Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 62 Records) |
Query Trace: Bulterys M[original query] |
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Five-year outcomes of the China National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program
Zhang F , Dou Z , Ma Y , Zhao Y , Liu Z , Bulterys M , Chen RY . Ann Intern Med 2009 151 (4) I-42 BACKGROUND: China's National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program began in 2002 and, by August 2008, included over 52,000 patients. OBJECTIVE: To report five year outcomes on adult mortality and immunological treatment failure rates and risk factors. DESIGN: Open cohort analysis of prospectively collected observational database. PATIENTS: All patients in national treatment database from June 2002-August 2008. Patients excluded if not started on triple therapy or had missing treatment regimen information. INTERVENTION: Antiretroviral therapy per Chinese national treatment guidelines. MEASUREMENTS: Mortality rate and immunologic treatment failure rate using World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: Of 52,191 total patients, 48,785 were included. Median age was 38 years, 58% were male, 53% were infected through plasma/blood, and median baseline CD4 cell count was 118/μL. Mortality was greatest during the first three months of treatment (22.6/100 person-years) but declined to a steady rate of 4-5/100 person-years after six months and maintained over the subsequent 4½ years. Baseline CD4 cell count <50/μL (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-3.8, compared to ≥200/μL) and having 4-5 baseline symptom categories (adjusted HR 3.4, 95% CI 2.9-4.0, compared to no baseline symptoms) were the strongest mortality risk factors. Treatment failure was determined among 31,070 with ≥1 follow-up CD4 cell count. Overall, 25% (12.0/100 person-years) failed treatment with the cumulative treatment failure rate increasing to 50% at five years. LIMITATION: Immunologic treatment failure does not necessarily correlate well with virologic treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS: The National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program reduced mortality among adult AIDS patients in China to rates comparable to other low or middle-income countries. A cumulative immunological treatment failure rate of 50% after five years, with limited availability of second-line regimens, is of great concern. |
Estimates of the national burden of respiratory syncytial virus in Kenyan children aged under 5years, 2010-2018
Nyawanda BO , Murunga N , Otieno NA , Bigogo G , Nyiro JU , Vodicka E , Bulterys M , Nokes DJ , Munywoki PK , Emukule GO . BMC Med 2023 21 (1) 122 BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is among the leading childhood causes of viral pneumonia worldwide. Establishing RSV-associated morbidity and mortality is important in informing the development, delivery strategies, and evaluation of interventions. METHODS: Using data collected during 2010-2018 from base regions (population-based surveillance studies in western Kenya and the Kilifi Health and Demographic Surveillance Study), we estimated age-specific rates of acute respiratory illness (ARI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI-defined as hospitalization with cough or difficulty breathing with onset within the past 10 days), and SARI-associated deaths. We extrapolated the rates from the base regions to other regions of Kenya, while adjusting for risk factors of ARI and healthcare seeking behavior, and finally applied the proportions of RSV-positive cases identified from various sentinel and study facilities to the rates to obtain regional age-specific rates of RSV-associated outpatient and non-medically attended ARI and hospitalized SARI and severe ARI that was not hospitalized (non-hospitalized SARI). We applied age-specific RSV case fatality ratios to SARI to obtain estimates of RSV-associated in- and out-of-hospital deaths. RESULTS: Among Kenyan children aged < 5 years, the estimated annual incidence of outpatient and non-medically attended RSV-associated ARI was 206 (95% credible interval, CI; 186-229) and 226 (95% CI; 204-252) per 1000 children, respectively. The estimated annual rates of hospitalized and non-hospitalized RSV-associated SARI were 349 (95% CI; 303-404) and 1077 (95% CI; 934-1247) per 100,000 children respectively. The estimated annual number of in- and out-of-hospital deaths associated with RSV infection in Kenya were 539 (95% CI; 420-779) and 1921 (95% CI; 1495-2774), respectively. Children aged < 6 months had the highest burden of RSV-associated severe disease: 2075 (95% CI; 1818-2394) and 44 (95% CI 25-71) cases per 100,000 children for hospitalized SARI and in-hospital deaths, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a substantial disease burden due to RSV infection, particularly among younger children. Prioritizing development and use of maternal vaccines and affordable long-lasting monoclonal antibodies could help reduce this burden. |
Sexual violence trends before and after rollout of COVID-19 mitigation measures, Kenya
Ochieng W , Sage EO , Achia T , Oluoch P , Kambona C , Njenga J , Bulterys M , Lor A . Emerg Infect Dis 2022 28 (13) S270-s276 COVID-19 mitigation measures such as curfews, lockdowns, and movement restrictions are effective in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2; however, these measures can enable sexual violence. We used data from the Kenya Health Information System and different time-series approaches to model the unintended consequences of COVID-19 mitigation measures on sexual violence trends in Kenya. We found a model-dependent 73%-122% increase in reported sexual violence cases, mostly among persons 10-17 years of age, translating to 35,688 excess sexual violence cases above what would have been expected in the absence of COVID-19-related restrictions. In addition, during lockdown, the percentage of reported rape survivors receiving recommended HIV PEP decreased from 61% to 51% and STI treatment from 72% to 61%. Sexual violence mitigation measures might include establishing comprehensive national sexual violence surveillance systems, enhancing prevention efforts during school closures, and maintaining access to essential comprehensive services for all ages and sexes. |
