Current HIV Research最新文献

{"title":"A Multivariate Statistics Approach to Analyze the Transition from CCR5 to Dual and CXCR4 Tropism and to Predict the Coreceptor Usage of HIV-1.","authors":"Angelo Pavesi, Fabio Romerio","doi":"10.2174/011570162X511442260930192119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X511442260930192119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The tropism of HIV-1 is determined by the use of either or both chemokine coreceptors CCR5 (R5) and CXCR4 (X4) for entry into the target cell. The coreceptor usage of HIV-1 is mainly determined by the third variable loop (V3) of the envelope glycoprotein gp120.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We assembled a training dataset of 3071 V3 sequences with known tropism: 2428 R5-tropic, 358 dual R5X4-tropic, and 285 X4-tropic. We analyzed this dataset by using univariate statistics (t-Student, chi-square contingency table, and Cramer's V index), bivariate statistics (Pearson's correlation coefficient), and multivariate statistics (principal component analysis and Fisher's linear discriminant analysis).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One third of the 35 amino acid positions in the V3 loop are key drivers of transition from R5 to R5X4 and X4 tropism. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that the switch between the three tropism states is a gradual process involving variation for several biochemical features. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is a good predictor of coreceptor usage. When applied to the training dataset, it showed a high sensitivity (92% of X4-tropic sequences predicted correctly) and a high specificity (90% of R5-tropic sequences predicted correctly).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The finding that the sensitivity and specificity of LDA are similar, or better than that of four widely used prediction methods (Geno2pheno, WebPSSM, 11/24/25 charge rule, and net charge rule) indicates that LDA is a valuable complement to the existing models for prediction of coreceptor usage.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Parametric multivariate statistics is a useful tool to investigate the switch of HIV-1 tropism and to predict the CCR5 or CXCR4 coreceptor usage.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149223472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elucidating the Distribution of Time Since Infection Among Individuals with Undiagnosed HIV Infection in Japan.","authors":"Seiko Fujiwara, Hiroshi Nishiura","doi":"10.2174/011570162X512390260928094143","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X512390260928094143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Understanding the characteristics of undiagnosed HIV is essential for targeted testing and anticipating severe cases. This study quantified the time distribution since infection among individuals with undiagnosed HIV infection in Japan, and clarified how undiagnosed individuals accumulated over time and by chronological age.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed national surveillance data for HIV/AIDS in Japan from 1985 to 2024. A back-calculation model handled the competing risks between HIV diagnosis and AIDS onset, estimating HIV incidence by calendar time and chronological age and reconstructing the time-since-infection distribution among undiagnosed individuals. CD4 count data at diagnosis (2019-2024) were also used to back-cast time since infection among diagnosed individuals. We projected future HIV incidence using the actual reproduction number as a function of diagnosis rate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Undiagnosed HIV infections peaked at 7,585 persons in 2009; however, long-term undiagnosed infections (≥10 years since infection) persisted at over 300 persons. Long-term undiagnosed infections peaked in 2018, accounting for 12.5% of undiagnosed individuals. The infection-age distribution showed gradual aging over time, and older chronological age was associated with older infection age at diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The visualized infection-age distribution aged over the calendar year. Infected individuals aged ≥40 years accounted for a substantial proportion of undiagnosed individuals over a long period. With the projected plateaued yearly rate of diagnosis, more than 100 HIV notifications may be expected each year up to 2040.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Long-term undiagnosed individuals were frequently seen among those aged ≥40 years. Our findings underscore the need for age-tailored testing strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149180007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proportion and Characteristics of Primary HIV Infection Among Newly Diagnosed Individuals in Istanbul.","authors":"Merve Yıldız Ergin, Selma İlkay Şahin, Burçak Varol, Gülben İşken, Zuhal Yeşilbağ, Hayat Kumbasar Karaosmanoglu","doi":"10.2174/011570162X507829261004183336","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X507829261004183336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Early identification of Primary HIV İnfection (PHI) is essential to reduce onward transmission and enable prompt initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Despite increasing HIV diagnoses in Türkiye, data on the prevalence and characteristics of PHI remain limited. This study aimed to determine the proportion of PHI among newly diagnosed individuals and to describe and compare the sociodemographic and laboratory characteristics of individuals with PHI and CHI.