Biterapia con atazanavir/ritonavir más raltegravir versus terapia triple en segunda línea: Ensayo ARTE / ATV/r+RAL (DT) after failure with NNRTI

Antecedentes: La terapia dual ha surgido como un nuevo concepto para el tratamiento del VIH. Este estudio tenía como objetivo comparar un régimen dual basado en ATV/r + RAL (TD) frente a estándar de tres drogas con ATV/r + TDF/FTC (TT) luego del fracaso de un primer esquema ba-sado en INNTR.ClinicalTrials.gov, Número: NCT01829802.Método: Estudio piloto abierto, multicéntrico y aleatoriza-do. Resultado primario: proporción de sujetos con ARN del VIH-1 menor a 50 copias/mL en semana 48 (S48). Resulta-dos secundarios: discontinuaciones asociadas a eventos adversos (EA), tiempo transcurrido hasta la supresión viral, desarrollo de mutaciones de resistencia a la integrasa y proteasa, cambio en recuento de CD4. Resultados: De los 57 participantes seleccionados, 34 fue-ron asignados aleatoriamente para recibir: TD (n: 18) o TT (n: 16). En semana 48, 67% (n: 12/18) en TD tuvo respues-ta virológica y 88% (n: 14/16) en rama según el análisis FDA, intención de tratamiento/expuestos (p = NS) y 73% (TD) y 93% (TT) según análisis por protocolo (p = NS). El cambio de CD4 entre basal - S48: +119 y +52 células/µL en DT y TT, respectivamente. Cuatro participantes en TD y uno en TT presentaron fracaso virológico en la semana 48. Un participante desarrolló una mutación de resistencia a integrasa (155H).Conclusión: ATV/r+RAL como terapia dual de segunda línea mostró una tendencia al fracaso virológico más frecuente, en comparación con TT, aunque el estudio piloto no tenía potencia para demostrar esta diferencia. Este estudio está registrado en ClinicalTrials.gov, Número: NCT01829802

Background: Dual therapy has emerged as a novel concept for HIV treatment. This study was aimed at comparing a nucleoside-sparing dual regimen consisting of ATV/r + RAL (DT) vs standard therapy of ATV/r + TDF/FTC (TT) among individuals failing first NNRTI-containing treatment.Methods: Randomized multicenter open-label pilot study. Primary outcome: proportion of subjects with plasma HIV-1 RNA below the limit of detection (<50 copies/mL) at 48 weeks (W48). Secondary outcomes: proportion of discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs), time until viral suppression, time until loss of virological response, development of integrase resistance mutations, and absolute change in CD4 counts. The primary outcome was analyzed using the FDA snapshot analysis.Results: Out of 57 participants screened, 34 were randomized to receive: DT (n: 18) or TT (n: 16). At W48, virological response was achieved in 67% (n: 12/18) of participants receiving DT and 88% (n: 14/16) receiving TT by FDA snapshot analysis (p = NS) and 73% and 93% by per-protocol analysis (p = NS). CD4 cell count median change from baseline to W48 was +119 and + 52 cell/µL in DT and TT, respectively. Four participants receiving DT and one TT presented virological failure at W48, with low pVL. One participant developed an integrase resistance mutation (155H) and suppressed later on TT.Conclusion: ATV/r+RAL as second-line therapy showed a trend to more frequent virological failure, compared to TT, although the study was unpowered to prove this difference. No major differences were seen in tolerance or toxicity.This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT01829802

Análisis de 23 pacientes con infección por VIH y Covid-19. Estudio descriptivo / Analysis of 23 patients with HIV infection and Covid-19. Descriptive study

Las características clínicas, el diagnóstico, el pronóstico, el tratamiento y la profilaxis de la infección por el coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 en los pacientes infectados por el VIH, son muy similares a los de la población general cuando estos se encuentran con supresión de la replicación viral con el tratamiento antirretroviral y tienen una cifra de linfocitos T CD4 + > de 200 células/uL. El tiempo medio de incubación es de 5 días (entre 2 y 14 días). En sujetos VIH positivos, cuánto mayor es la carga viral plasmática para VIH y el recuento de CD4 + es < 200 cél/uL, el tiempo que transcurre entre la infección por el coronavirus y la aparición de las manifestaciones clínicas es menor. En la población general, el 70-80% de individuos tienen una infección por SARS-CoV-2 leve/moderada, un 20-25% grave y un 5% muy grave que requiere internación en UTI. En los pacientes infectados por el VIH se desconoce esta proporción, aunque estudios preliminares consideran que las proporciones serían del 66%, 22% y 12%, respectivamente25. Se presenta una serie de 23 pacientes con coinfección SARS-CoV-2/VIH y se analizan las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y la evolución en relación con ambas infecciones

The clinical characteristics, diagnosis methods, medical prognosis, treatment alternatives and prophylaxis of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection in HIV infected individuals are very similar in patients under HAART with undetectable viral load and CD4+ > than 200 cell/uL. The mean incubation time is of 5 days (range 2 to 14 days). In HIV-seropositive patients, with high viral load and CD4 < 200 cell/ uL, the time between infection for coronavirus and the onset of symptoms is minor. In the general population, 70% to 80% of individuals infected by SARS-CoV-2 develops a mild to moderate disease; 20% to 25% severe forms and 5% develops very severe clinical compromise that requieres intensive therapy unit income. In HIV-positive patients these percentages would be 66%, 22% y 12%, respectively25. Here we present a series of 23 HIV-seropositive patients coinfected by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2; we analyzed the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and the evolution related with both infections

Factors interfering with the production of Histoplasma capsulatum antigens / Fatores que interferem na produção de antígenos de Histoplasma capsulatum