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on voluntary medical male circumcision services for HIV prevention, Sub-Saharan Africa, 2020
Peck ME , Ong KS , Lucas T , Prainito A , Thomas AG , Brun A , Kiggundu V , Yansaneh A , Busang L , Kgongwana K , Kelaphile D , Seipone K , Letebele MH , Makadzange PF , Marwiro A , Sesinyi M , Lapidos T , Lukhele N , Maziya V , Mkhontfo M , Gultie T , Mulatu D , Shimelis M , Zegeye T , Teka T , Bulterys M , Njenga JN , Odoyo-June E , Juma AW , Soo L , Talam N , Brown M , Chakare T , Nonyana N , Khoabane MA , Auld AF , Maida A , Msungama W , Kapito M , Nyirenda R , Matchere F , Odek J , Canda M , Malimane I , Come J , Gaspar N , Langa A , Aupokolo MA , Vejorerako KC , Kahindi L , Mali D , Zegeye A , Mangoya D , Zemburuka BL , Bamwesigye J , Kankindi I , Kayirangwa E , Malamba SS , Roels T , Kayonde L , Zimulinda E , Ndengo E , Nsanzimana S , Remera E , Rwibasira GN , Sangwayire B , Semakula M , Rugira E , Rugwizangoga E , Tubane E , Yoboka E , Lawrence J , Loykissoonlal D , Maphothi N , Achut V , Bunga S , Moi M , Amuri M , Kazaura K , Simbeye D , Fida N , Kayange AA , Seleman M , Akao J , Alamo ST , Kabuye G , Kyobutungi S , Makumbi FE , Mudiope P , Nantez B , Chituwo O , Godfrey L , Muyunda B , Kamboyi R , Masiye J , Lifuka E , Mandisarisa J , Mhangara M , Xaba S , Toledo C . Emerg Infect Dis 2022 28 (13) S262-s269 Beginning in March 2020, to reduce COVID-19 transmission, the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief supporting voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services was delayed in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. We reviewed performance indicators to compare the number of VMMCs performed in 2020 with those performed in previous years. In all countries, the annual number of VMMCs performed decreased 32.5% (from 3,898,960 in 2019 to 2,631,951 in 2020). That reduction is largely attributed to national and local COVID-19 mitigation measures instituted by ministries of health. Overall, 66.7% of the VMMC global annual target was met in 2020, compared with 102.0% in 2019. Countries were not uniformly affected; South Africa achieved only 30.7% of its annual target in 2020, but Rwanda achieved 123.0%. Continued disruption to the VMMC program may lead to reduced circumcision coverage and potentially increased HIV-susceptible populations. Strategies for modifying VMMC services provide lessons for adapting healthcare systems during a global pandemic. |
Diagnostic accuracy of the Panbio COVID-19 antigen rapid test device for SARS-CoV-2 detection in Kenya, 2021: A field evaluation
Irungu JK , Munyua P , Ochieng C , Juma B , Amoth P , Kuria F , Kiiru J , Makayotto L , Abade A , Bulterys M , Hunsperger E , Emukule GO , Onyango C , Samandari T , Barr BAT , Akelo V , Weyenga H , Munywoki PK , Bigogo G , Otieno NA , Kisivuli JA , Ochieng E , Nyaga R , Hull N , Herman-Roloff A , Aman R . PLoS One 2023 18 (1) e0277657 BACKGROUND: Accurate and timely diagnosis is essential in limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The reference standard, rRT-PCR, requires specialized laboratories, costly reagents, and a long turnaround time. Antigen RDTs provide a feasible alternative to rRT-PCR since they are quick, relatively inexpensive, and do not require a laboratory. The WHO requires that Ag RDTs have a sensitivity ≥80% and specificity ≥97%. METHODS: This evaluation was conducted at 11 health facilities in Kenya between March and July 2021. We enrolled persons of any age with respiratory symptoms and asymptomatic contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. We collected demographic and clinical information and two nasopharyngeal specimens from each participant for Ag RDT testing and rRT-PCR. We calculated the diagnostic performance of the Panbio™ Ag RDT against the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) rRT-PCR test. RESULTS: We evaluated the Ag RDT in 2,245 individuals where 551 (24.5%, 95% CI: 22.8-26.3%) tested positive by rRT-PCR. Overall sensitivity of the Ag RDT was 46.6% (95% CI: 42.4-50.9%), specificity 98.5% (95% CI: 97.8-99.0%), PPV 90.8% (95% CI: 86.8-93.9%) and NPV 85.0% (95% CI: 83.4-86.6%). Among symptomatic individuals, sensitivity was 60.6% (95% CI: 54.3-66.7%) and specificity was 98.1% (95% CI: 96.7-99.0%). Among asymptomatic individuals, sensitivity was 34.7% (95% CI 29.3-40.4%) and specificity was 98.7% (95% CI: 97.8-99.3%). In persons with onset of symptoms <5 days (594/876, 67.8%), sensitivity was 67.1% (95% CI: 59.2-74.3%), and 53.3% (95% CI: 40.0-66.3%) among those with onset of symptoms >7 days (157/876, 17.9%). The highest sensitivity was 87.0% (95% CI: 80.9-91.8%) in symptomatic individuals with cycle threshold (Ct) values ≤30. CONCLUSION: The overall sensitivity and NPV of the Panbio™ Ag RDT were much lower than expected. The specificity of the Ag RDT was high and satisfactory; therefore, a positive result may not require confirmation by rRT-PCR. The kit may be useful as a rapid screening tool only for symptomatic patients in high-risk settings with limited access to rRT-PCR. A negative result should be interpreted based on clinical and epidemiological information and may require retesting by rRT-PCR. |
Adapting Longstanding Public Health Collaborations between Government of Kenya and CDC Kenya in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021.
