The association between low-level viraemia and subsequent viral non-suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda

Low-level viraemia as a risk factor for virologic failure in children and adolescents living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Tanzania: a multicentre, retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Viral load (VL) of 1000 copies/ml or greater is commonly used to define virologic failure (VF) in children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, evidence in adults suggests that low-level viraemia (LLV) (VL 50-999 copies/ml) increases the risk of subsequent VF. There is limited research on LLV in CALHIV.

METHODS

This study retrospectively reviewed VL data from Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation-Tanzania (sites in Mbeya and Mwanza) collected between January 2015 and December 2022. CALHIV (0-19 years) on antiretroviral therapy for ≥6 months with at least one VL <50 copies/ml plus ≥2 subsequent VLs were included. VF was defined as both VL ≥1000 and ≥200 copies/ml. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess the association between LLV and VF, reporting adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Among 2618 CALHIV included in the outcome analysis (median age 13.2 years, 52.5% female), 81.9% were on first-line dolutegravir-based regimens and LLV was found in 40.5%. CALHIV with LLV had an increased risk of VF with aHRs of 1.63 (CI 1.38-1.91) (VL ≥1000 copies/ml) and 3.85 (3.33, 4.46) (VL ≥200 copies/ml). When stratifying by LLV (50-199, 200-399 and 400-999 copies/ml), all levels were associated with increased risk for VF (VL ≥1000 copies/ml) with aHRs of 1.39 (1.13, 1.69), 1.69 (1.33, 2.16) and 2.03 (1.63, 2.53). When VF was defined as VL ≥200 copies/ml, the corresponding aHRs were 1.41 (1.15, 1.72), 7.99 (6.68, 9.57) and 9.37 (7.85, 11.18).

CONCLUSIONS

LLV is associated with a greater risk of VF in CALHIV. The risk of VF increases with higher levels of LLV. This study provides further evidence for revising guidelines in LMICs that define VF as VL ≥1000 copies/ml.

Prevalence of drug resistance mutations in low-level viremia patients under antiretroviral therapy in Southwestern China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in patients with low-level viremia (LLV) in Southwestern China, as it has become a growing challenge in AIDS clinical practice.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. LLV was defined as 50-999 copies/mL of plasma viral load with antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months. HIV-1 DRM detection used validated in-house protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 470 sequences were obtained, and 13 HIV-1 genotypes were identified, among which CRF08_BC (47.5%), CRF07_BC (22.3%) and CRF01_AE (10.0%) subtypes were the most prevalent. The overall prevalence of DRMs was 45.7% (215/470), and the prevalence of DRMs to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) was 39.4% (185/470), 20.6% (97/470) and 5.3% (25/470), respectively. The most common NNRTI-associated mutations were K103N (16.0%), E138A (6.6%), V179D (6.6%) and P225H (4.9%), and those in NRTIs were M184V (17.0%), D67N (3.4%) and K65R (3.0%). PI-associated mutations were infrequent, occurring in less than 1.8% of cases. The prevalence of NNRTI-associated mutations (K101E and Y188C) was found to be statistically significant among various LLV groups. Additionally, significant variations were observed in the prevalence of NNRTI-associated mutations (V106I, V106M, E138A and P225H), NRTI-associated mutation (K65R) and PI-associated mutations (L33F and Q58E) across different subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of DRMs in ART-experienced patients with LLV was high, and HIV-1 genotypes exhibited diversity in Yunnan Province. These findings indicate that regular DRM monitoring during LLV episodes was essential for effective clinical treatment and management in this region.

Associations of First-Year Low-Level Viremia with Subsequent Viral Non-Suppression in People Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy - Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, 2008-2021

What is already known about this topic?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) low-level viremia (LLV) during antiretroviral therapy (ART) occurs frequently in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

What is added by this report?

