Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Cassidy Williams, Festus M. Kamau, Frans Everson, Boipelo Kgokane, Patrick De Boever, Nandu Goswami, Ingrid Webster, Hans Strijdom
Summary: In individuals with HIV/AIDS in South Africa's Western Cape Province, the study revealed associations between HIV, ART, cardiometabolic factors, and cardiac electrical activity, emphasizing the importance of cardiovascular risk monitoring in this population.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Virology
Abdulhammed O. Babatunde, Oluwawapelumi D. Akin-Ajani, Ridwanullah O. Abdullateef, Taofeeq O. Togunwa, Haroun O. Isah
Summary: Africa accounts for two-thirds of global new HIV infections. Ten countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Kenya, were responsible for 80% of HIV cases in Africa in 2014. This study evaluates the antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage strategies implemented by these countries and highlights the importance of community-based and digital health approaches in increasing ART coverage and retention. Challenges such as funding shortages and cultural/religious beliefs need to be addressed to achieve the 95-95-95 goal by 2030.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eda He, Janke Tolmay, Siyanai G. Zhou, Wylene G. Saal, Elona G. Toska
Summary: Adolescents living with HIV face unique challenges in treatment and care. This study analyzed data to determine the age cut-off for distinguishing how they acquired HIV, which can help tailor HIV services to their needs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adam Akullian, Alain Vandormael, Joel C. Miller, Anna Bershteyn, Edward Wenger, Diego Cuadros, Dickman Gareta, Till Barnighausen, Kobus Herbst, Frank Tanser
Summary: In a hyper-epidemic region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the median age of HIV seroconversion increased in both men and women, suggesting a changing demographic of HIV risk with a focus on younger age groups. The decline in HIV incidence was more pronounced in young men and women, while older individuals showed stable or even lagging declines in incidence. These results provide direct epidemiological evidence of the impact of large-scale treatment and prevention interventions on the age distribution of HIV incidence in sub-Saharan Africa.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Economics
Dominik Jockers, Sarah Langlotz, Declan French, Till Baernighausen
Summary: Research shows that HIV patients receiving ART treatment have significantly reduced absenteeism rates, with a decrease of 1.033 days per worker per month after 18 months of treatment initiation. Additionally, the cost savings due to the absenteeism effect of treatment outweigh treatment costs in the mining sector in several sub-Saharan African countries.
JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS
(2021)
Review
Nursing
Abdul Razak Doat, Roberta Mensima Amoah, Kennedy Diema Konlan, Kennedy Dodam Konlan, Juliana Asibi Abdulai, Margaret W. Kukeba, Iddrisu Mohammed, Joel Afram Saah
Summary: This study examined the factors influencing pregnancy decisions among HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan Africa. The motivators for pregnancy uptake included the desire to have children, knowledge about prevention of mother-to-child transmission, cultural expectations for married women, and household income. On the other hand, the use of modern contraception methods and the burden associated with pregnancy were identified as demotivating factors.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ruxandra-Cristina Marin, Simona Gabriela Bungau, Delia Mirela Tit, Paul Andrei Negru, Andrei-Flavius Radu, Radu Dumitru Moleriu
Summary: Approximately two-thirds of Romanian HIV patients were parenterally infected with the F subtype of HIV in early childhood. They are now facing immunological aging, with immunosuppression posing an additional challenge in developing effective and well-tolerated regimens. A retrospective study compared the immune recovery of 462 HIV-infected patients who received different treatment regimens, showing normal immune response but a significant difference between groups. The study also assessed the relationship between immune and virological responses to therapy, finding an association at the final visit.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Patience Nyakato, Michael Schomaker, Nosisa Sipambo, Karl-Gunter Technau, Geoffrey Fatti, Helena Rabie, Frank Tanser, Brian Eley, Jonathan Euvrard, Robin Wood, Priscilla R. Tsondai, Constantin T. Yiannoutsos, Morna Cornell, Mary-Ann Davies
Summary: The study found that as adolescents age between 10 and 14 years, they are increasingly likely to experience higher viral load values, particularly if receiving second-line protease inhibitor or NNRTI-based regimens, which warrant adherence support interventions.
