scholarly journals Lack of Awareness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: Problems and Solutions With Self-reported HIV Serostatus of Men Who Have Sex With Men

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis H. Sanchez ◽  
Colleen F. Kelley ◽  
Eli Rosenberg ◽  
Nicole Luisi ◽  
Brandon O'Hara ◽  
...  

Background.  Lack of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection awareness may be a driver of racial disparities in HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Lack of awareness is typically measured by comparing HIV test result to self-reported HIV status. This measure may be subject to reporting bias and alternatives are needed. Methods.  The InvolveMENt study examined HIV disparities between black and white MSM from Atlanta. Among HIV-positive participants who did not report knowing they were positive, we examined other measures of awareness: HIV viral load (VL) <1000 copies/mL (low VL), antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in blood, and previous HIV case surveillance report. Results.  Using self-report only, 32% (62 of 192) of black and 16% (7 of 45) of white MSM were not aware of their HIV infection (P = .03). Using self-report and low VL, 25% (48 of 192) black and 16% (7 of 45) white MSM lacked awareness (P = .18). Using self-report and ARVs, 26% (50 of 192) black and 16% (7 of 45) white MSM lacked awareness (P = .14). Using self-report and surveillance report, 15% (28 of 192) black and 13% (6 of 45) white MSM lacked awareness (P = .83). Conclusions.  Self-report only may overestimate true lack of awareness of HIV status for black MSM. If, as our data suggest, black MSM are not less likely to be aware of their HIV infection than are white MSM, then this factor is not a substantial driver of HIV disparity. Future HIV research that depends on accurate measurement of HIV status awareness should consider including additional laboratory and case surveillance data.

Author(s):  
Maartje Dijkstra ◽  
Martijn S van Rooijen ◽  
Mariska M Hillebregt ◽  
Ard van Sighem ◽  
Colette Smit ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) with acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (AHI) are a key source of new infections. To curb transmission, we implemented a strategy for rapid AHI diagnosis and immediate initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Amsterdam MSM. We assessed its effectiveness in diagnosing AHI and decreasing the time to viral suppression. Methods We included 63 278 HIV testing visits in 2008–2017, during which 1013 MSM were diagnosed. Standard of care (SOC) included HIV diagnosis confirmation in < 1 week and cART initiation in < 1 month. The AHI strategy comprised same-visit diagnosis confirmation and immediate cART. Time from diagnosis to viral suppression was assessed for 3 cART initiation periods: (1) 2008–2011: cART initiation if CD4 < 500 cells/μL (SOC); (2) January 2012–July 2015: cART initiation if CD4 < 500 cells/μL, or if AHI or early HIV infection (SOC); and (3a) August 2015–June 2017: universal cART initiation (SOC) or (3b) August 2015–June 2017 (the AHI strategy). Results Before implementation of the AHI strategy, the proportion of AHI among HIV diagnoses was 0.6% (5/876); after implementation this was 11.0% (15/137). Median time (in days) to viral suppression during periods 1, 2, 3a, and 3b was 584 (interquartile range [IQR], 267–1065), 230 (IQR, 132–480), 95 (IQR, 63–136), and 55 (IQR, 31–72), respectively (P < .001). Conclusions Implementing the AHI strategy was successful in diagnosing AHI and significantly decreasing the time between HIV diagnosis and viral suppression.


2007 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 478-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Hariri ◽  
Matthew T. McKenna

SUMMARY The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic emerged in the early 1980s with HIV infection as a highly lethal disease among men who have sex with men and among frequent recipients of blood product transfusions. Advances in the treatment of HIV infection have resulted in a fundamental shift in its epidemiology, to a potentially chronic and manageable condition. However, challenges in the prevention of this infection remain. In particular, increasing evidence suggests that transmission of drug-resistant virus is becoming more common and that the epidemic is having a profound impact on morbidity and mortality in ethnic and racial minority subgroups in the United States. New population-based data collection systems designed to describe trends in behaviors associated with HIV transmission and better methods for measuring the true incidence of transmission will better elucidate the characteristics of HIV infection in the United States and inform future public health policies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 221 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charu Mullick ◽  
Jeffrey Murray

Abstract Using published data, we found a direct correlation between the incidence of rectal gonorrhea and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in men who have sex with men who were not using oral preexposure prophylaxis. HIV incidence was predicted using rectal gonorrhea incidence as the determinant in regression analysis. The observed correlation suggest that rectal gonorrhea incidence can potentially serve as a predictor of HIV incidence. If confirmed with additional data, a quantitative correlation for incidence of the 2 infections could be useful in active-controlled HIV prevention trials where low HIV incidence is expected. Widespread improvements in treatment as prevention and gonorrhea control can negatively impact the correlation and its utility.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron J. Siegler ◽  
Travis Sanchez ◽  
R. Craig Sineath ◽  
Jeremy Grey ◽  
Erin Kahle ◽  
...  

