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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the care of patients with other diseases. Difficulty in access to healthcare during these months has been especially relevant for persons with HIV infection (PWH). This study therefore sought to ascertain the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of the measures implemented among PWH in a region with one of the highest incidence rates in Europe.Retrospective, observational, pre-post intervention study to compare the outcomes of PWH attended at a high-complexity healthcare hospital from March to October 2020 and during the same months across the period 2016-2019. The intervention consisted of home drug deliveries and preferential use of non face-to-face consultations. The effectiveness of the measures implemented was determined by reference to the number of emergency visits, hospitalisations, mortality rate, and percentage of PWH with viral load50 copies, before and after the two pandemic waves.A total of 2,760 PWH were attended from January 2016 to October 2020. During the pandemic, there was a monthly mean of 106.87 telephone consultations and 2,075 home deliveries of medical drugs dispensed to ambulatory patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the rate of admission of patients with COVID-HIV co-infection and that of the remaining patients (1,172.76 admissions/100,000 population vs. 1,424.29,Our results show that the strategies implemented during the first 8 months of the pandemic prevented any deterioration in the control and follow-up parameters routinely used on PWH. Furthermore, they contribute to the debate about how telemedicine and telepharmacy can fit into future healthcare models.Introducción: La pandemia causada por el SARS-CoV-2 ha afectado a la atención de pacientes con otras enfermedades. La dificultad en el acceso a la asistencia sanitaria durante estos meses es especialmente relevante en las personas con infección por VIH (PWH). El objetivo del estudio fue conocer los resultados clínicos y la efectividad de las medidas implementadas en PWH en una de las regiones con mayor incidencia de Europa.Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo, pre-post intervención, comparando los resultados de PWH atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad entre marzo-octubre de 2020 y el mismo periodo de 2016 a 2019. La intervención consistió en el envío a domicilio de medicamentos y la realización preferente de consultas no presenciales. La efectividad de las medidas implementadas se determinó por el número de visitas a Urgencias, hospitalizaciones, mortalidad y porcentaje de PWH con carga viral50 copias antes y después de dos olas pandémicas.Resultados: Se atendieron 2.760 PWH entre enero de 2016 y octubre de 2020. Durante la pandemia se realizaron una media mensual de 106,87 consultas telefónicas y 2.075 envíos a domicilio de medicamentos de dispensación ambulatoria. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuentación de pacientes con co-infección COVID-VIH respecto al resto (1.172,76 ingresos/100.000 habitantes vs. 1.424,29, p = 0,401), ni en su mortalidad (11,54% vs. 12,96%, p = 0,939). El porcentaje de PWH con carga viral50 copias fue similar antes y después de la pandemia (1,20% pre-pandemia vs. 0,51% en 2020, p = 0,078).Conclusión: Nuestros resultados revelan que las estrategias implementadas durante los 8 primeros meses de pandemia han evitado el deterioro en parámetros de control y seguimiento empleados habitualmente en PWH. Además, contribuyen a la reflexión sobre el encaje de la telemedicina y telefarmacia en modelos asistenciales futuros.

Among people who inject drugs (PWID), 60% have HCV and 50-90% of HIV-infected PWID are co-infected with HCV. Data comparing adherence to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy among HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID is limited. The impact of HCV treatment initiation on HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is also poorly understood. We assessed DAA adherence in HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID and examined changes in ART adherence and HIV outcomes following HCV treatment. Study was conducted in three Medication for Opioid use Disorder (MOUD) programs in Bronx, New York. HCV treatment adherence was measured using electronic blister packs. 2-week DAA adherence rates were compared and controlled for study arm, psychiatric illness and alcohol intoxication within the past 30 days. ART adherence was measured using participant self-report and dichotomized to "excellent" or "other". ART adherence, CD4 count, and HIV viral load were identified six months prior to, during, and six months after HCV treatment. Statistical significance was assessed with mixed-effects regression linear or logistic models. Overall DAA adherence rates among HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID were 74% (95% CI=71-78%) and 76% (95%CI=70-83%), respectively (p=.55). There were no significant changes in ART adherence, CD4 counts, or HIV viral loads prior to, during, or after HCV treatment. This is the first study assessing the impact of DAA therapy on ART adherence and HIV treatment outcomes among PWID. It is one of the first to compare DAA adherence among HCV and HIV/HCV co-infected PWID. Our data demonstrate no significant difference in DAA adherence and no significant impact of HCV treatment on ART adherence or HIV outcomes.

Understanding factors related to suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and detectable viral load (VL), especially among vulnerable populations, is needed to improve HIV outcomes. The Caribbean is highly impacted by HIV and socioeconomic inequalities, but few studies have been conducted there to explore food insecurity among people with HIV and factors associated with viral suppression in this vulnerable population. Using baseline data from a pilot intervention trial among people living with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic, we examined psychosocial and behavioral factors associated with viral suppression, ART adherence, and competing needs. Among participants (n = 115), 61% had a detectable VL; the strongest factor associated with detectable VL was having missed taking ART in the last six months due to not having food (OR = 2.68, p = 0.02). Greater odds of reporting missed ART doses due to not having food were associated with severe food insecurity (OR = 4.60, p = 0.006), clinical depression (OR = 2.76, p = 0.018), Haitian background (OR = 6.62 p = 0.017), and internalized HIV stigma (OR = 1.09, p = 0.041), while lower odds were associated with social support (OR = 0.89, p = 0.03) and having health insurance (OR = 0.27, p = 0.017). Ensuring that people with HIV and food insecurity have food to take with their ART is essential for viral suppression.

