Trends in the San Francisco Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic in the "Getting to Zero" Era

Sexual behaviour and STIs among MSM living with HIV in the PrEP era: the French ANRS PRIMO cohort study

INTRODUCTION

In a context of declining condom use and high sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence, the diffusion of "treatment as prevention" (Tasp) and more recently pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may have changed the sexual behaviour of newly diagnosed men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV.

METHODS

Six hundred and nine MSM were enrolled and followed annually between 2014 and 2021 in the ANRS PRIMO Cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03148964) from the time of HIV seroconversion. We studied changes over calendar time in sexual behaviour before and after HIV diagnosis. Factors associated with inconsistent condom use (ICU) after HIV diagnosis, PrEP use by partner(s) and bacterial STI acquisition were studied in random-effects models.

RESULTS

In the 6 months preceding HIV diagnosis, the number of sexual partners decreased from a median of 10 (IQR: 4-19) in 2014 to 6 (3-11) in 2021. After HIV diagnosis, ICU increased from 57.1% (16/28) of visits in 2014 up to 84.2% (229/272) in 2020-2021. Up to 25% (63/229) of MSM with HIV in recent years reported the use of PrEP by their partner(s) as the reason for ICU; these MSM were less frequently in a stable relationship, had a higher number of sexual partners and higher education level than those who did not report the use of PrEP by their partner(s). STI incidence after HIV diagnosis increased between 2014 and 2016 and remained high afterwards. STI risk was no longer associated with PrEP use by partners after adjustment for the number of partners and calendar period. ICU, age below 35 years, not being in a stable relationship, higher number of sexual partners were independently associated with an increased risk of STI.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of TasP and more recently PrEP has led to major changes in the sexual behaviour of MSM with HIV. ICU has become overwhelmingly prevalent, PrEP use by the partner increasingly being the reported reason for ICU, behind TasP, which remains the main reason. Characteristics of MSM at the time of diagnosis of HIV have changed, with fewer number of sexual partners today than in 2014, which must lead to broaden the indications for PrEP prescription. STIs incidence remains high in MSM with HIV and requires improvements in screening and prevention methods such as pre- or post-exposition antibiotics or vaccines.

Interruptions in treatment among adults on anti-retroviral therapy before and after test-and-treat policy in Tanzania

INTRODUCTION

The World Health Organization recommended the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV (PLHIV) regardless of CD4 cell counts. Tanzania adopted this recommendation known as test-and-treat policy in 2016. However, programmatic implementation of this policy has not been assessed since its initiation. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of this policy in Tanzania.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 15 years and older using routinely collected program data. The dependent variable was interruption in treatment (IIT), defined as no clinical contact for at least 90 days after the last clinical appointment. The main independent variable was test-and-treat policy status which categorized PLHIV into the before and after groups. Co-variates were age, sex, facility type, clinical stage, CD4 count, ART duration, and body mass index. The associations were assessed using the generalized estimating equation with inverse probability weighting.

RESULTS

The study involved 33,979 PLHIV-14,442 (42.5%) and 19,537 (57.5%) were in the before and after the policy groups, respectively. Among those who experienced IIT, 4,219 (29%) and 7,322 (38%) were in the before and after the policy groups respectively. Multivariable analysis showed PLHIV after the policy was instated had twice [AOR 2.03; 95%CI 1.74-2.38] the odds of experiencing IIT than those before the policy was adopted. Additionally, higher odds of experiencing IIT were observed among younger adults, males, and those with advanced HIV disease.

CONCLUSION

Demographic and clinical status variables were associated with IIT, as well as the test-and-treat policy. To achieve epidemic control, programmatic adjustments on continuity of treatment may are needed to complement the programmatic implementation of the policy.

Same-day initiation of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis among gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru (ImPrEP): a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre implementation study

BACKGROUND

Although gay, bisexual, and other cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women have the highest HIV burden in Latin America, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) implementation is poor. We aimed to assess the feasibility of same-day oral PrEP delivery in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru.

METHODS

Implementation PrEP (ImPrEP) was a prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre PrEP implementation study conducted in Brazil (14 sites), Mexico (four sites), and Peru (ten sites). MSM and transgender women were eligible to participate if they were aged 18 years or older, HIV-negative, and reported one or more prespecified criteria. Enrolled participants received same-day initiation of daily oral PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate [300 mg] coformulated with emtricitabine [200 mg]). Follow-up visits were scheduled at week 4 and quarterly thereafter. We used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with early loss to follow-up (not returning after enrolment), PrEP adherence (medication possession ratio ≥0·6), and long-term PrEP engagement (attending three or more visits within 52 weeks). This study is registered at the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, U1111-1217-6021.

FINDINGS

From Feb 6, 2018, to June 30, 2021, 9979 participants were screened and 9509 were enrolled (Brazil n=3928, Mexico n=3288, and Peru n=2293). 543 (5·7%) participants were transgender women, 8966 (94·3%) were cisgender men, and 2481 (26·1%) were aged 18-24 years. There were 12 185·25 person-years of follow-up. 795 (8·4%) of 9509 participants had early loss to follow-up, 6477 (68·1%) of 9509 were adherent to PrEP, and 5783 (70·3%) of 8225 had long-term PrEP engagement. Transgender women (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% CI 1·20-2·14), participants aged 18-24 years (1·80, 1·49-2·18), and participants with primary education (2·18, 1·29-3·68) had increased odds of early loss to follow-up. Transgender women (0·56, 0·46-0·70), participants aged 18-24 years (0·52, 0·46-0·58), and those with primary education (0·60, 0·40-0·91) had lower odds of PrEP adherence. Transgender women (0·56, 0·45-0·71), participants aged 18-24 years (0·56, 0·49-0·64), and those with secondary education (0·74, 0·68-0·86) had lower odds of long-term PrEP engagement. HIV incidence was 0·85 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0·70-1·03) and was higher for transgender women, participants from Peru, those aged 18-24 years, Black and mixed-race participants, and participants who were non-adherent to PrEP.

INTERPRETATION

Same-day oral PrEP is feasible for MSM and transgender women in Latin America. Social and structural determinants of HIV vulnerability need to be addressed to fully achieve the benefits of PrEP.

FUNDING

Unitaid, WHO, and Ministries of Health in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru.

TRANSLATIONS

For the Portuguese and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Comparison of Immunological and Virological Recovery with Rapid, Early, and Late Start of Antiretroviral Treatment in Naive Plwh: Real-World Data

Background

Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the transmission of HIV infection in the community. This study aimed to determine whether rapid ART initiation is effective compared to standard ART treatment in our country.