Abstract In a national online survey, we assessed awareness and knowledge of acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection manifestation among 1748 men who have sex with men (MSM). Only 39% of respondents were aware that acute HIV infection may be accompanied by symptoms. Education and increased access to acute HIV testing may facilitate MSM to appropriately seek acute HIV testing.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) have frequent rectal infections. Although a large increase in incidence of syphilis has been reported in recent years, rectal chancre is a rare manifestation that can easily be neglected. Methods: We describe a male patient who had sex with men and presented with protracted chronic proctitis and scaly rashes. A diagnosis of HIV infection and early syphilis with syphilitic proctitis (rectal chancre) was confirmed by the findings of ulcerative proctitis under colonoscopy, the presence of Treponema pallidum in rectal ulcer biopsy specimens by immunohistochemistry, and positive serologic test results for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and syphilis. Results: Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G (2.4 million Units) given once a week for three consecutive weeks resulted in complete resolution of rectal and skin lesions. The patient also began regular anti-viral therapy against HIV infection. Conclusion: Immunohistochemical detection of Treponema pallidum in the primary infection tissue is a useful complement to serologic tests for the diagnosis of syphilis by clinical laboratories. Healthy and protective sexual behavior is advocated to avoid possible infections in MSM.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Sepodes ◽  
João Rocha ◽  
Jorge Batista ◽  
Maria-Eduardo Figueira ◽  
František Dráfi ◽  
...  

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a significant public health intervention with proven efficacy and safety in the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which has taken a considerable amount of time to reach Europe in relation to their transatlantic counterparts, namely, the United States of America (USA). There, it is perceived as being an essential prevention tool to be integrated within existing medical, behavioral and structural interventions in place for the management and containment of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). In a region such as Europe, with approximately double the USA population, it is estimated that not even 10% have proper access to PrEP, and given the lack of coordination with healthcare, taking PrEP has to be at their own expense. Here, we identify the reasons behind the 4-year lag in the approval of PrEP in the European Union/European Economic Area (and Europe in general) and explore the efficacy and effectiveness of PrEP needed to be confirmed with some implementation or demonstration studies conducted in the region. Independent of the data gathered, access of MSM to PrEP is far from ideal in Europe and much still needs to be done. The demonstration of the cost-effectiveness of PrEP alongside other social and behavioral factors needs to be addressed, while the clear populations within MSM that will benefit from this intervention are properly identified and make use of the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization that consider not only daily PrEP but also event-driven PrEP. The momentum for the proper implementation of PrEP in the EU is not lost, and with the existence of generics and even new formulations, there is a renewed opportunity for unleashing the public health benefits arising from this pharmacological tool with other interventions in place (e.g., condoms, testing, and counseling).


BMC Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Lopes ◽  
Patrícia Marques ◽  
Bruno Silva ◽  
Gonçalo Cruz ◽  
José Eduardo Serra ◽  
...  

Abstract Aim Antiretroviral therapy (ART) development has reduced the severity of neurological complications of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but they remain prevalent and need prompt recognition. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is a rare complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection that may appear at any stage of the disease. In this case, AIDP represents a late presentation of HIV infection. Methods Descriptive study. Patient data were collected from their medical records and by health assessment interviews. Results We report a case of a 52-year-old male with acute lower limb weakness. Given the suggestive clinical presentation of AIDP and a positive HIV test, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was administered along with antiretroviral therapy. Progressive weakness to the upper limbs, autonomic dysfunction, and pain was observed. The second regimen of IVIG plus corticosteroids was administered. Muscle strength improved after three weeks. Conclusions Screening for HIV in a patient with AIDP may provide a better outcome because of the early start of ART with good central nervous system penetration in HIV-infected patients.


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