scholarly journals Thrombocytopenia according to Antiretroviral Drug Combinations, Viremia and CD4 Lymphocytes among HIV-Infected Patients in Cameroon A Snapshot from the City of Yaoundé

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Durand NKA ◽  
Samuel Martin Sosso ◽  
Joseph Fokam ◽  
Bouba Yagai ◽  
Georges Teto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Drug Combinations ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Reference Centre ◽  
Antiretroviral Drug ◽  
Load Rate

Abstract Objective: Thrombocytopenia is an abnormal decrease in blood platelets, which can affect the prognosis of people living with HIV (PLHIV). In order to assess the burden of this haematological disorder, we evaluated the frequency of thrombocytopenia according to antiretroviral drug combinations, viremia and the immune status of PLHIV. Results: A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted from June-November 2016 among 310 PLHIV at the “Chantal BIYA” International Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Overall rate of thrombocytopenia was 19.0% (59/310).The rate of thrombocytopenia was 64.6% (42/65) versus 6.9% (17/245) in ART-naïve versus ART-treated patients respectively, p<0.0001. Following viral load, rate of thrombocytopenia was 15.8% (20/130) in those with undetectable viral load, and 34.1% (27/79) with viral loads>3 log10 RNA/ml (p=0.03). As concerns CD4-count, rate of thrombocytopenia was 16.2% (42/259) in those with ≥200 CD4/mm 3 versus 33.3% (17/51) with <200 CD4/mm 3 (p=0.0003) . After adjusting for sex, ART, viral load and CD4, Viral load and ART exposure were significantly associated with decreased risk of thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Thrombocytopenia occurs especially among ART-naïve, high viremia and severe immune-compromised patients. Interestingly, ART coverage appears as an independent factor in preventing the occurrence of thrombocytopenia.

scholarly journals Thrombocytopenia according to antiretroviral drug combinations, viremia and CD4 lymphocytes among HIV-infected patients in Cameroon: a snapshot from the City of Yaoundé

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Durand Nka ◽  
Samuel Martin Sosso ◽  
Joseph Fokam ◽  
Yagai Bouba ◽  
Georges Teto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Drug Combinations ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Reference Centre ◽  
Antiretroviral Drug ◽  
Load Rate

Abstract Objective Thrombocytopenia is an abnormal decrease in blood platelets, which can affect the prognosis of people living with HIV (PLHIV). In order to assess the burden of this haematological disorder, we evaluated the frequency of thrombocytopenia according to antiretroviral drug combinations, viremia and the immune status of PLHIV. Results A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted from June to November 2016 among 310 PLHIV at the “Chantal BIYA” International Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Overall rate of thrombocytopenia was 19.0% (59/310). The rate of thrombocytopenia was 64.6% (42/65) versus 6.9% (17/245) in ART-naïve versus ART-treated patients respectively, p < 0.0001. Following viral load, rate of thrombocytopenia was 15.8% (20/130) in those with undetectable viral load, and 34.1% (27/79) with viral loads > 3 log10 RNA/ml (p = 0.03). As concerns CD4-count, rate of thrombocytopenia was 16.2% (42/259) in those with ≥ 200 CD4/mm3 versus 33.3% (17/51) with < 200 CD4/mm3 (p = 0.0003). After adjusting for sex, ART, viral load and CD4, Viral load and ART exposure were significantly associated with decreased risk of thrombocytopenia (p < 0.05). Thrombocytopenia occurs especially among ART-naïve, high viremia and severe immune-compromised patients. Interestingly, ART coverage appears as an independent factor in preventing the occurrence of thrombocytopenia.

scholarly journals Thrombocytopenia according to Antiretroviral Drug Combinations, Viremia and CD4 Lymphocytes among HIV-Infected Patients in Cameroon A Snapshot from the City of Yaoundé

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Durand NKA ◽  
Samuel Martin Sosso ◽  
Joseph Fokam ◽  
Bouba Yagai ◽  
Georges Teto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Drug Combinations ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Reference Centre ◽  
Antiretroviral Drug ◽  
Load Rate