INTRODUCTION: The nose and throat are areas of high viral load, which could place otolaryngologists at an even higher risk for COVID-19 than other health-care workers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in otorhinolaryngologists in southern Brazil, its relationship to demographic data, professional practice and reported symptoms of COVID-19, and compare it with official data on other health-care workers of the state and the general population in the same period. METHODS: In this cross-sectional multicenter study, otolaryngologists actively practicing officially registered in Rio Grande do Sul were screened for IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from August 1 to September 15, 2020. A questionnaire was also applied. RESULTS: We screened 358 (80.1%) of 447 actively practicing otolaryngologists (195 [54.5%] male; mean [SD] age, 47.77 [13.57] years; range, 26-84 years). Twenty-three were positive for IgM and/or IgG (6.4%). This result was significantly associated with reports of infected household contacts (19/315 negatives and 8/23 positives; p 

HIV status may influence survival from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Among NSCLC patients in the Bronx, NY, we assessed (1) associations of CD4 count, CD4/CD8 ratio and HIV viral load (VL) with survival and (2) prognostic factors among persons living with HIV (PLWH). We compared survival from NSCLC diagnosis (2004-2017) between HIV-negative persons (HIV-, n=2,881) and PLWH (n=88) accounting for clinical and sociodemographic factors. HIV-survival was also compared with PLWH, dichotomized by CD4 (

A 52-year-old woman with HIV and recent antiretroviral therapy non-adherence presented with a 5-day history of widespread painful vesicular skin lesions. Direct fluorescent antibody testing of the skin lesions was positive for varicella zoster virus (VZV). On day 3, she developed profound right upper extremity weakness. MRI of the brain and cervical spine was suggestive of VZV myelitis. Lumbar puncture was positive for VZV PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and CSF HIV viral load was detected at 1030 copies/mL, indicating ‘secondary’ HIV CSF escape. She was treated with intravenous acyclovir for 4 weeks and subsequent oral therapy with famciclovir then valacyclovir for 6 weeks. She also received dexamethasone. The patient had an almost full recovery at 6 months. Myelitis is a rare complication of reactivated VZV infection that can have atypical presentation in immunocompromised patients. Such ‘secondary’ HIV CSF escape should be considered in immunosuppressed patients with concomitant central nervous system infection.

Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) was associated with a lower prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The impact of CHB on the link between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related virological implications remain unclear. Methods We recruited 2255 middle–to older–aged individuals who were examined serially for hepatic steatosis by ultrasonography and blood biochemistry as part of a population-based hepatocellular-carcinoma cohort study. In CHB patients, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and variation in viral load trajectory were also evaluated. Results During the average follow-up of 6 years, 168 participants developed T2D. CHB, as compared with uninfected subjects, was associated with lower risks for both new development and persistence of hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, the risk of steatosis decreased with higher levels of past viral load trajectories (p for trend = 0.0002). However, concomitant steatosis at baseline in CHB patients was still significantly associated with a 1.98-fold increased risk for T2D after multivariate adjustment including age, impaired fasting glucose, cirrhosis, and time-varying body mass index, although CHB reduced the propensity of hepatic steatosis to develop diabetes, especially for patients with high levels of past viral-load trajectory. In CHB, the functional cure of HBV infection, as indicated by HBsAg seroclearance, was associated with a 1.41-fold (95% CI 1.12–1.79) increased risk of steatosis. In addition, the increased risk for progressive impairment of glucose metabolism due to steatosis was especially prominent after HBsAg seroclearance. Conclusion The data showed that HBV interferes with fatty liver disease and modulates its related T2D risk, offering additional insight into the interplay between NAFLD and CHB.

We are yet to completely understand the transmission dynamics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a highly infectious disease, and research exploring the same is currently lacking. Hence, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the intra-familial transmission pattern of COVID-19 among the rural residents of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in relation to possible determinants, with a special focus on the viral load as an important factor. This cross-sectional study included visiting 195 families. We interviewed families with at least one case of COVID-19 infection. We recorded information about sociodemographic profiles and secondary transmission of cases. Out of the 195 families, 114 confirmed having at least one infected case within the family. Approximately 38.6% (44/114) of the index cases were asymptomatic, which was much higher than the low viral load index cases. Index cases with high, moderate, and low viral loads had transmitted the infection with an average of 3.3, 1.5, 0.4 secondary cases per index case, respectively. Approximately one-third of the COVID-19 cases were asymptomatic, and the affected individuals were capable of transmitting the disease within families. Moreover, index cases with a higher viral load had a higher transmission potential to generate more secondary cases, as compared to those with a low viral load.

Despite availability of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV patients still have a detectable viral load (VL). Predictive factors of detectable VL are not well documented. This study was done at two large multidisciplinary HIV outpatient clinics at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). This is a retrospective case-control study of patients treated between 2016 and 2018. Cases had a VL ≥50 copies/mL in 2018. Controls had an undetectable VL from 2016 to 2018. Matching was based on gender and year of HIV diagnosis. Primary objective was to identify predictive factors of detectable VL. Secondary objectives included to identify predictive factors of virologic failure, low persistent viremia, and viral blip. A forward stepwise model selection by the Akaike Information Criterion of the conditional logistic regression was used to identify predictive factors. Two hundred cases were identified and matched with 200 controls. The cohort was mostly male (68.0%) with a median age of 54 years (21-83 years). Among cases, viral blip was the most common type of detectable VL (43.0%). The strong predictive factors for a detectable VL were adherence to ART and seeking health care services. Asylum seekers were less at risk of detectable VL. Adherence to ART was the only strong predictive factor for virologic failure. Three main predictive factors of detectable VL were identified in two ambulatory clinic hospitals in Montreal. Ascertaining these factors will allow for identification of patients more at risk of detectable VL.

Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) compared with no treatment in healthcare workers with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Prospective, non-randomized study. All health professionals with confirmed COVID-19 between April 7 and May 6, 2020, non-requiring initial hospitalization were asked to participate. Patients who accepted treatment were given HCQ for five days (loading dose of 400 mg q12 h the first day followed by200 mg q12 h). Control group included patients with contraindications for HCQ or who rejected treatment. Study outcomes were negative conversion and viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, symptoms duration and disease progression. Result Overall, 142 patients were enrolled: 87 in treatment group and 55 in control group. The median age was 37 years and 75% were female, with few comorbidities. There were no significant differences in time to negative conversion of PCR between both groups. The only significant difference in the probability of negative conversion of PCR was observed at day 21 (18.7%, 95%CI 2.0–35.4). The decrease of SARS-CoV-2 viral load during follow-up was similar in both groups. A non significant reduction in duration of some symptoms in HCQ group was observed. Two patients with HCQ and 4 without treatment developed pneumonia. No patients required admission to the Intensive Care Unit or died. About 50% of patients presented mild side effects of HCQ, mainly diarrhea. Conclusions Our study failed to show a substantial benefit of HCQ in viral dynamics and in resolution of clinical symptoms in health care workers with mild COVID-19.

Introduction The high cost of viral load (VL) testing limits its use for antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence support. A low-cost lateral flow urine tenofovir (TFV) rapid assay predicts PrEP breakthroughs but has not yet been investigated in HIV treatment. We therefore evaluated its utility in a pilot cross-sectional study of TFV-containing ART recipients at increased risk of virologic failure. Methods Participants who had a treatment interruption ≥30 days or had ≥1 episode of viremia (VL≥400 copies/mL) in the previous year were recruited from a public health setting in Cape Town, South Africa. Self-reported adherence data were collected, the urine TFV assay performed, and concurrent TFV-diphosphate (DP) analysed in dried blood spots. VL testing was done concurrently and, if viremic, genotypic HIV drug resistance testing performed. Results Of 48 participants, 18 (37.5%) had virologic failure (VL>400 copies/mL) at the time of the study including 16 of 39 receiving efavirenz (EFV), 2 of 6 receiving protease inhibitors (PI) and 0 of 3 receiving dolutegravir (DTG). Resistance testing succeeded in 17/18, of which 14 had significant mutations compromising ≥2 agents of the current EFV-based regimen. Of these 14, all had detected urine TFV. Urine TFV was undetectable in 2 out of 3 without regimen-relevant resistance; p=0.02. Conclusion In participants on EFV-based regimens returning to care, virologic failure was largely due to viral resistance, where detectable urine TFV had 100% sensitivity (14/14 participants) in predicting resistance. Conversely, when undetectable, the urine-based assay could be used to preclude participants with poor adherence from undergoing costly HIV drug resistance testing.

Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) is an apheretic technique that selectively removes high molecular weight substances using a plasma component filter. DFPP has been used to treat positive-sense RNA virus infections, mainly chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, because of its ability to directly eliminate viral particles from blood plasma from 2008 to about 2015, before direct-acting antiviral agents was marketed. This effect has been termed virus removal and eradication by DFPP. HCV is a positive-sense RNA virus similar to West Nile virus, dengue virus and the SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 is classified same viral species. These viruses are all classified in Family Flaviviridae which are family of single-stranded plus-stranded RNA viruses. Viral particles are 40–60 nm in diameter, enveloped and spherical in shape. We present a rare case of HCV removal where an RNA virus infection that copresented with virus-associated autoimmune hepatitis was eliminated using DFPP. Our results indicate that DFPP may facilitate prompt viraemia reduction and may have novel treatment applications for SARS-CoV-2, that is, use of therapeutic plasma exchange for fulminant COVID-19.

Several commercial nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed. We used six kits available in Japan in 13 NAAT-positive specimens with crossing point values >36 and 7 NAAT-negative specimens from patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19); their results were compared. Specimens positive in ≥2 assays were considered true positive and examined for concordance with specimen results. The SARS-CoV-2 Detection Kit -Multi- (Toyobo M) (Toyobo, Osaka, Japan) using extracted RNA had the highest concordance (κ 1.00). This was followed by the cobas® SARS-CoV-2 (Cobas) (Roche, Basel, Switzerland) (κ 0.79). There was a weak correlation between number of negative results for each kit and days between onset and testing (Spearman rank correlation: ρ= 0.44; p

Objectives Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) with direct acting antiviral therapy is encouraged regardless of substance use status. Patients with substance use disorder are at risk of HCV reinfection after cure. Follow up viral load testing (FUVL) with HCV RNA is recommended. We investigated factors associated with adoption of FUVL in real-world clinical settings. Methods Medical records of all patients with SUD who achieved HCV cure with direct acting antivirals at a multidisciplinary addiction treatment program between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed as part of a quality improvement initiative. Demographic and clinical characteristics including SUD treatment, urine toxicology results, and medical service use were collected. Factors associated with FUVL were analyzed and the rate of HCV reinfection was determined. Results Among 149 patients, 58.4% received FUVL. Receipt of FUVL was associated with engagement in ongoing primary medical care after cure (AOR 4.39, 95% CI [1.67, 11.49]). The HCV reinfection rate among those who received FUVL was 1.95 per 100 person-years of follow up (95% CI [0.64, 5.98]). There was no significant difference in the percentage of negative urine toxicology results before and after cure. Conclusions Over half of a cohort of patients with substance use disorder cured of HCV received FUVL. The relationship between FUVL and engagement in primary medical and substance use treatment highlights the importance of integrated systems in providing longitudinal care for patients cured of HCV. Standardized interventions that facilitate FUVL testing and management of infectious complications of SUD in addiction treatment settings are needed.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia is associated with a higher mortality rate and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay for critically ill patients. CMV infection causes transient but substantial immunosuppression for transplant recipients, increasing risk of fungal infection. The association between CMV viremia and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) for critically ill patients is still unknown.We retrospectively analyzed patients received bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), galactomannan test, influenza survey and blood CMV viral load test in ICUs of a university hospital between April 2017 and May 2020. Independent risks for IPA were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.A total of 136 patients were included. Twenty-one patients had IPA, 48 patients had CMV viremia and 22 patients had influenza. In a multivariable logistic regression model, patients with CMV viremia or influenza had higher IPA risk (adjusted odds ratio, 3.98 and 8.72; 95% CI, 1.26-12.60 and 2.64-28.82; p value = 0.019 and0.001, respectively.). Patients with detectable CMV in BAL fluid did not have higher IPA risk (crude odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.33-2.79; p value = 0.933). After stratifying patients by CMV viral load, the IPA risk is higher for patients with higher viral loads. There is an additive synergistic effect on IPA risk between CMV viremia and influenza infection.For critically ill patients, CMV viremia is an independent risk factor of IPA. Patients with higher blood CMV viral loads have a higher risk of IPA. CMV viremia and influenza have an additive synergistic effect for IPA risk in critically ill patients.