Herman-Roloff A , Aman R , Samandari T , Kasera K , Emukule GO , Amoth P , Chen TH , Kisivuli J , Weyenga H , Hunsperger E , Onyango C , Juma B , Munyua P , Wako D , Akelo V , Kimanga D , Ndegwa L , Mohamed AA , Okello P , Kariuki S , DeCock KM , Bulterys M . Emerg Infect Dis 2022 28 (13) S159-s167 Kenya's Ministry of Health (MOH) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Kenya (CDC Kenya) have maintained a 40-year partnership during which measures were implemented to prevent, detect, and respond to disease threats. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the MOH and CDC Kenya rapidly responded to mitigate disease impact on Kenya's 52 million residents. We describe activities undertaken jointly by the MOH and CDC Kenya that lessened the effects of COVID-19 during 5 epidemic waves from March through December 2021. Activities included establishing national and county-level emergency operations centers and implementing workforce development and deployment, infection prevention and control training, laboratory diagnostic advancement, enhanced surveillance, and information management. The COVID-19 pandemic provided fresh impetus for the government of Kenya to establish a national public health institute, launched in January 2022, to consolidate its public health activities and counter COVID-19 and future infectious, vaccine-preventable, and emerging zoonotic diseases. |
HIV incidence, recent HIV infection, and associated factors, Kenya, 2007-2018
Young PW , Musingila P , Kingwara L , Voetsch D , Zielinski-Gutierrez E , Bulterys M , Kim AA , Bronson MA , Parekh B , Dobbs T , Patel H , Reid G , Achia T , Keter A , Mwalili S , Ogollah FM , Ondondo R , Longwe H , Chege D , Bowen N , Umuro M , Ngugi C , Justman J , Cherutich P , De Cock KM . AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022 39 (2) 57-67 BACKGROUND: Nationally-representative surveys provide an opportunity to assess trends in recent HIV infection based on assays for recent HIV infection. METHODS: We assessed HIV incidence in Kenya in 2018 and trends in recent HIV infection among adolescents and adults in Kenya using nationally representative household surveys conducted in 2007, 2012 and 2018. To assess trends, we defined a recent HIV infection testing algorithm (RITA) that classified as recently infected (<12 months) those HIV-positive participants that were recent on the HIV-1 limiting antigen (LAg)-avidity assay without evidence of antiretroviral use. We assessed factors associated with recent and long-term (≥12 months) HIV infection versus no infection using a multinomial logit model while accounting for complex survey design. FINDINGS: Of 1,523 HIV-positive participants in 2018, 11 were classified as recent. Annual HIV incidence was 0.14% in 2018 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.057-0.23), representing 35,900 (95% CI 16,300-55,600) new infections per year in Kenya among persons aged 15-64 years. The percentage of HIV infections that were determined to be recent was similar in 2007 and 2012 but fell significantly from 2012 to 2018 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.31, p<0.001). Compared to no HIV infection, being aged 25-34 versus 35-64 years (aOR=4.2, 95% CI 1.4-13), having more lifetime sex partners (aOR=5.2, 95% CI 1.6-17 for 2-3 partners and aOR=8.6, 95% CI 2.8-26 for ≥4 partners versus 0-1 partners), and never having tested for HIV (aOR=4.1, 95% CI 1.5-11) were independently associated with recent HIV infection. INTERPRETATION: Though HIV remains a public health priority in Kenya, HIV incidence estimates and trends in recent HIV infection support a significant decrease in new HIV infections from 2012 to 2018, a period of rapid expansion in HIV diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. |
First cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection and secondary transmission in Kisumu, Kenya
Tippett Barr Beth A , Herman-Roloff Amy , Mburu Margaret , Murnane Pamela M , Sang Norton , Bukusi Elizabeth , Oele Elizabeth , Odhiambo Albert , Lewis-Kulzer Jayne , Onyango Clayton O , Hunsperger Elizabeth , Odhiambo Francesca , Joseph Rachel H , Munyua Peninah , Othieno Kephas , Mulwa Edwin , Akelo Victor , Muok Erick , Bulterys Marc , Nzioka Charles , Cohen Craig R . PLoS Glob Public Health 2022 2 (9) e0000951 We investigated the first 152 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases (125 primary and 27 secondary) and their 248 close contacts in Kisumu County, Kenya. Conducted June 10–October 8, 2020, this study included interviews and sample collection at enrolment and 14–21 days later. Median age was 35 years (IQR 28–44); 69.0% reported COVID-19 related symptoms, most commonly cough (60.0%), headache (55.2%), fever (53.3%) and loss of taste or smell (43.8%). One in five were hospitalized, 34.4% >25 years of age had at least one comorbidity, and all deaths had comorbidities. Adults ≥25 years with a comorbidity were 3.15 (95% CI 1.37–7.26) times more likely to have been hospitalized or died than participants without a comorbidity. Infectious comorbidities included HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, but no current cases of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, dengue fever, leptospirosis or chikungunya were identified. Thirteen (10.4%) of the 125 primary infections transmitted COVID-19 to 27 close contacts, 158 (63.7%) of whom resided or worked within the same household. Thirty-one percent (4 of 13) of those who transmitted COVID-19 to secondary cases were health care workers; no known secondary transmissions occurred between health care workers. This rapid assessment early in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic identified some context-specific characteristics which conflicted with the national line-listing of cases, and which have been substantiated in the year since. These included over two-thirds of cases reporting the development of symptoms during the two weeks after diagnosis, compared to the 7% of cases reported nationally; over half of cases reporting headaches, and nearly half of all cases reporting loss of taste and smell, none of which were reported at the time by the World Health Organization to be common symptoms. This study highlights the importance of rapid in-depth assessments of outbreaks in understanding the local epidemiology and response measures required. |
Impact of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate use during pregnancy on maternal bone mineral density
Wang L , Kourtis AP , Wiener J , Chen L , Liu W , Fan B , Shepherd J , Bulterys M . Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022 41 (12) 976-978 Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HIV infection are diseases of great public health importance. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), a nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is effective for the treatment of both HIV and HBV.1,2 However, information on the bone safety of TDF during pregnancy, a time with increased demands on bone metabolism, has not been systematically assessed. | We conducted a phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) effects of TDF on women and their infants. Effects of TDF on bone health of infants have been reported elsewhere3; this report presents our findings on the effects of TDF on maternal BMD. |
Treatment-adjusted prevalence to assess HIV testing programmes
