Weight changes, metabolic syndrome and all-cause mortality among Asian adults living with HIV.

Objectives: We investigated weight changes following antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with all-cause mortality among Asian adults living with HIV.

Methods: Participants enrolled in a regional Asian HIV-infected cohort with weight and height measurements at ART initiation were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Factors associated with weight changes and incident MetS (according to the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) definition) were analysed using linear mixed models and Cox regression, respectively.

Brief Report: HCV Universal Test-and-Treat With Direct Acting Antivirals for Prisoners With or Without HIV: A Prison Health Care Workers-Led Model for HCV Microelimination in Thailand.

Background: This study investigated the sustained virologic responses (SVRs) among prisoners with hepatitis C virus (HCV) using universal test-and-treat approach by prison health care workers in a central male prison in Thailand.

Methods: A universal HCV screening was conducted in a maximum-security central prison (Klong Prem Central Prison) in Thailand. HCV RNA-confirmed prisoners were treated with generic sofosbuvir/velpatasvir by prison health care workers, regardless of their HCV genotypes and duration of prison sentences.

Multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in heterosexual men with reduced susceptibility to ceftriaxone, first report in Thailand.

The global rapid emergence of azithromycin/ceftriaxone resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae threatens current recommend azithromycin/ceftriaxone dual therapy for gonorrhea to ensure effective treatment. Here, we identified the first two N. gonorrhoeae isolates with decreased ceftriaxone susceptibility in Thailand.

Pharmacogenetics-based population pharmacokinetic analysis for dose optimization of ritonavir-boosted atazanavir in Thai adult HIV-infected patients.

Background: This population pharmacokinetic-pharmacogenetic study aimed to investigate the optimal dose of RTV-boosted ATV (ATV/RTV) for Thai adult HIV-infected patients.

Methods: A total of 1460 concentrations of ATV and RTV from 544 patients receiving an ATV/RTV-based regimen were analyzed. The 6986 A > G, 3435 C > T, 2677 G > T, 521 T > C, and 63396 C > T were genotyped.

Ability of Alere™ HIV Combo to diagnose acute HIV infection is based mainly on HIV-1 p24 antigen detection.

Background: Alere™ HIV Combo is the only rapid and sensitive point-of-care 4th generation (antigen/antibody) HIV test newly available in Thailand which is advantageous of differentiating between positivity of antigen or antibody or both, especially in acute HIV infection (AHI). AHI in this study was defined by positive machine-based 4th generation test with measurable HIV-RNA but negative 3rd generation (IgM/IgG antibody only) tests.

Objective: To evaluate the performance characteristics of Alere™ HIV Combo.

Short-term immune response after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (CoronaVac®, Sinovac) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Vaxzevria®, Oxford-AstraZeneca) vaccinations in health care workers.

Background: Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 (CoronaVac®, Sinovac, or SV) and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Vaxzevria®, Oxford-Astra Zeneca, or AZ) vaccines have been administered to the health care workers (HCWs).

Objective: To determine the short-term immune response after the SV and AZ vaccinations in HCWs.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, HCWs who completed a 2-dose regimen of the SV or AZ were included.

Short Communication: Incidence and Risk Factors of Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Among People Living with HIV: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

People living with HIV (PLWH) have higher ischemic cerebrovascular disease rates than HIV-negative individuals. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of ischemic stroke (IS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) among Thai PLWH. Data from adults living with HIV who were enrolled in a prospective HIV-NAT 006 cohort in Bangkok, Thailand, from 1996 to 2020 were included in the analysis.

An alternative label-free DNA sensor based on the alternating-current electroluminescent device for simultaneous detection of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C co-infection.

Coinfection of HIV/HCV is a significant public health issue globally, as it increases the risk of liver cancer in co-infected individuals. The point-of-care testing (POCT) device for HIV/HCV DNA detection is promptly needed for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease progression. Here, the alternating-current electroluminescence (ACEL) technique is proposed as a sensitive POCT sensing platform for HIV/HCV cDNA detection.

Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio as a predictor of TB among people living with HIV.

Diagnostic tools to identify incipient or subclinical TB stages will be helpful for preventive intervention. A simple biomarker to predict TB may be the monocytes to lymphocytes ratio (ML ratio) in peripheral blood. We assessed the relationship between multiple time-updated ML ratio measurements and incidence of TB in people living with HIV (PLWH) after antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated.

High seroprevalence of rubella in Thai children with a 2-dose MMR national immunization policy.

Rubella is generally a mild disease, but infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome. Thailand has implemented a two-dose MMR vaccination policy since 2010. This study aimed to describe the seroprevalence rate of rubella among children and adolescents in Thailand.

Deterioration of Nutritional Status and Its Negative Association with Depression Among Older HIV-Infected Asian Population: A Four-Year Longitudinal Study.

There is limited evidence about the long-term changes in nutritional status among the elderly people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). We aimed to investigate the changes in nutritional status and related factors over 4 years in the elderly PLWH. The longitudinal study was conducted prospectively among 250 PLWH, 50 years of age and older, receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Risk Factors for HIV sero-conversion in a high incidence cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: We measured Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) incidence, retention, and assessed risk factors for seroconversion among two previously unreported cohorts of men who have sex with men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) in Bangkok, Thailand between 2017 and 2019.

