Geospatial and temporal mapping of detectable HIV-1 viral loads amid dolutegravir rollout in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

South Africa rolled out dolutegravir (DTG) as first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in December 2019 to overcome high rates of pretreatment non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug resistance. In the context of transition to DTG-based ART, this study spatiotemporally analysed detectable HIV viral loads (VLs) prior to- and following DTG rollout in public-sector healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, the epicentre of the HIV epidemic in South Africa. We retrospectively curated a HIV VL database using de-identified routine VL data obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service for the period January 2018 to June 2022. We analysed trends in HIV viraemia and mapped median log10 HIV VLs per facility on inverse distance weighted interpolation maps. We used Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis to identify geospatial HIV hotspots. We obtained 7,639,978 HIV VL records from 736 healthcare facilities across KZN, of which 1,031,171 (13.5%) had detectable VLs (i.e., VLs ≥400 copies/millilitre (mL)). Of those with detectable VLs, we observed an overall decrease in HIV VLs between 2018 and 2022 (median 4.093 log10 copies/mL; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.087-4.100 to median 3.563 log10 copies/mL; CI 3.553-3.572), p<0.01 (median test). The downward trend in proportion of HIV VLs ≥1000 copies/mL over time was accompanied by an inverse upward trend in the proportion of HIV VLs between 400 and 999 copies/mL. Moreover, specific coastal and northern districts of KZN had persistently higher VLs, with emergent hotspots demonstrating spatial clustering of high median log10 HIV VLs. The overall decrease in HIV VLs over time shows good progress towards achieving UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets in KZN, South Africa. The DTG-transition has been associated with a reduction in VLs, however, there is a need for pre-emptive monitoring of low-level viraemia. Furthermore, our findings highlight that specific districts will need intensified HIV care despite DTG rollout.

Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G in HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: KwaZulu-Natal ranked second highest among South African provinces for the number of laboratory-confirmed cases during the second wave of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among certain vulnerable groups, such as people living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, is unknown. Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) in HIV-positive versus HIV-negative patients. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of residual clinical blood specimens unrelated to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) submitted for diagnostic testing at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, from 10 November 2020 to 09 February 2021. Specimens were tested for SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G on the Abbott Architect analyser. Results: A total of 1977/8829 (22.4%) specimens were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Seroprevalence varied between health districts from 16.4% to 37.3%, and was 19% in HIV-positive and 35.3% in HIV-negative specimens. Seroprevalence was higher among female patients (23.6% vs 19.8%; p < 0.0001) and increased with increasing age, with a statistically significant difference between the farthest age groups (< 10 years and > 79 years; p < 0.0001). The seroprevalence increased from 17% on 10 November 2020 to 43% on 09 February 2021 during the second wave. Conclusion: Our results highlight that during the second COVID-19 wave in KwaZulu-Natal a large proportion of people living with HIV were still immunologically susceptible. The reduced seropositivity in people with virological failure further emphasises the importance of targeted vaccination and vaccine response monitoring in these individuals. What the study adds: This study contributes to data on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence before and during the second wave in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, which has the highest HIV prevalence globally. Reduced seropositivity was found among people living with HIV with virological failure, highlighting the importance of targeted booster vaccination and vaccine response monitoring.

Affordable drug resistance genotyping of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, protease and integrase genes, for resource limited settings.