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective observational study included 225 individuals newly diagnosed with HIV at a tertiary-care center in Istanbul between June 2024 and October 2025. PHI was defined as a documented negative HIV test within the preceding six months together with a history of unprotected high-risk exposure within 2-6 weeks prior to diagnosis. Sociodemographic and laboratory characteristics were compared between PHI and Chronic HIV İnfection (CHI) groups using univariate analyses. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminative ability of HIV RNA levels. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was additionally performed to assess adjusted associations with PHI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-five individuals (11.1%; 95% CI 7.6-15.9%) met the criteria for PHI. The PHI group tended to be younger and predominantly men who have sex with men. Median HIV RNA levels were significantly higher in PHI than in CHI (693,000 vs. 66,150 copies/mL, p < 0.001), and HIV RNA >1,000,000 copies/mL was more frequent (39.1% vs. 3.0%, p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated moderate discrimination (AUC 0.76; 95% CI 0.62-0.89), with high specificity but limited sensitivity. In multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, university-level education remained associated with PHI (adjusted OR 5.97, 95% CI 1.28-27.74; p = 0.023).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>PHI constituted a substantial proportion of newly diagnosed cases in this study, within the range reported in comparable settings. The observed differences in age and transmission category (predominantly men who have sex with men) may reflect both transmission dynamics and testing patterns. Elevated HIV RNA levels during PHI support its role in increased transmission risk; however, the moderate discriminative performance and limited sensitivity of viral load indicate that it should not be used as a standalone diagnostic marker. These findings highlight the importance of integrating clinical history and exposure risk with laboratory parameters.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PHI represents a clinically significant proportion of newly diagnosed HIV cases. Improving early recognition through targeted testing strategies and combined clinical and laboratory assessment may enhance early diagnosis and reduce onward transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149180000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alterations in Th17/Treg Balance and IL-21 Signaling in Patients with HIV and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Coinfection.","authors":"Gao Chen, Shikai Chen","doi":"10.2174/011570162X478765260909062929","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X478765260909062929","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>This study aimed to characterize the distributions of Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells and the associated interleukin-21 (IL-21) signaling in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) coinfection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included 54 participants in each of three groups: HIV/Mtb coinfection, Mtb monoinfection, and healthy control. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated using Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation. The percentages of Th17 and Treg cells, the Th17/Treg ratio, and the mean fluorescence intensity of IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression on Th17 cells were quantified by flow cytometry. Serum IL-21 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Group comparisons were performed using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests as appropriate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Th17/Treg cell ratio was significantly lower in both patient groups compared to the healthy control group (HIV/Mtb coinfection: 1.40 ± 0.35; Mtb monoinfection: 1.34 ± 0.28; healthy control: 2.50 ± 0.60; both p<0.001). Within the patient cohorts, the ratio was marginally but significantly higher in the HIV/Mtb coinfection group (p=0.047), primarily due to a higher proportion of Th17 cells (9.8±2.1% vs. 8.0±1.8%; p=0.021). Treg cell proportions did not differ significantly among the three groups (p=0.325). IL-21R expression on Th17 cells was higher in the HIV/Mtb coinfection group than in the Mtb monoinfection group (35.2±5.1% vs. 28.5±4.3%; p=0.035), while serum IL-21 levels were lower (105.0±20.0 pg/mL vs. 120.5±25.0 pg/mL; p=0.032). All patient values were lower than those in healthy controls (both p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The concurrent findings-partial elevation of Th17/Treg ratio, compensatory upregulation of IL‑21R on Th17 cells, and profound systemic IL‑21 deficiency-suggest a dysregulated immune nexus in HIV/Mtb coinfection. This profile may reflect an attempt to mount Th17‑mediated responses against Mtb within a globally compromised immune system, potentially leading to ineffective pathogen control and heightened immunopathology. The IL‑21 axis appears critically impaired, with target cells possibly hypersensitized to scarce ligand via receptor upregulation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>HIV/Mtb coinfection is associated with a distinct immunoprofile featuring a partially restored but still imbalanced Th17/Treg ratio, compensatory