scholarly journals HIV Phylogenetics Reveals Overlapping Transmission Networks among Cities and Key Populations in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriano de Bernardi Schneider ◽  
François Cholette ◽  
Yann Pelcat ◽  
Aaron G. Lim ◽  
Peter T. Vickerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Case ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Concentrated Epidemic ◽  
Hiv 1

The first case of HIV in Pakistan was documented in 1987, with multiple subtypes and circulating recombinant forms being introduced and currently circulating in the country. Since then, there has been a shift in the country from a low prevalence/high-risk to a high-risk concentrated epidemic. Pakistan's epidemic is concentrated among key populations at greater risk of HIV infection including people who inject drugs (PWID), Hijra sex workers (HSW), female sex workers (FSW), male sex workers (MSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM). This study focused on the geographical aspect as well as on the interactions between key populations at higher risk of contracting HIV. We aimed at understanding the behavior of these key populations at a molecular level with high granularity as well as investigating the possibility of multiple HIV-1 introductions in Pakistan. In this cross-sectional biological and behavioral survey, we collected dried blood spots (DBS) for the purposes of seroprevalence estimates and molecular epidemiology from individuals in 17 cities in Pakistan representing four key populations: PWID, HSW, MSW, and FSW. A total of 1153 envelope sequences (reference positions in HXB2: 7860-8274) of HIV were sequenced using a Sanger-based sequencing approach. To identify clusters based on the introduction of the virus in Pakistan from foreign countries we added 3623 publicly available HIV envelope sequences to our dataset. Phylogeographic inference suggests at least 15 independent introductions of the virus into Pakistan, with a total of 12 clusters ranging from 3 to 675 sequences in size containing sequences from Pakistan and neighboring countries exclusively. Our phylogenetic analysis shows a significant degree of connectivity and directionality suggesting broad and overlapping networks of HIV-1 transmission among cities and key populations in Pakistan.

HIV non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) usage among five key populations in China

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054791
Author(s):  
Haochu Li ◽  
Ran Wei ◽  
Eduardo Piqueiras ◽  
Eric P F Chow ◽  
Kedi Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
People Who Use Drugs ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Multiple Use ◽  
Postexposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevention Services ◽  
Behavioural Factors

ObjectivesTo examine the feasibility of non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP) as a national strategy for HIV prevention in China, we investigated nPEP usage and related sociodemographic and behavioural factors among five key populations at high risk of contracting HIV.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among five key populations from November 2018 to September 2019 in China using convenience sampling to recruit participants aged ≥18 years, self-reporting HIV status as either negative or unknown and providing written informed consent. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted.ResultsOur analysis included data from 2022 participants with a mean age of 35 years (SD=11.62). Only 57 (2.82%) participants had ever used nPEP. Sociodemographic and behavioural factors related to nPEP usage included populations (p<0.0001), age (p<0.05), education (p<0.05), nPEP knowledge (p<0.01), receiving conventional HIV prevention services (p<0.05) and HIV testing (p<0.05). A significant percentage (26%) of nPEP users used nPEP medication more than once. Challenges and concerns, such as multiple use of nPEP and syndemic conditions, were emerging.ConclusionsKey populations in China had low nPEP usage rates. Female sex workers, people who use drugs, older and illiterate individuals with poor nPEP knowledge, not using HIV prevention services or never tested for HIV should be emphasised. Implementing nPEP services would be an important way to access high-risk individuals for intensive and tailored HIV prevention and intervention. Challenges of providing nPEP services and future study foci are highlighted.

scholarly journals Cross-cultural adaptation of the Perceived Risk of HIV Scale in Brazilian Portuguese

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago S. Torres ◽  
Paula M. Luz ◽  
Luana M. S. Marins ◽  
Daniel R. B. Bezerra ◽  
Celline C. Almeida-Brasil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Brazilian Portuguese ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Risk Behaviors ◽  
Cross Cultural Adaptation