Tippett Barr BA , Lowrance D , Johnson CC , Baggaley RC , Rogers JH , Balachandra SK , Barker J , Kalua T , Bunga S , Low-Beer D , Payne D , Bulterys MG , Jahn A . Bull World Health Organ 2021 99 (12) 874-882 Scale-up of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV has been increasing in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, areas with high HIV prevalence are finding a declining proportion of people testing positive in their national testing programmes. In eastern and southern Africa, where there are settings with adult HIV prevalence of 12% and above, the positivity from national HIV testing services has dropped to below 5%. Identifying those in need of ART is therefore becoming more costly for national HIV programmes. Annual target-setting assumes that national testing positivity rates approximate that of population prevalence. This assumption has generated an increased focus on testing approaches which achieve higher rates of HIV positivity. This trend is a departure from the provider-initiated testing and counselling strategy used early in the global HIV response. We discuss a new indicator, treatment-adjusted prevalence, that countries can use as a practical benchmark for estimating the expected adult positivity in a testing programme when accounting for both national HIV prevalence and ART coverage. The indicator is calculated by removing those people receiving ART from the numerator and denominator of HIV prevalence. Treatment-adjusted prevalence can be readily estimated from existing programme data and population estimates, and in 2019, was added to the World Health Organization guidelines for HIV testing and strategic information. Using country examples from Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan and Zimbabwe we illustrate how to apply this indicator and we discuss the potential public health implications of its use from the national to facility level. |
sssHigh seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 but low infection fatality ratio eight months after introduction in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ngere I , Dawa J , Hunsperger E , Otieno N , Masika M , Amoth P , Makayotto L , Nasimiyu C , Gunn BM , Nyawanda B , Oluga O , Ngunu C , Mirieri H , Gachohi J , Marwanga D , Munywoki PK , Odhiambo D , Alando MD , Breiman RF , Anzala O , Njenga MK , Bulterys M , Herman-Roloff A , Osoro E . Int J Infect Dis 2021 112 25-34 BACKGROUND: The lower-than-expected COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Africa has been attributed to multiple factors, including weak surveillance. We estimated the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections eight months into the epidemic in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey using multi-stage random sampling to select households within Nairobi in November 2020. Sera from consenting household members were tested for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Seroprevalence was estimated after adjusting for population structure and test performance. Infection fatality ratios (IFRs) were calculated by comparing study estimates to reported cases and deaths. RESULTS: Among 1,164 individuals, the adjusted seroprevalence was 34.7% (95%CI 31.8-37.6). Half the enrolled households had at least one positive participant. Seropositivity increased in more densely populated areas (spearman's r=0.63; p=0.009). Individuals aged 20-59 years had at least 2-fold higher seropositivity than those aged 0-9 years. The IFR was 40 per 100,000 infections, with individuals ≥60 years old having higher IFRs. CONCLUSION: Over one-third of Nairobi residents had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 by November 2020, indicating extensive transmission. However, the IFR was >10-fold lower than that reported in Europe and the United States, supporting the perceived lower morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. |
Accuracy of HBeAg to identify pregnant women at risk of transmitting hepatitis B virus to their neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Boucheron P , Lu Y , Yoshida K , Zhao T , Funk AL , Lunel-Fabiani F , Guingané A , Tuaillon E , van Holten J , Chou R , Bulterys M , Shimakawa Y . Lancet Infect Dis 2020 21 (1) 85-96 BACKGROUND: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) involves neonatal immunoprophylaxis, with a birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin, and provision of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis in highly viraemic women. However, access to assays to quantify HBV DNA levels remains inadequate in resource-poor settings. This study was commissioned by WHO and aimed to identify the HBV DNA threshold for MTCT, to assess the sensitivity and specificity of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) testing to identify pregnant women with HBV DNA levels above this threshold, and to predict MTCT of HBV infection on the basis of HBeAg testing. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, CNKI, and Wanfang databases for studies of pregnant women with chronic HBV infection without concurrent antiviral therapy, published between Jan 1, 2000, and April 3, 2019. Studies were eligible for inclusion if MTCT in mother-child pairs could be stratified by different levels of maternal HBV DNA during pregnancy, if maternal HBeAg status could be stratified by HBV DNA level, and if the MTCT status of infants could be stratified by maternal HBeAg status during pregnancy. Studies that selected pregnant women on the basis of HBeAg serostatus or HBV DNA levels were excluded. Aggregate data were extracted from eligible studies by use of a pre-piloted form; study authors were contacted to clarify any uncertainties about potential duplication or if crucial information was missing. To pool sensitivities and specificities of maternal HBeAg to identify highly viraemic women and to predict MTCT events, we used the DerSimonian-Laird bivariate random effects model. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42019138227. FINDINGS: Of 9007 articles identified, 67 articles (comprising 66 studies) met the inclusion criteria. The risk of MTCT despite infant immunoprophylaxis was negligible (0·04%, 95% CI 0·00-0·25) below a maternal HBV DNA level of 5·30 log(10) IU/mL (200 000 IU/mL) and increased above this threshold. The pooled sensitivity of HBeAg testing to identify HBV DNA levels of 5·30 log(10) IU/mL or greater in pregnant women was 88·2% (83·9-91·5) and pooled specificity was 92·6% (90·0-94·5). The pooled sensitivity of HBeAg testing in predicting MTCT of HBV infection despite infant immunoprophylaxis was 99·5% (95% CI 91·7-100) and pooled specificity was 62·2% (55·2-68·7). INTERPRETATION: Maternal HBV DNA of 5·30 log(10) IU/mL or greater appears to be the optimal threshold for MTCT of HBV infection despite infant immunoprophylaxis. HBeAg is accurate to identify women with HBV DNA levels above this threshold and has high sensitivity to predict cases of immunoprophylaxis failure. In areas where HBV DNA assays are unavailable, HBeAg can be used as an alternative to assess eligibility for antiviral prophylaxis. FUNDING: World Health Organization. |
Efficacy and safety of antiviral prophylaxis during pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Funk AL , Lu Y , Yoshida K , Zhao T , Boucheron P , van Holten J , Chou R , Bulterys M , Shimakawa Y . Lancet Infect Dis 2020 21 (1) 70-84 BACKGROUND: To eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), peripartum antiviral prophylaxis might be required for pregnant women infected with HBV who have a high risk of MTCT despite infant immunoprophylaxis. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis to inform the 2020 WHO guidelines. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CENTRAL, CNKI, and Wanfang for randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis versus placebo or no prophylaxis, with no language restriction, published from database inception until March 28, 2019. We used search terms covering HBV, antiviral therapy, and pregnancy. We included studies that enrolled pregnant women with chronic infection with HBV who received antiviral prophylaxis anytime during pregnancy; that included any of the following antivirals: adefovir, emtricitabine, entecavir, lamivudine, telbivudine, tenofovir alafenamide fumarate, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate; and that reported the following outcomes: MTCT, indicated by infant HBsAg positivity or HBV DNA positivity, or both, at age 6-12 months, and any infant or maternal adverse events. Two reviewers independently extracted data. Our primary endpoint was MTCT based on infant HBsAg positivity. We assessed pooled odds ratios (ORs) of the efficacy of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis to reduce the risk of MTCT. We assessed safety of prophylaxis by pooling risk differences. The protocol for the systematic review was pre-registered in PROSPERO, CRD42019134614. FINDINGS: Of 7463 articles identified, 595 articles were eligible for full-text review and 129 studies (in 157 articles) were included. The following antivirals were assessed in the meta-analysis: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg (19 studies, with 1092 mothers and 1072 infants), lamivudine 100-150 mg (40 studies, with 2080 mothers and 2007 infants), and telbivudine 600 mg (83 studies, with 6036 mothers and 5971 infants). The pooled ORs for randomised controlled trials were similar, at 0·10 (95% CI 0·03-0·35) for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 0·16 (0·10-0·26) for lamivudine, and 0·14 (0·09-0·21) for telbivudine. The pooled ORs in non-randomised studies were 0·17 (0·10-0·29) for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 0·17 (0·12-0·24) for lamivudine, and 0·09 (0·06-0·12) for telbivudine. We found no increased risk of any infant or maternal safety outcomes after peripartum antiviral prophylaxis. INTERPRETATION: Peripartum antiviral prophylaxis is highly effective at reducing the risk of HBV MTCT. Our findings support the 2020 WHO recommendation of administering antivirals during pregnancy, specifically tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, for the prevention of HBV MTCT. FUNDING: World Health Organization. |
Acceptability and willingness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis amongst female sex workers in China
Poon AN , Han L , Li Z , Zhou C , Li Y , Huang L , Liao M , Shepard C , Bulterys M . AIDS Care 2019 31 (12) 1555-1564 HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective prevention method. It is an attractive self-initiated approach to reduce the spread of HIV amongst female sex workers (FSW). PrEP, however, has not yet achieved its potential to reduce HIV infections partially due to a general lack of awareness from women who may benefit. Aims of this cross-sectional study of 1,466 FSW in China were to understand: levels of awareness of and willingness to use PrEP among female sex workers (FSW) in China, and factors contributing to willingness to use PrEP. We found that awareness (10.2%) and willingness (35.5%) to use PrEP were low in our survey areas. Low PrEP willingness is likely reflective of the overall poor knowledge and understanding of HIV risk and prevention. FSW that demonstrated greater HIV knowledge through having been tested or having greater decision-making involvement in condom use were more willing to use PrEP. Study findings may be used to inform future HIV prevention activities, including possible use of PrEP among FSW at higher risk of incident HIV infection in China. |
Integrated HIV surveillance finds recent adult hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission and intermediate HBV prevalence among military in uncharacterized Caribbean country
O'Connor SM , Mixson-Hayden T , Ganova-Raeva L , Djibo DA , Brown M , Xia GL , Kamili S , Jacobs M , Dong M , Thomas AG , Bulterys M , Hale B . PLoS One 2019 14 (10) e0222835 BACKGROUND: Guyana expanded its HIV response in 2005 but the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has not been characterized. METHODS: The 2011 Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Survey for HIV and STIs collected biologic specimens with demographic and behavioral data from a representative sample of Guyana military personnel. Diagnostics included commercial serum: HIV antibody; total antibody to hepatitis B core (anti-HBc); IgM anti-HBc; hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); anti-HBs; antibody to HCV with confirmatory testing; and HBV DNA sequencing with S gene fragment phylogenetic analysis. Chi-square, p-values and prevalence ratios determined statistical significance. RESULTS: Among 480 participants providing serologic specimens, 176 (36.7%) tested anti-HBc-positive. Overall, 19 (4.0%) participants tested HBsAg-positive; 17 (89.5%) of the HBsAg-positive participants also had detectable anti-HBc, including 1 (5.3%) IgM anti-HBc-positive male. Four (6.8%) females with available HBV testing were HBsAg-positive, all aged 23-29 years. Sixteen (16, 84.2%) HBsAg-positive participants had sufficient specimen for DNA testing. All 16 had detectable HBV DNA, 4 with viral load >2x104IU/ml. Sequencing found: 12 genotype (gt) A1 with 99.9% genetic identity between 1 IgM anti-HBc-positive and 1 anti-HBc-negative; 2 gtD1; and 2 with insufficient specimen. No statistically significant associations between risk factors and HBV infection were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated HIV surveillance identified likely recent adult HBV transmission, current HBV infection among females of reproductive age, moderate HBV infection prevalence (all gtA1 and D1), no HCV infections and low HIV frequency among Guyana military personnel. Integrated HIV surveillance helped characterize HBV and HCV epidemiology, including probable recent transmission, prompting targeted responses to control ongoing HBV transmission and examination of hepatitis B vaccine policies. |
Maternal and infant bone mineral density 1 year after delivery in a randomized, controlled trial of maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus
Salvadori N , Fan B , Teeyasoontranon W , Ngo-Giang-Huong N , Phanomcheong S , Luvira A , Puangsombat A , Suwannarat A , Srirompotong U , Putiyanun C , Cressey TR , Decker L , Khamduang W , Harrison L , Tierney C , Shepherd JA , Kourtis AP , Bulterys M , Siberry GK , Jourdain G . Clin Infect Dis 2019 69 (1) 144-146 In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) use from 28 weeks gestational age to 2 months postpartum to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus, there was no significant effect of maternal TDF use on maternal or infant bone mineral density 1 year after delivery/birth. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT01745822. |
Hepatitis C virus infection in children: How do we prevent it and how do we treat it
Nwaohiri A , Schillie S , Bulterys M , Kourtis AP . Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018 16 (9) 689-694 INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is an important contributor to the worldwide burden of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Mother-to-child transmission of HCV ranges from 6-11% in different populations globally, but accurate estimates on the burden of pediatric HCV infection are limited because screening approaches are not consistent. Areas covered: The advent of new direct-acting antiviral agents that achieve very high rates of sustained virologic response, (representing virologic cure) with short (i.e., 8 to 12 weeks) regimens has revolutionized the field of HCV treatment and led to the development of global elimination goals for HCV transmission and mortality. However, information on their safety during pregnancy and efficacy in preventing mother-to-child transmission is lacking. Currently, there are no approved treatment regimens with these antiviral agents for children younger than 12 years of age. Expert Commentary: If these agents are shown to be safe during pregnancy and effective in preventing transmission to the infant, screening of pregnant women and antenatal treatment of those infected, could pave the way for eliminating pediatric HCV infection- particularly as these drugs become less costly and more accessible. Treatment of infected children when indicated, along with universal safe health care practices, can further pediatric HCV elimination. |
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate use during pregnancy and infant bone health: The tenofovir in pregnancy pilot study
Kourtis AP , Wiener J , Wang L , Fan B , Shepherd JA , Chen L , Liu W , Shepard C , Wang L , Wang A , Bulterys M . Pediatr Infect Dis J 2018 37 (11) e264-e268 The effects of maternal tenofovir use on infant bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated in a pilot study of HIV/Hepatitis B-coinfected pregnant women in China. BMD and BMC were assessed at age 6 months of life in 14 tenofovir-exposed and 13 unexposed infants. Trends toward lower BMC and BMD were observed in infants exposed to maternal tenofovir but were not statistically significant. |