Histoplasma capsulatum causes systemic mycosis that depends on host susceptibility, fungal virulence, and factors associated with the infectious process. We evaluated the possible interference of the phenotype of 12 samples of H. capsulatum isolated from HIV-positive and negative patients in obtaining antigens, aiming at the serological diagnosis through the gender-specific recognition of the H and M fractions. The antigens were evaluated by double immunodiffusion against H. capsulatum anti-antigen polyclonal antibody and serum samples from patients with histoplasmosis.The phenotypic evaluation revealed differences in the identification of the fungal agent and in the expression of H and M antigens, considered serological markers of the disease, associated with pigmentation and the production of conidia. It was found that antigenic preparations obtained from H. capsulatum isolated from HIV-positive patients may have satisfactory antigenic capacity. The patient's immune status does not seem to interfere with the expression of antigenic proteins secreted by H. capsulatum. However, we suggest that prolonged use of antiretrovirals drugs or steroids can cause important phenotypic alterations. We showed that some fungal samples from patients with a long history of immunosuppressive drugs produced atypical cellular elements and low reactivity against the H and M fractions. (AU)

Histoplasma capsulatum causa micose sistêmica endêmica que depende da suscetibilidade do hospedeiro, da virulência fúngica e de fatores associados ao processo infeccioso. Avaliamos a possível interferência do fenótipo de 12 amostras de H. capsulatumisolados de pacientes HIV positivos e negativos na obtenção de antígenos, visando o diagnóstico sorológico por meio do reconhecimento gênero-específico das frações H e M. Os antígenos foram avaliados por imunodifusão dupla, frente a anticorpo policlonal anti-antígeno de H. capsulatum e frente a amostras de soro de pacientes com histoplasmose. A avaliação fenotípica revelou diferenças, não só na identificação do agente fúngico, mas também na expressão dos antígenos H e M, considerados marcadores sorológicos da doença, associados à pigmentação e produção de conídios. Verificou-se que preparações antigênicas obtidas de H. capsulatum isoladas de pacientes HIV positivos podem ter capacidade antigênica satisfatória. O estado imunológico do paciente parece não interferir na expressão de proteínas antigênicas secretadas por H. capsulatum. No entanto, sugerimos que o uso prolongado de antirretrovirais e/ou esteróides pode causar alterações fenotípicas importantes. Verificou-se que algumas amostras fúngicas isoladas de pacientes com longo histórico de uso de imunossupressores produziram elementos celulares atípicos e baixa reatividade sorológica contra as frações H e M de H. capsulatum. (AU)

Infección por VIH: carga viral plasmática intratratamiento en la era del "Indetectable = Intransmisible" / HIV infection: Plasma viral load intratratization in the era of the "undetectable = non transmissible"

Se acepta que los individuos infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) son incapaces de transmitir la infección por vía sexual mientras sus niveles de carga viral plasmática se mantengan indetectables. Con el propósito de estudiar qué porcentaje de infectados por el HIV cumple esa condición estudiamos una población de pacientes asistidos regularmente en un hospital general de agudos de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se incluyeron 298 individuos, 162 de ellos de sexo masculino (54.36%) con una edad (promedio ± desvío estándar) de 47.83 ± 11.69 años y un recuento de células CD4+ de 693.93 ± 363.87 x 106 células / mL de sangre periférica. La carga viral plasmática fue indetectable en 230 de los individuos estudiados (77.81%). Los 68 restantes (22.82%) mostraron en promedio 9856.67 ± 70922.11 copias / mL, siendo estos niveles mayores en hombres que en mujeres (17379.39 ± 95521.51 copias / mL vs 895.78 ± 5952.99 copias / mL, respectivamente; p=0.015, Student t test), lo que explicaría los recuentos de linfocitos CD4+ significativamente menores hallados en hombres.187 de 231 individuos que recibían su primer tratamiento antiretroviral (TARV) mostraron cargas virales indetectables (80,95%) versus 42 de 67 pacientes que habían recibido dos o más esquemas de tratamiento antirretroviral (61,69%; p= 0.002, prueba de 2 ). Estos resultados muestran que un porcentaje importante de infectados por el HIV continúan presentando cargas virales plasmáticas detectables a pesar del TARV, siendo capaces de transmitir la infección por vía sexual a sus parejas

It is widely accepted that HIV-infected subjects are incapable to transmit sexually the infection while their plasmatic viral load remains undetectable. In order to assess the percentage of HIV infected patients showing undetectable viral loads during their antiviral treatment we studied a population of patients regularly assisted at a general hospital. A total of 298 patients (162 men; 54.36%) were admitted to the study. The mean age was (mean ± standard deviation) 47.83 ± 11.69 years, and the mean CD4+ cell count was 693.93 ± 363.87 x 106 cells / mL. These variables did not showed statistically significative differences between men and women. Plasmatic viral load was undetectable in 230 patients (77.81%). The remaining 68 patients (22.82%) showed a mean of 9856.67 ± 70922 copies / mL. These values were higher in men than in women (17379.39 ± 95521.51 copies / mL vs 895.78 ± 5952.99 copies / mL, respectively; p=0.015, Student t test). In line with these findings, CD4+ cell count was significantly lower in men (575.10 ± 345.14 cells / L vs. 707.04 ± 373.46 cells / L, respectively; p=0.0019, Student t test). 187 out of 231 patients receiving their first antiretroviral treatment showed undetectable viral loads (80,95%), while only 42 out of 67 patients having previously received other antiretroviral schemes had undetectable levels of plasmatic viral load (61,69%; p= 0.002, 2 ). These findings show that an important number of patients may keep detectable levels of plasmatic viral load during antiretroviral treatment, being therefore capable to sexually transmit the infection to their couples.