Abstract Background Valid and reliable instruments are needed to measure the multiple dimensions of perceived risk. The Perceived Risk of HIV Scale is an 8-item measure that assesses how people think and feel about their risk of infection. We set out to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the scale to Brazilian Portuguese among key populations (gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender/non-binary) and other populations (cisgender heterosexual men and cisgender women). Methods Methodological study with cross-sectional design conducted online during October/2019 (key populations [sample 1] and other populations) and February–March/2020 (key populations not on pre-exposure prophylaxis [sample 2]). Cross-cultural adaptation of the Perceived Risk of HIV Scale followed Beaton et al. 2000 guidelines and included confirmatory factor analysis, differential item functioning (DIF) using the Multiple-Indicator Multiple-Cause model, and concurrent validity to verify if younger individuals, those ever testing for HIV, and engaging in high-risk behaviors had higher scores on the scale. Results 4342 participants from key populations (sample 1 = 235; sample 2 = 4107) and 155 participants from other populations completed the measure. We confirmed the single-factor structure of the original measure (fit indices for sample 1 plus other populations: CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.07; sample 2 plus other populations: CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.09). For the comparisons between key populations and other populations, three items (item 2: “I worry about getting infected with HIV”, item 4: “I am sure I will not get infected with HIV”, and item 8: “Getting HIV is something I have”) exhibited statistically significant DIF. Items 2 and 8 were endorsed at higher levels by key populations and item 4 by other populations. However, the effect of DIF on overall scores was negligible (0.10 and 0.02 standard deviations for the models with other populations plus sample 1 and 2, respectively). Those ever testing for HIV scored higher than those who never tested (p < .001); among key populations, those engaging in high-risk behaviors scored higher than those reporting low-risk. Conclusion The Perceived Risk of HIV Scale can be used among key populations and other populations from Brazil.

HPV infection and high - risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in the two biggest cities of Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 34-41
Author(s):  
Le Anh Tuan ◽  
Tran Hoang My Lien ◽  
Bui Dieu Thuy Linh Anna ◽  
Hoang Tuan Anh ◽  
Nguyen Thi Thuy Duong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hpv Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
Hpv Status ◽  
High Risk Type ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Group Sex

The objective of a cross sectional study is to describe the situation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and risk behaviours among 800 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) from December 2017 to May 2018 using respondent - driven sampling method (RDS). The results showed that the prevalence of any type of HPV infection was 29.8% (33% in HCMC, 26.5% in Hanoi) and the prevalence of any high - risk type of HPV infection was 24.0% (29.0% in HCMC, 19.0% in Hanoi). The risk behaviours to HPV among MSM in both cities included: Alcohol use (69.9%), smoking (30.7%), drug use (8.5%), having frst sexual intercourse under 18 years old (31.8%), having group sex (10.5%), having sex with both men and women (21.7%). The factors which had statistically signifcant differences with HPV status in MSM group included: City, age group, and marital status. These results showed that there is a need for medical interventions for MSM to improve individual health as well as to minimize the transmission of HPV in this population.

scholarly journals Silent infections with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 are highly unlikely in multitransfused seronegative hemophiliacs [see comments]

Blood ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 76 (10) ◽  
pp. 1924-1926 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Gibbons ◽  
JM Cory ◽  
IK Hewlett ◽  
JS Epstein ◽  
ME Eyster
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Contaminated Blood ◽  
Hiv 1

Abstract We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the frequency of silent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections in seronegative high-risk individuals with hemophilia who had been exposed to contaminated blood products more than 3 years previously. In a cross- sectional study of a cohort of 57 prospectively followed seronegative hemophiliacs who received multiple transfusions before 1986, HIV-1 proviral DNA was found transiently in only one patient. These data suggest that the rate of HIV infection among high-risk antibody negative individuals with hemophilia is very low to absent, in the range of 0% to 2%. These findings should provide considerable reassurance to seronegative persons with hemophilia and their sexual partners.