Access to treatment for hepatitis B virus infection - worldwide, 2016
Hutin Y , Nasrullah M , Easterbrook P , Nguimfack BD , Burrone E , Averhoff F , Bulterys M . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018 67 (28) 773-777 Worldwide, an estimated 257 million persons are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (1). To achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) goals for elimination of HBV infection worldwide by 2030, defined by WHO as 90% reduction in incidence and 65% reduction in mortality, access to treatment will be crucial. WHO estimated the care cascade* for HBV infection, globally and by WHO Region. The patent and licensing status of entecavir and tenofovir, two WHO-recommended medicines for HBV treatment, were examined using the Medicines Patent Pool MedsPaL(dagger) database. The international price of tenofovir was estimated using WHO's global price reporting mechanism (GPRM), and for entecavir from a published study (2). In 2016, among the estimated 257 million persons infected with HBV worldwide, approximately 27 million (10.5%) were aware of their infection, an estimated 4.5 million (16.7%) of whom were on treatment. In 2017, all low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) could legally procure generic entecavir, and all but two LMICs could legally procure generic tenofovir. The median price of WHO-prequalified generic tenofovir on the international market fell from $208 per year in 2004 to $32 per year in 2016. In 2015, the lowest reported price of entecavir was $427 per year of treatment (2). Increased availability of generic antivirals effective in treating chronic HBV infection has likely improved access to treatment. Taking advantage of reductions in price of antivirals active against HBV infection could further increase access to treatment. Regular analysis of the hepatitis B treatment care cascade can assist in monitoring progress toward HBV elimination goals. |
Towards elimination of hepatitis C virus infection in children
Nwaohiri A , Schillie S , Bulterys M , Kourtis AP . Lancet Child Adolesc Health 2018 2 (4) 243 Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of | liver-related morbidity and mortality.1 | An estimated | 71 million people are living with HCV worldwide, most | of whom are unaware of their status.1,2 In the USA | alone, about 3·5 million people are living with HCV, | with a 167% increase in incidence between 2010 and | 2015.3,4 Risk factors for HCV infection include previous | or current injection drug use, history of blood or blood | product transfusion before 1992, hemodialysis, motherto-child transmission, and HIV infection.1,5 |
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Load Response to 2 Antiviral Regimens, Tenofovir/Lamivudine and Lamivudine, in HIV/ HBV-Coinfected Pregnant Women in Guangxi, China: The Tenofovir in Pregnancy (TiP) Study
Wang L , Wiener J , Bulterys M , Wei X , Chen L , Liu W , Liang S , Shepard C , Wang L , Wang A , Zhang F , Kourtis AP . J Infect Dis 2016 214 (11) 1695-1699 BACKGROUND: There is limited information on HBV-antiviral therapy among HIV/HBV co-infected pregnant women. METHODS: Phase II randomized controlled trial of a regimen containing tenofovir (TDF) /lamivudine (3TC), versus 3TC, in HIV/HBV co-infected pregnant women in China. The HBV virological response was compared in study arms (Clinical Trials registration: #NCT01125696). RESULTS: Median decline of HBV DNA was 2.60 log10 copies/ml in the TDF-3TC arm; 2.24 log10 copies/ml in the 3TC arm (p=0.41). All women achieved delivery HBV DNA levels <6 log10 copies/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Initiation of either regimen led to achieving HBV DNA levels below the threshold associated with perinatal HBV transmission. |
Hidden and mobile: A web-based study of migration patterns of men who have sex with men in China
Mi G , Ma B , Kleinman N , Li Z , Fuller S , Bulterys M , Hladik W , Wu Z . Clin Infect Dis 2016 62 (11) 1443-7 BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are highly vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and more likely to migrate due to widespread stigma and discrimination in China. Their mobility complicates estimation of local MSM population sizes and the provision of HIV services, and may also contribute to the spread of HIV. METHODS: Between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2012, the visits of all individuals to the largest Chinese MSM dating website were recorded. After a predesigned de-identification procedure by the website, we analyzed Internet Protocol addresses for migration patterns. Migrants were defined as individuals who were away from their registered residence for >6 months in the last 12 months. RESULTS: The website contained data on 794 912 MSM eligible for the study, of which 34.5% were migrants. The median age was 26 years (range, 18-61 years), and 85.5% were unmarried. Compared with nonmigrant MSM, migrants were less likely to be married to a woman (8.6% vs 13.5%; P < .001). The 5 provinces with the highest migrant inflow ratios were Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, and Zhejiang. Eastern coastal cities were the primary destination of MSM from southwestern China. CONCLUSIONS: Preferential MSM migration may influence MSM population sizes in both originating and destination provinces, particularly for provinces with uneven inflow and outflow. MSM migration from southwestern China, which has the highest HIV prevalence in this population, to coastal cities with lower prevalence may have implications for the spread of the HIV epidemic as well as HIV care services. |
Evaluation of a national call center and a local alerts system for detection of new cases of Ebola virus disease - Guinea, 2014-2015
Lee CT , Bulterys M , Martel LD , Dahl BA . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (9) 227-230 The epidemic of Ebola virus disease (Ebola) in West Africa began in Guinea in late 2013 (1), and on August 8, 2014, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the epidemic a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (2). Guinea was declared Ebola-free on December 29, 2015, and is under a 90 day period of enhanced surveillance, following 3,351 confirmed and 453 probable cases of Ebola and 2,536 deaths (3). Passive surveillance for Ebola in Guinea has been conducted principally through the use of a telephone alert system. Community members and health facilities report deaths and suspected Ebola cases to local alert numbers operated by prefecture health departments or to a national toll-free call center. The national call center additionally functions as a source of public health information by responding to questions from the public about Ebola. To evaluate the sensitivity of the two systems and compare the sensitivity of the national call center with the local alerts system, the CDC country team performed probabilistic record linkage of the combined prefecture alerts database, as well as the national call center database, with the national viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) database; the VHF database contains records of all known confirmed Ebola cases. Among 17,309 alert calls analyzed from the national call center, 71 were linked to 1,838 confirmed Ebola cases in the VHF database, yielding a sensitivity of 3.9%. The sensitivity of the national call center was highest in the capital city of Conakry (11.4%) and lower in other prefectures. In comparison, the local alerts system had a sensitivity of 51.1%. Local public health infrastructure plays an important role in surveillance in an epidemic setting. |
Differences in risk behaviours and HIV/STI prevalence between low-fee and medium-fee female sex workers in three provinces in China
