Search

Background: A recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) incorporating case surveillance (CS) with the rapid test for recent HIV infection (RTRI) was integrated into HIV testing services in Thailand as a small-scale pilot project in October 2020., Objective: We aimed to describe the lessons learned and initial outcomes obtained after the establishment of the nationwide recent HIV infection surveillance project from April through August 2022., Methods: We conducted desk reviews, developed a surveillance protocol and manual, selected sites, trained staff, implemented surveillance, and analyzed outcomes. Remnant blood specimens of consenting newly diagnosed individuals were tested using the Asanté HIV-1 Rapid Recency Assay. The duration of HIV infection was classified as RTRI-recent or RTRI-long-term. Individuals testing RTRI-recent with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3 or those having opportunistic infections were classified as RITA-CS-long-term. Individuals testing RTRI-recent with CD4 counts >200 cells/mm3, no opportunistic infections, and not on antiretroviral treatment were classified as RITA-CS-recent., Results: Two hundred and one hospitals in 14 high-burden HIV provinces participated in the surveillance. Of these, 69 reported ≥1 HIV diagnosis during the surveillance period. Of 1053 newly diagnosed cases, 64 (6.1%) were classified as RITA-CS-recent. On multivariate analysis, self-reporting as transgender women (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.41, 95% CI 1.59-34.53) and men who have sex with men (AOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.02-6.56) compared to heterosexual men, and students compared to office workers or employers (AOR 3.76, 95% CI 1.25-11.35) were associated with RITA-CS-recent infection. The proper selection of surveillance sites, utilizing existing surveillance tools and systems, and conducting frequent follow-up and supervision visits were the most commonly cited lessons learned to inform the next surveillance phase., Conclusions: Recent HIV infection surveillance can provide an understanding of current epidemiologic trends to inform HIV prevention interventions to interrupt ongoing or recent HIV transmission. The key success factors of the HIV recent infection surveillance in Thailand include a thorough review of the existing HIV testing service delivery system, a streamlined workflow, strong laboratory and health services, and regular communication between sites and the Provincial Health Offices., (© Kriengkrai Srithanaviboonchai, Thitipong Yingyong, Theerawit Tasaneeyapan, Supaporn Suparak, Supiya Jantaramanee, Benjawan Roudreo, Suvimon Tanpradech, Jarun Chuayen, Apiratee Kanphukiew, Thananda Naiwatanakul, Suchunya Aungkulanon, Michael Martin, Chunfu Yang, Bharat Parekh, Sanny Chen Northbrook. Originally published in JMIR Public Health and Surveillance (https://publichealth.jmir.org).)

Introduction: The need for detection of new and recent HIV infections is essential for surveillance and assessing interventions in controlling the epidemic. HIV recency assays are one way of providing reliable incidence estimates by determining recent versus non-recent infection. The objective of this study was to review the current body of knowledge of the limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay to expand supported applications through an assessment of what is known and the gaps. Methods: A search for peer-reviewed literature in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection was conducted using the search term “human immunodeficiency virus and avidity”. Non-peer reviewed published reports from the Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Project were also included. These were limited to literature published in English between January 2010 and August 2021. Results: This search resulted in 2080 publications and 14 reports, with 137 peer-reviewed studies and 14 non-peer reviewed reports that met the inclusion criteria, yielding a total of 151 studies for the final review. There were similar findings among studies that compared the performances of assay manufacturers and sample types. Studies that evaluated various assay algorithms and thresholds were heterogeneous, illustrating the need for context-specific test characteristics for classifying recent infections. Most studies estimated subtype-specific test characteristics for HIV subtypes A, B, C, and D. This was further illustrated when looking only at studies that compared HIV incidence estimates from recency assay algorithms and longitudinal cohorts. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the current body of knowledge provides important information that contributes towards distinguishing recent and non-recent infection and incidence estimation. However, there are knowledge gaps with respect to factors that influence the test characteristics (e.g., HIV-1 subtype, population characteristics, assay algorithms and thresholds). Further studies are needed to estimate and establish context-specific test characteristics that consider these influencing factors to improve and expand the use of this assay for detection of recent HIV infection.