Methods

Patients were grouped based on time to treatment initiation. HIV RNA levels, CD+4 T cell count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and ART regimens were recorded at baseline and follow-up visits for 12 months.

Results

There were 368-ART naive adults (treatment initiated at the time of HIV diagnosis; 143 on the first day, 48 on the second-seventh day, and 177 after the seventh day). Although virological suppression rates at 12^th months were higher in all groups, over 90% on average, there were no statistically significant differences in HIV-1 RNA suppression rates, CD+4 T cell count, and CD4/CD8 ratio normalization in the studied months but in multivariate logistic regression analysis; showed a significant correlation between both virological and immunological response and those with CD4+ T <350 cells/mL at 12th month in total patients.

Conclusion

Our findings support the broader application of recommendations for rapid ART initiation in HIV patients.

Correlates of high phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels and their concordance with self-reported heavy alcohol consumption among men who have sex with men who binge drink alcohol

BACKGROUND

Heavy alcohol use, including binge drinking, is associated with high morbidity and mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM). Self-reported alcohol measures may lead to inaccurate estimates due to recall and social desirability biases. Objective alcohol biomarkers like phosphatidylethanol (PEth) can be used to corroborate self-report and could help to inform treatment approaches and research strategies for alcohol using MSM.

METHODS

From 2015 to 2020, alcohol using MSM ≥18 years were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of naltrexone in reducing binge drinking. Using this trial's baseline data, we applied multivariable logistic regression to identify the correlates of high PEth levels (i.e., ≥87 ng/ml) and concordance between PEth levels and self-reported heavy drinking.

RESULTS

Of 118 MSM, 64% had PEth levels ≥87 ng/ml and 72% had PEth levels that were concordant with self-reported heavy alcohol use. Factors significantly associated in separate models with elevated PEth levels were income ≥$60,000 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.09; 95% CI = 1.13 to 14.82), being employed (aOR = 4.04; 95% CI = 1.45 to 11.32), episodic cannabis use (aOR = 4.63; 95% CI = 1.27 to 16.92), and any alcohol/substance use prior to or during anal intercourse (aOR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.08 to 5.90). Living with HIV was associated with significantly lower odds of elevated PEth levels (aOR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.61). Factors associated with significantly higher concordance between PEth levels and self-reported heavy alcohol use included at least weekly use of poppers (aOR = 6.41; 95% CI = 1.27 to 32.28) and polysubstance use (aOR = 2.53; 95% CI = 1.02 to 6.27). Living with HIV was associated with lower odds of concordance (aOR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

PEth may enhance the detection of heavy drinking among MSM, including the identification of subpopulations that may benefit from targeted alcohol reduction interventions. However, PEth values for MSM living with HIV showed modest concordance with self-reported alcohol use and may need to be supplemented with additional biomarkers or evaluated against a different cutoff.

Promises and challenges: cabotegravir for preexposure prophylaxis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Tenofovir-based oral PrEP has been effective in reducing population-level HIV incidence in multiple settings, although disparities remain. Injectable cabotegravir-based PrEP is an alternative that may be attractive to individuals with adherence challenges or who do not desire to take a daily medication. We review promises and challenges of cabotegravir-based PrEP.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cabotegravir has demonstrated higher effectiveness than oral PrEP in two randomized trials, with a hazard ratio of 0.31 for HIV incidence among MSM and transgender women across multiple settings [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.62] and 0.11 for cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa (95% CI 0.040.32). Cabotegravir was also highly effective among populations with disproportionate HIV incidence. Although cabotegravir breakthrough was rare, diagnosis was delayed with use of antigen/antibody-based HIV tests, and resistance occurred with breakthrough infections. Implementation will need to overcome several challenges, including HIV RNA laboratory monitoring not being widely available, requirement for additional staff time and clinic space, and need to provide oral medication during interruptions in dosing.

SUMMARY

Cabotegravir-based PrEP is a highly effective additional PrEP option that will expand HIV prevention options. For successful roll-out, strategies for streamlined and accessible delivery of cabotegravir in real-world settings will need to be developed.

EFFECT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH ON UNCONTROLLED HIV INFECTION AMONG PERSONS LIVING WITH HIV IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA

Background

In 2010–2014, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) established programs to rapidly link people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) to care and offer antiretroviral therapy (ART) at human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis. Such programs reduced the number of PWH out of care or with detectable HIV viral load (ie, uncontrolled HIV infection). We investigated the role of social determinants of health (SDH) on uncontrolled HIV.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from adult PWH diagnosed and reported to the SFDPH as of December 31, 2019, prescribed ART, and with confirmed San Francisco residency during 2017–2019 were analyzed in conjunction with SDH metrics derived from the American Community Survey 2015–2019. We focused on 5 census tract-level SDH metrics: percentage of residents below the federal poverty level, with less than a high school diploma, or uninsured; median household income; and Gini index. We compared uncontrolled HIV prevalence odds ratios (PORs) across quartiles of each metric independently using logistic regression models.

Results

The analysis included 7486 PWH (6889 controlled HIV; 597 uncontrolled HIV). Unadjusted PORs of uncontrolled HIV rose with increasingly marginalized quartiles, compared to the least marginalized quartile for each metric. Adjusting for demographics and transmission category, the POR for uncontrolled HIV for PWH in the most marginalized quartile remained significant across metrics for poverty (POR = 2.0; confidence interval [CI] = 1.5–2.6), education (POR = 2.4; CI = 1.8–3.2), insurance (POR = 1.8; CI = 1.3–2.5), income (POR = 1.8; CI = 1.4–2.3), and income inequality (POR = 1.5; CI = 1.1–2.0).

Conclusions

Beyond demographics, SDH differentially affected the ability of PWH to control HIV. Despite established care programs, PWH experiencing socioeconomic marginalization require additional support to achieve health outcome goals.

Improved PrEP Awareness and Use among Trans Women in San Francisco, California

Transgender women face a serious risk of HIV infection. Despite this, there is limited knowledge and use of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We measured the continuity of prevention across services in the PrEP cascade and correlates of PrEP use among trans women in San Francisco enrolled in the 2019/20 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Study. Knowledge and use of PrEP among trans women in San Francisco increased in recent years; almost all (94.0%) had heard about PrEP, 64.7% had discussed PrEP with a healthcare provider, and 44.8% had taken PrEP in the past 12 months. PrEP use was associated with participation in a PrEP demonstration project (aOR = 31.44, p = 0.001) and condomless receptive anal intercourse (aOR = 3.63, p = 0.024). Injection drug use was negatively associated (aOR = 0.19, p = 0.014). Efforts are needed to combat the gender-based stigma and discrimination faced by trans women, which can result in avoidance and mistrust of the medical system.