Objectives: Invasive prenatal procedures including amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) can be prenatally indicated for diagnostic purposes. Chronic viral infections with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) are not uncommon in women of reproductive age. The aim of this narrative literature review is to provide guidance on the best clinical practice in antenatal invasive testing and fetal surveillance in pregnancies with HIV, HCV, HBV and treponema pallidum infected women. Material and methods: A review of the literature was conducted in the database of PubMed to select full-length articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 1990 and 2020. The keywords along with respective combinations included in the search strategy were invasive testing, prenatal diagnosis, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, cordocentesis, fetoscopy, chronic viral infections, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, treponema pallidum, syphilis, vertical transmission, MTCT. Results : For patients with hepatitis B infection, it is important to assess the HBeAg status and HBV DNA levels and for those patients with high viral load, antiviral therapy (Tenofovir) for a few weeks may be needed to reduce the viral load prior to the invasive procedure. In women positive for HCV, the viral load and HIV status should be assessed to establish the risk of vertical transmission; while for patients with HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy administration and low viral load are predictive for reduced vertical transmission even after performing an invasive procedure. In all cases invasive procedure should be replaced by non-invasive prenatal testing if this is a feasible alternative and when invasive testing is indeed required, transplacental passage should be avoided.

Objective This study aimed to describe the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-DNA among children in Suzhou, and to explore the association between plasma EBV load and disease diagnosis. Methods All children admitted to the Children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 2018 and September 2020 and subjected to the plasma EBV-DNA assay were included. The authors retrospectively collected demographic and discharge diagnostic information of the participants, and ascribed the disease distribution characteristics of children with positive plasma EBV-DNA by age and viral load. Results A total of 38,175 patients underwent plasma EBV-DNA PCR assay, of which 2786 (7.3%) had EBV-DNA in their plasma. Children aged 3–4 years had a high prevalence of EBV infection. Plasma EBV positivity was common with infectious mononucleosis (IM, 40.0%), respiratory infection (20.1%), atypical EBV infection (14.2%), acute leukemia (6.4%), hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH, 4.8%), and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP, 2.9%). With increasing age, plasma EBV positivity was more common in children with IM and atypical EBV infection. However, an inverse correlation was observed in children with respiratory infections and ITP. High levels of EBV loads were more likely to occur in HLH, IM, and atypical EBV infection, especially in HLH. However, lower viral loads were found in respiratory infection and acute leukemia. Conclusions This is a large sample study that revealed the prevalence of plasma EBV-DNA levels in children of various ages and presenting illnesses.

BACKGROUND To compare the rate, time and, pattern of recurrence of cervical cancer between patients with and without HIV infection and to determine factors predicting cervical cancer recurrence in patients evaluated by 18F-FDG-PET/CT. METHODS We reviewed the 18F-FDG-PET/CT images of patients with histologically proven cervical carcinoma who were presenting with suspected recurrence. We extracted epidemiologic data, previous treatment, histologic subtype, HIV status, viral load and CD4 counts from the electronic laboratory database and the referral form for the 18F-FDG-PET/CT study. RESULTS We studied 303 women including 112 HIV-infected patients. FIGO stage III disease was present in 131 patients. Of 198 patients with recurrence, 74 were HIV-infected while 124 were not (p=0.849). HIV infected patients were younger (41.99 ± 9.30 years) compared to HIV-uninfected (50.19 ± 11.09), p

Viral hepatitis in pregnancy may be caused by many types of viruses that cause systemic infection or target hepatocytes in their pathogenesis. Because viral hepatitis during pregnancy may represent acute or chronic infection or the reactivation of a prior infection, a high clinical suspicion, medical history review, and awareness of risk factors for the acquisition of infection are important management principles. The route of infection varies widely and ranges from fecal-oral transmission for the hepatitis A and E viruses to vertical transmission for hepatitis B, blood-borne transmission for hepatitis C, and sexual transmission for the herpes simplex virus. For this reason, the exposure details about travel, food preferences, drug use, and sexual contacts are important to elicit. Although routine prenatal screening is recommended for chronic viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis B and C, most other causes of viral hepatitis in pregnancy are detected in the setting of compatible signs and symptoms (fatigue, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, scleral icterus) or incidentally noted transaminitis on routine labs. Serologic testing is helpful for diagnosis with molecular testing as indicated to guide the management of hepatitis B and C. Preventive vaccines for hepatitis A and B with established safety of use in pregnancy are recommended for women who are at risk of acquisition. Postexposure prophylaxis for hepatitis A is a single dose of immunoglobulin and vaccination can be used if immunoglobulin G is not available. Antiviral therapy with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is recommended as prophylaxis in pregnant women with active hepatitis B and an elevated viral load (>200,000 IU/mL) during the third trimester to prevent vertical transmission. The neonate exposed to hepatitis B at birth should receive immunoglobulin G and a monovalent birth dose vaccine within 12 hours, followed by completion of the 3-dosage vaccine series. The prevalence of hepatitis C in women of reproductive age has increased in the United States, and the role of antiviral therapy during pregnancy is of great interest. Cesarean delivery is not currently recommended for the sole purpose of reducing vertical transmission risk in pregnant women with viral hepatitis. Breastfeeding is recommended in women with hepatitis A, B, and C. New and promising prevention and treatment options for hepatitis B and C are under investigation. Investigators and regulatory authorities should ensure that these clinical trials for promising antivirals and vaccines are designed to include pregnant and lactating women.