Methods: We conducted an 18-month prospective cohort study of HIV-uninfected Thai cisgender men and TGW aged between 18 and 35 years who reported sex with men in the past six months and at least one additional risk factor for HIV infection. HIV and syphilis testing and computer-based behavioral questionnaires were administered at each visit.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease thresholds for statin initiation among people living with HIV in Thailand: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) have an elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared to their uninfected peers. Expanding statin use may help alleviate this burden. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of reducing the recommend statin initiation threshold for primary ASCVD prevention among PLHIV in Thailand.

Prevalence and risk of residual viremia after ART in low- and middle-income countries: A cross-sectional study.

In order to design effective strategies to eradicate the HIV, an understanding of persistent viral reservoirs is needed. Many studies have demonstrated HIV residual viremia prevalence in high income countries, data from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are limited. We assessed the prevalence, and factors associated with residual viremia in people with HIV (PWH), who were virally-suppressed on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in LMIC.

Human papillomavirus 16 L1 gene methylation as a potential biomarker for predicting anal intraepithelial neoplasia in men who have sex with men (MSM).

The human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 early promoter and L1 gene methylation were quantitatively measured using pyrosequencing assay in anal cells collected from men who have sex with men (MSM) to determine potential biomarkers for HPV-related anal cancer. The methylation patterns of HPV16 genes, including the early promoter (CpG 31, 37, 43, 52, and 58) and L1 genes (CpG 5600, 5606, 5609, 5615, 7136, and 7145), were analyzed in 178 anal samples. The samples were diagnosed as normal, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 1, AIN2, and AIN3.

HIV and syphilis prevalence among transgender women and men who have sex with men, Silom Community Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand, 2017-2019.

We assessed HIV and syphilis infection among MSM and TGW attending Silom Community Clinic from 2017 to 2019. Walk-in and referral clients completed a registration application including a question on gender identity. We compared the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and HIV and syphilis coinfection among TGW and MSM.

Tenofovir alafenamide nephrotoxicity: a case report and literature review.

Background: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a novel prodrug of tenofovir (TFV), has become the preferred drug for the treatment of HIV-1 and chronic hepatitis B infection in clinical practice. Results from clinical trials showed that it had better renal and bone mineral outcomes compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). However, as we have seen with TDF, side effects from the new medication can be more prevalent and recognized after extensive use in real world situations.

Uptake of oral fluid-based HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Thailand.

Background: Suboptimal uptake of HIV testing remains a primary bottleneck to HIV prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand. The World Health Organization has recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an additional strategic HIV service. However, HIVST has not been fully endorsed and implemented in many countries in Southeast Asia.

Brief Report: Prevalence Trend of Transmitted Drug Resistance in a Prospective Cohort of Thai People With Acute HIV Infection.

Background: The greater availability of different antiretroviral therapy regimens in developing countries may influence the emergence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR). People with acute HIV infection (AHI) represent the best opportunity for real-time monitoring of TDR. This study assessed the TDR prevalence trends over time in a Thai cohort of predominantly men who have sex with men (MSM) with AHI.

Persons living with HIV treated in acute HIV infection report good health-related quality of life in Thailand.

The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among persons living with HIV (PLWHA) who initiate ART during acute HIV infection (AHI) is not well studied. Participants in the SEARCH010/RV254 cohort initiated ART during AHI. They completed the Thai version of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life instrument-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) prior to ART initiation and 24 weeks later.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and feasibility of TB preventive therapy among Thai prisoners: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Prisons are considered as major reservoirs for tuberculosis. Preventive therapy for latent TB infection (LTBI) is an adjunctive strategy to control TB. However, LTBI data in Thai prisoners is limited.

Cardiovascular Risk and Health Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Eligible for Primary Prevention: Insights From the REPRIEVE Trial.

Background: In addition to traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, antiretroviral therapy, lifestyle, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related factors may contribute to future CV events in persons with HIV (PWH).

Methods: Among participants in the global REPRIEVE randomized trial, we characterized demographics and HIV characteristics relative to ACC/AHA pooled cohort equations (PCE) for atherosclerotic CV disease predicted risk and CV health evaluated by Life's Simple 7 (LS7; includes smoking, diet, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and glucose).

Results: Among 7382 REPRIEVE participants (31% women, 45% Black), the median PCE risk score was 4.

Time to Viral Rebound After Interruption of Modern Antiretroviral Therapies.

Background: Development of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remission strategies requires precise information on time to HIV rebound after treatment interruption, but there is uncertainty regarding whether modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens and timing of ART initiation may affect this outcome.

Methods: AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5345 enrolled individuals who initiated ART during chronic or early HIV infection and on suppressive ART for ≥2 years. Participants underwent carefully monitored antiretroviral interruption.

HIV treatment outcomes among people who acquired HIV via injecting drug use in the Asia-Pacific region: a longitudinal cohort study.

Introduction: Data on HIV treatment outcomes in people who inject drugs (PWID) in the Asia-Pacific are sparse despite the high burden of drug use. We assessed immunological and virological responses, AIDS-defining events and mortality among PWID receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods: We investigated HIV treatment outcomes among people who acquired HIV via injecting drug use in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) between January 2003 and March 2019.