Trends in HIV prevalence by self-report among MSM diagnosed and reported with gonorrhea in six United States jurisdictions from 2010 to 2019

BACKGROUND

HIV co-infection among persons diagnosed with gonorrhea is not well characterized. Trends in HIV prevalence among persons diagnosed with gonorrhea may have significant implications for HIV prevention interventions, especially for MSM. MSM are increasingly and disproportionately represented among incident gonorrhea cases reported in a multistate sentinel surveillance network. Using data from this network, we estimated HIV prevalence among MSM by self-report and explored trends in co-infection by key demographics.

DESIGN

Observational study using enhanced surveillance data.

METHODS

Six geographically diverse jurisdictions in the STD Surveillance Network (SSuN) 2010-2019 randomly sampled laboratory-confirmed gonorrhea cases. Enhanced investigations on sampled cases included patient interviews eliciting demographic, behavioral and HIV testing history. These data were weighted to adjust for study design and nonresponse to estimate trends in HIV prevalence.

RESULTS

Of 653 522 reported cases, 28 979 were sampled and investigated. The proportion of cases reporting living with diagnosed HIV at the time of their gonorrhea diagnosis increased 61% across the study period from 6.6% in 2010 to 10.8% in 2019. The observed increase in HIV prevalence is concurrent with an increase in the proportion of gonorrhea cases attributable to MSM. HIV prevalence among MSM decreased in two jurisdictions and increasing trends were observed among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic MSM. HIV prevalence decreased among non-Hispanic white MSM, MSM under 20 and those 40 years of age or older.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis with gonorrhea, especially among MSM, should be a sentinel event triggering screening for HIV, referral to high-impact HIV prevention interventions or to HIV primary care.

Two-dose emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide plus bictegravir prophylaxis protects macaques against SHIV infection

OBJECTIVES

Current prophylaxis options for people at risk for HIV infection include two US FDA-approved daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens and guidelines for a 2-1-1 event-driven course specifically for men who have sex with men. Despite this, PrEP use rates remain suboptimal, and additional PrEP options may help to improve uptake among diverse populations. Here, we evaluated protective efficacy of two-dose PrEP and two-dose postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) schedules with emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) with or without bictegravir (BIC) in an SHIV macaque model.

METHODS

Macaques received one oral dose of 200 mg emtricitabine, 25 mg tenofovir alafenamide and 25-100 mg of bictegravir to establish pharmacokinetic profiles of each drug either in the plasma or the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Protective efficacy of multiple two-dose PrEP and PEP schedules with FTC/TAF with or without bictegravir was then assessed in two repeat low-dose rectal SHIV challenge studies.

RESULTS

The data revealed over 95% per-exposure risk reduction with FTC/TAF PrEP initiated 2 h before the exposure, but a loss of significant protection with treatment initiation postexposure. In contrast, FTC/TAF plus BIC offered complete protection as PrEP and greater than 80% per-exposure risk reduction with treatment initiation up to 24 h postexposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, these results demonstrate that two-dose schedules can protect macaques against SHIV acquisition and highlight the protective advantage of adding the integrase inhibitor bictegravir to the reverse transcriptase inhibitors emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide as part of event-driven prophylaxis.

HIV Care Engagement Among Trans Women of Color in San Francisco Bay Area Demonstration Projects: Findings from the Brandy Martell Project and TransAccess

In the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA), trans women of color are disproportionately affected by HIV and have poor HIV care outcomes. The Brandy Martell Project and TransAccess were two demonstration projects aimed at increasing HIV care engagement and retention among trans women of color in the SFBA. Both projects took place in clinics with a long history of providing trans health care and social services. Both also relied on peer navigation to address systems barriers and promote HIV care linkage and engagement. Our analysis was to identify associations between intervention exposure and primary HIV care visits, ART prescription, and retention in HIV care. Using GEE, we estimated the association between intervention exposure measures (receipt of intervention, intervention dose, intervention provider, and peer dose) and any primary HIV care visit or ART prescription over the 12-month period. Overall, the Brandy Martell Project and TransAccess interventions had significantly positive associations with HIV care outcomes measured. Peer navigation also had a significantly positive association with HIV care outcomes. These interventions demonstrate promise for engaging and retaining trans women of color in HIV care, and call for future investment in this highly underserved community.

Trends in HIV incidence between 2013-2019 and association of baseline factors with subsequent incident HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men attending sexual health clinics in England: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prospective cohort studies of incident HIV and associated factors among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the United Kingdom are lacking. We report time trends in and factors associated with HIV incidence between 2013 and 2019 among a cohort of GBMSM: the AURAH2 prospective study.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Participants were recruited through 1 of 3 sexual health clinics in London and Brighton (July 2013 to April 2016) and self-completed a baseline paper questionnaire and subsequent 4-monthly and annual online questionnaires (March 2015 to March 2018), including information on sociodemographics, lifestyle, health and well-being, HIV status, sexual/HIV-related behaviours, and preexposure prophylaxis and postexposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP). Incident HIV was ascertained by linkage with national HIV surveillance data from Public Health England (PHE). We investigated the associations of HIV incidence with (1) baseline factors using mixed-effects Weibull proportional hazard models, unadjusted and adjusted for age, country of birth and ethnicity, sexuality, and education level; and (2) time-updated factors, using mixed-effects Poisson regression models. In total, 1,162 men (mean age 34 years, 82% white, 94% gay, 74% university-educated) were enrolled in the study. Thirty-three HIV seroconversions occurred over 4,618.9 person-years (PY) of follow-up: an overall HIV incidence rate (IR) of 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51 to 1.00) per 100 PY. Incidence declined from 1.47 (95% CI 0.48 to 4.57) per 100 PY in 2013/2014 to 0.25 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.78) per 100 PY in 2018/2019; average annual decline was 0.85-fold (p < 0.001). Baseline factors associated with HIV acquisition included the following: injection drug use (6/38 men who reported injection drug-acquired HIV; unadjusted conditional hazard ratio (HR) 27.96, 95% CI 6.99 to 111.85, p < 0.001), noninjection chemsex-related drug use (13/321; HR 6.45, 95% CI 1.84 to 22.64, p < 0.001), condomless anal sex (CLS) (26/741; HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.31 to 10·74, p = 0.014); higher number of CLS partners (HRs >10 partners [7/57]; 5 to 10 partners [5/60]; and 2 to 4 partners [11/293]: 14.04, 95% CI 4.11 to 47.98; 9.60, 95% CI 2.58 to 35.76; and 4.05, 95% CI 1.29 to 12.72, respectively, p < 0.001); CLS with HIV-positive partners (14/147; HR 6.45, 95% CI 3.15 to 13.22, p < 0.001), versatile CLS role (21/362; HR 6.35, 95% CI 2.18 to 18.51, p < 0.001), group sex (64/500; HR 8.81, 95% CI 3.07 to 25.24, p < 0.001), sex for drugs/money (4/55, HR 3.27, 95% CI 1.14 to 9.38, p = 0.027) (all in previous 3 months); previous 12-month report of a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnoses (21/440; HR 3.95, 95% CI 1.81 to 8.63, p < 0.001), and more than 10 new sexual partners (21/471, HRs 11 to 49, 50 to 99, and >100 new partners: 3.17, 95% CI 1.39 to 7.26; 4.40, 95% CI 1.35 to 14.29; and 4.84, 95% CI 1.05 to 22.4, respectively, p < 0.001). Results were broadly consistent for time-updated analysis (n = 622 men). The study's main limitation is that men may not be representative of the broader GBMSM population in England.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a substantial decline in HIV incidence from 2013 to 2019 among GBMSM attending sexual health clinics. Injection drug use, chemsex use, and measures of high-risk sexual behaviour were strongly associated with incident HIV. Progress towards zero new infections could be achieved if combination HIV prevention including Test and Treat strategies and routine commissioning of a PrEP programme continues across the UK and reaches all at-risk populations.

HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Condoms, or Both? Insights on Risk Compensation Through a Discrete Choice Experiment and Latent Class Analysis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men

OBJECTIVES

We considered how decision making around human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) is made in the context of one's perceived risk of HIV acquisition and the availability of condoms.

METHODS

We recruited 648 GBMSM aged 18 years old and residing in Singapore through Grindr. Participants were given information on PrEP and participated in a discrete choice experiment requiring them to choose between 2 baskets of PrEP attributes and compare the chosen "PrEP only" option to default options of "condoms only" or "PrEP with condoms." Generalized multinomial logit model was used to examine the scaling effect and preference heterogeneity. Latent class analysis was conducted to examine preference heterogeneity in the sample.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis revealed 3 classes of GBMSM: PrEP conservatives (53.9%), moderates (31.1%), and liberals (14.9%). PrEP conservatives were more likely to report greater utility when using condoms only compared with PrEP only, as well as PrEP with condoms, compared with PrEP only, and more likely to report the lowest utility for PrEP as perceived HIV risk increased. PrEP liberals were more likely to report greatest utilities for PrEP only compared with condoms only, as well as PrEP only compared with PrEP with condoms. The utility for PrEP was not affected by perceived risk of HIV or sexually transmitted infections when risks were low.

CONCLUSION

This study provides some evidence for risk compensation among a class of GBMSM who already perceived themselves to be good candidates for PrEP before the discrete choice experiment.

Reaching the Second and Third Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 Targets Is Accompanied by a Dramatic Reduction in Primary Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection and in Recent HIV Infections in a Large French Nationwide HIV Cohort

BACKGROUND

In late 2013, France was one of the first countries to recommend initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) irrespective of CD4 cell count.

METHODS

To assess the impact of achieving the second and third Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 targets (ie, 90% of diagnosed people on sustained cART, and, of those, 90% virologically controlled) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence, we conducted a longitudinal study to describe the epidemiology of primary HIV infection (PHI) and/or recent HIV infection (patients with CD4 cell count ≥500/mm3 at HIV diagnosis; (PRHI) between 2007 and 2017 in a large French multicenter cohort. To identify changes in trends in PHI and PRHI, we used single breakpoint linear segmented regression analysis.

RESULTS

During the study period, 61 822 patients were followed in the Dat'AIDS cohort; 2027 (10.0%) had PHI and 7314 (36.1%) had PRHI. The second and third targets were reached in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The median delay between HIV diagnosis and cART initiation decreased from 9.07 (interquartile range [IQR], 1.39-33.47) months in 2007 to 0.77 (IQR, 0.37-1.60) months in 2017. A decrease in PHI (-35.1%) and PRHI (-25.4%) was observed starting in 2013. The breakpoints for PHI and PRHI were 2012.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2010.8-2014.4) and 2013.1 (95% CI, 2011.3-2014.8), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that the achievements of 2 public health targets in France and the early initiation of cART were accompanied by a reduction of about one-third in PHI and PRHI between 2013 and 2017.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02898987.

A Review of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Streamlining Strategies

Purpose of Review

Standard care for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the USA creates substantial burdens for patients, clinicians, and the healthcare system; to optimize uptake, there is a need for innovative strategies to streamline its provision.

Recent Findings

Our review, structured by the expanded chronic care model, identified eleven promising strategies to streamline PrEP care. Approaches ranged widely in mechanism of action. Using text messages to support care was the only strategy with clinical trial evidence supporting its use. Other modalities such as patient navigation, telemedicine PrEP models, alternate dosing availability, same-day prescription, and provider training have promising pilot or associational data and seem likely to lower barriers to entering into or remaining in care. Many of the strategies have established success in related domains such as HIV care, meriting consideration in evaluating their use for PrEP.

Summary

Making PrEP care less burdensome will be an important part of bringing it to scale. Text message interventions have proven efficacy and merit broad adoption. Encouraging preliminary evidence for other strategies indicates the importance of building a stronger evidence base to clarify the effect of each strategy. Ongoing development of an evidence base should not delay the use of these promising strategies; instead, it calls for careful consideration for how each program may best match its environment to facilitate PrEP prescribing and use.

The continuing HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men and transgender women in the ASEAN region: implications for HIV policy and service programming

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Western urban areas have seen substantive decreases in new diagnoses of HIV infection. This paper explores whether such declines are present among MSM and transgender women (TGW) in Southeast Asia and discusses implications for HIV policies and programming. A scoping review was conducted of scientific publications and selected documents regarding the spread of HIV infection among MSM and TGW in major urban centres of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Continued high HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM are found in integrated behavioural and biological surveillance (IBBS) and research studies. HIV prevalence among MSM under IBBS decreased only in Bangkok from 28.6% in 2014 to 10.3% in 2018, whereas it was increasing in Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, and Phnom Penh. HIV/AIDS case reports regarding new HIV infection diagnoses among MSM have started to decrease in Singapore since 2011 and have been plateauing in Metropolitan Manila since 2017. Where data were available, it was found that HIV prevalence among TGW was high and if IBBS was conducted, it was increasing. HIV prevalence among TGW under IBBS in Jakarta had risen to 34.0% (2015) and 14.0% (2019) in Phnom Penh. These findings suggest that most ASEAN member states have so far failed to effectively implement and scale-up scientifically proven biomedical HIV prevention measures and counter stigma and discrimination that impedes access to appropriate HIV prevention and treatment services for MSM and TGW.