Han L , Zhou C , Li Z , Poon AN , Rou K , Fuller S , Li Y , Shen L , Kang D , Huang L , Liao M , Fu X , Shepard C , Wu Z , Bulterys M . Sex Transm Infect 2015 92 (4) 309-15 OBJECTIVES: To better understand risk behaviours and factors associated with low-fee female sex workers (FSW) and support HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STI) epidemic control among this key population in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling to recruit 1487 eligible low-fee and medium-fee FSW was conducted in 2012 in three provinces. The participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and tested for HIV-1, herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 and syphilis antibody. Log-binomial modelling was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and examine factors associated with low-fee sex work. RESULTS: Prevalence of HIV-1, syphilis and HSV-2 antibody positive were 0.5%, 4.8% and 27.8%, respectively. Low-fee FSW were more likely to have HSV-2 infection (adjusted prevalence ratio (APR)=1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7), but not more likely to have HIV-1 and syphilis infection compared with medium-fee FSW. Compared with medium-fee FSW, low-fee FSW were more likely to be ≥35 years of age (APR=2.1, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.6), engage in sex work ≥6 days/per week (APR=1.7, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6), have ≥3 clients per day (APR=2.2, 95% CI 1.5 to 3.3), have clients decide condom use (APR=1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3), fail to persuade clients to use condoms (APR=1.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.6), express willingness to have unprotected sex in return for receipt of a higher fee (APR=1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8), have had genital symptoms in the past year (APR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8) and have migrated from another city. CONCLUSIONS: Low-fee FSW in China have unique risks for acquiring HIV/STI, in part due to greater economic pressures. Tailored interventions targeting low-fee FSW and incorporating their prevailing perception of HIV/STI risks and condom use negotiation challenges that they face are urgently needed. |
Evaluation of PIMA point-of-care CD4 analyzer in Yunnan, China
Liang J , Duan S , Ma YL , Wang JB , Su YZ , Zhang H , Ou CY , Hao L , Qi MS , Bulterys M , Westerman L , Jiang Y , Xiao Y . Chin Med J (Engl) 2015 128 (7) 890-5 BACKGROUND: CD4 count is used to determine antiretroviral therapy (ART) eligibility. In China, flow cytometers are mostly located in urban areas with limited access by patients residing in remote areas. In an attempt to address this issue, we conducted a study to validate the performance of Alere PIMA point-of-care CD4 analyzer. METHODS: Venous and finger-prick blood specimens were collected from HIV-positive participants from two voluntary counseling and testing sites in Yunnan Province. Both venous and finger-prick blood specimens were tested with the PIMA analyzer. Venous blood specimens tested with the Becton Dickinson FACSCalibur were used as a reference. RESULTS: Venous specimens from 396 and finger-prick specimens from 387 persons were available for analysis. CD4 counts by PIMA correlated well with those from FACSCalibur with an R2 of 0.91 for venous blood and 0.81 for finger-prick blood. Compared to FACSCalibur, the PIMA analyzer yielded lower counts with a mean bias of - 47.0 cells/mul (limit of agreement, [LOA]: -204-110 cells/mul) for venous blood and -71.0 cells/mul (LOA: -295-153 cells/mul) for finger-prick blood. For a CD4 threshold of 350 cells/mul, the positive predictive value (PPV) of PIMA was 84.2% and 75.7% and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 97.6% and 95.8% for venous and finger-prick blood, respectively. For an ART threshold of 500 cells/mul, the corresponding PPV was 90.3% and 84.0% and NPV was 94.3% and 93.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CD4 counting using venous blood with PIMA analyzers is a feasible alternative to a large flow cytometer to determine ART eligibility. |
Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis and antiretroviral therapy: an observational cohort study in China
Cheng W , Wu Y , Wen Y , Ma Y , Zhao D , Dou Z , Zhang W , Bulterys M , Zhang F . Bull World Health Organ 2015 93 (3) 152-160 OBJECTIVE: To assess if cotrimoxazole prophylaxis administered early during antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces mortality in Chinese adults who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: We did a retrospective observational cohort study using data from the Chinese national free antiretroviral database. Patients older than 14 years who started ART between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 and had baseline CD4+ T-lymphocyte (CD4+ cell) count less than 200 cells/μL were followed until death, loss to follow-up or 31 December 2013. Hazard ratios (HRs) for several variables were calculated using multivariate analyses. FINDINGS: The analysis involved 23 816 HIV-infected patients, 2706 of whom died during the follow-up. Mortality in patients who did and did not start cotrimoxazole during the first 6 months of ART was 5.3 and 7.0 per 100 person–years, respectively. Cotrimoxazole was associated with a 37% reduction in mortality (hazard ratio, HR: 0.63; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.56–0.70). Cotrimoxazole in addition to ART reduced mortality significantly over follow-up lasting 6 months (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.59–0.73), 12 months (HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.49–0.70), 18 months (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.38–0.63) and 24 months (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.48–0.90). The mortality reduction was evident in patients with baseline CD4+ cell counts less than 50 cells/μL (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.54–0.67), 50–99 cells/μL (HR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.56–0.78) and 100–199 cells/μL (HR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.62–0.98). CONCLUSION: Cotrimoxazole prophylaxis started early during ART reduced mortality and should be offered to HIV-infected patients in low- and middle-income countries. |
Improved survival with co-trimoxazole prophylaxis among people living with HIV/AIDS who initiated antiretroviral treatment in Henan Province, China
Zhu Q , Wang L , Lin W , Bulterys M , Yang W , Sun D , Cui Z , Kaplan J , Kleinman N , Wei X , Chung J , Wang Z . Curr HIV Res 2014 12 (5) 359-65 OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the effect of co-trimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis on mortality reduction among HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Henan Province, China. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective study. METHODS: All individuals aged 15 years and older who initiated ART between 2008 and 2010 in Henan Province with completed CTX prophylaxis treatment information were included. The effect of CTX prophylaxis was estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling for mortality at 3-months and 12- months after ART initiation. RESULTS: Overall mortality among patients receiving both ART and CTX was nearly double at 3-months after ART initiation compared with that at 12-months (12.4 per 100 PY vs 6.3 per 100 PY, p<0.01). After adjusting for gender, age, TB history, year of ART initiation and CD4 count at ART initiation, CTX was associated with a significant reduction in 12-month mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44 - 0.95; p = 0.027) compared with persons not receiving CTX. The protective effect was more pronounced in the first 3 months after ART initiation (AHR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.32 - 0.89; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: CTX prophylaxis together with ART reduced mortality of adult HIV patients during the first 12 months of ART in Henan Province, China. The effect was highest in the first 3 months of ART. CTX should be prescribed to all HIV-infected adults who initiate ART. |
Preconception antiretroviral therapy and birth defects: what is needed?
