HIV-1 molecular transmission network among sexually transmitted populations in Liaoning Province, China.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, with the development of molecular epidemiology, molecular transmission networks based on evolutionary theory and sequence analysis have been widely used in research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 transmission dynamics and precise intervention for high-risk populations. The HIV-1 molecular transmission network is a new method to study the population's access to the network, the characteristics of clustering, and the characteristics of interconnection in the network. Here, we analyzed the characteristics of the HIV-1 molecular transmission network of sexually transmitted people in Liaoning Province. METHODS: A study of HIV-infected persons who were sexually transmitted in Liaoning Province from 2003 to 2019. HIV-1 RNA was extracted, amplified and sequenced, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine the subtype using the well matched pol gene region sequence. The gene distance between sequences was calculated, the threshold was determined, and the molecular transmission network was constructed. RESULTS: 109 samples of pol gene region were obtained. The main subtype of HIV-1 was CRF01_AE, followed by B, CRF07_BC, etc. 12.8% of them were resistant to HIV. At the threshold of 0.55 gene distance, 60.6% of them entered the HIV-1 molecular transmission network. Workers, sample source voluntary counseling and testing, other testing, subtype B and drug resistance are the factors influencing the access to HIV-1 molecular transmission network. The subtype of CRF01_AE formed 6 clusters in the molecular transmission network. In the network, the difference of connection degree between different subtypes was statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The three subtypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC and B that enter the molecular transmission network do not have interconnections, and they form clusters with each other. It shows that the risk of transmission among the three subtypes is less than the risk of transmission within each subtype. The factors affecting HIV-1 entry into the molecular transmission network were occupation, sample source, genotype and drug resistance. The L33F mutation at the HIV-1 resistance mutation site constitutes the interconnection in the largest transmission cluster in the network. The epidemiological characteristics of HIV-infected persons in each molecular transmission cluster show that 97% of the study subjects come from the same area and have a certain spatial aggregation. CONCLUSION: Constructing a molecular transmission network and conducting long-term monitoring, while taking targeted measures to block the spread of HIV can achieve precise prevention and control.

Achieving the Goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Declining HIV Diagnoses, Improving Clinical Outcomes, and Diminishing Racial/Ethnic Disparities in King County, WA (2004-2013).

BACKGROUND: The US National HIV/AIDS Strategy defines national objectives related to HIV prevention and care. The extent to which US cities are meeting those objectives is uncertain. METHODS: We analyzed King County, WA, HIV surveillance data collected between 2004 and 2013. The study population included 9539 persons diagnosed as having and living with HIV infection and 3779 persons with newly diagnosed HIV infection. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2013, the rate of new HIV diagnosis decreased from 18.4 to 13.2 per 100,000 residents (decline of 28%); AIDS diagnosis rates declined 42% from 12 to 7 per 100,000; and age-adjusted death rates decreased from 27 to 15 per 1000 persons living with HIV/AIDS (decline of 42%; P<0.0001 for all 3 trends). The rate of new HIV diagnosis declined 26% among men who have sex with men (MSM; P=0.0002), with the largest decline occurring in black MSM (44%). Among 8679 individuals with laboratory results reported to National HIV Surveillance System from 2006 through 2013, viral suppression (viral load<200 copies/mL) increased from 45% to 86% (P<0.0001), with all racial/ethnic groups achieving greater than 80% viral suppression in 2013. INTERPRETATION: The rates of new HIV diagnosis, AIDS diagnoses, and mortality in persons living with HIV in King County, WA, have significantly declined over the last decade. These changes have occurred concurrent with a dramatic increase in HIV viral suppression and have affected diverse populations, including MSM and African American MSM. These findings demonstrate substantial local success in achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Methods of a national survey of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people regarding sexually transmissible infections and bloodborne viruses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methods and basic demographics of participants in a national survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people specific to sexually transmissible infections and bloodborne viruses. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey of Aboriginal people aged 16-29 years in all Australian jurisdictions between 2011 and 2013 conducted at Aboriginal community events. Questions comprised demographic information, knowledge, risk behaviours and health service utilisation. Questionnaires were completed on personal digital assistants (PDAs). RESULTS: A total of 2,877 people at 21 unique community events completed the questionnaire. A total of 59% of participants were female, median age was 21 years and more than 60% were single at the time of the survey. Just over half the participants were resident in an urban area (53%) and 38% were from a regional area. Aboriginal health organisations played an important role in implementing the research. PDAs were found to be an acceptable method for collecting health information. CONCLUSION: This survey has recruited a large representative sample of Aboriginal people aged 16-29 years using a methodology that is feasible, acceptable and repeatable. IMPLICATIONS: The methodology provides a model for ongoing monitoring of this population as programs and policies are implemented to address young Aboriginal people's STI and BBV risks.

