychological effects of the disease, forgetfulness, and combination of anti-retroviral drugs with local herbs and alcohol were the associated factors of viral non-suppression among the patients.Conclusion: Scaling up psychological care services using Short Message Services (SMS) to improve viral suppression is, therefore, strongly recommended.

Profil clinique, immunologique et virologique des personnes vivant avec le VIH suivies au CHUD Oueme-Plateau / NA

Introduction : L'infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine au (VIH) est une infection chronique caractérisée par la destruction progressive du système immunitaire par le virus. L'objectif de cette étude était de décrire le profil clinique, immunologique et virologique des personnes vivant avec le VIH et suivies au CHU Départemental Ouémé-Plateau de Porto-Novo. Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale et descriptive couvrant la période du 1er février 2016 au 1er mai 2016. Il a été procédé à un recrutement exhaustif de toutes les personnes vivant avec le VIH suivies en ambulatoire ou hospitalisées dans le Service de Médecine Interne du CHUD-OP, âgées d'au moins 15 ans et ayant donné leur consentement éclairé. Résultats : Au total 301 patients ont été inclus. L'âge moyen était de 42 ans ± 10,3 ans, avec des extrêmes de 19 ans et 74 ans. Les tranches d'âge les plus représentées étaient celle des 35 à 45 ans (118 patients soit 39,2%) et celle des 25 à 35 ans (72 patients soit 23,9%). Cette population était majoritairement féminine (73,1 %), soit une sex-ratio de 0,37. Les enquêtés, dans 79,4 %, étaient en couple. Le stade clinique 3 de l'OMS était prédominant (47,8%). Parmi les pathologies associées, l'hypertension artérielle était la plus fréquente (18.6%). Parmi ces patients, 300 (99,7 %) étaient porteurs de VIH 1. La charge virale a été réalisée chez 177 (58,8 %) patients et s'est révélée indétectable chez 117 patients soit 66,1 % des cas. La numération des CD4 a été réalisée chez 298 (99 %). Le nombre médian des CD4 était de 350 (Q1=206 ; Q3=504). Parmi les 301 PVVIH, 291 (96,68 %) étaient sous traitement antirétroviral. Conclusion : Cette population de personnes vivant avec le VIH est jeune et consulte tardivement

Introduction : Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a chronic infection characterized by the progressive destruction of the immune system by the virus. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, immunological and virological profile of people living with HIV and monitored at the Ouémé-Plateau Departmental University Hospital in Porto-Novo. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study covering the period from February 1, 2016 to May 1, 2016. An exhaustive recruitment was carried out of all people living with HIV followed on an outpatient basis or hospitalized in the Service of Internal Medicine of the CHUD-OP, at least 15 years old and having given their informed consent. Results: A total of 301 patients were included. The mean age was 42 ± 10.3 years, with extremes of 19 and 74 years. The most represented age groups were that of 35 to 45 years (118 patients or 39.2%) and that of 25 to 35 years (72 patients or 23.9%). This population was predominantly female (73.1%), i.e. a sex ratio of 0.37. The respondents, in 79.4%, were in a relationship. WHO clinical stage 3 was predominant (47.8%). Among the associated pathologies, arterial hypertension was the most common (18.6%). Of these patients, 300 (99.7%) were carriers of HIV 1. Viral load was achieved in 177 (58.8%) patients and was undetectable in 117 patients, or 66.1% of cases. CD4 counts were performed in 298 (99%). The median CD4 count was 350 (Q1 = 206; Q3 = 504). Among the 301 PLHIV, 291 (96.68%) were on antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion: This population of people living with HIV is young and consults late.

How accurately do routinely reported HIV viral load suppression proportions reflect progress towards the 90-90-90 target in the population on antiretroviral treatment in Khayelitsha, South Africa?

