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
Immunology
Monisha Sharma, Edinah Mudimu, Kate Simeon, Anna Bershteyn, Jienchi Dorward, Lauren R. Violette, Adam Akullian, Salim S. Abdool Karim, Connie Celum, Nigel Garrett, Paul K. Drain
Summary: Based on data from the STREAM trial in South Africa, point-of-care (POC) testing is a promising strategy to improve patient outcomes in moderately sized clinics in South Africa. Results are most sensitive to changes in the intervention impact on enrollment into community-based ART delivery.
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)
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
Immunology
Jienchi Dorward, Yukteshwar Sookrajh, Thokozani Khubone, Johan van der Molen, Riona Govender, Sifiso Phakathi, Lara Lewis, Christian Bottomley, Munthra Maraj, Richard J. Lessells, Kogieleum Naidoo, Christopher C. Butler, Rose Van Heerden, Nigel Garrett
Summary: This study examined the uptake of dolutegravir among men and women living with HIV in South Africa and its impact on clinical outcomes. The findings showed that women were less likely to receive dolutegravir compared to men, but the drug was associated with improved clinical outcomes. Therefore, the roll-out of dolutegravir should continue with a focus on including women.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nivashnee Naicker, Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma, Ayesha B. M. Kharsany, Hlengiwe Shozi, Duduzile Nkosi, Anushka Naidoo, Nigel Garrett, Salim S. Abdool Karim
Summary: Pregnancy rates following HIV acquisition in South Africa are high, highlighting the importance of timely provision of antiretroviral therapy and contraception counseling for women recently diagnosed with HIV. The study also showed improvements in CD4 count and HIV viral load trajectories in pregnant women over time.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jane R. Millar, Isabella Fatti, Noxolo Mchunu, Nomonde Bengu, Nicholas E. Grayson, Emily Adland, David Bonsall, Moherndran Archary, Philippa C. Matthews, Thumbi Ndung'u, Philip Goulder
Summary: The global incidence of pregnancy among women with perinatal HIV infection is increasing, leading to a growing risk of second-generation mother-to-child HIV transmission. Clinical outcomes for infants born in this context were found to be poor, with mothers facing difficulties in administering antiretroviral therapy to their infants.
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
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)
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
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
Lara Lewis, Yukteshwar Sookrajh, Kelly Gate, Thokozani Khubone, Munthra Maraj, Siyabonga Mkhize, Lucas E. Hermans, Hope Ngobese, Nigel Garrett, Jienchi Dorward
Summary: In a study conducted in South Africa, it was found that PLHIV who were stable on second-line regimens and referred for community ART had good treatment outcomes. There were no significant differences in attrition and viraemia at 12 months compared to those who remained in clinic care. This suggests that efforts to expand DSD access should prioritize this group.
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Siphamandla Bonga Gumede, Francois Venter, John de Wit, Annemarie Wensing, Samanta Tresha Lalla-Edward
Summary: This study investigated the demographics, treatment information, and characteristics associated with virological failure and being lost to follow-up for HIV patients in South Africa. It found that patients on first-line regimens had higher viral suppression rates and were more likely to remain in care compared to those on second-line regimens. Younger age and low CD4 cell counts were associated with poorer treatment outcomes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melanie Plazy, Adama Diallo, Thabile Hlabisa, Nonhlanhla Okesola, Collins Iwuji, Kobus Herbst, Sylvie Boyer, France Lert, Nuala McGrath, Deenan Pillay, Francois Dabis, Joseph Larmarange, Joanna Orne-Gliemann
Summary: This study reports on the implementation and effectiveness of a linkage-to-care intervention in rural South Africa, which involved tracking HIV-positive individuals through phone calls and home visits. The results showed that this intervention was effective in improving the linkage-to-care rate among patients.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nolwenn Conan, Erica Simons, Menard L. Chihana, Liesbet Ohler, Ellie FordKamara, Mduduzi Mbatha, Gilles VanCutsem, Helena Huerga
Summary: The viral suppression among people living with HIV in Eshowe/Mbongolwane, South Africa has significantly improved from 2013 to 2018, but young men have a lower suppression rate and women and older adults have a higher rate of unsuppressed viral load. Specific strategies are needed to increase viral suppression in these groups.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Sydney Rosen, Mhairi Maskew, Bruce A. Larson, Alana T. Brennan, Isaac Tsikhutsu, Matthew P. Fox, Lungisile Vezi, Margaret Bii, Willem D. F. Venter
Article
Immunology
Bruce A. Larson, Sophie J. S. Pascoe, Amy Huber, Lawrence C. Long, Joshua Murphy, Jacqui Miot, Matthew P. Fox, Nicole Fraser-Hurt, Sydney Rosen
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Brooke E. Nichols, O. Agatha Offorjebe, Refiloe Cele, Frackson Shaba, Kelvin Balakasi, Mackenzie Chivwara, Risa M. Hoffman, Lawrence C. Long, Sydney Rosen, Kathryn Dovel
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alana Brennan, Mhairi Maskew, Bruce A. Larson, Isaac Tsikhutsu, Margaret Bii, Lungisile Vezi, Matthew Fox, Willem Daniel Francois Venter, Peter D. Ehrenkranz, Sydney Rosen
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mhairi Maskew, Alana T. Brennan, Matthew P. Fox, Lungisile Vezi, Willem D. F. Venter, Peter Ehrenkranz, Sydney Rosen
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
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
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.
Review
Immunology
Lawrence Long, Salome Kuchukhidze, Sophie Pascoe, Brooke E. Nichols, Matthew P. Fox, Refiloe Cele, Caroline Govathson, Amy N. Huber, David Flynn, Sydney Rosen
JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL AIDS SOCIETY
(2020)