BACKGROUND: Mother's own milk (MOM) is considered the optimal nutrition for preterm infants. Unfortunately, MOM can contain human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which can be transmitted to the infants. Postnatal HCMV infection in very preterm infants can lead to organ failure.CLINICAL FINDINGS: In this case we report cholestasis possibly associated to HCMV transmitted through MOM in a very growth-restricted extremely preterm infant.PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS: The primary diagnosis is postnatal HCMV infection.INTERVENTIONS: The infant was too preterm to be treated with antiviral medication. Instead, he was treated with a diet with no fresh MOM but only freeze-thawed MOM to reduce the viral load.OUTCOMES: Conjugated bilirubin values normalized after the infant was fed freeze-thawed MOM with a reduced viral load and formula.PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: The awareness of HCMV-positive mothers giving birth to extremely preterm infants should be increased. Feeding only freeze-thawed MOM or in combination with fresh MOM should be considered prophylactically to avoid transmission of high viral loads of HCMV to these vulnerable infants.

Unlike immunocompetent hosts, the duration of viral persistence after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be prolonged in immunosuppressed patients. Here, we present a case of viral persistence for over 19 weeks in a patient with a history of solid organ transplant and explore the clinical, virologic, and immunologic course. Our patient still demonstrated viral persistence at 138 days with low polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold values and evidence of continuing viral sequence evolution indicative of ongoing virus replication. These findings have important implications for infection prevention and control recommendations in immunosuppressed patients. Immune response, including neutralizing antibody titers, T cell activity, and cytokine levels, peaked around days 44-72 after diagnosis. Anti-S trimer antibodies were low at all time points, and T cell response was attenuated by day 119. As immune response waned and viral load increased, increased genetic diversity emerged, suggesting a mechanism for the development of viral variants.

Purpose The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 disease, is transmitted by aerosols or by contact with infected surfaces. The route of entry to the body is through the nasal, oral or conjunctival mucosa. Health workers must use effective protection measures against the entry of the virus into mucous membranes, both physical and antiseptic filters. There is an antiseptic used in Ophthalmology that we believe could have virucidal action against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, formulated based on 0.01% hypochlorous acid. Methods An exhaustive search has been carried out in the databases of Pubmed and Web of Science to identify relevant articles on the virucidal activity of hypochlorous acid in different concentrations until October 4, 2020. Results There is evidence of the virucidal efficacy of 0.01% hypochlorous acid against SARS-CoV-2. According to the different scientific publications reviewed, hypochlorous acid has virucidal efficacy against different viruses, among them, SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions The 0.01% hypochlorous acid could act as an effective antiseptic against SARS-CoV-2, exerting a barrier on the mucosa to prevent COVID-19 infection. It can be used on the eyes, nose and mouth. We consider it necessary to assess its use in the protocol for patient health care in ophthalmology consultations, as well as to recommend its use to the general population to reduce viral load and/or prevent transmission of infection. Additional in vivo studies would be required to confirm its antiseptic action.

BACKGROUND Long-term impact of drug resistance in perinatally-infected children and adolescents living with HIV (CALWH) is poorly understood. We determined drug resistance and examined its long-term impact on failure and mortality in Kenyan CALWH failing 1st-line NNRTI-based ART. SETTING Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare; western Kenya. METHODS Participants were enrolled in 2010-13 (timepoint-1) and a subsample re-enrolled after 4-7 years (timepoint-2). Viral load was performed on timepoint-1 samples, with genotyping of those with detectable viral load. Primary endpoints were treatment failure (viral load>1,000 copies/mL) at and death before timepoint-2. Multinomial regression analysis was used to characterize resistance effect on death, failure and loss-to-follow-up, adjusting for key variables. RESULTS The initial cohort (n=480) was 52% (n=251) female, median age eight years, median CD4% 31, 79% (n=379) on zidovudine/abacavir+lamivudine+efavirenz/nevirapine for median two years. Of these, 31% (n=149) failed at timepoint-1. Genotypes at timepoint-1, available on n=128, demonstrated 93% (n=119) extensive resistance, impacting 2nd-line. Of 128, 22 failed at timepoint-2, 17 died and 32 were lost-to-follow-up before timepoint-2. Having ≥5 resistance mutations at timepoint-1 was associated with higher mortality (relative risk ratio=8.7, confidence interval 2.1-36.3) and loss-to-follow-up (relative risk ratio=3.2, confidence interval 1.1-9.2). Switching to 2nd-line was associated with lower mortality (relative risk ratio

The first pediatric AIDS cases were reported in 1982. A decade later, the World Health Organization estimated there were more than 500,000 pediatric AIDS cases resulting from mother-to-child transmission, 90% of which were in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the rate of new infections globally has been cut in half since the peak of the pandemic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health threat, and rates of new infections continue to increase in some regions. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV has now been virtually eliminated in many parts of the world but remains an issue in resource-limited countries.

Quantifying the detection rate of the widely used quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and its dependence on patient demographic characteristics and disease progression is key in designing epidemiologic strategies. Analyzing 843,917 test results of 521,696 patients, a “positivity period” was defined for each patient between diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 and the last positive test result. The fraction of positive test results within this period was then used to estimate detection rate. Regression analyses were used to determine associations of detection with time of sampling after diagnosis, patient demographic characteristics, and viral RNA copy number based on RT-qPCR cycle threshold values of the next positive test result. The overall detection rate in tests performed within 14 days after diagnosis was 83.1%. This rate was higher at days 0 to 5 after diagnosis (89.3%). Furthermore, detection rate was strongly associated with demographic characteristics, with an odds ratio of 0.58 (95% CI, 0.53 to 0.63) for women over men and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.75) for patients 10 years younger. Finally, the detection rate with the Allplex 2019-nCoV RT-qPCR kit was associated, at the single-patient level, with viral RNA copy number (P value