Background. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) third 90-90-90 target requires 90% of patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) to be virally suppressed (<1 000 copies/mL). In Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa viral load (VL) suppression of <400 copies/mL was reported as 89% in 2016, but only 56% of patients had a result recorded in routine data. We conceived a VL 'cascade' to represent the steps required for an expected VL to be reported as complete in routine data and thus contribute to reported VL suppression: among those for whom a VL is 'expected', a sample must be collected and tested ('done'), a result must be 'filed' in the patient folder, 'noted' by a clinician and electronically 'captured'. The low reported completion suggested gaps along the VL cascade and cast doubt on the validity of reported suppression.Objectives. To assess the validity of routinely reported VL suppression and identify barriers to VL completion. Methods. A retrospective cohort study between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016, which included all Khayelitsha patients receiving ART, with a routine VL expected, was conducted. We obtained data routinely captured on site and VL data from the laboratory system. A sample of 1 035 patient folders was reviewed. VL suppression was calculated using laboratory data, including all tests done, and compared with reported suppression based on on-site captured electronic data. Successful progression through each step on the VL cascade was estimated. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with laboratory data and reported VL testing.Results. Of 22 991 patients for whom a routine VL test was due, 84% were done, 79% filed, 76% noted and 55% captured. Using all laboratory data, VL suppression was estimated as 82%, 87%, 89% and 91% at the 50, 200, 400 and 1 000 copies/mL thresholds, respectively, but reported suppression using captured results was 80%, 86%, 88% and 89% at those thresholds. Routine VL testing is more likely to be done in children <15 years old (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45 - 2.48) and pregnant women (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.28 - 2.81) than in men, adjusted for facility. Conclusions. Despite a low reported completion, VL testing completion was high. Reported suppression using captured data was similar to suppression calculated using all laboratory data, which provided an accurate measure of progress towards the 90-90-90 target. More work is needed to reach the 16% of patients missed by routine testing

Characterization of the type of response to different hcv antigens and quantification of viral load in newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood born virus that is considered a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. HCV is thought to induce HCC either indirectly or directly by the effect of its viral proteins on different host cell proteins and signaling pathways.Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize the type of response to different HCV antigens, quantify HCV viral load, transforming growth factor- beta and miRNA 122 in patients with newly diagnosed Hepatocellular Carcinoma.Patients and methods: This study was done on three groups: the first group consisted of 40 newly discovered hepatocellular carcinoma patients with HCV infection. The second group consisted of twenty HCV infected patients with other types of cancer (other than HCC). The third group consisted of 20 healthy individuals served as a control group. Serum was separated for detection of the four parameters. Results: TGF-ß showed a very weak negative correlation with the miRNA 122 serum levels that is statistically non-significant. Results also showed that miRNA 122 may not be useful in differentiating between liver cirrhosis from HCC patients and it is associated with the severity of the disease rather than the viremia count. Conclusion: Study showed no correlation between the four investigated parameters (HCV antigens, HCV viral load, TGF-ß- serum levels of miRNA 122) in an attempt for early diagnosis of HCV induced HCC

Population lymphocytaire des nourrissons exposés mais non infectés par le VIH à Douala

Introduction. L'objectif de cette étude était de mettre rechercher la présence d'un déficit en cellules T chez le nourrisson exposé non infectés (ENI), l'hypothèse étant que le déficit serait plus marqué lorsque la charge virale maternelle est élevée. Matériels et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale analytique menée du 1er décembre 2015 au 08 juin 2016. En phase rétrospective, les données ont été collectées à base d'un questionnaire préétabli. En phase prospective les prélèvements sanguins ont été effectués et les profils immunologiques ont été établis. Les facteurs de transmission du VIH de la mère à l'enfant ont été évalués par régression logistique multi variée. Le test de Hosmer et Lemeshow ont été utilisés pour vérifier l'ajustement du modèle. Résultats. 153 patients répartis en trois groupes dont 60 enfants exposés non infectés, 60 enfants non exposés (NE) et 33 enfants exposés infectés (EI) ont été enrôlés. Les profils immunologiques des enfants NE et ENI ont montré une différence statistiquement significative (P=0,007) pour les taux de CD4. Les profils immunologiques des enfants de la tranche d'âge de 12 à 59 mois d'une part EI et ENI ont montré des différences significatives pour les CD45 (P=0,003), les CD4 (P=0,01), les CD8 (P=0,02). Conclusion. Chez les nourrissons non infectés nés de mères séropositives, plusieurs anomalies immunologiques peuvent être détectées. Ces anomalies pourraient être une conséquence de l'exposition au VIH in utero et en début de vie, et/ou à l'exposition aux médicaments antirétroviraux, ou à la transmission précoce des infections virales persistantes telles que CMV

Treatment Outcomes in a Rural HIV Clinic in South Africa: Implications for Health Care

