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Employing Molecular Phylodynamic Methods to Identify and Forecast HIV Transmission Clusters in Public Health Settings: A Qualitative Study

Authors :
Shannan N. Rich
Veronica L. Richards
Carla N. Mavian
William M. Switzer
Brittany Rife Magalis
Karalee Poschman
Shana Geary
Steven E. Broadway
Spencer B. Bennett
Jason Blanton
Thomas Leitner
J. Lucas Boatwright
Nichole E. Stetten
Robert L. Cook
Emma C. Spencer
Marco Salemi
Mattia Prosperi
Source :
Viruses, Vol 12, Iss 9, p 921 (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2020.

Abstract

Molecular HIV surveillance is a promising public health strategy for curbing the HIV epidemic. Clustering technologies used by health departments to date are limited in their ability to infer/forecast cluster growth trajectories. Resolution of the spatiotemporal dynamics of clusters, through phylodynamic and phylogeographic modelling, is one potential strategy to develop a forecasting tool; however, the projected utility of this approach needs assessment. Prior to incorporating novel phylodynamic-based molecular surveillance tools, we sought to identify possible issues related to their feasibility, acceptability, interpretation, and utility. Qualitative data were collected via focus groups among field experts (n = 17, 52.9% female) using semi-structured, open-ended questions. Data were coded using an iterative process, first through the development of provisional themes and subthemes, followed by independent line-by-line coding by two coders. Most participants routinely used molecular methods for HIV surveillance. All agreed that linking molecular sequences to epidemiological data is important for improving HIV surveillance. We found that, in addition to methodological challenges, a variety of implementation barriers are expected in relation to the uptake of phylodynamic methods for HIV surveillance. The participants identified several opportunities to enhance current methods, as well as increase the usability and utility of promising works-in-progress.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
12090921 and 19994915
Volume :
12
Issue :
9
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Viruses
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.0c2887020044c45a911f4fcd6710057
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/v12090921