BACKGROUND: As use of dolutegravir (DTG) becomes more common in resource limited settings (RLS), the demand for integrase resistance testing is increasing. Affordable methods for genotyping all relevant HIV-1 pol genes (i.e., protease (PR), reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN)) are required to guide choice of future antiretroviral therapy (ART). We designed an in-house HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) genotyping method that is affordable and suitable for use in RLS. METHODS: We obtained remnant plasma samples from CAPRISA 103 study and amplified HIV-1 PR, RT and IN genes, using an innovative PCR assay. We validated the assay using remnant plasma samples from an external quality assessment (EQA) programme. We genotyped samples by Sanger sequencing and assessed HIVDR mutations using the Stanford HIV drug resistance database. We compared drug resistance mutations with previous genotypes and calculated method cost-estimates. RESULTS: From 96 samples processed, we obtained sequence data for 78 (81%), of which 75 (96%) had a least one HIVDR mutation, with no major-IN mutations observed. Only one sample had an E157Q INSTI-accessory mutation. When compared to previous genotypes, 18/78 (23%) had at least one discordant mutation, but only 2/78 (3%) resulted in different phenotypic predictions that could affect choice of subsequent regimen. All CAPRISA 103 study sequences were HIV-1C as confirmed by phylogenetic analysis. Of the 7 EQA samples, 4 were HIV-1C, 2 were HIV-1D, and 1 was HIV-1A. Genotypic resistance data generated using the IDR method were 100% concordant with EQA panel results. Overall genotyping cost per sample was estimated at ~ US$43-$US49, with a processing time of ~ 2 working days. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully designed an in-house HIVDR method that is suitable for genotyping HIV-1 PR, RT and IN genes, at an affordable cost and shorter turnaround time. This HIVDR genotyping method accommodates changes in ART regimens and will help to guide HIV-1 treatment decisions in RLS.

HIV-1 drug resistance in adults and adolescents on protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

OBJECTIVES: In low-middle-income countries, increasing levels of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) on second-line protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens are a cause for concern given the limited drug options for third-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted a retrospective analysis of routine HIV-1 genotyping laboratory data from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to describe the frequency and patterns of HIVDR mutations and their consequent impact on standardised third-line regimens. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of all HIV-1 genotypic resistance tests conducted by the National Health Laboratory Service in KwaZulu-Natal (January 2015 to December 2016) for adults and adolescents (age ≥10 years) on second-line PI-based ART with virological failure. We assigned a third-line regimen to each record based on a national treatment algorithm and calculated the genotypic susceptibility score (GSS) for that regimen. RESULTS: Of 348 samples analysed, 287 (82.5%) had at least one drug resistance mutation (DRM) and 114 (32.8%) had at least one major PI DRM. Major PI resistance was associated with longer duration on second-line ART (aOR per 6-months = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.19) and older age (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05). Of 112 patients requiring third-line ART, 12 (10.7%) had a GSS of <2 for the algorithm-assigned third-line regimen. CONCLUSION: One-third of people failing second-line ART had significant PI DRMs. A subgroup of these individuals had extensive HIVDR, where the predicted activity of third-line ART was suboptimal, highlighting the need for continuous evaluation of outcomes on third-line regimens and close monitoring for emergent HIV-1 integrase inhibitor resistance.

HIV-1 Drug Resistance Genotyping in Resource Limited Settings: Current and Future Perspectives in Sequencing Technologies.

Affordable, sensitive, and scalable technologies are needed for monitoring antiretroviral treatment (ART) success with the goal of eradicating HIV-1 infection. This review discusses use of Sanger sequencing and next generation sequencing (NGS) methods for HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) genotyping, focusing on their use in resource limited settings (RLS). Sanger sequencing remains the gold-standard method for detecting HIVDR mutations of clinical relevance but is mainly limited by high sequencing costs and low-throughput. NGS is becoming a more common sequencing method, with the ability to detect low-abundance drug-resistant variants and reduce per sample costs through sample pooling and massive parallel sequencing. However, use of NGS in RLS is mainly limited by infrastructure costs. Given these shortcomings, our review discusses sequencing technologies for HIVDR genotyping, focusing on common in-house and commercial assays, challenges with Sanger sequencing in keeping up with changes in HIV-1 treatment programs, as well as challenges with NGS that limit its implementation in RLS and in clinical diagnostics. We further discuss knowledge gaps and offer recommendations on how to overcome existing barriers for implementing HIVDR genotyping in RLS, to make informed clinical decisions that improve quality of life for people living with HIV.