Predictors of short-term mortality in HIV-infected patients admitted to intensive care unit / Fatores preditores de mortalidade de curto prazo em pacientes infectados com HIV admitidos em unidade de terapia intensiva

INTRODUCTIONn: Historically, complications of HIV infection have been related to admissions to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite therapeutic advances, the results of the analysis of prognostic factors in patients with HIV/AIDS have varied, including late diagnosis and failure to adhere to antiretroviral treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictors of short-term mortality in HIV-infected patients admitted to the ICU, as well as their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including patients admitted to the ICU of a teaching hospital from 2003 through 2012. Data were collected from medical records after the Institutional Review Board approval. RESULTS: 148 HIV-infected patients were identified and 131 were eligible. Among included patients, 42.75% were HIV new diagnoses and 5.34% had no information about the time of diagnosis. The main reasons for admission to the ICU were respiratory failure and sepsis while mortality was 70.23% between 2003 and 2012. Among the risk factors for mortality were low albumin, high APACHE, low CD4+ T lymphocyte count, and not using antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: Despite the availability of diagnosis and treatment for HIV-infected individuals, the number of new cases of advanced Aids diagnosed in high-complexity services such as ICU is high, as well as the non-use of combination antiretroviral therapy. It is necessary to strengthen anti-HIV screening to detect and treat more cases in the early stages.

INTRODUÇÃO: Historicamente, as complicações da infecção pelo HIV estavam relacionadas às internações em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Apesar dos avanços terapêuticos, os fatores prognósticos em pacientes com HIV/AIDS têm variado, incluindo diagnóstico tardio e não adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral. OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores preditores de mortalidade a curto prazo em pacientes infectados pelo HIV internados em UTI, bem como suas características sociodemográficas e clínicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluindo pacientes internados na UTI de um hospital universitário entre 2003 a 2012. Os dados foram coletados dos prontuários médicos após a aprovação pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos. RESULTADOS: 148 pacientes infectados pelo HIV foram identificados e 131 eram elegíveis. Entre os pacientes incluídos, 42,75% possuíam diagnósticos recente de HIV e 5,34% não possuíam informação sobre o momento do diagnóstico. Os principais motivos de admissão na UTI foram insuficiência respiratória e sepse, enquanto a mortalidade foi 70,23% entre 2003 e 2012. Entre os fatores de risco para mortalidade identificou-se albumina baixa, APACHE alto, baixa contagem de linfócitos T CD4+ e não uso de terapia antirretroviral. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da disponibilidade de diagnóstico e tratamento para indivíduos infectados pelo HIV, é elevado o número de casos novos em estágio avançado de Aids diagnosticados em serviços de alta complexidade, como UTI, e o não uso de terapia antirretroviral combinada. É necessário fortalecer a triagem anti-HIV, bem como aumentar a repetição da testagem anti-HIV para detectar e tratar mais casos em estágios iniciais.

Desafios do HIV/AIDS em país de baixa renda: sobrevida e retenção de pacientes em TARV nos cuidados de HIV na 'Era' de "Testar e Iniciar" o tratamento no Município de Maputo, Moçambique / HIV/AIDS challenges in low-income country: survival and retention of patients on ART in the 'Era' of "Test and Treat" treatment in Maputo Municipality, Mozambique

Introdução: Considerando as evidências segundo as quais o início precoce do TARV, independentemente da contagem do CD4 ou do estágio clínico da OMS, aumenta a sobrevida e a retenção de pacientes em TARV; diminui a morbidade e mortalidade; e reduz a incidência do HIV, a OMS propôs a ETI para países de baixa renda fortemente afetados por HIV/AIDS, no entanto, estudos que avaliam o seu efeito sobre indicadores clínicos e programáticos ainda são escassos em Moçambique. Objetivos: (i) Estimar taxas de mortalidade e de perda no seguimento clínico e psicossocial nas coortes de pacientes submetidos à ETI (DTI) e não submetidos à estratégia (ATI), respectivamente, e compará-las; (ii) Estimar as medianas do tempo e as probabilidades de sobrevida e de retenção nos cuidados de HIV nas duas coortes (ATI e DTI) e compará-las; (iii) Analisar a influência da ETI na sobrevida e na retenção de pacientes em TARV nos cuidados de HIV, após ajuste para potenciais confundidores. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de pacientes em TARV, com idades entre 15 e 49 anos, inscritos nos serviços públicos de saúde do município de Maputo, Moçambique. As variáveis estudadas foram sociodemográficas (sexo, idade, escolaridade, região de residência); clínicas (data do diagnóstico de HIV; óbito; estádio clínico da OMS; contagem de CD4; carga viral; data de início do TARV; perda no seguimento; regime de tratamento; co-infecção HIV/TB; indice de massa corporal); programáticas (serviço de diagnóstico/testagem de HIV; participação nos grupos de apoio para a adesão comunitária; exposição à ETI) e os desfechos de interesse foram óbito e perda no seguimento clínico e psicossocial. Utilizou-se o estimador produto limite de Kaplan-Meier, o modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox e as estimativas das razões de "Hazard" (HR), com respectivos intervalos de confiança a 95%. Estimou-se a FAP para a exposição à ETI, como medida de impacto da estratégia na população. Resultados: A taxa média de mortalidade na coorte ATI foi de 28,1/1000 pessoas-ano, enquanto na coorte DTI foi de 24,5/1000 pessoas-ano. A taxa média de perdas no seguimento clínico e psicossocial na coorte ATI foi de 17,3/1000 pessoas-ano e na coorte DTI de 15,0/1000 pessoas-ano. A MTS na coorte ATI foi de 43,1 meses e na coorte DTI de 50,6 meses. A MTR na coorte ATI foi de 39,8 meses e na coorte DTI de 49,0 meses. Mostraram-se associadas ao tempo de sobrevida, independentemente das demais covariáveis: pertencer à faixa etária de 25-39 (HR=1,52; IC 95% 1,37 - 1,69) e 40-49 (HR=2,16; IC 95% 1,94 - 2,41); ser residente de região suburbana (HR=1,45; IC 95% 1,36 - 1,54); ser do sexo masculino (HR=1,41; IC 95% 1,33 - 1,49); estar em TARV com a II linha (HR=1,19; IC 95% 1,13 - 1,26); estar co-infectado HIV/TB (HR=1,16; IC 95% 1,10 - 1,23); pertencer ao estágio clínico IV da OMS (HR=1,93; IC 95% 1,70 - 2,17), ter IMC <18,5 Kg/m2 (HR=1,18; IC 95% 1,07 - 1,29); não estar exposto à ETI (HR=1,16; IC 95% 1,10 - 1,22). Mostraram-se associadas ao tempo de retenção nos cuidados, independentemente das outras covariáveis: estar em regime de TARV da II linha (HR = 1,48; IC 95% 1,40 - 1,56); pertencer ao estágio III (HR = 1,28; IC 95% 1,19 - 1,36) e IV (HR = 3,51; IC 95% 3,17 - 3,88) da OMS; não estar exposto à ETI (HR = 1,75; IC 95% 1,65 - 1,85); estar co-infectado HIV/TB (HR = 1,18; IC 95% 11,11 - 1,24); ser do sexo masculino (HR = 1,17; IC 95% 1,11 - 1,24); pertencer aos GAAC (HR = 1,21; IC 95% 1,12 - 1,30). A fração atribuível na população para o grupo exposto à ETI (DTI) foi de 6,4% em relação à sobrevida e 20,0% para a retenção nos cuidados de HIV. Conclusões: No contexto de um país de baixa renda fortemente afetado por HIV/AIDS e situado na região Austral de África, a ETI mostrou impacto relevante no aumento da sobrevida e a retenção de pacientes em TARV nos cuidados de HIV, bem como na redução da mortalidade e das perdas no seguimento clínico e psicossocial. O estudo também confirmou o papel de fatores associados aos dois desfechos, também identificados em outras regiões da África Subsaariana e do mundo. Estes resultados fortalecem a importância da ETI para países de baixa e média renda fortemente afetados pelo HIV, para acelerar a resposta local e global do HIV/AIDS por via de intervenções nacionais.