upregulation of IL-21R on Th17 cells, and systemic IL-21 deficiency. This dysregulated Th17/Treg-IL-21 axis may underlie the unique immunopathology of coinfection and warrants further investigation as a source of biomarkers or therapeutic targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149079654","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated with HIV Infection in MSM Visiting Bathhouses: A Structural Equation Model Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey in Eastern China.","authors":"Zhongrong Yang, Xin Zhou, Weiyong Chen, Wanjun Chen, Tingting Jiang, Qiaoqin Ma","doi":"10.2174/011570162X493354260909092534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X493354260909092534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore the factors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) during bathing activities to provide a basis for developing comprehensive interventions to curb the incidence of HIV infections in this population.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was performed. MSM who engaged in oral or anal sex with male partners in the past 6 months were recruited as participants. The participants were tested for HIV antibodies, and information regarding their sexual behaviors was collected through one-on-one surveys. Using exploratory factor analysis, we constructed a structural equation model for fitting, which was later adjusted to analyze the relationships and degrees of influence among various variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 465 participants (mean age: 40.62 ± 12.15 years) in this study. Of them,68.4% were married, and 10.3% tested positive for HIV antibodies. While 6.2% reported engaging in group sex, 76.6% had anal sex with casual male partners in the past 6 months. Only 31.2% of participants consistently used condoms during homosexual intercourse. The structural equation model indicated that while the sexual behavioral characteristics of bathhouse-active MSM had a direct positive association with HIV infection (path coefficient: 0.32), the frequency of visits to bathhouses had a direct negative association (path coefficient:-0.17). Demographic characteristics and bathhouse visit frequencies had direct positive associations with sexual behavior characteristics (path coefficients of 0.24 and 0.25, respectively).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study found that high-risk sexual behaviors, such as group sex, anal sex with casual partners, and inconsistent condom use, were associated with HIV infection among bathhouse-active MSM. While frequent bathhouse visits showed a negative association with infection, demographic characteristics were associated with HIV risk indirectly through sexual behaviors. Targeted interventions, particularly for first-time visitors, are needed to promote safe sexual practices in bathhouse settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Bathhouse-active MSM engage in unsafe behaviors, such as group sex, anal sex with casual male partners, and inconsistent condom use during sexual encounters, all of which are risk factors for HIV infection. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen health promotion and education in this population, focusing on timely interventions for first-time bathhouse patrons to encourage safe sexual behaviors and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149079808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-B Ligand and Osteoprotegerin with Other Serum Biomarkers for Bone Homeostasis in People Living with HIV.","authors":"Pınar Belviranlı Keskin, İbrahim Erayman, Bahar Kandemir, Rukiyye Bulut","doi":"10.2174/011570162X506228260917112128","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X506228260917112128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study evaluated Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and examined the associations of serum Receptor Activator of Nuclear factor kappa-B Ligand (RANKL), Osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the RANKL/OPG ratio with Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) findings and clinical parameters in people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this prospective cross-sectional study, adults living with HIV were consecutively recruited at a tertiary care center. Participants underwent DXA, measurement of serum RANKL and OPG levels, and routine biochemical and hematological testing. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared according to BMD status, and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with RANKL, OPG, and the RANKL/OPG ratio.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Low BMD was identified in 20 participants (25.0%), including 14 (17.5%) at the femoral neck and 12 (15.0%) at the lumbar spine. Participants with low BMD were older than those with normal BMD (median 54.0 vs 35.0 years, p = 0.017). Serum RANKL, OPG, and the RANKL/OPG ratio did not differ significantly according to BMD status. In multivariable models, hemoglobin and age were independently and inversely associated with the RANKL/OPG ratio (p = 0.028 and p = 0.041, respectively), whereas age and neutrophil percentage were independently and inversely associated with serum RANKL (p = 0.001 and p = 0.048, respectively) and OPG levels (p = 0.002 and p = 0.023, respectively).