scholarly journals Duration of gargling and rinsing among frequent mouthwash users: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. e040754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Renee Phillips ◽  
Christopher Fairley ◽  
Kate Maddaford ◽  
Sabrina Trumpour ◽  
Rebecca Wigan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Total Duration ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectiveTo examine the rinsing and gargling mouthwash practices among frequent mouthwash users to determine if there are differences in use between gender, sexual orientation and sex work status.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingData obtained from patients attending a sexual health centre located in Melbourne, Australia.Participants200 frequent mouthwash users (four or more times per week), 50 for each of the following patient groups: men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), females who are not sex workers and men who have sex with women only (MSW). Participants were observed and audio recorded using mouthwash.Primary and secondary outcome measuresDescriptive analyses were conducted to calculate the median age, time rinsing and gargling, amount of mouthwash used and proportion of participants who rinsed, gargled or both, as determined from the audio files. Kruskal-Wallis H test and χ2 test were used to examine differences between the patient groups.ResultsMedian age was 28 years (IQR: 24–33). During the study, most (n=127; 63.5%) rinsed and gargled, but 70 (35.0%) rinsed only and three (1.5%) gargled only. Median time rinsing was 13.5 s (IQR: 8.5–22.0 s), gargling was 4.0 s (IQR: 2.5–6.0 s) and the median total duration was 17.0 s (IQR: 11.5–25.8 s). Median duration of mouthwash did not differ significantly between the groups (females not sex workers: 18.8 s (IQR: 12.5–24.5 s); FSW: 14.0 s (9.0–22.0 s); MSM: 22.3 s (13.0–26.5 s); MSW: 15.8 s (12.0–25.0 s); p=0.070) but males used mouthwash longer than females (median 20.3 s compared with 15.5 s; p=0.034). The median volume of mouthwash used was 20 mL (IQR: 15–27 mL). And most (n=198; 99.0%) did not dilute mouthwash with water.ConclusionOver a quarter of frequent users do not gargle mouthwash at all (35%) and used it for a substantially shorter period of time than it was used in the randomised trial (1 min) where it was shown to be effective at inhibiting Neisseria gonorrhoeae growth. Our findings suggest that many frequent mouthwash users do not follow the manufacturer instructions for using mouthwash and may not use mouthwash in a way that was shown to reduce the growth of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea.

Prevalence of HIV-1, HIV-2 and HTLV antibody, in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, 1993-1994

1996 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 365-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Broutet ◽  
A. de Queiroz Sousa ◽  
F. Placido Basilio ◽  
H. Luis Sa ◽  
F. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Sex Workers ◽  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
T Lymphotropic Virus ◽  
Commercial Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Hiv 1

To evaluate the respective part of HIV-1, HIV-2 and human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection in Fortaleza, the principal city of the Ceara state (Northeast of Brazil), a cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey was conducted from July 1993 to February 1994 in 6 selected groups: pregnant women, tuberculosis (Tb) patients, sexually transmitted disease (STD) patients, female and male commercial sex workers (CSWs) and prisoners. Sera were screened by Mixt HIV-1/HIV-2 commercial enzyme immunoassay and ELISA HTLV I/II. Each serum found positive by ELISA was confirmed by Western blot. A total of 2917 persons were interviewed, of whom 2754 (94.4%) agreed to participate and gave a blood sample. Twenty-eight were found to be HIV-1 antibody positive. The prevalence ranged from 0.25% in pregnant women to 2.9% in male CSWs. The prevalence was 1% in STD patients and 0.44% in Tb patients. None of the sera was found positive for HIV-2. The prevalence of antibodies to HTLV-I varied from 0.12% in pregnant women to 1.21% in female CSWs. Five sera were positive for HTLV-II. These results confirm the hypothesis that the HIV epidemic in Northeastern Brazil is still limited to high risk groups. Repeated cross-sectional surveys of this type should be performed as a surveillance tool to study the dynamics of this epidemic in low prevalence areas. Defining risk factors should allow targeting of intervention strategies.

Risky sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men and purchase sex attending an Israeli sexually transmitted infection clinic

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rivka S Rich ◽  
Alex Leventhal ◽  
Rivka Sheffer ◽  
Zohar Mor
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and purchase sex (MPS) are a sub-group potentially at high risk for acquiring and transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is a hard-to-reach population resulting in a scarcity of studies covering the issue. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between purchasing sex and high-risk behaviors related to HIV/STI transmission and appraise the STI prevalence among MSM. All MSM who attended the STI clinic in Tel Aviv between 2003 and 2010 were included. Demographics, behavioral, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between MPS and non-MPS to identify high-risk sexual behaviors and STI prevalence associated with purchasing sex. Of the first visits of 2694 MSM who attended the STI clinic during the study period, 151 (5.6%) paid for sex. MPS were more commonly older and married than non-MPS. MPS were more likely to engage in behaviors associated with high risk for HIV/STI transmission, including infrequent condom use during anal sex, substance use during sex, and selling sex themselves. MPS had a higher STI prevalence than non-MPS, although this was not statistically significant ( p = 0.05). These findings highlight the need to establish culturally tailored interventions for MPS addressing the potential risks associated with purchasing sex.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document