Among people living with HIV who achieved virological success [viral load (VL) <1,000 copies/mL] after initiating ART in Dehong Prefecture, Southwest China, 17.6% experienced first-year LLV of 50-999 copies/mL First-year LLV emerged as an independent risk factor for subsequent viral non-suppression compared with participants maintaining first-year VL <50 copies/mL.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Enhanced monitoring and interventions for early LLV occurrence during the first year of ART are essential, including adherence education and timely VL testing.

Association between differentiated HIV care delivery model and low-level viremia among people living with HIV in Rwanda

BACKGROUND

Low-level viremia (LLV) (HIV-RNA 51-999 copies/mL) is associated with increased risk of non viral load suppression (HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 copies/mL). We assessed the association between differentiated service delivery model (DSDM) and LLV among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Rwanda.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using routinely collected data of adults living with HIV from 28-healthcare facilities in Rwanda before and after the introduction of DSDM. Under DSDM, PLHIV initiated treatment within seven days of HIV diagnosis and medication pick-up up to six months for those with sustained viral load suppression suppression. Proportions of LLV at 6,12 and 18 months were quantified. Multivariable log binomial regression models were used to assess the effect of DSDM on LLV. To handle missing data, multiple imputations was performed.

RESULTS

Of 976 people living with HIV, 645(66.0%) were female and 463(47.4%) initiated treatment during DSDM. The median age was 37 (interquartile range: 32-43) years. LLV was 7.4%, 6.6% and 5.4%, at 6,12 and 18 months, respectively. Compared to those who initiated treatment before DSDM, starting treatment during DSDM increased six-month LLV [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 2.8: 95%CI (1.15-6.91)] but not at 12 [aRR = 2.3: 95%CI (0.93-5.75)] and 18 months [aRR = 0.3: 95%CI (0.09-1.20)]. Using imputed datasets, the association between DSDM and LLV persisted.

CONCLUSIONS

DSDM was associated with increased risk of LLV at 6-months. possibly due to the minimal amount of time PLHIV had in pondering and accepting the HIV diagnosis. Continued support is needed among people receiving early antiretroviral therapy initiation to prevent development of LLV.

Consequences of low-level viremia among women with HIV in the United States

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the outcomes of women with HIV (WWH) with low-level viremia (LLV).

DESIGN

The prevalence of LLV and potential clinical sequelae, such as virologic failure and non-AIDS comorbidity (NACM) development, are poorly characterized among WWH.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study among WWH enrolled from 2003 to 2020 who reported antiretroviral therapy use at least 1 year followed by an HIV-1 viral load less than 200 copies/ml. Consecutive viral load measurements from four semi-annual visits were used to categorize women at baseline as having: virologic suppression (all viral load undetectable), intermittent LLV (iLLV; nonconsecutive detectable viral load up to 199 copies/ml), persistent LLV (pLLV; at least two consecutive detectable viral load up to 199 copies/ml), or virologic failure (any viral load ≥200 copies/ml). Adjusted hazard ratios quantified the association of virologic category with time to incident virologic failure and multimorbidity (≥2 of 5 NACM) over 5-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 1598 WWH, baseline median age was 47 years, 64% were Black, 21% Hispanic, and median CD4 + cell count was 621 cells/μl. After excluding 275 women (17%) who had virologic failure at baseline, 58, 19, and 6% were categorized as having virologic suppression, iLLV, and pLLV, respectively. Compared with WWH with virologic suppression, the adjusted hazard ratio [aHR; 95% confidence interval (CI)] for incident virologic failure was 1.88 (1.44-2.46) and 2.51 (1.66-3.79) for iLLV and pLLV, respectively; and the aHR for incident multimorbidity was 0.81 (0.54-1.21) and 1.54 (0.88-2.71) for iLLV and pLLV, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Women with iLLV and pLLV had an increased risk of virologic failure. Women with pLLV had a trend towards increased multimorbidity risk.