Brief Report: Understanding Preferences for HIV Care Among Patients Experiencing Homelessness or Unstable Housing: A Discrete Choice Experiment

BACKGROUND

Homelessness and unstable housing (HUH) negatively impact care outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH). To inform the design of a clinic program for PLWH experiencing HUH, we quantified patient preferences and trade-offs across multiple HIV-service domains using a discrete choice experiment (DCE).

METHODS

We sequentially sampled PLWH experiencing HUH presenting at an urban HIV clinic with ≥1 missed primary care visit and viremia in the last year to conduct a DCE. Participants chose between 2 hypothetical clinics varying across 5 service attributes: care team "get to know me as a person" versus not; receiving $10, $15, or $20 gift cards for clinic visits; drop-in versus scheduled visits; direct phone communication to care team versus front-desk staff; and staying 2 versus 20 blocks from the clinic. We estimated attribute relative utility (ie, preference) using mixed-effects logistic regression and calculated the monetary trade-off of preferred options.

RESULTS

Among 65 individuals interviewed, 61% were >40 years old, 45% White, 77% men, 25% heterosexual, 56% lived outdoors/emergency housing, and 44% in temporary housing. Strongest preferences were for patient-centered care team [β = 3.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.57 to 5.02] and drop-in clinic appointments (β = 1.33; 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.80), with a willingness to trade $32.79 (95% CI: 14.75 to 50.81) and $11.45 (95% CI: 2.95 to 19.95) in gift cards/visit, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this DCE, PLWH experiencing HUH were willing to trade significant financial gain to have a personal relationship with and drop-in access to their care team rather than more resource-intensive services. These findings informed Ward 86's "POP-UP" program for PLWH-HUH and can inform "ending the HIV epidemic" efforts.

Low awareness of and willingness to use PrEP in the Chinese YMSM: An alert in YMSM HIV prevention

OBJECTIVES

Despite being a key population in whom to initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the awareness of and willingness to use PrEP are still unclear in Chinese young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We report factors associated with PrEP awareness and willingness in the population.

METHODS

From 1 August to 31 December 2018, 495 participants aged 15-24 years were included in a cross-sectional study about awareness of and willingness to use PrEP among YMSM. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with two outcomes: awareness of PrEP; and willingness to use PrEP.

RESULTS

Among 495 eligible participants, 129 participants (26.1%) knew about PrEP. PrEP awareness among YMSM was associated with higher education level [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.812, 95% CI: 1.113-2.951] and previous HIV testing (aOR = 3.507, 95% CI: 1.261-9.752). YMSM with shorter local residence time (aOR = 0.317, 95% CI: 0.101-0.992) and internet-based partner-seeking (aOR = 0.171, 95% CI: 0.096-0.305) were less likely to be aware of PrEP. In those with previous knowledge of PrEP, 36 (27.9%) conveyed their willingness to use it. PrEP willingness was associated with internet-based partner-seeking (aOR = 9.593, 95% CI: 1.965-46.844). The main barriers influencing those who knew about PrEP but refused to use it were the high price of PrEP (69.9%), the need to use condoms consistently (52.7%), and concerns about side effects (39.8%) and effectiveness of prevention (22.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese YMSM have low awareness of and willingness to use PrEP. Adequate PrEP promotions should be implemented, especially on the Internet and dating software.

Use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in England: data from the AURAH2 prospective study

BACKGROUND

Since October, 2017 (and until October, 2020), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has only been available in England, UK, through the PrEP Impact Trial, by purchasing it from some genitourinary medicine clinics, or via online sources. Here we report changes from 2013 to 2018 in PrEP and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) awareness and use among HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and assess predictors of PrEP initiation.

METHODS

In the prospective cohort study Attitudes to, and Understanding of Risk of Acquisition of HIV 2 (AURAH2), MSM were recruited from three sexual health clinics in England: two in London and one in Brighton, UK. Men were eligible if they were aged 18 years or older and HIV-negative or of unknown HIV status. Participants self-completed a baseline paper questionnaire at one of the three clinics between July 30, 2013, and April 30, 2016, and were subsequently able to complete 4-monthly and annual online questionnaires, which were available between March 1, 2015, and March 31, 2018, and collected information on sociodemographics, health and wellbeing, HIV status, and sexual behaviours. PrEP and PEP use in the previous 12 months was obtained at baseline and in annual questionnaires. We assessed trends over calendar time in 3-month periods from first enrolment to the end of the study period (July-December, 2013, was counted as one period) in use of PrEP and PEP using generalised estimating equation logistic models. We used age-adjusted Poisson models to assess factors associated with PrEP initiation among participants who reported never having used PrEP at baseline.

FINDINGS

1162 men completed a baseline questionnaire, among whom the mean age was 34 years (SD 10·4), and of those with available data, 942 (82%) of 1150 were white, 1076 (94%) of 1150 were gay, and 857 (74%) of 1159 were university educated. 622 (54%) of 1162 men completed at least one follow-up online questionnaire, of whom 483 (78%) completed at least one annual questionnaire. Overall, PrEP use in the past year increased from 0% (none of 28 respondents) in July to December, 2013, to 43% (23 of 53) in January to March, 2018. The corresponding increase in PrEP use among men who reported condomless sex with two or more partners was from 0% (none of 13 respondents) to 78% (21 of 27). PEP use peaked in April to June, 2016, at 28% (41 of 147 respondents), but decreased thereafter to 8% (four of 53) in January to March, 2018. Among 460 men who had never used PrEP at baseline, predictors of initiating PrEP included age 40-44 years (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 4·25, 95% CI 1·14-15·79) and 45 years and older (3·59, 1·08-11·97) versus younger than 25 years; and after adjustment for age, recent HIV test (5·17, 1·89-14·08), condomless sex (5·01, 2·16-11·63), condomless sex with two or more partners (5·43, 2·99-9·86), group sex (1·69, 1·01-2·84), and non-injection chemsex-related drugs use (2·86, 1·67-4·91) in the past 3 months, PEP use (4·69, 2·83-7·79) in the past 12 months, and calendar year (Jan 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018 vs July 30, 2013, to Dec 31, 2015: 21·19, 9·48-47·35). Non-employment (0·35, 0·14-0·91) and unstable or no housing (vs homeowner 0·13, 0·02-0·95) were associated with reduced rates of PrEP initiation after adjustment for age. About half of PrEP was obtained via the internet, even after the PrEP Impact trial had started (11 [48%] of 23 respondents in January to March, 2018).