Abstract Objective: Thrombocytopenia is an abnormal decrease in blood platelets, which can affect the prognosis of people living with HIV (PLHIV). In order to assess the burden of this haematological disorder, we evaluated the frequency of thrombocytopenia according to antiretroviral drug combinations, viremia and the immune status of PLHIV. Results: A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted from June-November 2016 among 310 PLHIV at the “Chantal BIYA” International Reference Centre, Yaoundé, Cameroon. Overall rate of thrombocytopenia was 19.0% (59/310).The rate of thrombocytopenia was 64.6% (42/65) versus 6.9% (17/245) in ART-naïve versus ART-treated patients respectively, p<0.0001. Following viral load, rate of thrombocytopenia was 15.8% (20/130) in those with undetectable viral load, and 34.1% (27/79) with viral loads>3 log10 RNA/ml (p=0.03). As concerns CD4-count, rate of thrombocytopenia was 16.2% (42/259) in those with ≥200 CD4/mm3 versus 33.3% (17/51) with <200 CD4/mm3 (p=0.0003) .After adjusting for sex, ART, viral load and CD4, Viral load and ART exposure were significantly associated with decreased risk of thrombocytopenia (p<0.05). Thrombocytopenia occurs especially among ART-naïve, high viremia and severe immune-compromised patients. Interestingly, ART coverage appears as an independent factor in preventing the occurrence of thrombocytopenia.

scholarly journals Thrombocytopenia according to Antiretroviral Drug Combinations, Viremia and CD4 Lymphocytes among HIV-Infected Patients in Cameroon A Snapshot from the City of Yaoundé

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Durand NKA ◽  
Samuel Martin Sosso ◽  
Joseph Fokam ◽  
Bouba Yagai ◽  
Georges Teto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Blood Platelets ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Drug Combinations ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Reference Centre ◽  
Antiretroviral Drug ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background Thrombocytopenia is an abnormal decrease in blood platelets, which can affect the prognosis of people living with HIV (PLHIV). In order to limit the occurrence of this haematological disorder, we evaluated the frequency of thrombocytopenia according to antiretroviral drug combinations, viremia and the immune status of PLHIV. Methods A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted from June-November 2016 among 310 PLHIV at the “Chantal BIYA” International Reference Centre for research on HIV/AIDS prevention and management (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon. Thrombocytopenia was assessed by blood count on Mindray BC 3000 plus, then categorized as mild (50,000-149,999 platelets/μL), moderate (20,000-49,999) and severe <20,000; HIV-1 viremia was measured by Abbott m2000RT and CD4 by BD Facs Calibur; treatment history was retrieved from medical records. Data were analysed using Graph Pad Prism.6, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results Median age was 40 [IQR: 33-49] years with, and 60.9% of participants being female. Up to 79.0% (245) were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART); 54.5% had CD4 counts <500 cells/mm3 and 25.4% had viremia >3log10 RNA/ml. Overall rate of thrombocytopenia was 19.0% (59/310), with 17.4% (54/310) mild, 1.6% (5/310) moderate and 0.0% severe. Following ART-exposure, rate of thrombocytopenia was 64.6% (42/65) versus 6.9% (17/245) in naïve versus treated patients respectively, p<0.0001. Following ART regimens, rate of thrombocytopenia was 64.7% (11/17) versus 35.3% (6/17) among AZT-containing versus AZT-sparing regimens, p=0.02. Following viral load ranges, rate of thrombocytopenia was 15.8% (20/130) in those with undetectable viral load, 11.0% (12/101) with viral loads 1.60-3.0 log10 RNA/ml and 34.1% (27/79) with viral loads >3 log10 RNA/ml (p=0.03; r=-0.12). As concerns CD4-count, rate of thrombocytopenia was 16.2% (42/259) in those with ≥200 CD4/mm3 versus 33.3% (17/51) with <200 CD4/mm3 (p=0.0003; r=0.21). After adjusting for age, sex, ART, viral load and CD4, only ART exposure was significantly associated with decreased risk of thrombopenia (p<0.0001). Conclusions Thrombocytopenia occurs generally at mild-level among PLHIV in Cameroon, especially among ART-naïve, AZT-treated, high viremia and severe immune-compromised patients. Interestingly, ART coverage appears as an independent factor in preventing the occurrence of thrombocytopenia, especially for AZT-sparing treatment combinations in countries with similar features like Cameroon.

scholarly journals Vulnerability of the Brazilian LGBT population in HIV treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 1481-1488
Author(s):  
Thaisa Fernanda Lourenção Tauyr ◽  
Luciano Garcia Lourenção ◽  
Maria Amélia Zanon Ponce ◽  
Francisco Rosemiro Guimarães Ximenes Neto ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Sperli Geraldes Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Sexual Transmission ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Treatment ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lgbt People