Purpose: HIV screening is a critical step in the HIV care continuum to lowering incidence and achieving viral load suppression among at-risk populations. Few studies assess factors associated with HIV screening among transgender individuals living in the southeast region of the United States. This study was conducted to determine factors that influence HIV screening among transgender individuals in South Florida. Methods: During Fall 2016, 68 participants were recruited to complete a questionnaire as part of a pilot pre-exposure prophylaxis study. Correlations were examined between sociodemographic factors, HIV risk, and access to and engagement in care. Significant correlations were entered into one logistic regression model to estimate predictors of HIV screening and knowledge of HIV status. Results: Almost half (48.5%) of the respondents were Latinx, 38.2% Black, 10.3% non-Latinx White, and 3% other. Seventy-eight percent reported access and routine engagement in care within the past year, 25% had not screened for HIV in the past year, and of those who knew their status, 16.7% reported living with HIV. Regression analysis revealed that participants with routine engagement in care were twice as likely to screen for HIV (p=0.02). Unstable housing was associated with no HIV screening in the past year (p=0.05). Conclusion: Stable housing is linked to engagement in routine care that can increase the likelihood of an at-risk transgender individual screening for HIV. Further research is needed to develop interventions to improve engagement in care among transgender individuals who do not have adequate housing or access to care.

The highest viral loads of the newly emerged Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are detectable in the oral cavity, thus, a potential reduction of infectious virus by nasal sprays could lower transmission. Therefore, the inactivation capacity of nine nasal and oral sprays was evaluated according to EN 14476. One nasal spray based on sodium hypochlorite and an oral spray containing essential oils reduced viral titres between 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. Although clinical data is still sparse, nasal and oral sprays display a more convenient application for elderly people or those who are unable to rinse/gargle.

Antigen tests for severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 sometimes show positive lines earlier than their specified read time, although the implication of getting the results at earlier time is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of an antigen test by evaluating the time period to get positive results and by comparing the test sensitivity with that of a digital immunoassay (DIA) test.We prospectively collected additional nasopharyngeal samples from patients who had already tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription PCR. The additional swab was used for an antigen test, QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag, and the time periods to get positive results were measured. The sensitivity of QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag was also compared with that of a DIA.In 84 of 96 (87.5%) analyzed cases, the results of QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag were positive. The time to obtain positive results was 15.0 seconds in median (inter quartile range: 12.0-33.3, range 11-736), and was extended in samples with higher cycle thresholds (Ct) (p32.QuickNavi™-COVID19 Ag immediately showed positive results in most cases, and the time to a positive reaction may have indicated the viral load. In addition, the sensitivity of the test was comparable to the DIA.

Objective: Persistence of the viral reservoir is the main barrier to curing HIV. Initiation of ART during acute HIV infection can limit the size and diversity of the reservoir. In depth characterization of the reservoir in individuals who initiate ART during acute infection will be critical for clinical trial design and cure strategies. Methods: Four cohortswith participantswhoinitiatedARTduring acute infection or during chronic infectionwere enrolled in a cross-sectional, noninterventional study.Viral reservoir was evaluated by the Intact Proviral DNA Assay (IPDA), the Total HIVDNA Assay (THDA) and the Quantitative Viral Outgrowth Assay (QVOA). Viral diversity and susceptibility to V3-glycan bNAbs were determined by genotyping of the viral envelope gene. Results: Participants who initiated ART during the acute Fiebig I-IV stages had lower level of total HIV DNA than participants who initiated ART during chronic infection whereas no difference was observed in intact HIV DNA or outgrowth virus. Participants who initiated ART during Fiebig I-IV also had lower viral diversity and appeared to have higher susceptibility to bNAbs than participants initiating ART during chronic infection. Conclusion: Individuals initiating ART during Fiebig I-IV had small viral reservoirs, low viral diversity, and high susceptibility to bNAbs, and would be an optimal target population for proof-of-concept HIV cure trials.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be detected in the stool samples of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and this virus can be transmitted via the oral-fecal route. However, there are only few reports on the viral load in the stool samples. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in the stool samples of 13 patients with confirmed COVID-19 using pepper mild mottle virus as a control, which has been proposed as a potential marker of human feces contamination in the environmental water bodies. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the stool samples of four patients (31%), and among them, three exhibited symptoms of diarrhea. One patient who suffered from long-term diarrhea (22 days) exhibited highest level of viral RNA in the stool sample (8.28 log10 copies/g). However, we could not harvest SARS-CoV-2 from the stool sample of any patient, even after culturing with VeroE6/TMPRESS2 cells for four weeks. Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in the stool samples of patients with COVID-19 suffering from diarrhea. However, further studies elucidating the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the stool samples and symptoms of diarrhea in large cohorts and upon adjusting other causative factors and virus infectivity are still warranted.

Annually in Ukraine, about 17 thousands of newborns are at risk of vertical infection with hepatitis B and C. Identification of infected women at the stage of family planning is the best way to prevent infection in newborns, and therefore it must be performed strictly in accordance with established norms. In case of detection of hepatitis, further tactics depend on the variant of the virus: in case of hepatitis C, pre-pregnancy treatment is preferable. In case of hepatitis B — pregnancy with subsequent simultaneous vaccination of the newborn. Antiviral therapy is possible in women with high viral load to prevent intrauterine infection. Similar tactics should be followed in case of in vitro fertilisation too. The text of the lecture is illustrated by clinical examples. The lecture is intended for infectious disease physicians and obstetrician-gynecologists.