Bulterys M , Berry RJ , Watts DH . AIDS 2014 28 (18) 2777-2780 Prevention of maternal-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV remains a priority, as globally, approximately 700 infants are newly infected with HIV each day [1]. Remarkable progress has been made in the past decade in reducing MTCT, with one million infants prevented from acquiring HIV between 2003 and 2013 because of maternal and infant antiretroviral prophylaxis [2]. However, limited safety data currently exist on potential adverse outcomes among HIV-infected pregnant women and their infants after exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) before and throughout pregnancy [3]. | In the United States and other high-resource countries, pregnant HIV-infected women receive cART starting usually early in pregnancy and, as a result, MTCT of HIV has been nearly eliminated in the past decade, with rates decreased from approximately 25% to currently 1% [4,5]. The advent of more potent and better-tolerated antiretroviral drugs has led to a strong push toward earlier initiation of cART, including amongst women of reproductive age [6–8]. Thus, an increasing number of HIV-infected women are already taking cART when conception occurs. In resource-limited settings, initiating cART has previously been recommended only for pregnant women with more advanced HIV disease (i.e. CD4+ cell count below 200 cells/μl or symptomatic HIV with CD4+ cell count <350 cells/μl) [9]. However, the 2013 WHO consolidated guidelines recommend that all HIV-infected pregnant women initiate cART regardless of CD4+ cell count, and if breastfeeding, continue cART throughout breastfeeding [10,11]. Women may either continue lifelong treatment regardless of clinical status or stop if they do not yet meet country-specific treatment eligibility criteria (‘option B’). An increasing number of countries are in the process of adopting lifelong treatment (the so-called ‘option B+’) for all pregnant women found to be HIV-infected [12–14]. |
HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus co-infection in patients in the China National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program, 2010-12: a retrospective observational cohort study
Zhang F , Zhu H , Wu Y , Dou Z , Zhang Y , Kleinman N , Bulterys M , Wu Z , Ma Y , Zhao D , Liu X , Fang H , Liu J , Cai WP , Shang H . Lancet Infect Dis 2014 14 (11) 1065-1072 BACKGROUND: Hepatitis-related liver diseases are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among people with HIV/AIDS taking combination antiretroviral therapy. We assessed the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection on HIV outcomes in patients in China. METHODS: We did a nationwide retrospective observational cohort study with data from the China National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program from 2010-11. Patients older than 18 years starting standard antiretroviral therapy for HIV who had tested positive for HBV and HCV were followed up to Dec 31, 2012. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate survival, and logistic regression models to estimate virological failure, immunological response, and retention in care. FINDINGS: 33 861 patients with HIV met eligibility criteria. 2958 (8.7%) participants had HBV co-infection, 6149 (18.2%) had HCV co-infection, and 1114 (3.3%) had triple infection. All-cause mortality was higher in participants with triple infection (adjusted hazard ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.53-2.37) and HCV co-infection (1.46, 1.25-1.70) than in those with HIV only, but not in those with HBV co-infection (1.06, 0.89-1.26). People with triple infection were also more likely to have virological failure (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.56) than were those with HIV only, whereas the difference was not significant for those with HBV co-infection (0.93, 0.80-1.10) or HCV co-infection (1.10, 0.97-1.26). No co-infection was significantly associated with a difference in CD4 cell count after 1 year of treatment. Loss to follow-up was more common among participants with triple infection (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.16-1.62) and HCV co-infection (1.30, 1.17-1.45), but not HBV co-infection (0.93, 0.82-1.05), than among those with HIV only. INTERPRETATION: Screening for viral hepatitis is important in individuals diagnosed as HIV positive. Effective management for viral hepatitis should be integrated into HIV treatment programmes. Long-term data are needed about the effect of hepatitis co-infection on HIV disease progression. |
Cost-effectiveness of integrated routine offering of prenatal HIV and syphilis screening in China
Owusu-Edusei K Jr , Tao G , Gift TL , Wang A , Wang L , Tun Y , Wei X , Wang L , Fuller S , Kamb ML , Bulterys M . Sex Transm Dis 2014 41 (2) 103-10 BACKGROUND: In China, recent rises in syphilis and HIV cases have increased the focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission of these infections. We assess the health and economic outcomes of different strategies of prenatal HIV and syphilis screening from the local health department's perspective. METHODS: A Markov cohort decision analysis model was used to estimate the health and economic outcomes of pregnancy using disease prevalence and cost data from local sources and, if unavailable, from published literature. Adverse pregnancy outcomes included induced abortion, stillbirth, low birth weight, neonatal death, congenital syphilis in live-born infants, and perinatal HIV infection. We examined 4 screening strategies: no screening, screening for HIV only, for syphilis only, and for both HIV and syphilis. We estimated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for each health outcome using life expectancies and infections for mothers and newborns. RESULTS: For a simulated cohort of 10,000 pregnant women (0.07% prevalence for HIV and 0.25% for syphilis; 10% of HIV-positives were coinfected with syphilis), the estimated costs per DALY prevented were as follows: syphilis-only, $168; HIV-and-syphilis, $359; and HIV-only, $5636. The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio if an existing HIV-only strategy added syphilis screening (i.e., move from the HIV-only strategy to the HIV-and-syphilis strategy) was $140 per additional DALY prevented. CONCLUSIONS: Given the increasing prevalence of syphilis and HIV among pregnant women in China, prenatal HIV screening programs that also include syphilis screening are likely to be substantially more cost-effective than HIV screening alone and prevent many more adverse pregnancy outcomes. |
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