Hepatic tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus co-infected adults: a case series of South African adults.

BACKGROUND: Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection may cause extrapulmonary disease in HIV-infected adults, HIV-associated hepatic TB has been poorly characterized. Our objective was to describe hepatic TB in HIV-infected adults. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with hepatic TB from 2005-2012 at Infectious Diseases Clinic, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, South Africa. RESULTS: Among twenty cases of histology-confirmed HIV-associated hepatic TB, median CD4 count was 47 cells/µl (inter-quartile range 27-107 cells/µl) and 75% (15/20) of patients had pre-existing pulmonary TB. The most frequent clinical finding was hepatomegaly (85%). Liver enzyme abnormalities included elevated alkaline phosphatase (median 456 u/L, inter-quartile range 322-1,043 u/L) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (median 422 u/L, inter-quartile range 235-736 u/L). Acid-fast bacilli were cultured from liver tissue in 30% (6/20) of patients; 25% (5/20) identified as TB. With standard anti-TB therapy, liver enzymes improved within six months in 92% (11/12) of patients. One year after diagnosis, twelve patients resolved clinically, two patients developed drug-resistant TB and six patients died. CONCLUSION: In our case series of HIV-infected patients, hepatic TB occurred in patients with severe immunosuppression, who presented with hepatomegaly and abnormal liver enzymes. More than half of patients had resolution of liver function by six months however the 12-month mortality remained high.

Rapid Urine LAM Testing Improves Diagnosis of Expectorated Smear-Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis in an HIV-endemic Region.

We sought to determine if urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) would improve diagnosis of pulmonary TB. We enrolled consecutive adults presenting with ≥2 TB-related symptoms, obtained one induced sputum sample for smear microscopy (AFB) and mycobacterial culture, and performed urine LAM testing (Determine(TM) TB LAM, Alere). We used culture-confirmed pulmonary TB as the gold standard, and compared accuracy with area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). Among 90 participants, 82 of 88 tested (93%) were HIV-infected with a median CD4 168/mm(3) (IQR 89-256/mm(3)). Diagnostic sensitivities of urine LAM and sputum AFB were 42.1% (95% CI 29.1-55.9%) and 21.1% (95% CI 11.4-33.9%), and increased to 52.6% (95% CI 39.0-66.0%) when combined. Sensitivity of LAM increased significantly among participants with a lower Karnofsky Performance score, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and higher C-reactive protein. Combining LAM with AFB had an AUROC = 0.68 (95% CI 0.59-0.77), significantly better than AFB alone (AUROC=0.58; 95% CI 0.51-0.64). The combination of LAM and AFB was significantly better than AFB alone among patients with Karnofsky Performance score ≤90, hemoglobin ≤10 g/dL, albumin ≤25 g/L, C-reactive protein ≥25 mg/L, or CD4 <200/mm(3). Urine LAM testing may be most beneficial among patients with functional impairment, elevated inflammatory markers, or greater immunosuppression.

Challenges in the management of disseminated progressive histoplasmosis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in resource-limited settings.

The diagnosis of histoplasmosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in southern Africa is complicated by the nonspecific presentation of the disease in this patient group and the unavailability of sensitive diagnostics including antigen assays. Treatment options are also limited due to the unavailability of liposomal amphotericin and itraconazole, and the inability to perform therapeutic drug monitoring further confounds management. We present 3 clinical cases to illustrate the limits of diagnosis and management in the southern African context, and we highlight the need for additional diagnostic tools and treatment options in resource-limited settings.