Prevalence of circumcision among men and boys aged 14 to 59 years in the United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2010.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, an estimated 3590 new heterosexually acquired HIV infections occurred in males in the United States. Three randomized controlled trials demonstrated that male circumcision decreased a man's risk for HIV acquisition through heterosexual sex. We describe circumcision prevalence in US males and determine circumcision prevalence among males potentially at increased risk for heterosexually acquired HIV infection. METHODS: We estimated circumcision prevalence among men and boys aged 14 to 59 years using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005-2010. We defined men and boys with 2 or more female partners in the last year as potentially at increased risk for heterosexually acquired HIV infection. RESULTS: Estimated circumcision prevalence was 80.5%. Prevalence varied significantly by year of birth, race/ethnicity, health insurance type, and family income. Circumcision prevalence among men and boys reporting 2 or more female partners in the last year was 80.4%, which corresponded to an estimated 3.5 million uncircumcised men and boys potentially at increased risk for heterosexually acquired HIV infection. Of these men and boys, 48.3% lacked health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Circumcision prevalence in the United States differs by demographic group, and half of uncircumcised men and boys potentially at increased risk for heterosexually acquired HIV are uninsured. These data could inform recommendations and cost analyses concerning circumcision in the United States.

Factors influencing HIV infection in men who have sex with men in China.

To identify risk factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to provide a theoretical basis for prevention interventions. Between December 2011 and August 2012, a case-control study was conducted among MSM who underwent voluntary counselling and testing for HIV. Confirmed HIV-positive MSM were included in the case group, and HIV-negative MSM were included in the control group. Information on possible risk factors was collected by a survey questionnaire and a qualitative interview. The results of a conditional logistic regression showed that the following were influencing factors for HIV infection: average monthly income between 2001 and 3000 Yuan (odds ratio (OR)=6.341, 95% CI: 1.714-12.544), only sometimes using condoms when having anal sex with men in the last 6 months (OR=7.601, 95% CI: 1.359-23.083), having HIV-positive sex partners (OR=5.273, 95% CI: 1.572-17.691), rectal trauma with bleeding in the last 6 months (OR=2.947, 95% CI: 1.308-6.638), not using condoms at last sexual encounter (OR=1.278, 95% CI: 1.012-5.595), engaging in commercial sex (OR=5.925, 95% CI: 1.923-13.890) and having more than 16 sex partners in the last 6 months (OR=1.175, 95% CI: 1.021-1.353). These seven factors were the risk factors of HIV infection (OR>1). However, having anal sex less than 10 times in the previous 1 month (OR=0.002, 95% CI: 0.000-0.287) was a protective factor against HIV infection among MSM (OR<1), and insertive (OR=0.116, 95% CI: 0.000-0.236) (OR<1) anal intercourse influenced HIV infection. Interventions should be targeted at MSM whose average monthly income is between 2001 and 3000 Yuan, and who engage in commercial sex. In addition, the importance of using condoms at every sexual encounter should be emphasised in health education, as should the treatment of rectal trauma with bleeding. Finally, MSM should decrease the number of sex partners and frequency of anal sex to decrease the rate of HIV infection.