Background: Considering the evidence that early initiation of ART, regardless of CD4 count or WHO clinical stage, increases survival and retention of patients on ART, decreases morbidity and mortality, and reduces HIV incidence, WHO proposed the test-and-treat strategy for low-income countries with a high burden of HIV/AIDS, however, studies evaluating the effect of this strategy on survival and retention of patients on ART are still scarce in Mozambique. Objectives: (i) Estimate the mean rates of mortality and loss in clinical and psychosocial follow-up among the cohorts, respectively, of patients submitted to the strategy (DTI) and not submitted to the strategy (ATI) and compare them; (ii) Estimate the median time and probabilities of survival and retention in HIV care in the two cohorts (ATI and DTI) and compare them; (iii) Analyze the influence of the test-and-start strategy on survival and retention of patients on ART in HIV care, after adjusting for potential confounders. Method: Retrospective cohort study of patients on ART, aged between 15 and 49 years old, enrolled in public health services of Maputo municipality. Variables studied were: sociodemographic (gender, age, education, region of residence); clinical (date of HIV diagnosis; death; WHO clinical stage; CD4 count; viral load; ART initiation date; loss to follow-up; treatment regimen; HIV/TB co-infection; body mass index); programmatic (HIV diagnosis/testing service; participation in support groups for community adherence; exposure to the "test and treat" strategy) and the outcomes of interest were death and loss of clinical and psychosocial follow-up. Kaplan-Meier estimator, Cox proportional hazards model and Hazard ratio (HR) estimates were used, with 95% confidence intervals. Attributable fraction in the population for the exposure to the "test and treat" strategy was estimated as a measure of the strategy's impact on the population. Results: Mean mortality rate in ATI cohort was 28.1/1000 person-years, while in DTI cohort it was 24.5/1000 person-years. Mean rate of loss to clinical and psychosocial follow-up in ATI cohort was 17.3/1000 person-years and in DTI cohort was 15.0/1000 person-years. Median survival time (MTS) in ATI cohort was 43.1 months and in DTI cohort was 50.6 months. Median retention time (MTR) in ATI cohort was 39.8 months and in DTI cohort was 49.0 months. Regardless of the other covariates, the predictors of death were the following: belonging to the age group 25-39 (HR=1.52; CI 95% 1.37 - 1.69) and 40-49 (HR=2.16; CI 95% 1.94 - 2.41); be resident of a suburban region (HR=1.45; 95%CI 1.36 - 1.54); be male (HR=1.41; 95% CI 1.33 - 1.49); be on second-line ART regime (HR=1.19; 95% CI 1.13 - 1.26); be co-infected HIV/TB (HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.10 - 1.23); belonging to WHO clinical stage IV (HR=1.93; 95% CI 1.70 - 2.17), having a BMI <18.5 Kg/m2 (HR=1.18; 95% CI 1.07 - 1 ,29); not being exposed to the test-and-treat strategy (HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.10 - 1.22). Regardless of the other covariates, the predictors of the loss in clinical and psychosocial follow-up were: be on second-line ART regime (HR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.40 - 1.56); belonging to WHO stage III (HR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.19 - 1.36) and IV (HR = 3.51; 95% CI 3.17 - 3.88); not being exposed to the test-and-start strategy (HR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.65 - 1.85); be co-infected with HIV/TB (HR = 1.18; 95% CI 11.11 - 1.24); be male (HR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.11 - 1.24); belonging to the GAAC (HR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.12 - 1.30). Population attributable fraction for the group exposed to the test-and-treat (DTI) strategy was 6.4% for survival and 20.0% for retention in HIV care. Conclusions: In the context of a low-income country strongly affected by HIV/AIDS and located at southern Africa region, the test-and-treat strategy showed a relevant impact on increasing survival and retention time of patients on ART in HIV care, as well as on reducing of mortality and losses in clinical and psychosocial follow-up. The study confirmed, as well, the role of factors associated with the two studied outcomes, also identified in other regions of sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide. These results strengthen the importance of the test-and-treat strategy for low- and middle-income countries heavily affected by HIV, to accelerate local and global HIV/AIDS response through national interventions.