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

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

Low-Level Viremia among Adults Living with HIV on Dolutegravir-Based First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy Is a Predictor of Virological Failure in Botswana

We evaluated subsequent virologic outcomes in individuals experiencing low-level virem ia (LLV) on dolutegravir (DTG)-based first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Botswana. We used a national dataset from 50,742 adults who initiated on DTG-based first-line ART from June 2016-December 2022. Individuals with at least two viral load (VL) measurements post three months on DTG-based first-line ART were evaluated for first and subsequent episodes of LLV (VL:51-999 copies/mL). LLV was sub-categorized as low-LLV (51-200 copies/mL), medium-LLV (201-400 copies/mL) and high-LLV (401-999 copies/mL). The study outcome was virologic failure (VF) (VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL): virologic non-suppression defined as single-VF and confirmed-VF defined as two-consecutive VF measurements after an initial VL < 1000 copies/mL. Cox regression analysis identified predictive factors of subsequent VF. The prevalence of LLV was only statistically different at timepoints >6-12 (2.8%) and >12-24 (3.9%) (p-value < 0.01). LLV was strongly associated with both virologic non-suppression (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] = 2.6; 95% CI: 2.2-3.3, p-value ≤ 0.001) and confirmed VF (aHR = 2.5; 95% CI: 2.4-2.7, p-value ≤ 0.001) compared to initially virally suppressed PLWH. High-LLV (HR = 3.3; 95% CI: 2.9-3.6) and persistent-LLV (HR = 6.6; 95% CI: 4.9-8.9) were associated with an increased hazard for virologic non-suppression than low-LLV and a single-LLV episode, respectively. In a national cohort of PLWH on DTG-based first-line ART, LLV > 400 copies/mL and persistent-LLV had a stronger association with VF. Frequent VL testing and adherence support are warranted for individuals with VL > 50 copies/mL.

Prevalence and factors associated with viral non-suppression in people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite advances in HIV treatment, the burden of viral non-suppression (VNS) remains a treatment success concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. We determined the prevalence and factors associated with VNS for people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). This review, registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023470234), conducted an extensive search for evidence, focusing on PLHIV living in SSA on ART from the year 2000 to 19th October 2023, across databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 2357 articles were screened, from which 32 studies met the criteria for the final analysis, involving 756,620 PLHIV of all ages. The pooled prevalance for VNS was found to be 20.0% (95% CI: 15.43%-25.52%, I2 = 100%, p-value <0.01) Children and adolescents demonstrated the highest prevalence of VNS (viral load ≥1000 copies/mL) at 27.98% (95% CI: 21.91%-34.97%, I2 = 94%, p-value <0.01). The study revealed various factors associated with increased odds (risk) of VNS, p-value <0.05. These factors encompassed socio-demographics such as sex, age, education level, and marital status. Additionally, aspects related to HIV care, such as the facility attended, HIV status disclosure and adherence exhibited higher odds of VNS. Suboptimal ART adherence, longer duration on ART, socio-economic factors, lack of family and social support, presence of co-morbidities, advanced WHO HIV clinical stage, ART regimens, lower CD4+ count, abnormal body mass index, history of treatment interruptions, and progression of HIV illness were associated with VNS. Furthermore, behavioural/psychological factors including depression, substance use, negative perceptions towards ART, experiences of abuse, alcohol use, stigma, and certain patterns of sexual behaviour were also identified as factors for VNS. The occurrence of two VNS to every ten PLHIV on ART poses a threat to the progress made towards reaching the third 95% UNAIDS target in SSA. Additionally, these findings highlight the intricate interplay of various factors, encompassing patient characteristics, behavioural patterns, sociocultural influences, and pharmacological factors, all impacting VNS among PLHIV. Recognising its multifaceted nature, we recommend designing and implementing high impact interventions to effectively address VNS in SSA.

