Which HIV Test Is Best in High-Incidence Groups?
In a study of specimens from Seattle-area MSM, a rapid antibody test detected HIV infection less well than did either enzyme immunoassay antibody testing or nucleic-acid amplification testing.
By Carlos del Rio, MD
July 27, 2009
Covering:
Stekler JD et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Aug 1; 49:444
Sex-Drug Use Increases HIV Risk for MSM
In a cohort of HIV-uninfected MSM, the use of poppers, stimulants, or erectile dysfunction drugs significantly increased the risk for acquiring HIV.
By Keith Henry, MD
July 27, 2009
Covering:
Ostrow DG et al., J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009 Jul; 51:349
Does Abacavir/3TC Still Have a Role in First-Line Therapy for HIV?
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
In the HEAT randomized trial, abacavir/3TC was noninferior to tenofovir/FTC when each was used in combination with lopinavir/r in treatment-naive patients, regardless of pretreatment viral load.
Stepwise Efavirenz Decreases Neurotoxicity
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
Neuropsychiatric side effects during the initial weeks of efavirenz therapy can be reduced by building up to the full dose gradually.
By Stephen G. Baum, MD
July 15, 2009
Covering:
Gutiérrez-Valencia A et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Jul 7
Another Benefit to Starting ART Early: Lower Risk for Resistance
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
Among patients who experienced virologic rebound in this observational cohort study, risk for resistance was decreased in those who initiated ART at CD4 counts >350 cells/mm3 .
By Paul E. Sax, MD
July 13, 2009
Covering:
Uy J et al., J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009 Aug; 51:450
Failure on First-Line Lopinavir/r Monotherapy: High Rates of PI Resistance
Results from the MONARK trial do not support lopinavir/r monotherapy as first-line treatment for HIV infection, because it was both less effective and more likely to cause major PI resistance than triple therapy with lopinavir/r, AZT, and 3TC.
By Keith Henry, MD
July 13, 2009
Covering:
Delaugerre C et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2009 Jul; 53:2934
Assisted Reproduction for Couples with HIV-Positive Male Partners
Women's Health Summary and Comment
IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection using washed sperm is safe and effective.
Hepatitis B and HIV — A Tale of Two Viruses
In HIV-infected women with isolated antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, use of ART was associated with acquisition of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen.
Cutaneous Non–AIDS-Defining Cancers in HIV-Infected Individuals
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Such cancers are not associated with immune status or receipt of ART.
By Larry M. Baddour, MD
July 1, 2009
Covering:
Crum-Cianflone N et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Jun 22; 169:1130
Clinical Effectiveness of HBV Vaccination in HIV-Positive Patients
In an observational cohort study that showed a high incidence of hepatitis B virus infection after HIV diagnosis, HBV vaccination was effective only in a subgroup with HBV surface antibody titers
Rifampin-Resistant TB During Boosted PI Therapy in HIV Patients
In New York City, three HIV patients with tuberculosis developed rifampin resistance after being switched to boosted PI therapy and alternate-day rifabutin.
By Carlos del Rio, MD
June 29, 2009
Covering:
Jenny-Avital ER and Joseph K., Clin Infect Dis 2009 May 15; 48:1471
PEPFAR in Sub-Saharan Africa: Effects on HIV-Related Outcomes
An analysis of PEPFAR’s effectiveness in 12 African countries reveals a significant decrease in the number of HIV-related deaths, but not in HIV prevalence.
Recycling Enfuvirtide: Possible Clinical Benefit
Salvage therapy that included enfuvirtide appeared to show a survival benefit in a small, uncontrolled, retrospective study of HIV-positive patients who had already experienced virologic failure on an enfuvirtide-containing regimen.
By Keith Henry, MD
June 29, 2009
Covering:
Cossarini F et al., J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009 Jun 1; 51:179
ART and Neurocognitive Function
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
HIV-infected patients with neurocognitive impairment can show progressive improvement in function for at least 48 weeks after starting ART.
HPV Vaccine for Women in Mid-Adulthood
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Infection and disease were prevented in women between the ages of 24 and 45.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
June 23, 2009
Covering:
Muñoz N et al., Lancet 2009 Jun 6; 373:1949
Harper DM., Lancet 2009 Jun 6; 373:1921
MRSA Colonization and Infection in HIV-Infected Patients
The increased rate of MRSA colonization in HIV-infected patients probably explains their elevated rate of MRSA skin and soft-tissue infections.
High Rate of New HIV Infection in Late Pregnancy
Among pregnant women in South Africa, repeat testing conducted between 36 and 40 weeks of gestation revealed new HIV infection in 3%.
By Keith Henry, MD
June 8, 2009
Covering:
Moodley D et al., AIDS 2009 May 18
CNS Penetration of ART and Cognitive Performance: An Unexpected Finding
Increased CNS penetration effectiveness of the ART regimen was associated with poorer neurocognitive outcomes, despite increased rates of CSF viral suppression.
By Jennifer Johnson, MD, and Paul E. Sax, MD
June 8, 2009
Covering:
Marra CM et al., AIDS 2009 May 6
Long-Term Nonprogressors and HIV Controllers: Definitions and Prevalence
Very few HIV-positive patients met strict criteria for immunologic stability, virologic control, or both, in a large, prospective cohort study in France.
By Paul E. Sax, MD
June 8, 2009
Covering:
Grabar S et al., AIDS 2009 Jun 1; 23:1163
Growing HIV Epidemic in China Among MSM
Results from surveys conducted in 2006 and 2007 in Chongqing show worrisome increases in HIV prevalence among MSM who frequent bathhouses or saunas, those younger than 25, and those who are married.
ART for HIV/TB-Coinfected Patients Taking Rifampicin: Efavirenz or Nevirapine?
A study conducted in Thailand suggests that an efavirenz-based regimen might be preferable to a nevirapine-based one in HIV/TB-coinfected patients taking rifampicin.
By Salim S. Abdool Karim, MD, PhD , and Tanuja Gengiah, M Clin Pharm, MS(Epi)
June 8, 2009
Covering:
Manosuthi W et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 15; 48:1752
Lalloo UG., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 15; 48:1760
The Puzzle of CD4-Cell Depletion Despite Good Viral Suppression
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
In some patients, CD4-cell counts fail to rise as expected. Could extensive lymph node fibrosis be responsible?
By Abigail Zuger, MD
June 1, 2009
Covering:
Nies-Kraske E et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jun 1; 199:1648
ART and HCV Activity
ART may decrease hepatic necroinflammatory activity in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with CD4 counts >350 cells/mm3 .
No Harm, No Benefit from Maraviroc in Patients with Non-R5 HIV
The addition of maraviroc to optimized background therapy was well tolerated but conferred no virologic benefit in treatment-experienced patients with dual- or mixed-tropic virus.
By Keith Henry, MD
June 1, 2009
Covering:
Saag M et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jun 1; 199:1638
HIV Testing — Targeting High-Risk Populations
In an innovative program of bathhouse-based HIV testing, 4% of participants were found to be HIV-infected.
By Charles B. Hicks, MD
June 1, 2009
Covering:
Daskalakis D et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 1; 48:1609