Article
Immunology
Kimesha Pillay, Lara Lewis, Santhuri Rambaran, Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Derseree Archary, Santhanalakshmi Gengiah, Dhineshree Govender, Razia Hassan-Moosa, Natasha Samsunder, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Lyle R. McKinnon, Nesri Padayatchi, Kogieleum Naidoo, Aida Sivro
Summary: The study suggests that increased risk of TB recurrence in HIV infected individuals on ART is likely associated with HIV mediated translocation of microbial products and resulting chronic immune activation. This indicates that immunological markers play an important role in the risk of TB recurrence.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Leigh F. Johnson, Gesine Meyer-Rath, Rob E. Dorrington, Adrian Puren, Thapelo Seathlodi, Khangelani Zuma, Ali Feizzadeh
Summary: This study used a mathematical model to analyze the HIV epidemic in South Africa and found that HIV incidence has significantly declined since 2000. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) and condom promotion have been the most significant factors contributing to this decline.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mandla Njajula, Uchenna Benedine Okafor
Summary: The prevalence of depressive symptoms is high among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), especially among females. Factors such as lower CD4 cell count, pain and discomfort, complications and opportunistic diseases, discrimination at health facilities and workplaces, and satisfaction with ART treatment results are associated with higher susceptibility to depressive symptoms. Mental health screening in primary health care facilities is important for early detection of depressive symptoms and prompt referrals and treatment.
JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yann Ruffieux, Tafadzwa Dhokotera, Mazvita Muchengeti, Lina Bartels, Victor Olago, Julia Bohlius, Elvira Singh, Matthias Egger, Eliane Rohner
Summary: This study examined cancer incidence in adolescents and young adults living with HIV in South Africa from 2004 to 2014. The results showed that infection-related cancers were the most common types of cancer in this population, and their occurrence rates were higher with lower CD4 cell counts.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Griffin J. Bell, Jabulani Ncayiyana, Ari Sholomon, Varun Goel, Khangelani Zuma, Michael Emch
Summary: There are extreme racial disparities in HIV infection in South Africa, which are a result of racist policies and segregation. The study found that segregation increases the odds of HIV infection among Black South Africans, even after adjusting for other covariates. Additionally, the odds ratio for HIV infection varies across different racial groups.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Suranie Horn, Tash Vogt, Elisca Gerber, Bianca Vogt, Hindrik Bouwman, Rialet Pieters
Summary: South Africa has the highest number of HIV patients, and the high usage of ARVs for AIDS treatment results in the presence of ARVs in the environment, with wastewater being a major contributor of pharmaceutical pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kira DiClemente-Bosco, Alison Z. Weber, Abigail Harrison, Nokwazi Tsawe, Zanele Rini, Kirsty Brittain, Christopher J. Colvin, Landon Myer, Jennifer A. Pellowski
Summary: This study examines the behaviors and adherence to treatment of peripartum women living with HIV using women's empowerment theory. The findings suggest that resources, agency, and achievements are key factors influencing adherence to treatment. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving adherence should focus on enabling resources, enhancing women's agency, and emphasizing the achievable goals associated with high levels of adherence.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alana T. Brennan, Kelly D. Getz, Daniel R. Brooks, Matthew P. Fox
Summary: Dependent error between exposures and covariates can have a significant impact on study results, leading to adjusted associations that may be less accurate than crude associations. Correlated errors in measurement of covariates and exposures can distort the outcomes, resulting in observed associations that may be in the opposite direction of the true associations.
ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Dorina Onoya, Cheryl Hendrickson, Tembeka Sineke, Mhairi Maskew, Lawrence Long, Jacob Bor, Matthew P. Fox
Summary: The study found that the implementation of Universal Test & Treat policy led to a decrease in patient attrition within 12 months after HIV diagnosis, while there was no change in attrition rates under the same-day initiation of antiretroviral therapy policy. Older age, being in a non-marital relationship, and shorter travel time to the clinic were associated with lower attrition rates, while patients diagnosed under the same-day initiation policy had a higher risk of attrition. More research is needed to effectively initiate patients on ART and reduce long-term attrition from care.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bruce A. Larson, Sophie J. S. Pascoe, Amy Huber, Lawrence C. Long, Joshua Murphy, Jacqui Miot, Nicole Fraser-Hurt, Matthew P. Fox, Sydney Rosen
Summary: This study compared the costs of HIV care and treatment under two different models of care in South Africa. The findings showed that costs were similar for patients achieving the composite outcome, but substantially less for patients not achieving the outcome. The 2016 adherence guidelines clarified expectations for adherence counseling sessions in relation to ART initiation.