A systematic review of hepatic tuberculosis with considerations in human immunodeficiency virus co-infection.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection of the liver, known as hepatic TB, is an extrapulmonary manifestation of TB. Hepatic TB has become more prevalent, likely as a result of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic. We sought to review case series to characterize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatic TB and to comment on the impact of HIV co-infection on these characteristics. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and ScienceDirect for articles pertaining to hepatic TB with human subjects from 1960 to July 2013. RESULTS: We obtained data on 618 hepatic TB patients from 14 case series. The most common reported signs and symptoms were hepatomegaly (median: 80%, range: 10-100%), fever (median: 67%, range: 30-100), respiratory symptoms (median: 66%, range: 32-78%), abdominal pain (median: 59.5%, range: 40-83%), and weight loss (median: 57.5%, range: 20-100%). Common laboratory abnormalities were elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) were sensitive but non-specific. On liver biopsy, smear microscopy for acid-fast bacilli had a median sensitivity of 25% (range: 0-59%), histology of caseating granulomas had a median sensitivity of 68% (range: 14-100%), and polymerase chain reaction for TB had a median sensitivity of 86% (range: 30-100%). Standard anti-tuberculous chemotherapy for 6 to 12 months achieved positive outcomes for nearly all patients with drug-susceptible TB. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians in TB-endemic regions should maintain a high index of suspicion for hepatic TB in patients presenting with hepatomegaly, fever, respiratory symptoms, and elevated liver enzymes. The most sensitive imaging modality is a CT scan, while the most specific diagnostic modality is a liver biopsy with nucleic acid testing of liver tissue samples. Upon diagnosis, 4-drug anti-TB therapy should promptly be initiated. HIV co-infected patients may have more complex cases and should be closely monitored for complications.

Urine lipoarabinomannan to monitor antituberculosis therapy response and predict mortality in an HIV-endemic region: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if urinary lipoarabinomannan (LAM) may serve as a biomarker to monitor antituberculosis (TB) therapy response, and whether LAM results before and after treatment are predictive of patient outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Outpatient referral clinic and tertiary hospital in South Africa. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (≥18 years) with ≥2 TB-related symptoms (cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats) for ≥2 weeks being initiated on anti-TB therapy. INTERVENTIONS: On enrolment, we obtained urine and nebulised sputum specimens, offered HIV testing and started participants on anti-TB therapy for ≥6 months. We collected urine samples after the 2-month intensive treatment phase and at the completion of anti-TB therapy. Positive LAM results were graded from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Participants were followed for >3 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was change in urine LAM results during anti-TB therapy. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Among 90 participants, 57 (63%) had culture-confirmed pulmonary TB. Among the 88 participants tested, 82 (93%) were HIV-infected with median CD4 168/mm(3) (IQR 89-256/mm(3)). During anti-TB therapy, the percentage of LAM-positive participants decreased from baseline to 2 months (32% to 16%), and from baseline to 6-months (32% to 10%) (p values <0.005). In multivariate longitudinal analyses, urine LAM positivity and grade decreased among those with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB (p<0.0001), and had no change in sputum culture-negative participants. At the 2-month visit, participants with positive laboratory-based LAM or rapid LAM with ≥2+ grade had a significantly greater risk of mortality. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, baseline Karnofsky score and HIV status, participants with a rapid LAM ≥2+ grade after 2 months of anti-TB therapy had a 5.6-fold (95% CI 1.2 to 25.2) greater risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid urine LAM testing may be a valuable tool to monitor anti-TB therapy response and to assess prognosis of patients being treated for pulmonary TB in HIV-endemic regions.

Recurrent giant molluscum contagiosum immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in an HIV-infected man.

We describe an HIV-infected South African man who experienced two distinct episodes of disseminated giant molluscum contagiosum immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) over a six-year period. The first episode of molluscum contagiosum IRIS occurred with rapid virologic suppression following antiretroviral therapy initiation. The second episode occurred during a rapid increase in CD4 cells following stable viral suppression with second-line antiretroviral therapy. His molluscum contagiosum lesions then completely resolved during a reduction in CD4 count, despite maintaining virologic suppression. Nearly one year after the resolution of his giant molluscum contagiosum IRIS lesions, he maintains an undetectable viral load, but his level of immune deficiency has not improved. In the absence of well-controlled therapeutic trials, molluscum contagiosum IRIS presents important management challenges.