When phylogenetic analysis complements the epidemiological investigation: a case of HIV-2 infection, Italy.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) infection is geographically restricted, affecting West African countries such as Guinea- Bissau and Cape Verde. We describe a recent case of HIV-2 infection in an Italian patient. Phylogenetic analysis of the V3 region of HIV-2 indicated that the Italian patient was infected by HIV-2 subtype A2. The sequence obtained from the Italian patient clustered significantly with a sequence isolated from Senegal. A phylogenetic doubt may arise from a Guinea Bissau sequence because it was in a major clade with the Italian and Senegal sequences, but was not statistically significant. The discovery of another Italian case over a short time frame stresses the importance of strengthening the surveillance system for HIV-2 because of the increase in migration from endemic areas to Italy.

Social representations of human papillomavirus in Bogotá, Colombia.

Identifying DNA of Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been proposed as a new screening method for cervical cancer control. Conventionally, health education for screening programs is based on scientific information without considering any community cognitive processes. We examine HPV social representations of 124 men and women from diverse educational status living in Bogotá, Colombia. The social representation of HPV involves a series of figurative nuclei derived from meanings linked to scientific information. While women focused on symbols associated to contagion, men focused on its venereal character. Figurative nuclei also included long-term uncertainty, need or urgent treatment, and feelings of imminent death associated with cancer and chronic sexually transmitted infections. The social representation of HPV impeded many participants from clearly understanding written information about HPV transmission, clearance, and cancer risk; they are built into a framework of values, which must be deconstructed to allow women full participation in HPV screening programs.

Concurrency, sex partner risk, and high-risk human papillomavirus infection among African American, Asian, and Hispanic women.

BACKGROUND: Although the role of concurrent sexual partnerships (i.e., having sexual activity with another partner after a current partnership has been established) has been most strongly associated with the transmission of bacterial sexually transmitted infections, its role in the transmission of viral sexually transmitted infections, specifically human papillomavirus (HPV) is less clear. METHODS: Analysis of risk behavior data collected from 812 women screened for HPV as part of a sentinel surveillance project conducted in a family planning clinic, a primary care clinic, and 2 sexually transmitted disease clinics in Los Angeles, CA. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 34.2 years (range: 18-65), with 31.8% identifying as African American 32.8% as Asian, and 28.4% as Hispanic. The overall prevalence of high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) was 21.7% and was higher among women who reported a concurrent partnership (25.7%) as compared to those who reported no concurrency (17.1%; P = 0.004). In multivariate analysis, concurrency was associated with HR-HPV and this relationship varied by race/ethnicity. Among Hispanic women those reporting a concurrent partnership were nearly twice as likely to have HR-HPV as compared to those who did not report concurrency (adjusted odds ration [AOR] = 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.58). However, among African American women those who reported a concurrent partnership were less likely to be diagnosed with HR-HPV (AOR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that concurrency is associated with HR-HPV and that there may be differences by race/ethnicity in the individual or partnership characteristics of those who report concurrency.

Prevalence and risk factors of high-risk human papillomavirus in female sex workers in Spain: differences by geographical origin.

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of socioeconomic variables, lifestyles, and sexual behaviors on the prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection in female sex worker (FSW) according to their geographic origin in Alicante, Spain. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 549 FSW attending an AIDS information and prevention center from May 2003 to December 2004. Face-to-face interviews were carried out. HR-HPV was determined through Digene HR-HPV Test. Hybrid Capture II-positive samples (Digene Corp., Gaithersburg, MD) for PCR were directly sequenced. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: HR-HPV prevalence was 28% in Spaniards, 32% in Latin Americans, 32% in Eastern Europeans, 16% in sub-Saharan Africans, and 65% in North Africans (p=0.04). Lower HR-HPV prevalence was associated with higher age, higher education, and higher body mass index (BMI) (p values for trend<0.05). In multivariate analyses, the effects of geographical origin, age, and education were maintained, together with time in sex work; women engaged for >1 year had a lower HR-HPV prevalence (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36-0.91) compared with those engaged <1 year. HR-HPV-16 was the most common type (n=23, 24%), followed by HR-HPV-18 and HR-HPV-31, (n=11, 11%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HR-HPV prevalence is very high in FSW and varies by geographic origin. Women of younger age and lower education level and those engaged in sex work for <1 year showed the highest prevalence, making them a priority group for cervical cancer prevention programs.

