Massive Iatrogenic Outbreak of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 in Rural Cambodia, 2014-2015.

Background: In 2014-2015, 242 individuals aged 2-89 years were newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in Roka, a rural commune in Cambodia. A case-control study attributed the outbreak to unsafe injections. We aimed to reconstruct the likely transmission history of the outbreak. Methods: We assessed in 209 (86.4%) HIV-infected cases the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). We identified recent infections using antibody (Ab) avidity testing for HIV and HCV. We performed amplification, sequencing, and evolutionary phylogenetic analyses of viral strains. Geographical coordinates and parenteral exposure through medical services provided by an unlicensed healthcare practitioner were obtained from 193 cases and 1499 controls during interviews. Results: Cases were coinfected with HCV (78.5%) and HBV (12.9%). We identified 79 (37.8%) recent (<130 days) HIV infections. Phylogeny of 202 HIV env C2V3 sequences showed a 198-sample CRF01_AE strains cluster, with time to most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) in September 2013 (95% highest posterior density, August 2012-July 2014), and a peak of 15 infections/day in September 2014. Three geospatial HIV hotspots were discernible in Roka and correlated with high exposure to the practitioner (P = .04). Fifty-nine of 153 (38.6%) tested cases showed recent (<180 days) HCV infections. Ninety HCV NS5B sequences formed 3 main clades, 1 containing 34 subtypes 1b with tMRCA in 2012, and 2 with 51 subtypes 6e and tMRCAs in 2002-2003. Conclusions: Unsafe injections in Cambodia most likely led to an explosive iatrogenic spreading of HIV, associated with a long-standing and more genetically diverse HCV propagation.

Assessment of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission HIV Services in the Bantey Meanchey Province in Cambodia.

BACKGROUND: Elimination of pediatric HIV requires a robust program for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT). The goal of this study was to assess the implementation of these services in Cambodia. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in Bantey Meanchey at 2 sites. Staff reviewed daily clinic and laboratory registration logs to gather data on PMTCT service access among antenatal women. RESULTS: A total of 12 140 pregnant women received antenatal care. Only 4034 (33.2%) received pre-HIV test counseling. Of which 3407 (84.5%) received an HIV test. Eighteen (94.7%) of 19 women testing HIV-seropositive received triple-combination antiretroviral (ARV) medication. Fifteen HIV-exposed infants were delivered during the study. One infant tested HIV positive and is on ARV medication. CONCLUSION: Acceptance for HIV testing was high among women who received pretest counseling. An increase in the number of counselors may improve the rates of HIV testing. Follow-up mechanisms targeting mother-baby pairs should focus on increasing timely service uptake in the public sector.

Social meanings of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Cambodia.

Global expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes for people living with HIV is the largest public health undertaking to date. Antiretroviral therapy adherence drives individual and programme outcomes, yet little is known regarding the determinants of these behaviours. We investigated beliefs and practices associated with ART use in Cambodia. In-depth interviews were conducted during 2005 with 27 people living with HIV who were recruited using a theoretical sampling strategy and analysed in Khmer and English using an inductive approach to code data and identify themes. Limited access to ART generated a sense of ART as rare and precious, with access granted by doctors once patients proved themselves dependable. The social construction of ART use was strict, precise and modern with ritualistic preparation and dosing procedures. Experiences of life-saving efficacy in self and others built a deep sense of trust. For many, ART was simply equated to life. Antiretroviral therapy dosing was prioritized and supported by an ever-present sense of remembering, reminder devices and social networks. Healthcare workers set norms and provided various forms of adherence support. Antiretroviral therapy use in Cambodia is shaped by the relationship between individuals and social and healthcare networks that set, encourage and enforce precise norms of ART use.

Linked response for prevention, care, and treatment of HIV/AIDS, STIs, and reproductive health issues: results after 18 months of implementation in five operational districts in Cambodia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the implementation and results of the linked response (LR) in Cambodia after 18 months of follow-up. METHODS: The main objectives of the LR are to increase access to sexually transmitted infection/HIV prevention, testing, care, and treatment and to strengthen existing reproductive health services through increased linkages within and between public health facilities and community-based services. The LR was piloted in Cambodia in 2008, in 2 demonstration projects, covering 5 operational districts. Routine data were collected and analyzed before (2007), during (2008), and after (2009) the implementation of the LR. RESULTS: Overall in the 5 operational districts, the proportion of pregnant women, tested for HIV increased from 6% (1261 of 21,376) in 2007 to 86% (18394 of 21,478) in 2009. Syphilis testing, introduced early 2009, reached similar (85%) coverage as HIV by the end of 2009. Between 2007 and 2009, reproductive indicators also increased: antenatal care coverage (at least 1 visit) from 80% to 100%, public health facility delivery rates from 26% to 46%, and contraceptive prevalence from 24% to 28%. Antiretroviral uptake was high among HIV-positive mothers and exposed infants, 84% and 95% respectively, and 3 of 36 (8%) infants tested so far for HIV were diagnosed positive. However, 6 maternal (HIV-positive women) and 7 child deaths (1 tested positive) occurred during the pregnancy or the 30-week postpartum follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Sexually transmitted infection/HIV indicators and follow-up dramatically improved after the LR was implemented. Efforts should be pursued to further improve quality of health care services.