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transvestite, and transsexual (LGBT) population. We aimed to identify the indidual vulnerability profile of the LGBT population ling with H/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and correlate it with the treatment situation. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 510 LGBT people living with HIV (PLHIV)/AIDS who attended the Complex of Chronic Communicable Diseases of the municipality of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, between 2008 and 2015. Results: There was a predominance of indiduals who were white (70.2%), male (98.4%), single (87.1%), aged 25–44 years (70.0%), educated up to high school (47.7%), economically acte (91.2%), under treatment (80.8%), having CD4 > 350 cells/mm3 (77.1%), and having undetectable viral load (53.3%). HIV transmission was mainly sexual (97.0%) and most people used drugs (76.5%). There was a weak correlation between the variables ‘in treatment’ and acte occupation (r = 0.148, p = 0.001), single marital status (r = 0.128, p = 0.004), white race/colour (r = 0.117, p = 0.008), high school education (r = 0.111, p = 0.012), sexual transmission (r = 0.222, p = 0.000), drug use (r = 0.087, p = 0.049), and CD4 > 350 cells/mm3 (r = 0.118, p = 0.008); and strong correlation between the variables ‘in treatment’ and undetectable viral load (r = -0.937, p = 0.113). Conclusions: The characteristics of the indidual vulnerability of LGBT people involve, among other aspects, issues of gender and social exclusion, a situation that is part of the daily life of PLHIV/AIDS in many scenarios and territories. This can be alleviated with a network of social and health support and effecte and efficient, protecte, attitudinal, and behavioural public policies.

scholarly journals Virologic Outcomes Following Enhanced Adherence Counselling among Treatment Experienced HIV Positive Patients at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 53-65
Author(s):  
Olutosin A. Awolude ◽  
Oluwatobi Olaniyi ◽  
Mary Moradeyo ◽  
Josephine Abiolu
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Adherence Rate ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Adherence Counseling ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Ibadan Nigeria

Aims: To explore the impact of enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) in achieving viral suppression among our patients unsuppressed viral load in a large Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) program in South West Nigeria. Study Design: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional review of patients’ records. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Program located in Infectious Disease Institute, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria involving review of data of patients with unsuppressed viral loads between 1st March 2017 – 30th September 2018. Methodology: We described the viral loads (VL) outcomes of patients with VLs >1 000 copies/ml after at least 6 months on ART and a comprehensive 3 monthly EAC support programme. We calculated adherence using pharmacy refill data. Patients with one VL measurement after the EAC sessions were eligible for analysis. Results: Out of 400 patients with VL >1 000 copies/ml reviewed during the study period, only 204(51.0%) were virally suppressed at the end of the 3 EAC sessions. Those with initial VLs between 1000-5000cp/ml had the highest adherence rate (73.0%) and VL suppression rate (68%). The youngest age group (16-30 years) had the least adherence (55.2%) and the least viral suppression (44.8%) while the oldest age groups (61-80years) were the most adherent (69.0%) and the most virally suppressed (55.2%). The proportion of patients on second line regimen were significantly more virally suppressed than those on the first line regimen (P <0.002). Conclusion: This study showed the role EAC in accomplishing VL suppression and the need to intensify adherence counseling at commencement of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) to strengthen adherence in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and consequently preventing raised VL at the next laboratory testing of viral load. We strongly advocate for better measurement of adherence to antiretroviral therapy that will be accessible and reliable as this was a limitation of this study.

Factors associated with HIV care and treatment cascade in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2014–2017: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242097594
Author(s):  
Guilherme B Shimocomaqui ◽  
Craig S Meyer ◽  
Maria L Ikeda ◽  
Elson Romeu Farias ◽  
Tonantzin R Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Cascade ◽  
Care And Treatment

In 2018, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) had some of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in Brazil, and we did not find any studies about the HIV care and treatment cascade (HCTC) related to this state. We aimed to estimate the indicators of HCTC of RS, Brazil, and associated factors. A cross-sectional study with all people living with HIV (PLWH) in RS between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017 was conducted using a national database which registers all HIV notifications, CD4 and viral load laboratory data and antiretroviral therapy (ART) usage in the public health system. We considered sex, age, education, race, year of HIV diagnosis, and health region as predictor factors, and defined linkage to care, retention to care, being on ART, and having undetectable viral load as the HCTC indicators. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed using Stata 15.2. A total of 116,121 PLWH were diagnosed, 79,959 were linked to care, 72,117 retained in care, 69,219 on ART, and 54,857 had undetectable viral load from 2014 to 2017. We observed greatest attrition for younger age, non-white, and lower education in all HCTC indicators. Women are more likely to have undetectable viral load (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), even though they are less likely to be retained to care (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.89–0.96) and on ART (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.78–0.86). Although all HCTC indicators have increased over the period and the “test and treat” policy indicates improvements in ART and in undetectable viral load outcomes, evidence suggests specific attrition and disparities such as those related to HIV healthcare facilities should be addressed. These findings may be used by researchers, health professionals, and policymakers in order to investigate and implement interventions to better engage PLWH across the HCTC.