Men who have sex with men: racial/ethnic disparities in estimated HIV/AIDS prevalence at the state and county level, Florida.

Population-based HIV/AIDS prevalence estimates among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been unavailable, but have implications for effective prevention efforts. Prevalent (living) Florida HIV/AIDS cases reported through 2006 (numerators) were stratified by race/ethnicity and HIV exposure category. Based on previous research, MSM populations were posited as 4-10% of all males aged > or =13 years in each subgroup (denominators). At the estimated lower and upper plausible bounds, respectively, HIV/AIDS prevalence per 100,000 MSM was significantly higher among black (8,292.6-20,731.4); Hispanic (5,599.5-13,998.7); and Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian or multi-racial (4,942.6-12,356.8) MSM than among white MSM (3,444.9-8,612.3). HIV/AIDS prevalence among all MSM was 13.8-36.9 times that among all other males. Across 19 high-morbidity counties, MSM HIV/AIDS prevalence was highest among those in the most populous counties and highest among blacks. This methodology, adaptable by other states, facilitates calculation of plausible MSM HIV/AIDS prevalence to guide HIV prevention/care community planners and MSM.

Measuring disparities in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a health disparity as a "[health] difference that occurs by gender, race or ethnicity, education or income, disability, geographic location, or sexual orientation." Health equity is achieved by eliminating health disparities or inequalities. Measuring health disparities is a critical first step toward reducing differences in health outcomes. To determine the methods to be used in measuring a health disparity, several decisions must be made, which include: (1) selecting a reference group for the comparison of 2 or more groups; (2) determining whether a disparity should be measured in absolute or in relative terms; (3) opting to measure health outcomes or health indicators expressed as adverse or favorable events; (4) selecting a method to monitor a disparity over time; and (5) choosing to measure a disparity as a pair-wise comparison between 2 groups or in terms of a summary measure of disparity among all groups for a particular characteristic. Different choices may lead to different conclusions about the size and direction of health disparities at a point in time and changes in disparities over time.The objective of this article is to review the methods for measuring health disparities, provide examples of their use, and make specific recommendations for measuring disparities in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Viral sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis: 2001-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common condition believed to be associated with sexually transmitted infection (STI) susceptibility. Most studies of BV and STIs have come from treatment-seeking or high-risk populations. This study examines the association between 5 viral STIs, human papilloma virus (HPV), HIV, herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), and Hepatitis C (HCV), and BV among women in the general US population. METHODS: Data from the 2001 and 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were combined. Crude and adjusted relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from logistic regression analyses for rare outcomes (<10%) and from Poisson regression with robust error variance for common outcomes. Complex survey design was taken into consideration using the survey functions in Stata. RESULTS: Crude analyses found an association between BV and the prevalence of all 5 STIs. After adjustment for important confounders, only HSV-1 and HSV-2 were significantly associated with the presence of BV. Moreover, crude analyses stratified by race/ethnicity suggested that associations between BV and viral STIs may not be consistent across race/ethnicity subgroups. CONCLUSION: This population-based study found that BV was significantly associated with the prevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 and potentially associated with HIV and HPV. Given the frequency of BV in US women, small increases in STI susceptibility may have important impacts on STI transmission.

HPV and cervical cancer testing and prevention: knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes among Hispanic women.

Cervical cancer is a preventable disease resulting from infection with high-risk types of sexually transmitted human papillomaviruses (HPVs). Public knowledge of HPVs and their link to cervical cancer is limited. Participation in cervical cancer prevention programs, including Pap and HPV screening and HPV vaccine acceptance, is crucial for limiting the incidence of cervical cancer. Hispanic women suffer the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in the United States. In this study, we conducted community-based focus groups with Hispanic women to explore knowledge and attitudes relating to cervical cancer, HPV, HPV testing, and HPV vaccination. Study findings suggest a need to increase public health literacy in relation to HPV, the link between HPV and cervical cancer, and HPV primary and secondary prevention options. Health care providers should be prepared to share information with patients that supports and promotes informed decision making about HPV testing and vaccines and their complementary roles in cervical cancer screening and prevention.