Background: Serological tests can distinguish recent (in the prior 12 months) from long-term HIV infection. Integrating recency testing into routine HIV testing services (HTS) can provide important information on transmission clusters and prioritize clients for partner testing. This study assessed the feasibility and use of integrating HIV recency into routine testing. Methods: We conducted a multi-method study at 14 facilities in Kenya, and key informant interviews with health care providers. We abstracted clinical record data, collected specimens, tested specimens for recent infection, returned results to participants, and conducted a follow-up survey for those recently infected. Results: From March to October 2018, we enrolled 532 clients who were diagnosed HIV-positive for the first time. Of these, 46 (8.6%) were recently infected. Women aged 15-24 years had 2.9 (95% confidence interval: 1.46 to 5.78) times higher adjusted odds of recent infection compared with 15-24-year-old men and those tested within the past 12 months having 2.55 (95% confidence interval: 0.38 to 4.70) times higher adjusted odds compared with those tested ≥12 months previously. Fourteen of 17 providers interviewed found the integration of recency testing into routine HTS services acceptable and feasible. Among clients who completed the follow-up interview, most (92%) felt that the recency results were useful. Conclusions: Integrating recent infection testing into routine HTS services in Kenya is feasible and largely acceptable to clients and providers. More studies should be done on possible physical and social harms related to returning results, and the best uses of the recent infection data at an individual and population level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) that includes a test for recent HIV infection and a viral load (VL) test is the recommended strategy to estimate national HIV incidence, reducing false-recent misclassification to <1%. The inclusion of information on exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART), as a supplement to VL testing, could improve RITA performance by further lowering false-recent misclassification of true long-term infection. In 2012, Kenya and South Africa conducted national population-based surveys that collected information on HIV recency (i.e., HIV antibody seroconversion, on average, in the past 130 days) using the Limiting Antigen avidity (LAg-Avidity) enzyme immunoassay, HIV RNA levels, and ART exposure among HIV-infected respondents aged 15–49 years. In Kenya, ART exposure was defined as testing positive for one or more antiretroviral (ARV) drugs using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, and, if not ARV-positive, self-reporting a history of ART exposure. In South Africa, ART exposure was defined as testing ARV-positive. Two RITA strategies were compared: RITA #1 defined recent infection as testing LAg-Avidity-recent with unsuppressed VL (HIV RNA ≥1,000 copies/ml), and RITA #2 defined recent infection as testing LAg-Avidity-recent with unsuppressed VL and, if unsuppressed, having no ART exposure. RITA-derived incidence among persons aged 15–49 years in Kenya was 0.9% on RITA #1 and 0.8% on RITA #2. In South Africa, RITA-derived incidence was 2.2% on RITA #1 and 1.7% on RITA #2. Among specimens testing recent with unsuppressed VL in Kenya and South Africa, 16.0% and 19.7% had evidence of ART exposure, respectively. Although the performance of a VL- and ART-based RITA was encouraging, additional research is needed across HIV-1 subtypes and subpopulations to calibrate and validate this algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Estonia has one the highest number of new HIV diagnoses in the European Union, mainly among injecting drug users and heterosexuals. Little is known of HIV incidence, which is crucial for limiting the epidemic. Using a recent HIV infection testing algorithm (RITA) assay, we aimed to estimate HIV incidence in 2013. Methods All individuals aged ≥18 years newly-diagnosed with HIV in Estonia January- December 2013, except blood donors and those undergoing antenatal screening, were included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the Estonian Health Board and the Estonian HIV-positive patient database. Serum samples were tested for recent infection using the LAg-avidity EIA assay. HIV incidence was estimated based on previously published methods. Results Of 69,115 tested subjects, 286 (0.41%) were newly-diagnosed with HIV with median age of 33 years ( IQR: 28-42) and 65% male. Self-reported routes of HIV transmission were mostly heterosexual contact ( n = 157, 53%) and injecting drug use ( n = 62, 21%); 64 (22%) were with unknown risk group. Eighty two (36%) were assigned recent, resulting in estimated HIV incidence of 0.06%, corresponding to 642 new infections in 2013 among the non-screened population. Incidence was highest (1.48%) among people who inject drugs. Conclusions These high HIV incidence estimates in Estonia call for urgent action of renewed targeted public health promotion and HIV testing campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives In order to estimate HIV incidence among high-risk groups, in January 2009 the Health Protection Agency introduced the Recent Infection Testing Algorithm ( RITA) in England and Northern Ireland ( E&NI), currently the only regions to inform patients of RITA results. This survey of HIV specialists aimed to investigate the role of RITA in patient management and explore clinicians' views on its role in clinical practice and during partner notification. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to HIV specialists via the British HIV Association membership email list in February 2011. Results Forty-two HIV specialists from 32 HIV centres responded to the survey among 90 centres enrolled in the programme (response rate 36%). Testing for recent infection was considered standard of care by 83% of respondents, 80% felt confident in interpreting results and 92% discussed results with patients, particularly in the context of a possible HIV seroconversion illness (96%) or when deciding when to start antiretroviral therapy (70%). A third (36%) of specialists were initially concerned that RITA results may cause additional anxiety among patients; however, no adverse events were reported. The majority (90%) felt that results could assist with contact tracing by prioritizing patients with likely recent infection. However, only a few centres have currently incorporated RITA into their HIV partner notification protocols. Conclusions RITA has been introduced into clinical practice with no reported patient adverse events. Access to results at centre level should be improved. National guidance regarding use of RITA as a tool for contact tracing is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]