Advanced in immunological monitoring of HIV infection: profile of immune cells and cytokines in people living with HIV-1 in Benin.

Background: Immune cells and cytokines have been linked to viremia dynamic and immune status during HIV infection. They may serve as useful biomarkers in the monitoring of people living with HIV-1 (PLHIV-1). The present work was aimed to assess whether cytokines and immune cell profiles may help in the therapeutic follow-up of PLHIV-1.

Contribution of the classical polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of a HIV-1 infected patient in Benin: a case report.

Background: First ambitious target by 2020 of UNAIDS is that 90% of people living with HIV know their HIV status. In people older than 18 months of age, serological confirmation test is recommended to confirm HIV infection.

Case Presentation: Here we report the case of a patient tested positive with HIV-1, ELISA, Murex Ag⁄Ab Combination assay (OD450 = 0.

Determinants of HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Adherence Among Female Sex Workers in a Demonstration Study in Cotonou, Benin: A Study of Behavioral and Demographic Factors.

Background: HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) efficacy is closely linked to adherence, and factors associated with PrEP adherence are not well understood and may differ across populations. As PrEP demonstration projects and implementation are ongoing, it is essential to understand factors associated with adherence to oral PrEP to design effective adherence interventions and maximize the public health impact of PrEP. We thus aimed to assess demographic and behavioral factors associated with optimal PrEP adherence (100%) among female sex workers (FSWs) participating in a demonstration project in Cotonou, Benin.

Mathematical Model Impact Analysis of a Real-Life Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Treatment-As-Prevention Study Among Female Sex Workers in Cotonou, Benin.

Background: Daily pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment-as-prevention (TasP) reduce HIV acquisition and transmission risk, respectively. A demonstration study (2015-2017) assessed TasP and PrEP feasibility among female sex workers (FSW) in Cotonou, Benin.

Setting: Cotonou, Benin.

Moderate rate of transmitted resistance mutations to antiretrovirals and genetic diversity in newly HIV-1 patients diagnosed in Benin.

Objective: Seventeen years after the start of the IBAARV (Beninese initiative for access to antiretrovirals), transmitted drug resistance mutations in ARV-naïve patients and HIV-1 genetic diversity were investigated in Benin.

Results: Drug resistance mutations were detected in (27/248; 10.9%) according to the WHO SDRM 2009 list, with a predominance of mutations directed against NNRTIs drugs (24/248; 10%).

Comparison of adherence measurement tools used in a pre-exposure prophylaxis demonstration study among female sex workers in Benin.

Background: Measuring adherence to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) remains challenging. Biological adherence measurements are reported to be more accurate than self-reports and pill counts but can be expensive and not suitable on a daily basis in resource-limited countries. Using data from a demonstration project on PrEP among female sex workers in Benin, we aimed to measure adherence to PrEP and compare self-report and pill count adherence to tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate (TDF) concentration in plasma to determine if these 2 measures are reliable and correlate well with biological adherence measurements.

HIV treatment response among female sex workers participating in a treatment as prevention demonstration project in Cotonou, Benin.

Objectives: Female sex workers (FSWs) play a key role in HIV transmission in West Africa, while they have limited access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). In line with UNAIDS recommendations extending ART to all HIV-infected individuals, we conducted this demonstration project on immediate treatment as prevention (TasP) among FSWs in Cotonou, Benin. We report data on treatment response and its relation to adherence, as well as on ART-resistant genotypes.

PrEP Use Among Female Sex Workers: No Evidence for Risk Compensation.

Background: Little is known about risk compensation among female sex workers (FSW) on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and self-report of sexual behaviors is subject to bias.

Setting: Prospective observational PrEP demonstration study conducted among FSW in Cotonou, Benin.

Methods: Over a period of 24 months, we assessed and compared trends in unprotected sex as measured by self-report (last 2 or 14 days), by detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and by vaginal detection of prostate-specific antigen and Y-chromosomal DNA, 2 biomarkers of semen exposure in the last 2 or 14 days, respectively.

Early antiretroviral therapy and daily pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among female sex workers in Cotonou, Benin: a prospective observational demonstration study.

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV prevalence remains high, especially among key populations. In such situations, combination prevention including clinical, behavioural, structural and biological components, as well as adequate treatment are important. We conducted a demonstration project at the Dispensaire IST, a clinic dedicated to female sex workers (FSWs) in Cotonou, on early antiretroviral therapy (E-ART, or immediate "test-and-treat") and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Biological Validation of Self-Reported Unprotected Sex and Comparison of Underreporting Over Two Different Recall Periods Among Female Sex Workers in Benin.

Background: Self-reported unprotected sex validity is questionable and is thought to decline with longer recall periods. We used biomarkers of semen to validate self-reported unprotected sex and to compare underreporting of unprotected sex between 2 recall periods among female sex workers (FSW).

Methods: At baseline of an early antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis demonstration study conducted among FSW in Cotonou, Benin, unprotected sex was assessed with retrospective questionnaires, and with vaginal detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and Y-chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (Yc-DNA).