HPV knowledge and behaviors of black college students at a historically black university.

UNLABELLED: College students are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, yet their knowledge and self-protective behaviors appear inadequate. Researchers who have measured HPV-related knowledge and behaviors in evaluating college intervention efforts pay secondary attention to black college students because this group generally represents only a small subset of samples of the broader college population. OBJECTIVE AND PARTICIPANTS: The authors' purpose in this study was to examine HPV-related knowledge and behaviors in 351 black undergraduates attending a historically black southeastern university in the spring of 2003. METHODS: Voluntary and anonymous student participation was solicited in randomly selected undergraduate classes. RESULTS: Results indicated that most students lacked HPV awareness (64%), became aware of HPV largely after infection, and gained their HPV knowledge from a health-care provider or college class. The authors performed an analysis by gender and found that women were more knowledgeable about HPV than were men. Observed HPV-related knowledge and behaviors were similar to samples of the broader US college population. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a greater need for HPV intervention efforts for all college students, including those at black colleges.

Racial/ethnic and age disparities in HIV prevalence and disease progression among men who have sex with men in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: We examined HIV diagnosis rates and disease progression among men who have sex with men (MSM) according to race/ethnicity and age. METHODS: Using data obtained from the national HIV/AIDS surveillance system, we examined trends in HIV diagnosis rates for 2001 through 2004 using Poisson regression. We used a standardized Kaplan-Meier method to determine differences in time of progression from HIV to AIDS and AIDS survival. RESULTS: HIV diagnosis rates were higher for Black and Hispanic than for White MSM, but trends within age groups from 2001 to 2004 did not differ by race/ethnicity. Diagnosis rates increased among MSM aged 13 to 19 years (14% per year), 20 to 24 years (13%), 25 to 29 years, and 40 to 54 years (3%-6%; P< or = .01 for each). The percentage of MSM who did not have AIDS 3 years after HIV diagnosis was lower among Black (66.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]=66.1, 67.4) and Hispanic (68.1%; 95% CI=67.5, 68.8) than among White MSM (74.7%; 95% CI=74.2, 75.1). Three-year survival after AIDS diagnosis was lower for Black than for White or Hispanic MSM. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevention efforts should target young and middle-aged MSM and must offer early diagnosis and treatment for all MSM.

Latino men's sexual behavior with transgender persons.

Male-to-female transgender persons are thought to be "vectors" for HIV/STI transmission, yet little quantitative information exists about the risk behavior of their male sexual partners who may serve as a "bridge" for HIV transmission into the general population. As part of an online survey examining the sexual risk behavior of Latino men who have sex with men (N = 1,026), we identified 44 (4%) participants who reported having had sex with a transgender partner. Compared with a randomly selected sub-sample of 200 men who did not report sex with a transgender person, sexual partners of transgender persons were almost three times more likely to have had unprotected sexual intercourse in the last three months. In addition, men who had sex with transgender persons were more likely to be HIV-positive; married, separated, or divorced; identify as bisexual or straight; have sex with women; and live in rural or small town communities. Regression analysis revealed that community size, sexual compulsivity, and having had a transgender partner were independent predictors of unprotected sex. Among Latino men who have sex with men, men with a history of sex with a transgender person appear more likely to be sexually compulsive and at greater risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. These men may, therefore, also serve as a "bridge" for HIV transmission to (as opposed to from) the transgender population.

Potential risk factors for injecting among Mexican American non-injecting heroin users.

This study examines potential risk factors for resuming and transitioning to injecting among a prospective cohort of 300 Mexican American non-injecting heroin users (NIUs) with distinct injecting histories (i.e., never vs. former injectors). Overall, findings revealed NIUs with an injecting history are more likely to be at greater risk for resuming injecting practices. Of interest, scoring high on acculturation decreased the risk of being a former injector. The present analysis supports previous research, and more importantly further identifies potential risk factors for injecting that are unique to the cultural and social context of the Mexican American community.