Profile of the cohort of people being treated for HIV infection in the SUS, Brazil, 2015-2018 / Perfil da coorte de pessoas em tratamento da infecção por HIV no SUS, Brasil, 2015-2018

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To build an integrated database of individual and service data from the cohort of people who started antiretroviral therapy (ART), from 2015 to 2018, in Brazil. METHODS Open cohort study that includes people aged 15 years or older who started ART from 2015 to 2018, with follow-up in services of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), and who responded to the 2016/2017 Qualiaids national survey. The source of individual data was the related HIV database, derived from the probabilistic linkage between data from the SUS systems of diagnostic information, medication, tests, and deaths. The data source for the services was the services' response database to the Qualiaids survey. After analysis of consistency and exclusions, the database of individuals was deterministically related to the database of services. RESULTS The cohort comprised 132,540 people monitored in 941 SUS services. Of these services, 59% are located in the Southeast region and 49% followed 51 to 500 cohort participants. The average performance of organization and management of patient care ranged from 29% to 75%. Most of the cohort participants are male, black and mixed, aged between 20 and 39 years old, and have between 4 and 11 years of schooling. Median baseline T-CD4 was 419 cells/mm3, 6% had an episode of tuberculosis, and 2% died of HIV disease. CONCLUSION For the first time in Brazil, this cohort provides the opportunity for a joint analysis of individual factors and services in the production of positive and negative clinical outcomes of HIV treatment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Construir uma base integrada de dados individuais e dos serviços da coorte de pessoas que iniciaram terapia antirretroviral (TARV) entre 2015 e 2018 no Brasil. MÉTODOS Estudo de coorte aberta que incluiu pessoas de 15 anos ou mais que iniciaram TARV entre 2015 e 2018, com acompanhamento em serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), e que responderam ao inquérito nacional Qualiaids de 2016/2017. A fonte de dados individuais foi o banco relacionado do HIV, proveniente do relacionamento probabilístico entre dados dos sistemas de informação de diagnóstico, medicação, exames e óbitos do SUS. A fonte de dados dos serviços foi o banco de respostas dos serviços ao inquérito Qualiaids. Após análise de consistência e exclusões, o banco dos indivíduos foi relacionado deterministicamente com o banco de serviços. RESULTADOS A coorte reuniu 132.540 pessoas acompanhadas em 941 serviços do SUS. Desses serviços, 59% localizam-se na região Sudeste e 49% acompanharam 51 a 500 participantes da coorte. O desempenho médio de organização e gerência da assistência ao paciente variou de 29% a 75%. A maioria dos participantes da coorte é do sexo masculino, preto e pardo, com idade entre 20 e 39 anos e tem entre 4 e 11 anos de escolaridade. O T-CD4 mediano basal foi de 419 células/mm3, 6% tiveram episódio de tuberculose e 2% foram a óbito por doença do HIV. CONCLUSÃO A coorte oportuniza pela primeira vez no Brasil a análise conjunta de fatores individuais e dos serviços na produção dos desfechos clínicos positivos e negativos do tratamento do HIV.

Quality of life of people living with HIV and AIDS attending Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: With the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), life expectancy of HIV-infected persons had increased and the disease is now managed as a chronic one, but the quality of life (QOL) of the patients is now a concern. Social support enhances QOL of patients with chronic illnesses. However, no study has been done to determine the QOL of people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) in our environment. This study therefore assessed the QOL of PLWHA attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State of Nigeria Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Two hundred and thirty PLWHA attending the ART clinic of ISTH, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria, were systematically selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was interviewer-administered to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical profiles of selected participants, and the WHOQOL-HIV BREF questionnaire was used to collect data the QOL of each participant. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 20.0. Results: The overall mean QOL score for the participants was 89.13±1.18 (95% CI=87.95-90.31). The scores in three of the six life domains in the WHOQOL-HIV BREF instrument were similar and high; spirituality/ religion/personal beliefs (16.33±0.36), physical health (15.83±0.28) and psychological health (15.07±0.24). Lower mean QOL scores were observed in the social relationships (13.49±0.28) and environment (13.45±0.20) domains. Clinical HIV stage, marital status, educational status and gender were significantly associated with mean QOL scores in bivariate analysis while only HIV stage 1 and 2 were significantly associated with good QOL in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: It is pertinent that PLWHA are kept in early stages of HIV disease through combination of efforts such as prompt enrolment, commencement and monitoring compliance of HAART, and treatment of opportunistic infections, as well as public health measures including education, de-stigmatization, early diagnosis by extensive accessible screening/testing of at-risk population, social supports and economic empowerment, psychotherapy and social integration of affected individuals especially in a functional home.

Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS: a single-centered study

Introduction: as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are distributed and administered globally, hesitancy towards the vaccine hinders the immunisation of a significant number of vulnerable populations, such as people living with HIV/AIDS. Hence, this study aims to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) attending clinicaloutpatient follow-up at State Specialist Hospital Maiduguri (SSHM), Borno State, Nigeria. Methods: a hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to assess COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among 344 PLHIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the United States President´s Emergency Plan for AIDS (PEPFAR) clinic in SSHM from 4 th January to 25th February 2022. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The results were presented using frequencies and percentages. The factors that are associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified using the Chi-square statistical test. Results: among the 344 respondents of the study, only 88 (26.6%) received the COVID-19 vaccine. Out of the 256 respondents that did not receive the vaccine, only 10.5% (27/256) are willing to be vaccinated, while the majority; 57.8% (148/256) are not willing to be vaccinated and 31.7% (81/256) of the respondents are uncertain, thus resulting in a hesitation rate of 89.45%. There was no statistically significant association between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the study´s independent variables; where p-value is greater than 0.05. Conclusion: hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccine is high among PLHIV and there is no any statistically significant association between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and the independent variables of the study where p-value is greater than 0.05. Hence, it is necessary to develop targeted strategies to boost vaccine uptake among this vulnerable population.

Immediate and early engagement of same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation among newly diagnosed people living with HIV in urban Zambia: a retrospective cohort study

Introduction: as Zambia moves towards attaining human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic control, it is clear significant efforts are required to facilitate achievement of UNAIDS treatment targets by 2030. To accelerate progress towards global target of 95% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) knowing their status, country is promoting community-based HIV testing and same-day antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. However, there are uncertainties of how this strategy affects immediate and early engagement in program settings. To address this research gap, we analysed a programme data of PLHIV newly diagnosed and initiated on ART in community and health facility settings. Study objectives were to estimate the proportion of immediate engagement, to estimate early engagement among newly diagnosed PLHIV and, to examine factors independently associated with immediate and early engagement in care among newly diagnosed PLHIV offered same-day ART initiation. Methods: we included all newly diagnosed PLHIV aged 18 years or older and provided same-day ART initiation between October 2018 and January 2019 in Lusaka District. Immediate engagement was estimated as proportion of newly diagnosed PLHIV who visited the health facility at least once within 14 days after same-day ART initiation, whereas early engagement as proportion of newly diagnosed PLHIV active 6 months after same-day ART initiation. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to assess association of outcomes with key background characteristics. Results: of 12,777 newly diagnosed PLHIV who initiated same day ART 7,943 (62%) were tested and initiated in the community. Overall, 6,257 (49%) engaged within 14 days (median 15, IQR: 13-37). Older individuals (36-49 years) were more likely to be engaged at 14 days (aRR 1.29; 95%CI 1.06 - 1.18; p<0.001) and retained at 6 months (aRR1.27;95%CI 1.21-1.34P<0.001) whilst risk of attrition at 6 months was highest in younger ages (18-24 years) (aRR 0.79;95 %CI 0.76-0.82; p<0.001). Conclusion: to adequately address the HIV epidemic targeted engagement approaches are required particularly in the younger ages.

The impact of COVID-19 on HIV treatment of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Background: Adolescents living with HIV are a key population who are susceptible to poor health. The global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and widespread national COVID-19 restrictions has disrupted health service delivery and HIV support services, affecting treatment adherence among adolescents with HIV. Aim: This study aimed to review the available literature on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV treatment of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Method: Seven online databases were searched for articles published between 2020 and 2022 that focused on the impact of COVID-19 on adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. A data charting extraction form and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocol (PRISMA) flowchart were used for screening and reporting the articles in this review. A narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Five overarching themes emerged from the articles in this review, which highlighted the mental, social, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the impact of the reallocation of healthcare services and challenges to accessing HIV care services on the antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence of adolescents living with HIV. Conclusion: The global COVID-19 pandemic affected adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa in many ways, but very little research has been done to describe the various ways in which the physical and mental well-being of adolescents were impacted.

Incorporation of nurse initiated management of antiretroviral treatment course within the undergraduate nursing programme North West province

Background: According to the 90-90-90 strategy, the focus is on 90% of people living with HIV and/or AIDS knowing their HIV status, initiated on antiretroviral treatment and achieving viral suppression. The challenge is that only 74% of people living with HIV and/or AIDS are on antiretroviral treatment, and HIV mortality still occurs. Literature recommends the incorporation of a Nurse Initiated Management of Antiretroviral Treatment (NIMART) course within the undergraduate nursing programme to capacitate new nurses to manage people living with HIV and/or AIDS immediately after completion of their training. However, the NIMART course is still not incorporated, and there is dearth of information on this topic in North West Province (NWP). Aim: To explore and describe nurse educators' perceptions regarding the incorporation of NIMART course within the undergraduate nursing programme in NWP. Setting: The setting of this research study was nursing education institutions of the NWP. Methods: Phenomenography qualitative research design was followed. Twelve nurse educators underwent purposive selection and unstructured individual interviews were conducted. The research co-coder verified the findings. There were ethical considerations and trustworthiness maintained throughout the study. Results: Main themes that emerged in this study depicted benefits and challenges associated with NIMART course incorporation within the undergraduate nursing programme as stated in Table 1. Conclusion: This study concluded that NIMART course incorporation within the undergraduate nursing programme is a good and relevant idea, which requires human and non-human resources.

Prevalence of non-communicable diseases among HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy at a tertiary health facility in Makurdi, north-central, Nigeria

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment program has grown exponentially in Nigeria largely due to improved Antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen which has changed the course of HIV/AIDs by enabling patients to live longer, raising concern of the co-existence of HIV with other chronic illnesses, notably non communicable diseases (NCDs). This study determined the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among HIV positive patients in a tertiary institution in Makurdi, North-central Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the ART clinic among clients ≥ aged 21 years old living with HIV /or enrolled between October 2022, and March 30, 2023. The clients' information was extracted from the register using a Proforma and all the clients who had attended their follow up clinic visit within the study period were included in the study. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Categorical data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among the 491 patients, 404 (82.3%) had HIV only and 87 (17.7%) had HIV and at least one comorbidity, namely DM and/or HTN. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity affecting 15.5% of the patients while 1.0% of them were diabetic. The middle aged (30-49) patients, females (63.2%) had the highest prevalence of comorbidities and some of those with normal weight (35.6%) also had the highest prevalence of NCDs.Conclusion: Non-communicable diseases are common among people living with HIV. There is need to encourage early diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases in HIV positive patients in Nigeria.