Background Early start of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in perinatally HIV-1 infected children is the optimal strategy to prevent immunological and clinical deterioration. To date, according to EMA, only 35% of antiretroviral drugs are licenced in children Methods An observational retrospective study investigating the rate and the outcomes of off-label prescription of HAART was conducted on 225 perinatally HIV-1 infected children enrolled in the Italian Register for HIV Infection in Children and followed-up from 2001 to 2018. Results 22.2% (50/225) of included children were receiving an off-label HAART regimen at last check. Only 26% (13/50) of off-label children had an undetectable viral load (VL) before the commencing of the regimen and the 52.0% (26/50) had a CD4 + T lymphocyte percentage > 25%. At last check, during the off label regimen, the 80% (40/50) of patients had an undetectable VL, and 90% (45/50) of them displayed CD4 + T lymphocyte percentage > 25%. The most widely used off-label drugs were: dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (16%; 8/50), emtricitbine/tenofovir disoproxil (22%; 11/50), lopinavir/ritonavir (20%; 10/50) and elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/ tenofovir alafenamide (10%; 10/50). At logistic regression analysis, detectable VL before starting the current HAART regimen was a risk factor for receiving an off-label therapy (OR: 2.41; 95% CI 1.13–5.19; p = 0.024). Moreover, children Conclusion The prescription of an off-label HAART regimen in perinatally HIV-1 infected children was common, in particular in children with detectable VL despite previous HAART and in younger children, especially those receiving their first regimen. Our data suggest similar proportions of virological and immunological successes at last check among children receiving off-label or on-label HAART. Larger studies are needed to better clarify efficacy and safety of off-label HAART regimens in children, in order to allow the enlargement of on-label prescription in children.

Background: Bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab are recombinant neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that decrease viral load in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can decrease hospitalizations. Few data exist comparing these two therapies. Objective: Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab in emergency department (ED) patients with COVID-19 who met criteria for monoclonal antibody therapy. Methods: We performed a single-center, open-label, prospective study in adult ED patients with confirmed COVID-19 and high-risk features for hospitalization. Enrolled patients received bamlanivimab or casirivimab/imdevimab, depending on the day of the week that they arrived. We observed patients for post–infusion-related reactions and contacted them on days 5, 10, and 30. The primary outcome was the number of hospitalizations through day 30. In addition, we compared groups with regard to return visits to the ED, symptom improvement, antibody-induced adverse events, and deaths. Results: Between December 17, 2020 and January 17, 2021, 321 patients completed the study. We found no statistically significant difference in the rate of subsequent hospitalization between groups (bamlanivimab: n = 18 of 201 [8.9%] and casirivimab/imdevimab: n = 13 of 120 [10.8%]; p = 0.57). In addition, we found no statistically significant differences between groups regarding return visits to the ED or symptom improvement. One patient had a possible adverse reaction to the treatment, and 1 patient died. Both of these events occurred in the bamlanivimab group. Conclusions: We found no statistically significant differences in rates of subsequent hospitalization or other outcomes for ED patients with COVID-19 when they received bamlanivimab as opposed to casirivimab/imdevimab. Adverse events were rare in both groups.

Background A sterilizing cure of HIV-1 infection has been reported in 2 persons living with HIV-1 who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations from donors who were homozygous for the CCR5Δ32 gene polymorphism. However, this has been considered elusive during natural infection. Objective To evaluate persistent HIV-1 reservoir cells in an elite controller with undetectable HIV-1 viremia for more than 8 years in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. Design Detailed investigation of virologic and immunologic characteristics. Setting Tertiary care centers in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Boston, Massachusetts. Patient A patient with HIV-1 infection and durable drug-free suppression of HIV-1 replication. Measurements Analysis of genome-intact and replication-competent HIV-1 using near-full-length individual proviral sequencing and viral outgrowth assays, respectively; analysis of HIV-1 plasma RNA by ultrasensitive HIV-1 viral load testing. Results No genome-intact HIV-1 proviruses were detected in analysis of a total of 1.188 billion peripheral blood mononuclear cells and 503 million mononuclear cells from placental tissues. Seven defective proviruses, some of them derived from clonally expanded cells, were detected. A viral outgrowth assay failed to retrieve replication-competent HIV-1 from 150 million resting CD4+ T cells. No HIV-1 RNA was detected in 4.5 mL of plasma. Limitations Absence of evidence for intact HIV-1 proviruses in large numbers of cells is not evidence of absence of intact HIV-1 proviruses. A sterilizing cure of HIV-1 can never be empirically proved. Conclusion Genome-intact and replication-competent HIV-1 were not detected in an elite controller despite analysis of massive numbers of cells from blood and tissues, suggesting that this patient may have naturally achieved a sterilizing cure of HIV-1 infection. These observations raise the possibility that a sterilizing cure may be an extremely rare but possible outcome of HIV-1 infection. Primary funding source National Institutes of Health and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the phenotype of effector T lymphocytes in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C (CVHC) before and after of treatment with direct antiviral drugs depending on the genotype of the virus. 50 patients with CVHC without signs of liver cirrhosis were examined. The diagnosis was made on the basis of epidemiological and clinical laboratory data as recommended by the European Association for the Study of the Liver when specific serological markers of CHCV and RNA of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were detected (EASL, 2016). The determination of HCV RNA was carried out by the method of quantitative polymerase chain reaction in real time. The degree of liver fibrosis in patients with CVHC was assessed using ultrasound elastography. Patients were treated for 3 months with direct antiviral drugs according to the recommendations of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (2016). The control group included 46 practically healthy individuals with severe chronic diseases of various organs and systems excluded during a routine examination, no health complaints, having normal clinical and biochemical blood tests in the absence of markers for viral hepatitis B and C, antibodies to opisthorchis and denying history of alcohol abuse. The study of the subpopulation composition of helper and cytotoxic T lymphocytes was carried out by direct immunofluorescence of whole peripheral blood. We obtained a 100% sustained virological response in patients with 1, 2 and genotypes of CHCV without signs of liver cirrhosis when using therapy with Sofosbuvir (400 mg) and Daclatasvir (60 mg) for 12 weeks. It was found that in CVHC patients were found characteristic features in the phenotypic composition of effector T lymphocytes before and after treatment with direct antiviral drugs in depending on the genotype of HCV. Patients with HCV genotypes 1 and 3 had an increase in the content of terminal differentiated effector (TEMRA) T helpers and effector memory (EM). Only patients with HCV genotype 2 had a decrease in the level of EM T-helper cells in the blood. A decrease in the relative number of T helpers of central memory (СM) was independent of the HCV genotype. The level of effector subpopulations of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in patients with CVHC was consistent with or exceeded control levels in depending on the genotype of HCV. The level of all investigated subpopulations of effector cytotoxic T lymphocytes in patients with HCV genotype 1 was equal to the control values. The number of naïve cytotoxic T cells and CM in peripheral blood in patients with HCV genotype 2 was increased. The content of naïve cytotoxic T lymphocytes, CM and TEMRA in patients with genotype 3 HCV in the blood was increased. The highest viral load was detected in patients with CVHC with genotype 1 HCV. Liver fibrosis was most pronounced in patients with CVHC infection with HCV genotypes 2 and 3. After 3 months of treatment with direct antiviral drugs the patients with CVHC had a reduced content of CM T helpers regardless of the HCV genotype. In addition, patients with HCV genotypes 1 and 3 had a decrease in the number of naïve T helpers and patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 had a normalization of the content of naïve cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