Objective: To assess the treatment outcomes of an HIV clinic in rural Limpopo province; South Africa.Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving medical records review of HIV-positive patients initiated on antiretroviral treatment (ART) was conducted from December 2007 to November 2008 at Letaba Hospital. Data on socio-demographic characteristics; CD4 counts; viral loads (VLs); opportunistic infections; adverse effects of treatment; hospital admissions; and patient retention at 6; 12; 24; and 36 months on ART were collected. Analysis included descriptive statistics; chi-square and t-tests.Results: Of 124 patient records sampled; the majority of patients were female (69%); single (49%); unemployed (56%); living at least 10 km from the hospital (52.4%); and were on treatment at 36 months (69%). Approximately 84% of patients achieved viral suppression (VLs 400 copies/mL) by 6 months of ART and the mean CD4 count increased from 128 at baseline to 470 cells/mm3 at 24 months. There was a mean weight gain of 5.9 kg over the 36 months and the proportion of patients with opportunistic infections decreased from 54.8% (n

Quantification de la charge virale et tests de résistance du VIH-1 aux ARV à partir d'échantillons DBS (Dried Blood Spots) chez des patients Guinéens sous traitement antirétroviral

Problematique: Comme dans plusieurs pays du Sud; le suivi virologique des patients sous traitement antiretroviral (TARV) en Guinee est timide voire inexistant dans certaines localites. Le but de cette etude etait d'evaluer la faisabilite technique et logistique de l'utilisation des DBS dans les tests de charge virale (CV) et de genotypage. Methode: De septembre a octobre 2010; les DBS ont ete prepares a partir de prelevements sanguins de patients adultes sous TARV. Le delai d'envoi des echantillons au laboratoire de reference etait de 30 jours maximum apres le prelevement et se faisait a temperature ambiante. La CV a ete quantifiee et les echantillons de patients en echec virologique (CV = 3 log10 copies/mL) ont ete genotypes selon le protocole de l'ANRS. L'algorithme de Stanford version 6.0.8 a ete utilise pour l'analyse et l'interpretation des mutations de resistance.Resultats: Parmi les 136 patients inclus; 129 et 7 etaient respectivement sous premiere et deuxieme ligne de traitement avec une mediane de suivi de 35 mois [IQR: 6-108]. L'echec virologique a ete note chez 33 patients. Parmi eux; 84.8% (n = 28/33) ont beneficie d'un genotypage. Le taux de resistance global etait de 14% (n = 19/136). Le CRF02_AG etait le sous type viral le plus prevalent (82%; n = 23). Conclusion: En plus de montrer la faisabilite technique et logistique des tests de CV et de genotypage a partir des DBS; ces resultats montrent l'interet de leurs utilisations dans le suivi virologique des patients sous TARV. Cette etude a permis egalement de documenter l'echec virologique; la resistance aux ARV et la diversite genetique du VIH-1 en Guinee

Hepatite B chronique à antigene Hbe negative à Yaoundé, Cameroun

OBJECTIFS. L'hepatite B chronique a antigene HBe (AgHBe) negatif est associee a un mauvais pronostic et a un taux de reponse soutenue au traitement antiviral faible. Notre etude avait pour but de determiner les aspects epidemiologiques de l'hepatite B chronique a AgHBe negatif a Yaounde; centre de reference du traitement des hepatites chroniques au Cameroun. PATIENTS ET MeTHODES. De 2004 a 2012; 315 patients consecutifs porteurs chroniques de l'AgHBs ont ete enregistres. Les analyses serologiques ont ete effectuees en utilisant des kits commerciaux ELISA pour detecter l'AgHBs; les anti-HBc totaux; l'AgHBe; les anti-HBe; l'anti-delta et les anti-VHC. Les taux d'ADN VHB ont ete mesures par la technique COBAS Ampliprep (Roche). Les tests biochimiques pour le calcul du fibrotest/actitest ont ete realises avec l'automate COBAS (Roche). La prevalence de l'hepatite B chronique a AgHBe negatif; les donnees demographiques; l'association entre le taux d'ADN VHB et les dommages hepatiques ont ete explorees. ReSULTATS. La prevalence de l'hepatite B chronique a AgHBe negatif etait de 92;1%(290/315) [IC a 95% 88;4-94;7]. Le sexe ratio H/F etait de 2;8. Les transaminases ALAT etaient normales chez 67;2% (195/290) de patients. La cirrhose existait chez 6;1% (8/132). La viremie mediane etait de 1140 UI/ml; 70;3% (166/236) avaient un ADN VHB = 2000UI/ml et 20;3%(48/236) un ADN VHB indetectable. Aucune association statistiquement significative n'a ete notee entre le taux d'ADN VHB et l'age; le taux de transaminases ALAT ou la cirrhose. CONCLUSION. L'hepatite B chronique a AgHBe negatif est la forme predominante au Cameroun. Cette particularite souleve le probleme de la prise en charge therapeutique vu son mauvais pronostic