Facteurs associés à la non-observance des personnes vivant avec le VIH à la thérapie antirétrovirale / Factors associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV

Le VIH est un fléau le plus meurtrier de l'histoire et les antirétroviraux demeurent une panacée. Cette étude cherche à identifier les facteurs associés à l'inobservance des personnes vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) à la thérapie antirétrovirale (TARV). Méthodes L'étude transversale analytique a été menée au sein de la structure ActionsCommunautaires SIDA/ Avenir Meilleur pour les Orphelins. Elle a ciblé les PVVIH éligibles. L'échantillonnage non probabiliste du type occasionnel a été utilisé par la technique d'interview. Les analyses bivariée et multivariée ont été utilisées ainsi que la régression logistique par le logiciel SPSS version 16.0. Résultats 72 PVVIH ont été interviewées dont l'âge moyen était de 44 ans, avec un sex ratio de 2 femmes pour 1 homme. L'observance thérapeutique était de 55,6 %. Les facteurs associés à l'inobservance sont l'anxiété (51,4%), le stress, la mauvaise relation avec le soignant (44,4%), l'oubli (37,5%), la démotivation sexuelle (20,8%), la conscience personnelle (19,4%) et le manque de confidentialité (13,9%). Conclusion L'inobservance à la thérapie antirétrovirale constitue une problématique dans le contexte de la RDC. Il est important d'insister sur l'éducation thérapeutique dans le succès de la thérapie antirétrovirale

Medication Adherence, Barriers to Adherence and Treatment Satisfaction with Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents Living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria

The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in controlling Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease has been quite effective in ensuring that infected people can enjoy healthy, long, and productive lives. Medication adherence is an essential part of patient care, especially among patients with HIV, as it greatly determines the effectiveness of treatment. Few studies have explored factors influencing medication adherence and treatment satisfaction among adults, with little focus on adolescents. Objectives: To assess medication adherence, treatment satisfaction and factors influencing adherence to ART medication among adolescents living with HIV in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among diagnosed and registered adolescents aged 10-19 years living with HIV and receiving treatment at eight selected antiretroviral centres in Lagos state, Nigeria. A total of 203 adolescents were recruited in stages, and data were collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Results: There was a low level of adherence as only 59/203 (29.1%) of the respondents adhered to ART. Depression, perceived stigma, being away from home, side effects of drugs, pill burden, and forgetfulness were some factors identified as barriers to adherence. The respondents were most satisfied with the effectiveness of the medication and least satisfied with the side effects. Conclusions: Medication adherence among adolescents was relatively low; the level of satisfaction with ART medication is an entity that significantly impacts adherence

Lived experience of people living with HIV in Blantyre, Malawi: an exploratory qualitative study

Background People living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encounter a range of complex challenges that impact their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The combined effects of these challenges significantly impact their daily functioning. Despite the relatively high prevalence of HIV in Malawi, there is limited knowledge on how the challenges experienced by people living with HIV correlate with their societal participation and performance of activities. Objectives This study aimed to explore the lived experience of people living with HIV and how the challenges experienced impact societal participation and activity performance. Method: A qualitative exploratory study design was used. Fourteen participants were purposefully selected for the study, with an equal number of males and females. The data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and manually analyzed using thematic analysis. Results It was found that participants faced discrimination, stigma, depression, anxiety, and worries. The study participants associated their taking of antiretroviral therapy with physical impairments such as dizziness, leg pain, yellow eyes, and fatigue. The physical impairments hampered participants' ability to walk, work, conduct business, perform household chores, and care for children. Conclusion This study identified the difficulties that people living with HIV faced in their communities and how these challenges impact societal participation and performance in activities. There is a need for a holistic approach to managing these challenges and making referrals to specialized professionals.

Sentidos de viver: o HIV, a TARV e seus desdobramentos político-afetivos entre mulheres brasileiras / Senses of living: HIV, ART and their political-affective consequences among brazilian women

