Understanding Risk Factors for HIV-1 Infectiousness and Transmission

Understanding Risk Factors for HIV-1 Infectiousness and Transmission

Author: Erin M. Kahle

Publisher:

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 119

ISBN-13:

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The studies described in this dissertation focus on clinical and biologic factors associated with increased HIV-1 infectiousness among heterosexual HIV-1 serodiscordant couples. The specific aims include 1) evaluating whether specific characteristics of HIV-1 serodiscordant couples could be used to defined a higher-risk subgroup for targeted prevention research, 2) assessing the prevalence of unreported antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-1 infected participants enrolling in an HIV-1 prevention trial, 3) determining whether HIV-1 subtype C is associated with increased HIV-1 transmission, and 4) assessing whether immune activation is associated with increased HIV-1 transmission. The identification of a composite set of predictors for HIV-1 transmission is applicable to the design of efficient prevention programs targeting high-risk subpopulations to maximize limited prevention resources. We developed a risk score for identifying a high-risk subpopulation of HIV-1 serodiscordant couples which will provide greater predictive ability in identifying HIV-1 transmission risk than individual risk predictors (i.e. viral load, unprotected sex). A well-developed and validated risk scoring tool, such as ours, is a valuable addition to HIV-1 prevention intervention research in order to reduce sample size, decrease cost of study and provide more efficient recruitment. Biologic factors, including both viral and host characteristics, may be associated with increased HIV-1 infectiousness. HIV-1 subtype, specifically subtype C, has been suggested as a factor in differential HIV-1 transmission between populations, although no epidemiologic evidence supports this conclusion. We compared HIV-1 subtype C and non-C subtypes and found no significant difference in risk of HIV-1 transmission in a multinational population in sub-Saharan Africa. In an analysis of cytokines as markers for immune activation, we found elevated IL-10 and IP-10 concentrations to be associated with increased HIV-1 transmission and acquisition, suggesting a potential biologic mechanism in both HIV-1 infected and susceptible partners. HIV-1 serodiscordant couples cohorts offer unique opportunities to assess correlates of HIV-1 infectiousness, as transmissions can be directly measured within partnerships. The application of our study findings will provide more efficient methods for identifying target populations and a better understanding of the virologic and immunologic mechanisms of HIV-1 infectiousness.


Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Author: Ibrahim Abubakar

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2016-04-07

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 0191030554

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Infectious Disease Epidemiology is a concise reference guide which provides trainees and practicing epidemiologists with the information that they need to understand the basic concepts necessary for working in this specialist area. Divided into two sections, part one comprehensively covers the basic principles and methods relevant to the study of infectious disease epidemiology. It is organised in order of increasing complexity, ranging from a general introduction to subjects such as mathematical modelling and sero-epidemiology. Part two examines key major infectious diseases that are of global significance. Grouped by their route of transmission for ease of reference, they include diseases that present a particular burden or a high potential for causing mortality. This practical guide will be essential reading for postgraduate students in infectious disease epidemiology, health protection trainees, and practicing epidemiologists.


Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 6)

Disease Control Priorities, Third Edition (Volume 6)

Author: King K. Holmes

Publisher: World Bank Publications

Published: 2017-11-06

Total Pages: 1027

ISBN-13: 1464805253

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Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.


Fundamentals of HIV Medicine 2019

Fundamentals of HIV Medicine 2019

Author: W. David Hardy

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 2019-06-10

Total Pages: 577

ISBN-13: 0190942495

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The essential work in HIV for providers and pharmacists -- updated with everything they need to know in 2019! Assembled by the leading educational organization in HIV medicine, AAHIVM's Fundamentals of HIV Medicine 2019 is an end-to-end clinical resource for the treatment of individuals with HIV/AIDS. It offers state-of-the-art practical advice for physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and other professionals working in the care of HIV patients. Along with updates to the classic domains of HIV medicine, this new edition features expanded coverage of emerging topics, including: behavioral and therapeutic interventions to HIV prevention; updates on the pursuit of a cure; new DHHS and IAS guidelines and their clinical implications; and the myriad issues around aging with HIV. Embodying the American Academy of HIV Medicine's commitment to excellence in the care of seropositive patients, Fundamentals of HIV Medicine 2019 is must-have for health professionals across HIV care, treatment, and prevention.