High viremia and Poor Immunity are Potential Surrogates of Anti-toxoplasmic Immunoglobulin G Quantification among HIV-Infected Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study in Yaoundé, Cameroon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aude Christelle Ka'e ◽  
Samuel Martin Sosso ◽  
Joseph Fokam ◽  
Rachel Kamgaing Simo ◽  
Sara Riwom Essama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Opportunistic Infection ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reference Centre ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Common Opportunistic Infection ◽  
Hiv 1

Abstract Background: Toxoplasmosis remains a neglected common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, who are mainly people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in whom reactivation of toxoplasmosis may occur with advanced HIV conditions in resource-limited settings (RLS). Our objective was to evaluate the correlation between the anti-toxoplasmic IgG (Tg-IgG) concentration and the immuno-virological status of PLWHIV.Methods : A prospective and cross-sectional study was conducted among PLWHIV aged>18 years from February to November 2018 at the Chantal BIYA international Reference Centre. Blood samples were collected from eligible consenting PLWHIV; Tg-IgG level was assessed by quantitative ELISA, CD4-T lymphocytes counts were measured by flow cytometry and HIV-1 plasma viral load (PVL) measurement by real-time-PCR. Data were analysed using Excel and Graph Pad softwares; with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.Results : A total of 100 PLWHIV were enrolled: 56% seropositive for IgG anti- Toxoplasma gondii, 33% seronegative and 11% indeterminate results. According to viremia, 100% (19/19) of those with PVL>1000 copies/mL were seropositive to Tg-IgG versus 52.85% (37/70) of those with PVL<1000 copies/mL (median [IQR] IgG concentration 152.78 [139.24-444.43] versus 34.44 [13.04-36.47] IU/mL, respectively); p<0.0001. According to CD4, 100% (11/11) of those with T-CD4<200 cells/µL were seropositive to Tg-IgG versus 57.69% (45/78) of those with T-CD4>200 cells/µL (median IgG [IQR] 432.92 [145.06-450.47] versus 35.01 [15.01-38.01] IU/mL, respectively); p<0.0001. Interestingly, there were moderate-positive and strong-negative correlations respectively with HIV-1 PVL (r = 0.54; p<0.0001) and T-CD4 (r = -0.70; p<0.0001) as compared to Tg-IgG concentration. After adjusting for age, gender, immune status and PVL in logistic regression, only poor immune status (T-CD4<200 cells/µL) was independently associated to Tg-IgG seropositivity (p=0.0004).Conclusion : In a typical RLS like Cameroon, about half of PLWHIV might be seropositive to Tg-IgG. Of relevance, decreasing immunity appears with risk of increasing IgG anti- T gondii concentration, which suggests a relapse of toxoplasmosis. Thus, in the context of immunodeficiency, routine quantification of Tg-IgG would alleviate the programmatic burden of this opportunistic infection in RLS with generalized HIV epidemics.

scholarly journals Cocaine Use, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Among People Living with HIV in the MASH Cohort in Miami (P19-002-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alhanoof Alohaly ◽  
Adriana Campa ◽  
Leslie Seminario ◽  
Marianna Baum
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Antioxidant Defense System ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Oxidized Glutathione ◽  
Hiv Viral Load ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cocaine Use ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Objectives HIV infection and cocaine use contribute to oxidative stress; persistent oxidative stress leads to rapid rates of glutathione (GSH) consumption. GSH is an abundant intracellular antioxidant and is synthesized from its precursor amino acids. HIV promotes changes in the components of the antioxidant defense system, resulting in GSH depletion and may cause DNA damage, and is associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the aim is to assess oxidative stress, and biomarkers of inflammation in HIV-infected individuals from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort, on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART), with controlled HIV viral load. Methods A cross-sectional study of participants in the MASH cohort in Miami. Participants were consented and blood was collected for C-reactive protein (CRP), oxidized glutathione and % of reduced to oxidized glutathione (GSH: GSSG). Anthropometrics included body fat measured by the bioimpedance analysis machine. Results Mean age was 54.6 ± 6.3 years, 67% were male, and 50% used cocaine, mean BMI was 26.2 ± 3.1, CRP was 7.1 ± 12.4, oxidized glutathione was 34.4 ± 32.4 mmol, and the ratio of GSH: GSSG 4.86 ± 4.7. All participants had undetected viral load and were mainly overweight (70%) with a mean fat% of 28.0 ± 7.1. Cocaine use was strongly related with CRP (r = 401, P = 0.014) and GSH: GSSG (r = −389, P = 0.017) ; BMI was lower with age (r = −0.502, P = 0.024); and fat contain was lower in males (r = −0.474, P = 0.004); males also had significantly higher oxidized glutathione (r = 0.384, P = 0.018); age was inversely correlated with BMI (r = −0.335, P = 0.027). A nutritional supplementation with antioxidants with a longitudinal follow-up of outcomes is in progress. Conclusions Our findings suggest that cocaine use is significantly associated with markers of inflammations and oxidative stress in people living with HIV who are already at risk for these conditions, and interventions with antioxidants and detoxification interventions are important for these participants. Funding Sources National Institute on Drug Abuse.

