Profiles of Elderly People Infected with HIV and Response to Antiretroviral Treatment in Burkina Faso: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Exploring HIV-1 transmission features among older individuals in developed eastern China

The number of newly reported HIV-1 infections among older individuals (aged ≥50 years) has increased rapidly in Hangzhou, a central city in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. To provide a scientific basis for prevention and intervention strategies targeted at older individuals in Hangzhou, an epidemiological survey combined with molecular transmission network analysis was conducted. A total of 2899 individuals with newly confirmed HIV-1 infections, including 635 older individuals and 2264 younger individuals (aged <50 years), were enrolled in this study. Among older individuals, heterosexual contact was the predominant mode of HIV-1 transmission. Additionally, it was observed that older individuals with lower levels of education exhibited a higher susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. The analysis of transmission network which was inferred using HIV-TRACE algorithm revealed that the newly diagnosed HIV-1 infections among older individuals in Hangzhou exhibited a pattern of scattered transmission, with key clusters primarily located in non-main urban areas. The predominant mode of transmission in these areas was non-marital and non-commercial or non-marital and commercial heterosexual transmission. Notably, the study highlighted a significant proportion of older individuals (73.3%, 11/15) within B subtype. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed that the subtype B was a significant factor associated with older individuals having ≥3 node degrees in the network, occurring 5.55 times more frequent than subtype CRF07_BC (95% CI = 1.17-26.22, p = 0.031). Furthermore, the lower CD4 levels observed among older individuals underscored the challenge of late diagnosis in Hangzhou. Taken together, it is imperative to test and intervene for high-risk older individuals. To tackle this issue effectively, it is essential to enhance the detection of the B subtype and implement targeted interventions in key clusters within non-main urban areas. Additionally, proactive measures should be implemented to address the challenge of late diagnosis in Hangzhou by promoting widespread testing among the older individuals, particularly in priority areas.

The burden of non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing among people living with HIV (PLHIV), especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We determined the prevalence of NCDs and NCD risk factors among PLHIV in SSA to inform health policy makers.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of NCDs and risk factors among PLHIV in SSA. We comprehensively searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and EBSCOhost (CINAHL) electronic databases for sources published from 2010 to July 2023. We applied the random effects meta-analysis model to pool the results using STATA. The systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021258769).

Findings

We included 188 studies from 21 countries in this meta-analysis. Our findings indicate pooled prevalence estimates for hypertension (20.1% [95% CI:17.5-22.7]), depression (30.4% [25.3-35.4]), diabetes (5.4% [4.4-6.4]), cervical cancer (1.5% [0.1-2.9]), chronic respiratory diseases (7.1% [4.0-10.3]), overweight/obesity (32.2% [29.7-34.7]), hypercholesterolemia (21.3% [16.6-26.0]), metabolic syndrome (23.9% [19.5-28.7]), alcohol consumption (21.3% [17.9-24.6]), and smoking (6.4% [5.2-7.7]).

Interpretation

People living with HIV have a high prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors including hypertension, depression, overweight/obesity, hypercholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption. We recommend strengthening of health systems to allow for improved integration of NCDs and HIV services in public health facilities in SSA. NCD risk factors such as obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and alcohol consumption can be addressed through health promotion campaigns. There is a need for further research on the burden of NCDs among PLHIV in most of SSA.

Funding

This study did not receive any funding.

Epidemiological characteristics and adherence of a cohort of elderly people with HIV/AIDS in the Public Health System

Objective

To characterize the epidemiological profile of patients aged 50 years or older diagnosed as HIV/AIDS, in a Specialized Service of the Public Health System.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using secondary data from medical records in the period 2014 to 2018. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and features related to treatment adherence were organized in a database. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean (or median) ± standard deviation (or interquartile range), and categorical variables expressed as number and percentage of patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to assess the probability of overall specific survival.

Results

Of the 241 initially eligible patients, 149 patients were evaluated, registering 19 deaths in the studied period. There was a predominance of males aged 50-59 years, with severe immunodeficiency upon admission (29.7%), and with a CD4+ T lymphocyte count below 200 cells in 62 (46.3%) of patients. Elderly people aged 61 or over were more adherent. There was an increase in the CD4+ T lymphocyte count by an average of 139.63 in the first 6 months, and 50.51 from the first 6 months to 12 months of follow-up, with an average increase in the first 12 months of 157.63 cells. Specific overall survival in the period was 85%.

Conclusion

Patients older than 50 years had an immune response and no viral load detection in the 12-month period, deserving further studies to improve survival.

Characteristics and outcomes of older people on antiretroviral therapy in Tlokwe Clinics, South Africa

Background

South Africa (SA) has a large human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic but little is known of its effect on those ≥ 60 years of age viz. ‘older-persons’ living with HIV (OPLWH). Numbers in this age group are increasing and are expected to place a greater strain on existing resources.

Objectives

To describe the demographic features and the co-morbidities of OPLWH in Tlokwe. This included an assessment of viral load (VL) suppression and the identification of associations between patient characteristics and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective file review was undertaken to cover the period 01 May 2017 to 30 April 2018. Descriptive statistics were applied to demographic and clinical data and to treatment outcomes. Statistically significant associations were subjected to logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 191 participants, 111/191 (58.1%) were female and 167/191 (87.4%) were 60 –70 years of age. Of the participants, 154/191 (81.9%) were virally suppressed (< 400 copies/mL). Hypertension (n = 106/191, 55.5%) was the most frequently identified co-morbidity. A CD4 cell count of ≥ 350 cells/mm³ at last assessment correlated positively with VL suppression (odds ratio 2.3, confidence interval 1.05–5.02, p = 0.037).

Conclusion

Although the level of VL suppression in this cohort was high, greater effort is required to bring this in line with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recommendations viz. 90% viral suppression in PLWH by 2030. Further research is needed to define the evolving long-term needs of OPLWH and to facilitate entry into care of those currently not in care.