A terapia antirretroviral (TARV) tem reduzido gradual e globalmente a mortalidade e a incidência das infecções oportunistas entre pessoas vivendo com HIV. Mais recentemente, a possibilidade de supressão da carga viral tem permitido que muitas pessoas vivam com uma qualidade de vida entendida por cientistas como superior às experimentadas pelas pessoas infectadas pelo vírus no início da epidemia. No entanto, o diagnóstico do HIV e a adesão à TARV implicam diferentes desdobramentos afetivos com toda sorte de reações adversas provocadas, não somente pelos medicamentos, mas, sobretudo, pelo sentido que as pessoas dão ao medicar-se e pelo estigma criado em torno do HIV/Aids. Aspectos político-afetivos podem facilitar ou dificultar a adesão a TARV e tem contornos específicos entre mulheres cisgênero e transgênero que precisam lidar com todos os desafios de sua condição feminina e suas interseccionalidades de gênero, raça e classe social. Apresenta-se aqui uma cartografia realizada com mulheres vivendo com HIV/Aids, a partir das perspectivas de Deleuze e Guattari (1995), mapeando modos de vida, processos e movimentos dos desejos e afetos. Foram realizadas entrevistas individuais com dezenove mulheres vivendo com HIV e seis encontros com dezessete mulheres distribuídas em três grupos, onde foram problematizados aspectos relacionados à tensão entre o macropolítico expresso nas políticas para o enfrentamento do HIV/Aids, suas práticas nas unidades de saúde e as micropolíticas empreendidas por cada uma delas para viverem com mais saúde. Como resultados, observou-se que é fundamental que as práticas em saúde para adesão à TARV incorporem a perspectiva da integralidade do cuidado, sobretudo, em relação aos sofrimentos psíquicos que a condição de viver com HIV cria ou agrava; e que encontros coletivos baseados na cartografia podem se tornar dispositivos de saúde capazes de estimular sinergias, acolhimento recíproco, experimentação, modos de fazer ousados e rizomáticos. Seus desdobramentos político-afetivos permitiram, aqui, travessias do lugar de captura pelo modo obliterado de assistência médico-patos-centrada para o de estabelecimento de Projetos Terapêuticos Singulares, fazendo emergir acontecimentos criativos em saúde.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has gradually and globally reduced mortality and the incidence of opportunistic infections among people living with HIV. More recently, the possibility of viral load suppression has allowed many people to live with a quality of life understood by scientists as superior to that experienced by people infected by the virus at the beginning of the epidemic. However, the diagnosis of HIV and adherence to ART imply different affective consequences with all sorts of adverse reactions provoked, not only by the medications, but, above all, by the meaning that people give to medication and by the stigma created around the HIV/Aids. Political-affective aspects can facilitate or hinder adherence to ART and have specific contours among cisgender and transgender women who need to deal with all the challenges of their female condition and their gender, race and social class intersectionalities. A cartography made with women living with HIV/AIDS is presented here, from the perspectives of Deleuze and Guattari (1995), mapping ways of life, processes and movements of desires and affections. Individual interviews were conducted with nineteen women living with HIV and six meetings were held with seventeen women divided into three groups, where aspects related to the tension between the macropolitics expressed in policies to fight HIV/AIDS, their practices in health units and the micropolicies undertaken by each one of them to live with more health were problematized. As a result, it was observed that it is essential that health practices for adherence to ART incorporate the perspective of integrality care, especially with regard to psychological suffering whose condition of living with HIV may create or worsen; and that group meetings based on cartography can become health devices capable of stimulating synergies, feeling of mutual belonging and respect, experimentation, bold and rhizomatic ways of doing things. Its political-affective developments, showed here, may allow crossings from the place of capture through the obliterated way of physician-centered assistance to the establishment of Singular Therapeutic Projects, giving rise to creative events in health.

Comparación entre terapia basada en dolutegravir o efavirenz en población con Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana / Comparison between dolutegravir or efavirenz-based therapy in population with Human Inmunodeficiency Virus

En el año 2018 la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) actualizó sus recomendaciones para el tratamiento en infecciones por Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH), estableciendo el régimen basado en dolutegravir como primera línea y el régimen basado en efavirenz como línea alternativa, posteriormente en el año 2019 Honduras introdujo dolutegravir para su uso en hombres y mujeres con métodos de planificación familiar. Objetivo: Comparar la efectividad entre dolutegravir y efavirenz para lograr la supresión viral en población con infección por VIH en el Servicio de Atención Integral del Hospital Mario Catarino Rivas (SAI-HMCR) en el período 2017-2020. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, que se realizó en el SAI-HMCR en Honduras. Se estudió la población mayor de 18 años con diagnóstico nuevo de VIH que inició tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) con base en dolutegravir en el período 2019-2020, y se comparó con los que iniciaron TAR con base en efavirenz en el período 2017-2018. Resultados: La mediana (rango intercuartil) de carga viral basal fué de 8,658 copias/ml (1,036-27,710) en el grupo con efavirenz y 44,303 copias/ml (2,040-115,240) en el grupo con dolutegravir; la carga viral a las 24 semanas de terapia fue de 0 copias/ml (0-139) y 40 copias/ml (40-90) respectivamente. Conclusiones: La terapia basada en dolutegravir es superior a la terapia basada en efavirenz para lograr la supresión viral y aumentar el conteo de linfocitos T CD4...(AU)

Respuesta inmune contra SARS-CoV-2 en personas con VIH convalecientes de COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 immunity in PWH

Desde principios de la pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 se ha debatido el curso de la enfermedad COVID-19 en personas con VIH. Por un lado, la inmunodeficiencia derivada de la infección por VIH y la mayor prevalencia de comorbilidades estarían asociadas al desarrollo de enfermedad grave. Por otro lado, la disfunción inmunológica podría evitar una respuesta inflamatoria exacerbada. En este trabajo de revisión analizamos la evidencia disponible en cuanto a la relación entre la manifestación clínica de COVID-19 y la respuesta inmune humoral y celular contra SARS-CoV-2 en el contexto de la coinfección con VIH. La bibliografía sugiere que las personas con VIH que reciben tratamiento antirretroviral logran respuestas eficaces contra SARS-CoV-2, a pesar de presentar algunas de las funciones celulares alteradas. Esto sugiere un impacto significativo de la terapia antirretroviral, no solo en el control del VIH sino en potenciar la inmunidad para restringir otras infecciones.

Since the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the course of COVID-19 in people with HIV has been debated. On the one hand, the immunodeficiency derived from HIV infec-tion and the higher prevalence of comorbidities would be associated with severe disease. On the other hand, due to its immunological dysfunction, an exacerbated inflam-matory response might be avoided.In this review, we analyzed the evidence regarding the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 and the humoral and cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 during HIV coinfection. The literature suggests that people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment achieved effective responses against SARS-CoV-2, despite having altered cell func-tions. This indicates a remarkable impact of antiretroviral therapy, not only in controlling HIV but also in boosting immunity to restrict other infections