scholarly journals 2528. Inflammation and Plasma Selenium and Chromium in Ugandan Children Living with HIV

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S879-S879
Author(s):  
Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo ◽  
Abdus Sattar ◽  
Lingpeng Shan ◽  
Emily Bowman ◽  
Rashida Nazzinda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Selenium Deficiency ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Plasma Selenium ◽  
Selenium Supplements

Abstract Background Selenium deficiency has been reported to be associated with HIV disease progression and chromium deficiency with insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. Here, we assessed selenium and chromium status in a cohort of Ugandan HIV+, HIV exposed uninfected (HEU) and HIV negative (HIV−) children and their associations with markers of systemic inflammation, immune activation, and gut integrity. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in HIV+, HEU and HIV unexposed uninfected (HIV-) children aged 2–10 years old enrolled in Uganda. HIV+ children were on stable ART with undetectable viral load. We measured plasma concentrations of selenium and chromium as well as markers of systemic inflammation, monocyte activation, gut integrity and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results Among HIV+ children (n = 57), 93% had viral load ≤ 20 copies/mL, mean CD4 was 34% and 77% were receiving a non-nucleotide reserve transcriptase regimen. Mean age of all participants was 7 years and 55% were girls. Mean selenium concentrations were higher in the HIV+ group (106 µg/L) compared with the HEU (84 µg/L) and HIV− (98 µg/L) groups (p . Mean chromium concentrations were 1 µg/L; 1 HIV+ child and 6 HEU children had chromium levels > 1 µg/L (p. Conclusion In this cohort of HIV+ children on ART in Uganda, plasma selenium and chromium concentrations appear sufficient. Higher plasma selenium concentrations were associated with lower systemic inflammation and higher gut integrity markers. Although our findings do not support the use of selenium supplementation broadly for HIV-infected children in Uganda, further studies are warranted to assess the role of selenium supplements in attenuating heightened inflammation. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Workshop: Screening infectious diseases amongst migrants in Europe: The diversity of policies

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Access To Care ◽  
Latent Tuberculosis ◽  
Undetectable Viral Load ◽  
Active Tuberculosis ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
European Guidelines

Abstract In Europe, the prevalence of several infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and tuberculosis is higher amongst migrants. Late diagnosis of HIV, hepatitis B and C is a health issue that thwarts prevention efforts. Early diagnosis has obvious benefits, both for the individuals (i.e. earlier access to care with a better life expectancy) and for the community. As regard for HIV, treated patients with an undetectable viral load do not transmit the virus. This is in line with the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target that in every country 90% of people living with HIV should be aware of their positive status, 90% of them should be treated with antiretroviral and within 90% should have an undetectable viral load. Widespread testing of HIV, HBV and HCV is recommended by European guidelines, such those from European Centre for disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The ECDC recommends that screening for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and tuberculosis should be offered to every migrant from countries with a high prevalence (≥1% for HIV and ≥2% for hepatitis B and C). Other recommendations include ensuring that screening and vaccination is voluntary and confidential, that migrants have a quick access to care, addressing barriers to screening, and taking into account the particular issues and needs of migrants. However, European countries have developed diverse guidelines and initiatives to address the issue of screening infectious diseases amongst migrants. The objective of this workshop is to present several European initiatives to improve the screening of infectious diseases amongst migrants. Four initiatives will be presented and discussed: screening of active tuberculosis amongst asylum seekers with the use of a questionnaire in Switzerland; replacing the systematic chest X-ray with a screening questionnaire for active tuberculosis and introducing rapid tests for HIV, HBV and HCV for all legal migrants at entry point in France, adding HIV, HBV and HCV testing to the compulsory targeted tuberculosis test in the Netherlands and offering targeted tests for latent tuberculosis, HBV and HCV to migrants registering for primary care in the UK. Key messages Screening of infectious diseases should be targeted to migrants from high-incidence countries. European practices should be harmonized.

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