INTERPRETATION

PrEP awareness and use increased substantially from 2013 to 2018 among a cohort of MSM in England. Improving access to PrEP by routine commissioning by National Health Service England could increase PrEP use among all eligible MSM, but should include public health strategies to target socioeconomic and demographic disparities in knowledge and use of PrEP.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research.

Ending the HIV Epidemic: New York's Quest to Become the First State to Reduce HIV Prevalence

In 2014, New York State became the first jurisdiction to launch a statewide initiative to end AIDS by reducing the number of persons living with HIV for the first time since effective HIV treatment became available. The Ending the Epidemic (ETE) initiative encompasses (1) identifying and linking undiagnosed persons with HIV to care, (2) retaining persons with HIV in care, and (3) facilitating access to preexposure prophylaxis for persons at risk for acquiring HIV. We used a framework for public health program implementation to describe key characteristics of the ETE initiative, present progress toward 13 ETE target metrics, and identify areas in need of increased programming. We provide evidence suggesting that New York State is on track to end AIDS as an epidemic by the end of 2020. As of 2017, 76% of progress toward our primary ETE target had been achieved. Substantial progress on several additional metrics critical to decreasing HIV prevalence and to improving the health of persons living with HIV had also been achieved. Lessons learned included the following: (1) ETE-based programming should be tailored to each jurisdiction's unique political and social climate, HIV epidemiology, fiscal resources, and network of HIV service providers; (2) key stakeholders should be involved in developing ETE metrics and setting targets; (3) performance-based measurement and timely communication to key stakeholders in real time are essential; and (4) examining trends in HIV prevention and care metrics is important for developing realistic ETE timelines.

Simulating the End of AIDS in New York: Using Participatory Dynamic Modeling to Improve Implementation of the Ending the Epidemic Initiative

OBJECTIVES

In 2014, the governor of New York announced the Ending the Epidemic (ETE) plan to reduce annual new HIV infections from 3000 to 750, achieve a first-ever decrease in HIV prevalence, and reduce AIDS progression by the end of 2020. The state health department undertook participatory simulation modeling to develop a baseline for comparing epidemic trends and feedback on ETE strategies.

METHODS

A dynamic compartmental model projected the individual and combined effects of 3 ETE initiatives: enhanced linkage to and retention in HIV treatment, increased preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men, and expanded housing assistance. Data inputs for model calibration and low-, medium-, and high-implementation scenarios (stakeholders' rollout predictions, and lower and upper bounds) came from surveillance and program data through 2014, the literature, and expert judgment.

RESULTS

Without ETE (baseline scenario), new HIV infections would decline but remain >750, and HIV prevalence would continue to increase by 2020. Concurrently implementing the 3 programs would lower annual new HIV infections by 16.0%, 28.1%, and 45.7% compared with baseline in the low-, medium-, and high-implementation scenarios, respectively. In all concurrent implementation scenarios, although annual new HIV infections would remain >750, there would be fewer new HIV infections than deaths, yielding the first-ever decrease in HIV prevalence. PrEP and enhanced linkage and retention would confer the largest population-level changes.

CONCLUSIONS

New York State will achieve 1 ETE benchmark under the most realistic (medium) implementation scenario. Findings facilitated framing of ETE goals and underscored the need to prioritize men who have sex with men and maintain ETE's multipronged approach, including other programs not modeled here.

Recent declines in HIV infections at Silom Community Clinic Bangkok, Thailand corresponding to HIV prevention scale up: An open cohort assessment 2005-2018

OBJECTIVES

We assessed HIV-1 infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending Silom Community Clinic (SCC) in Bangkok, Thailand from 2005 to 2018. Since 2014, Thailand increased implementation of HIV prevention strategies including pre-exposure prophylaxis and Treatment as Prevention.

METHODS

MSM attending SCC were tested for HIV using rapid tests. We assessed trends in HIV prevalence, incidence and compared incidence before and after 2014.

RESULTS

From 2005 to 2018, 14,034 clients attended SCC for HIV testing. The HIV prevalence increased from 19.2% in 2005-2006 to 34-0% in 2010, remained stable until 2016 and decreased to 17.2% in 2018 (p<0.0001). The HIV incidence was 4.1 per 100 person-years (PY), with an inverted U-shape trend and a peak in 2009 (p<0.0001). Incidence among young MSM aged 13-21 years remained high at 10.0 per 100 PY. Among those aged 22-29 years, lower incidence was found from Q 3 2016, with a relative risk reduction of 46.2% (p<0.001); and a similar reduction among those aged ≥30 years from Q4 2014, corresponding to scale up of HIV prevention strategies.

CONCLUSION

We found a decline in HIV infection among Thai MSM. However, incidence remained high among young MSM.

Comprehensive HIV risk reduction interventions for 2020 and beyond: product choices and effective service-delivery platforms for individual needs and population-level impact

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes key HIV prevention strategies in the 2020 toolkit and discusses opportunities to maximize the public health impact of these prevention interventions at a population level.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIV prevention has relied on counseling, HIV testing, and condom distribution for the past three decades. Recent exciting work has provided evidence on effective HIV prevention interventions, including antiretroviral therapy for HIV prevention, expanding preexposure prophylaxis modalities, and voluntary medical male circumcision which all reduce individual-level HIV risk. Efficient service-delivery approaches are necessary to deliver these products at scale while addressing population-specific needs. These approaches include: making it easier to get individuals HIV tested and linked to prevention services; de-medicalization to increase access to prevention products; creating welcoming clinic service-delivery environments; and integrating HIV prevention products into existing clinical platforms to support ongoing care engagement.

SUMMARY

The 2020 HIV prevention toolkit includes powerful HIV prevention options, and product choice will be increasingly imperative. Meeting ambitious global HIV reduction targets in the next decade will require improved service-delivery platforms to get prevention choices to persons at risk while layering prevention coverage to achieve population-level impact.

Getting to Zero San Francisco: A Collective Impact Approach

BACKGROUND

Building on several decades of innovative HIV prevention and treatment programming in San Francisco, in 2014, a small group of academic, civic, and community leaders launched Getting to Zero San Francisco, a city-wide consortium focused on getting to zero HIV infections, zero HIV-related deaths, and zero HIV stigma and discrimination.

SETTING

San Francisco city and county.