AIDS and Behavior

AIDS and Behavior

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1994-02-01

Total Pages: 357

ISBN-13: 0309050936

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HIV is spreading rapidly, and effective treatments continue to elude science. Preventive interventions are now our best defense against the epidemicâ€"but they require a clear understanding of the behavioral and mental health aspects of HIV infection and AIDS. AIDS and Behavior provides an update of what investigators in the biobehavioral, psychological, and social sciences have discovered recently about those aspects of the disease and offers specific recommendations for research directions and priorities. This volume candidly discusses the sexual and drug-use behaviors that promote transmission of HIV and reports on the latest efforts to monitor the epidemic in its social contexts. The committee reviews new findings on how and why risky behaviors occur and efforts to develop strategies for changing such behaviors. The volume presents findings on the disease's progression and on the psychosocial impacts of HIV and AIDS, with a view toward intervention and improved caregiving. AIDS and Behavior also evaluates the status of behavioral and prevention aspects of AIDS research at the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The volume presents background on the three institutes; their recent reorganization; their research budgets, programs, and priorities; and other important details. The committee offers specific recommendations for the institutes concerning the balance between biomedical and behavioral investigations, adequacy of administrative structures, and other research management issues. Anyone interested in the continuing quest for new knowledge on preventing HIV and AIDS will want to own this book: policymakers, researchers, research administrators, public health professionals, psychologists, AIDS advocates and service providers, faculty, and students.


Preventing HIV Transmission

Preventing HIV Transmission

Author: National Research Council and Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1995-09-14

Total Pages: 352

ISBN-13: 0309176212

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This volume addresses the interface of two major national problems: the epidemic of HIV-AIDS and the widespread use of illegal injection drugs. Should communities have the option of giving drug users sterile needles or bleach for cleaning needs in order to reduce the spread of HIV? Does needle distribution worsen the drug problem, as opponents of such programs argue? Do they reduce the spread of other serious diseases, such as hepatitis? Do they result in more used needles being carelessly discarded in the community? The panel takes a critical look at the available data on needle exchange and bleach distribution programs, reaches conclusions about their efficacy, and offers concrete recommendations for public policy to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. The book includes current knowledge about the epidemiologies of HIV/AIDS and injection drug use; characteristics of needle exchange and bleach distribution programs and views on those programs from diverse community groups; and a discussion of laws designed to control possession of needles, their impact on needle sharing among injection drug users, and their implications for needle exchange programs.


HIV and the Blood Supply

HIV and the Blood Supply

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1995-10-05

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13: 0309053293

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During the early years of the AIDS epidemic, thousands of Americans became infected with HIV through the nation's blood supply. Because little reliable information existed at the time AIDS first began showing up in hemophiliacs and in others who had received transfusions, experts disagreed about whether blood and blood products could transmit the disease. During this period of great uncertainty, decision-making regarding the blood supply became increasingly difficult and fraught with risk. This volume provides a balanced inquiry into the blood safety controversy, which involves private sexual practices, personal tragedy for the victims of HIV/AIDS, and public confidence in America's blood services system. The book focuses on critical decisions as information about the danger to the blood supply emerged. The committee draws conclusions about what was doneâ€"and recommends what should be done to produce better outcomes in the face of future threats to blood safety. The committee frames its analysis around four critical area: Product treatmentâ€"Could effective methods for inactivating HIV in blood have been introduced sooner? Donor screening and referralâ€"including a review of screening to exlude high-risk individuals. Regulations and recall of contaminated bloodâ€"analyzing decisions by federal agencies and the private sector. Risk communicationâ€"examining whether infections could have been averted by better communication of the risks.


South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey, 2005

South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey, 2005

Author: Olive Shisana

Publisher: HSRC Press

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 204

ISBN-13: 9780796921529

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A follow-up to the Nelson Mandela Foundation's 2002 national household survey of HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa, this 2005 report seeks to provide further understanding of the HIV pandemic. Using data that tested for HIV incidence rather than just using mortality statistics, this study looks at which socio-demographic groups are most vulnerab≤ whether new policies have been successful in fighting the disease; what exactly is being done by key players, such as the government, churches, and other civil society organizations; and how the spread of HIV can be reduced in South Africa.


AIDS Epidemic Update

AIDS Epidemic Update

Author: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

Publisher: UNAIDS Office

Published: 2004-01-01

Total Pages: 87

ISBN-13: 9789291733903

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This annual update reports on developments in the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and draws on the most recent data available to give global and regional estimates of its scope and human toll. This edition also includes a special section on women and AIDS. Findings for 2004 include: the total number of people living with HIV reached its highest ever level of an estimated 39.4 million, with numbers rising in every region; 4.9 million new cases during the year and an estimated 3.1 million deaths; globally, just under half of all people living with HIV are women, with the proportion continuing to rise in most regions, particularly in Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America.