Predictors of Viral Suppression among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria: A Retrospective Chart Review

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Over 1.6 million Nigerians have succumbed to the ravaging scourge of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic since its discovery. Viral suppression (VS) then becomes a critical cost-effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention strategy. We assessed the prevalence and predictors of VS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective case file review was conducted among adults (aged ≥18 years) living with HIV/AIDS who accessed care at a tertiary health facility in Northwestern Nigeria between January and December 2021.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred and twenty HIV/AIDS-eligible patients accessed care during the study. Their age ranged between 20 and 70 years with a mean of 43.83 ± 10.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.19-44.46). The patients were mostly female (728; 65.0), residing in urban areas (680; 60.7%), self-employed (440; 39.3%), married (712; 63.6%), receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at most 14 years (916; 81.8%), on first-line ART regimen (812; 72.5%), in HIV clinical stage 1 (964; 86.1%), and with a baseline CD4 count of 199 cells/µl (453; 40.4%). The prevalence of VS of 64.3% (720/1120) was recorded in the study. The predictors of VS were disclosure of HIV status (odds ratio [OR] =2.4; 95% CI = 1.503-3.832), absence of opportunistic infections (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.242-5.406), receiving ART for 15-29 years (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.398-3.292), first-line ART regimen (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 2.618-5.115), and adequate adherence (OR = 4.7; 95% CI = 3.324-6.766).

CONCLUSION

VS was suboptimal among the study cohort with adequate adherence being its strongest predictor.

Clinical significance and management of low-level HIV viremia in the era of integrase strand transfer inhibitors

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have a goal of achieving and maintaining viral suppression; however, the existence of PLWH that show events of low-level viremia (LLV) between 50 and 1000 copies/mL and with different virological consequences have been observed. Moreover, some reports indicate that LLV status can lead to residual immune activation and inflammation, leading to a higher occurrence of non-AIDS-defining events (nADEs) and other adverse clinical outcomes. Until now, however, published data have shown controversial results that hinder understanding of this phenomenon's actual cause(s) and origin(s). Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)-based therapies could lead to lower LLV over time and, therefore, more effective virological control.

OBJECTIVES

This review aims to assess recent findings to provide a view of the clinical significance and management of low-level HIV viremia in the era of INSTIs.

Effectiveness of intensive adherence counselling in achieving an undetectable viral load among people on antiretroviral therapy with low-level viraemia in Uganda

INTRODUCTION

Uganda was using a threshold of 1000 copies/mL to determine viral non-suppression for antiretroviral therapy monitoring among people living with HIV, prior to this study. It was not clear whether people living with HIV with low-level viraemia (LLV, ≥50 to <1000 copies/mL) would benefit from intensive adherence counselling (IAC). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of IAC among people living with HIV, receiving antiretroviral therapy, and with LLV in Uganda, to guide key policy decisions in HIV care, including the review of the viral load (VL) testing algorithm.

METHODS

This cluster-randomized clinical trial comprised adults from eight HIV clinics who were living with HIV, receiving ART, and had recent VL results indicating LLV (tested from July 2022 to October 2022). Participants in the intervention arm clinics received three once-monthly sessions of IAC, and those in the comparison non-intervention arm clinics received the standard of care. At the end of the study, all participants were re-tested for VL to determine the proportions of those who then had an undetectable VL (<50 copies/mL). We assessed the statistical association between cross-tabulated variables using Fisher's exact test and then modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS

A total of 136 participants were enrolled into the study at eight HIV clinics. All 68 participants in the intervention arm completed all IAC sessions. Only one participant in the non-intervention arm was lost to follow-up. The average follow-up time was 3.7 months (standard deviation [SD] 0.2) and 3.5 months (SD 0.1) in the intervention and non-intervention arms, respectively. In total, 59 (43.7%) of 135 people living with HIV achieved an undetectable VL during the study follow-up period. The effect of IAC on attaining an undetectable VL among people with LLV was nearly twice as high in the intervention arm (57.4%) than in the non-intervention arm (29.9%): adjusted risk ratio 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.0-3.5), p = 0.037.

CONCLUSION

IAC doubled the likelihood of an undetectable VL among people living with HIV with LLV. Therefore, IAC has been instituted as an intervention to manage people living with HIV with LLV in Uganda, and this should also be adopted in other Sub-Saharan African countries with similar settings.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT05514418.

