HIV Incidence Estimates Using the Limiting Antigen Avidity EIA Assay at Testing Sites in Kiev City, Ukraine: 2013-2014.

Objective: To estimate HIV incidence and highlight the characteristics of persons at greatest risk of HIV in the Ukraine capital, Kiev.

Method: Residual samples from newly-diagnosed persons attending the Kiev City AIDS Centre were tested for evidence of recent HIV infection using an avidity assay. Questions on possible risk factors for HIV acquisition and testing history were introduced.

HIV Testing and Diagnosis Rates in Kiev, Ukraine: April 2013-March 2014.

Objective: Data from Ukraine on risk factors for HIV acquisition are limited. We describe the characteristics of individuals testing for HIV in the main testing centres of the Ukrainian capital Kiev, including HIV risk factors, testing rates, and positivity rates.

Methods: As part of a larger study to estimate HIV incidence within Kiev City, we included questions on possible risk factors for HIV acquisition and testing history to existing systems in 4 infectious disease clinics.

Changing utilization of Stavudine (d4T) in HIV-positive people in 2006-2013 in the EuroSIDA study.

Objectives: The long-term side effects of stavudine (d4T) led to recommendations in 2009 to phase out use of this drug. We aimed to describe temporal patterns of d4T use across Europe.

Methods: Patients taking combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in EuroSIDA with follow-up after 1 January 2006 were included in the study.

Hepatitis C seroconversions in HIV infection across Europe: which regions and patient groups are affected?

Background & Aims: In the last decade, several outbreaks of sexually acquired acute hepatitis C (HCV) infection have been described in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). The aims of this study were to determine whether there has been an increase in the number of acute HCV infections in different parts of Europe.

Methods: HCV seroconversion was defined as an HCV-antibody test change from negative to positive within the observation period in EuroSIDA.

Outcome of antiretroviral treatment in patients with AIDS monoinfection and those co-infected with hepatitis B and C viruses and tuberculosis in Ukraine.

Antiretroviral therapy reduces AIDS morbidity and mortality as well as decreases HIV transmission by reducing the viral load (VL). We aimed to determine the rate of immunological and virological failure that reflects antiretroviral treatment (ART) effectiveness among the patients of the Kyiv City AIDS Centre and may lead to ART switch in the future. In 59% of patients the prescribed ATR regimen was regarded as successful, in 37% as unsuccessful and 4% of patients were excluded for lacking sufficient follow-up time.