We investigated the infectivity of 128 severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2-associated deaths and evaluated predictive values of standard diagnostic procedures. Maintained infectivity (20%) did not correlate with viral RNA loads but correlated well with anti-S antibody levels. Sensitivity >90% for antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests supports their usefulness for assessment.

Up to 93% of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) latent reservoir comprised defective proviruses, suggesting that a functional cure is possible through the elimination of a small population of cells containing intact virus, instead of the entire reservoir. Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is an established chemotherapeutic agent for immune cell cancers. In high doses, Cy is a nonselective cytoreductor, used in allogeneic stem-cell transplantation, while in a low dose, metronomic schedule, Cy selectively depletes regulatory T cells (Tregs). We administered low and high doses to simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques (RM) to assess their effects on the SIV reservoirs. As a Treg-depleting agent, Cy unselectively depleted Treg and total lymphocytes, resulting in minimal immune activation and no viral reactivation. As a cytoreductive agent, Cy induced massive viral reactivation in elite controller RMs without ART. However, when administered with antiretroviral therapy (ART), Cy had substantial adverse effects, including mortality. Our study thus dissuades further investigation of Cy as an HIV cure agent.

In Russia, of the whole variety of EBV- and HHV6-etiology diseases, only infectious mononucleosis is subject to official statistical reporting, which significantly complicates an objective assessment of their etiological structure, incidence rate, characteristics of the development of the epidemic process. Currently, information on the genetic heterogeneity of EBV, even at the level of the main types (EBV1 and EBV2), as well as HHV6A and HHV6B, their prevalence and clinical significance are limited mainly by foreign data. In Russia, there are isolated publications devoted to this issue. At the same time, the study of the circulation of genetic types (variants) and the use of this information in the implementation of epidemiological surveillance of some other infections have already become routine practice. One of the key issues is the level of development of laboratory support for molecular genetic monitoring. The purpose of this work was to improve the methodological base of differential detection of HHV6A/B and the main types of EBV. The material for the study was peripheral blood leukocytes of children aged 1-15 years with acute infectious mononucleosis (n = 50) and without clinical symptoms of this disease (n = 29). The detection and quantification of EBV DNA and HHV6 DNA was performed using real-time PCR. For differential determination of EBV1/EBV2 and HHV6A /HHV6B, an optimized one-round PCR with electrophoretic detection of amplification products in an agarose gel was used. According to the results of our own research, the frequency of detection of EBV DNA and HHV6 DNA in acute infectious mononucleosis was 74% and 72%, and in the control group - 35% and 74%, respectively. It was found that among the examined children of the Nizhny Novgorod region, EBV1 and HHV6B prevail in the viral population, which is consistent with existing views about their geographical distribution in the adjacent territories. EBV2 was found in a single sample in the control group only. HHV6A was not detected in any of the studied groups. The methodological approach optimized in this work makes it possible to separately detect HHV6A/HHV6B and the main types of EBV according to a single laboratory protocol, and in combination with an additional stage of DNA concentration increases the diagnostic sensitivity of PCR analysis, minimizes the proportion of discordant and false negative results. Such an integrated approach can be applied for diagnostic, epidemiological and research purposes.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplant (alloBMT) with continuous antiretroviral therapy alone has not been shown to completely eradicate HIV, possibly due to HIV persistence in rare residual host cells or infection of donor cells. Within a trial of alloBMT in individuals with hematological malignancies and HIV (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01836068), we measured HIV reservoirs longitudinally using a quantitative viral outgrowth assay. We sequenced the reverse transcriptase region of pol for replication-competent virus and performed maximum-likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction. Replacement of host cells was measured using short-tandem repeats. In one participant who had ≥99.5% donor cell replacement, HIV reservoirs declined from 2.2 infectious units per million to undetectable levels at post-alloBMT time points except for week 64. Sequence analysis revealed dual infection pre-alloBMT. Replication-competent virus isolated at week 64 post-alloBMT was identical to a pre-alloBMT variant. This report provides proof-of-concept that minor replication-competent HIV variants can persist at low levels despite ≥99.5% donor cell engraftment post-alloBMT.

Background: Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) is a frequent comorbidity observed in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) among men with suppressed viral load taking antiretroviral therapy. Method: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional design between January to April 2019. 211 patients were included in the study. Z-score at either body site between -1.0 and -2.0 or -2 or less was defined as osteopenia or osteoporosis, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors affecting the development of reduced BMD. Results: The mean age of the patients involved in the study was 34.8 ± 7.6. Osteoporosis was detected in 21.4% and osteopenia in 44.5% of the patients. There was a significant relationship found between HIV diagnosis time, ART usage duration, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) use, TDF use in the past, total TDF usage time and decreased BMD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of reduced bone marrow density was 67% lower among those with regular milk or dairy product intake compared to those without (OR=0.330; 95% CI = 0.12-0.92, p=0.033). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of reduced BMD among PLHIV aged under 50, which is mainly confounded by HIV diagnosis time, ART usage duration and TDF usage. Although virological control has been achieved, these patients should be followed up, considering that they may have decreased BMD.