HIV viral suppression at different thresholds and duration of treatment in the dolutegravir treatment era in Sierra Leone: a nationwide survey

INTRODUCTION

Viral load assessment for people living with HIV is key for monitoring treatment and achieving the 95-95-95. In this study, we aimed to assess the degree of viral suppression at different thresholds and treatment duration after the introduction of dolutegravir-based therapy in ten public hospitals in Sierra Leone.

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional study design to recruits patients aged 18 years or older between August 2022 and January 2023. Statistical analyses were performed using R-software. Logistic regression was used to assess factors independently associated with viral suppression. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 2,253 patients recruited, 1,720 (76%) were women and 1,705 (76%) were receiving a fixed dose combination of tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir. The median age and duration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) was 36.0 (IQR, 28.0-45.0) years and 40.9 (IQR, 14.4-79.6) months, respectively. Using a threshold of HIV RNA < 1000 copies/mL, 1,715 (88.4%) patients on ART for more than 6 months were virally suppressed. Viral suppression rates were higher with dolutegravir-based (1,277, 89.5%) than efavirenz-based (418, 86.2%) ART. HIV RNA was < 200 copies/mL in 1,643 (84.6%) patients or < 50 copies/mL in 1,487 (76.6%) patients or between 50 and 999 copies/mL in 228 (11.7%) patients. Viral suppression rates at different ART durations (months) were as follows: 84.2% (≤ 3), 88.8% (4-6), 90.9% (6-12), and 88.1% (> 12). Viral suppression rates were higher for patients aged 40 or older (40-50 years: aOR 2.05, 95%CI 1.41-3.04, P < 0.01; 50-60 years: aOR 2.51, 95%CI 1.53-4.35, P < 0.01; >60 years: aOR 2.69, 95%CI 1.28-6.63, P = 0.02). Men had 49% lower odds of viral suppression than women (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.38-0.67, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

We report a viral suppression rate of 88.4% among patients on treatment for at least 6 months, with higher rate of suppression with dolutegravir than efavirenz. Factors associated with virological suppression were age and gender, emphasizing the need for innovative differentiated ART delivery models to optimize viral suppression and achieve the 95% target.

The risk of sexual transmission of HIV in individuals with low-level HIV viraemia: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The risk of sexual transmission of HIV from individuals with low-level HIV viraemia receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) has important public health implications, especially in resource-limited settings that use alternatives to plasma-based viral load testing. This Article summarises the evidence related to sexual transmission of HIV at varying HIV viral load levels to inform messaging for people living with HIV, their partners, their health-care providers, and the wider public.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science, and WHO Global Index Medicus, for work published from Jan 1, 2010 to Nov 17, 2022. Studies were included if they pertained to sexual transmission between serodiscordant couples at various levels of viraemia, the science behind undetectable=untransmittable, or the public health impact of low-level viraemia. Studies were excluded if they did not specify viral load thresholds or a definition for low-level viraemia or did not provide quantitative viral load information for transmission outcomes. Reviews, non-research letters, commentaries, and editorials were excluded. Risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I framework. Data were extracted and summarised with a focus on HIV sexual transmission at varying HIV viral loads.

FINDINGS

244 studies were identified and eight were included in the analysis, comprising 7762 serodiscordant couples across 25 countries. The certainty of evidence was moderate; the risk of bias was low. Three studies showed no HIV transmission when the partner living with HIV had a viral load less than 200 copies per mL. Across the remaining four prospective studies, there were 323 transmission events; none were in patients considered stably suppressed on ART. Among all studies there were two cases of transmission when the index patient's (ie, patient with previously diagnosed HIV infection) most recent viral load was less than 1000 copies per mL. However, interpretation of both cases was complicated by long intervals (ie, 50 days and 53 days) between the transmission date and the most recent index viral load result.

INTERPRETATION

There is almost zero risk of sexual transmission of HIV with viral loads of less than 1000 copies per mL. These data provide a powerful opportunity to destigmatise HIV and promote adherence to ART through dissemination of this positive public health message. These findings can also promote access to viral load testing in resource-limited settings for all people living with HIV by facilitating uptake of alternative sample types and technologies.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.