Article
Immunology
Lawrence C. Long, Sydney Rosen, Brooke Nichols, Bruce A. Larson, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Gesine Meyer-Rath
Summary: Evidence-based budgeting is a useful tool for efficient resource allocation, but in sub-Saharan Africa, there may be a lack of evidence for underserved and vulnerable populations. It is important to consider the specific needs and challenges of these populations rather than excluding them from the budgeting process. Additional resources and research are needed to address the limitations in data and evidence for these populations.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Peter Ehrenkranz, Sydney Rosen, Andrew Boulle, Jeffrey W. Eaton, Nathan Ford, Matthew P. Fox, Anna Grimsrud, Brian D. Rice, Izukanji Sikazwe, Charles B. Holmes
Article
Infectious Diseases
Radha Rajasingham, Elizabeth Nalintya, Dennis M. Israelski, David B. Meya, Bruce A. Larson, David R. Boulware
Summary: This research evaluates the cost-effectiveness of AmBisome + fluconazole pre-emptive therapy for preventing cryptococcal meningitis, finding that in low-income settings, it is likely to be cost-effective if the efficacy of AmBisome pre-emptive therapy is 85% or higher.
Article
Immunology
Mhairi Maskew, Alana T. Brennan, Willem D. F. Venter, Matthew P. Fox, Lungisile Vezi, Sydney Rosen
Summary: Initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the same day does not lead to an overall increase in patient attrition from care, and results in similar rates of retention and viral suppression compared to standard procedures. The offer of same-day initiation may shift some attrition from before to after dispensing the first dose of medication.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Youngji Jo, Sydney Rosen, Karla Therese L. Sy, Bevis Phiri, Amy N. Huber, Muya Mwansa, Hilda Shakwelele, Prudence Haimbe, Mpande M. Mwenechanya, Priscilla Lumano-Mulenga, Brooke E. Nichols
Summary: In Zambia, participation in DSD models for stable ART clients increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, dispensing intervals decreased. Eliminating obstacles related to supply chain management is essential to achieve the expected benefits of DSD models and minimize COVID-19 risk.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Maria F. Nardell, Oluwatomi Adeoti, Carson Peters, Bernard Kakuhikire, Caroline Govathson-Mandimika, Lawrence Long, Sophie Pascoe, Alexander C. Tsai, Ingrid T. Katz
Summary: Men are missing along the HIV care continuum in sub-Saharan Africa, with varying proportions meeting the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals. This study estimated the proportions of men meeting each goal, described the heterogeneity, and summarized qualitative evidence on factors influencing care engagement.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
William B. MacLeod, Jacob Bor, Sue Candy, Mhairi Maskew, Matthew P. Fox, Katia Bulekova, Alana T. Brennan, James Potter, Cornelius Nattey, Dorina Onoya, Koleka Mlisana, Wendy Stevens, Sergio Carmona
Summary: The NHLS National HIV Cohort collects laboratory data of almost all patients receiving HIV care in the public sector in South Africa since April 2004. Using an anonymised unique patient identifier, the cohort enables researchers to prospectively observe patients through their laboratory results as they receive HIV care and treatment.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lise Jamieson, Sydney Rosen, Bevis Phiri, Anna Grimsrud, Muya Mwansa, Hilda Shakwelele, Prudence Haimbe, Mpande Mukumbwa-Mwenechanya, Priscilla Lumano-Mulenga, Innocent Chiboma, Brooke E. Nichols
Summary: This study compared loss to follow-up between patients enrolling in the differentiated service delivery (DSD) models early and those enrolled according to guidelines. The findings showed that patients who enrolled in DSD after less than 6 months of antiretroviral therapy (ART) were more likely to be retained.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alana T. Brennan, Cornelius Nattey, Emma M. Kileel, Sydney Rosen, Mhairi Maskew, Andrew C. Stokes, Matthew P. Fox, Willem D. F. Venter
Summary: A study in Johannesburg, South Africa found that patients who switched from efavirenz to dolutegravir experienced weight gain and an increased risk of hypertension after 12 months of treatment.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alana Brennan, Beatrice Vetter, Mohammed Majam, Vanessa T. Msolomba, Francois Venter, Sergio Carmona, Kekeletso Kao, Adena Gordon, Gesine Meyer-Rath, Mobolanle Balogun
Summary: By utilizing COVID-19 screening as an opportunity, we assessed the yield and linkage-to-care for diabetes and hypertension screening in taxi ranks in Johannesburg, South Africa. The overall indicative prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 7.1%, and hypertension was estimated to have a prevalence of 27.9%. However, the linkage-to-care following screening was poor, with only 30% of individuals with elevated blood glucose and 16.3% with elevated blood pressure seeking medical attention.