METHODS

The consortium operates under the principles of collective impact composed of 5 components: a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and organization backbone. Two flagship initiatives are described: citywide scale-up of pre-exposure prophylaxis and rapid antiretroviral therapy upon diagnosis.

RESULTS

The number of new HIV diagnoses declined by over 50% from 399 to 197 from 2013 to 2018; the time from diagnosis to viral suppression decreased from 134 to 62 days during that period. However, continued racial/ethnic disparities in new HIV diagnoses and viral suppression rates point to the need for the Getting to Zero San Francisco committees to focus on racial/ethnic equity as a primary focus. Cisgender and transgender women, people who inject drugs, and people who are homeless also have lower viral suppression rates; ongoing initiatives are attempting to address these disparities.

CONCLUSION

A collective impact implementation strategy that operates by unifying municipal organizations toward a common goal was associated with citywide gains in reducing new HIV diagnosis and time to viral suppression in San Francisco. Formal evaluation of this strategy will help elucidate under which conditions this approach is most likely to succeed.

Same-Day Medical Visit Increases Viral Suppression, Peter Ho Memorial Clinic, 2014-2015 and 2016-2017

Viral suppression (VS) in patients newly diagnosed with HIV is critical to reducing morbidity, mortality, and new transmissions. Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a promising model to improve VS, but patients must be seen expeditiously by a prescribing provider. Our retrospective study compared patients achieving VS after introduction of medical visits on the same day as HIV diagnoses from 2014 to 2017. The time to VS was evaluated using survival analysis. Wilcoxon two-sample tests evaluated median times to VS (after diagnosis and ART receipt). When 2016-2017 was compared with 2014-2015, a higher proportion of patients achieved VS (96% and 90%, respectively; p = .0292); the median time to VS decreased to 88 from 101 days after diagnosis and to 44 from 70 days after receipt of ART. As clinicians consider rapid ART initiation, a medical visit on the same day as HIV diagnosis is an intermediate intervention that may improve VS.

Linkages to HIV confirmatory testing and antiretroviral therapy after online, supervised, HIV self-testing among Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women

INTRODUCTION

Online, supervised, HIV self-testing has potential to reach men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) who never tested before and who had high HIV-positive yield. We studied linkages to HIV confirmatory test and antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among Thai MSM and TGW who chose online and/or offline platforms for HIV testing and factors associated with unsuccessful linkages.

METHODS

MSM and TGW were enrolled from Bangkok Metropolitan Region and Pattaya during December 2015 to June 2017 and followed for 12 months. Participants could choose between: 1) offline HIV counselling and testing (Offline group), 2) online pre-test counselling and offline HIV testing (Mixed group) and 3) online counselling and online, supervised, HIV self-testing (Online group). Sociodemographic data, risk behaviour and social network use characteristics were collected by self-administered questionnaires. Linkages to HIV confirmatory testing and/or ART initiation were collected from participants who tested reactive/positive at baseline and during study follow-up. Modified Poisson regression models identified covariates for poor retention and unsuccessful ART initiation.

RESULTS

Of 465 MSM and 99 TGW, 200 self-selected the Offline group, 156 the Mixed group and 208 the Online group. The Online group demonstrated highest HIV prevalence (15.0% vs. 13.0% vs. 3.4%) and high HIV incidence (5.1 vs. 8.3 vs. 3.2 per 100 person-years), compared to the Offline and Mixed groups. Among 60 baseline HIV positive and 18 seroconversion participants, successful ART initiation in the Online group (52.8%) was lower than the Offline (84.8%) and Mixed groups (77.8%). Factors associated with unsuccessful ART initiation included choosing to be in the Online group (aRR 3.94, 95% CI 1.07 to 14.52), <17 years old at first sex (aRR 3.02, 95% CI 1.15 to 7.92), amphetamine-type stimulants use in the past six months (aRR 3.6, 95% CI 1.22 to 10.64) and no/single sex partner (aRR 3.84, 95%CI 1.36 to 10.83) in the past six months.

CONCLUSIONS

Online, supervised, HIV self-testing allowed more MSM and TGW to know their HIV status. However, linkages to confirmatory test and ART initiation once tested HIV-reactive are key challenges. Alternative options to bring HIV test confirmation, prevention and ART services to these individuals after HIV self-testing are needed.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis 2.0: new drugs and technologies in the pipeline

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine was adopted by WHO as a strategy to reduce HIV incidence. Although shown to be highly effective in reducing HIV acquisition, the protective efficacy of oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine relies on optimal adherence, which poses a challenge for a key portion of the most at-risk populations (women, young individuals [15-24 years], racial and ethnic minority men who have sex with men, and transgender women). New PrEP agents in clinical development include novel oral agents (eg, tenofovir alafenamide and islatravir [also known as MK-8591]), long-acting injectables (eg, cabotegravir), vaginal rings, broadly neutralising monoclonal antibodies, topical products (including gels, films, and enemas), and multipurpose technologies. In addition, new drug delivery systems, such as implants and transdermal devices, are promising strategies that are being developed for HIV prevention. The ultimate goal of this new PrEP research agenda is to expand the available PrEP regimens and offer preventive technologies that will appeal to a wide variety of individuals with different needs over the course of their sexually active lifespan.

Too fast to stay on track? Shorter time to first anti-retroviral regimen is not associated with better retention in care in the French Dat'AIDS cohort

BACKGROUND

Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation has been proven beneficial for patients and the community. We aimed to analyze recent changes in timing of ART initiation in France and consequences of early start.

METHODS

We selected from a prospective nationwide cohort, on 12/31/2017, patients with HIV-1 infection diagnosed between 01/01/2010 and 12/31/2015. We described time from (1) diagnosis to first specialized medical encounter, (2) from this encounter to ART initiation, (3) from diagnosis to first undetectable HIV viral load (VL). We analyzed the determinants of measured temporal trends. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess characteristics related with 1-year retention in care.

RESULTS

In the 7 245 included patients, median time (1) from HIV diagnosis to first medical encounter was 13 (IQR: 6-32) days, (2) to ART initiation was 27 (IQR: 9-91) days, decreasing from 42 (IQR: 13-272) days in 2010 to 18 (IQR: 7-42) in 2015 (p<0.0001), (3) to first undetectable VL was 257 (IQR: 151-496) days, decreasing from 378 (IQR: 201-810) days in 2010 to 169 (IQR: 97-281) in 2015. After one year, proportion of patients alive and still in care was significantly lower in those in the lower quartile of time from first encounter to ART (<9 days) than those in the higher quartile (>90 days), 79.9% and 85.2%, respectively (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a country with unrestricted rapid access to ART, keeping recently diagnosed HIV infected patients in care remains challenging. Starting ART rapidly did not seem to be profitable for all and every patient.

Homelessness at diagnosis is associated with death among people with HIV in a population-based study of a US city

OBJECTIVE

San Francisco, California, has experienced a 44% reduction in new HIV diagnoses since 2013 supported by its 'Getting to Zero' initiative; however, the age-adjusted mortality rate in people with HIV (PWH) has not decreased. We sought to identify factors associated with death among PWH in San Francisco.

DESIGN

Population-based incidence-density case-control study.

METHODS

Among PWH in the San Francisco HIV surveillance registry, a random sample of 48 decedents from 1 July 2016 to 31 May 2017 were each matched to two to three controls who were alive at the date of death (108 controls matched on age and time since diagnosis). Covariates included demographics, substance use, housing status, medical conditions, and care indicators from the study population. We used matched-pair conditional logistic regression to examine factors associated with mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 156 PWH in the study, 14% were African-American, 14% Latino, and 8% female sex. In adjusted analysis, factors associated with higher odds of death included: homelessness at HIV diagnosis [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 27.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.0-552.1], prior-year IDU (AOR = 10.2; 95% CI = 1.7-128.5), prior-year tobacco use (AOR = 7.2; 95% CI = 1.7-46.9), being off antiretroviral therapy at any point in the prior year (AOR = 6.8; 95% CI = 1.1-71.4), and being unpartnered vs. married/partnered (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.3-22.0).

CONCLUSION

People homeless at HIV diagnosis had 27-fold higher odds of death compared with those with housing; substance use and retention on antiretroviral therapy in the prior year are other important intervenable factors. New strategies to address these barriers, and continued investment in supportive housing and substance use treatment, are needed.

RAPID antiretroviral therapy: high virologic suppression rates with immediate antiretroviral therapy initiation in a vulnerable urban clinic population

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about long-term viral suppression rates for patients who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after diagnosis. We describe virologic outcomes from the San Francisco-based Ward 86 Rapid ART Program for Individuals with an HIV Diagnosis (RAPID) ART program.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of clinic-based cohort.

METHODS

In 2013, Ward 86 adopted immediate ART at the first visit after HIV diagnosis. Patients were referred from testing sites, offered same or next-day intakes, and received multidisciplinary evaluation, support, and insurance enrollment/optimization. Patients were provided ART starter packs and close follow-up. Demographics and labs were extracted from medical records. Subsequent viral loads were obtained from public health surveillance data. Kaplan-Meier curves summarized distribution of times to first viral suppression; viral suppression rates at last viral load recorded were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 225 patients referred to RAPID ART from 2013 to 2017, 216 (96%) were started on immediate-ART: median age 30; 7.9% women; 11.6% African-American, 26.9% Hispanic, 36.6% white; 51.4% with substance use; 48.1% with mental health diagnoses; 30.6% unstably housed; baseline median CD4 cell count 441 cells/μl median viral load 37 011. By 1 year after intake, 95.8% achieved viral suppression to less than 200 cells/μl at least once. Over a median follow-up time of 1.09 years (0-3.92), 14.7% of patients had viral rebound, but most (78%) resuppressed. Viral suppression rates were 92.1% at last recorded viral load.

CONCLUSION

In an urban clinic with high rates of mental illness, substance use and housing instability, immediate ART provided through a RAPID program resulted in viral suppression at last viral load measurement for more than 90% of patients over a median of 1.09 years. RAPID ART for vulnerable populations is acceptable, feasible, and successful with multidisciplinary care and municipal support.

Successes and final challenges along the HIV care continuum with transwomen in San Francisco

INTRODUCTION

To examine the HIV care continuum for transwomen living in San Francisco and to determine factors associated with poor HIV-related health outcomes.

METHODS

Data were collected from 2016 to 2017 with transwomen in San Francisco. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit a population-based sample. Bivariate associations were assessed, and RDS-weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between exposures and outcomes along the HIV care continuum.

RESULTS

Of the 123 self-identified transwomen in this analysis, ages ranged from 23 to 71 years with a majority identifying as Latina (40.8%) and African American (29.2%). An estimate of 14.3% of participants were not engaged in care, 13% were not currently on antiretroviral therapy (ART), 22.2% had a self-reported detectable viral load and 13.5% had unknown viral load. Those using hormones had lower odds of not being on ART compared to those who did not use hormones. Those with unstable housing had a higher relative risk ratio of having a detectable viral load. Those who experienced both anti-trans discrimination and racism had higher odds of not being in HIV care.

CONCLUSIONS

San Francisco has made substantial progress engaging transwomen in the HIV care continuum, but the final push to ensure viral suppression will require addressing social determinants. Future interventions to increase HIV care engagement, ART use and viral suppression among transwomen must address housing needs and risks related to the overlapping effect of both anti-trans discrimination and racism.

Towards elimination of HIV transmission, AIDS and HIV-related deaths in the UK

OBJECTIVES

Our objective was to present recent trends in the UK HIV epidemic (2007-2016) and the public health response.

METHODS

HIV diagnoses and clinical markers were extracted from the HIV and AIDS Reporting System; HIV testing data in sexual health services (SHS) were taken from GUMCAD STI Surveillance System. HIV data were modelled to estimate the incidence in men who have sex with men (MSM) and post-migration HIV acquisition in heterosexuals. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data enabled mortality rates to be calculated.

RESULTS

New HIV diagnoses have declined in heterosexuals as a result of decreasing numbers of migrants from high HIV prevalence countries entering the UK. Among MSM, the number of HIV diagnoses fell from 3570 in 2015 to 2810 in 2016 (and from 1554 to 1096 in London). Preceding the decline in HIV diagnoses, modelled estimates indicate that transmission began to fall in 2012, from 2800 [credible interval (CrI) 2300-3200] to 1700 (CrI 900-2700) in 2016. The crude mortality rate among people promptly diagnosed with HIV infection was comparable to that in the general population (1.22 vs. 1.39 per 1000 aged 15-59 years, respectively). The number of MSM tested for HIV at SHS increased annually; 28% of MSM who were tested in 2016 had been tested in the preceding year. In 2016, 76% of people started antiretroviral therapy within 90 days of diagnosis (33% in 2007).

CONCLUSIONS

The dual successes of the HIV transmission decline in MSM and reduced mortality are attributable to frequent HIV testing and prompt treatment (combination prevention). Progress towards the elimination of HIV transmission, AIDS and HIV-related deaths could be achieved if combination prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis, is replicated for all populations.