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings suggest that circulating RANKL and OPG may not adequately reflect DXA-derived skeletal status in ART-treated PLWH and may be influenced by broader systemic, inflammatory, and hematologic factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Direct densitometric assessment remains central to skeletal evaluation in PLWH receiving ART.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149036705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"24-Month Outcomes of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in People with HIV from the Italian BICSTaR Cohort.","authors":"Giulia Marchetti, Andrea Antinori, Vincenzo Esposito, Stefano Rusconi, Diana Canetti, Eugenia Quiros-Roldan, Bianca Candelaresi, Annalisa Saracino, Loredana Sarmati, Andrea Marongiu, Tali Cassidy, David Thorpe, Laura Albini, Roberto Caldera, Gabriele Forcina, Giovanni Di Perri","doi":"10.2174/011570162X471413260831044324","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X471413260831044324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The Italian BICSTaR cohort is part of a multinational cohort study assessing real-world effectiveness, safety, persistence, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of B/F/TAF in treatment-naïve (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) people with HIV (PWH) in routine clinical care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Final month 24 (M24) outcomes included virological effectiveness (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL; missing/discontinuation/loss-to-follow-up=excluded (M=E) and discontinuation=failure (D=F) analyses), immunological changes, drug-related adverse events (DRAEs), treatment persistence, body weight, and PROs (HIV Symptom Index (HIV-SI) and HIV Treatment Satisfaction (HIVTSQ, only M12)).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>205 PWH (29 TN, 176 TE) were eligible for M24 analysis (82% male, 96% white, 44% >50 years). Median CD4 cell count was 225/μL in TN, 724/μL in TE; 94% of TE had <50 HIV-1 copies/mL pre-switch; 92% switched to B/F/TAF to optimize therapy. In M=E analysis, 96% (24/25) of TN and 97% (144/148) of TE had <50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL at M24. In the D=F analysis, rates were 92% (24/26) in TN and 92% (144/156) in TE. Median CD4 cell count increased in TN and remained stable in TE. DRAEs were reported for 6%, leading to discontinuation in 2%. HIV-SI decreased in TN (median (interquartile range, IQR): -3 (-5, 0)), and remained stable in TE. Median HIVTSQ change score (IQR) was +28 (21, 30) in TE.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Outcomes were consistent with international real-world B/F/TAF data, with safety findings aligning with the established profile.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>B/F/TAF was well tolerated, with high levels of viral suppression and treatment persistence over 24 months. HIV symptom burden remained stable or improved, while treatment satisfaction increased.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149012071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Western Blot Band Profiles and Their Associations with Demographic Characteristics, Transmission Routes, and Immune Status among HIV-1 Infected Individuals in Quzhou, China (2016-2024).","authors":"Xing Zhang, Haibo Jiang, Wei Wang, Ping Zhu, Jialing You, Xufu Chen, Lijun Xu","doi":"10.2174/011570162X486285260904055900","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X486285260904055900","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the associations between Western blot (WB) band profiles and demographic characteristics, transmission routes, and immune status among 737 newly diagnosed HIV-1-infected individuals in Quzhou City, China, from 2016 to 2024.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 737 newly diagnosed HIV-1 individuals were enrolled. Confirmed demographic, epidemiological, and immunological data, including WB test results, were retrospectively collected and analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression models, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The highest positive rates of WB bands were observed in gp160 (100%), gp41 (99.2%), p24 (96.1%), gp120 (93.0%), and p31 (89.7%), while p66 (30.4%), p51 (27.5%), and p55 (13.3%) had low positive rates. Multivariate regression analysis showed that female sex and men who have sex with men (MSM) were independently associated with higher odds of p66 (female sex: aOR = 1.790, P = 0.005; MSM: aOR = 2.657, P < 0.001) and p51 (female sex: aOR = 1.750, P = 0.008; MSM: aOR = 2.439, P < 0.001) bands. Baseline CD4+ T-cell counts were associated with lower odds of env bands (gp120, gp41, p31) but higher odds of core protein bands (p24, p17).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Baseline CD4+T cell counts were negatively correlated with antibodies against HIV-1 envelope proteins (gp120/gp41/p31), but positively correlated with antibodies against HIV-1 core proteins (p24/p17), indicating that WB band patterns correlate with immune status and may suggest relative stage of infection. P66 and p51 bands were known to emerge relatively late over the course of HIV infection. Multivariate regression demonstrated that female gender and MSM transmission were independent risk factors for p66/p51 seropositivity; higher p66/p51 positivity among MSM may hint at delayed diagnosis, though this association cannot be fully confirmed via cross-sectional data alone, and individual humoral immune variation also contributes to differential band reactivity. Combined with CD4+ T-cell levels, WB band seropositivity patterns may provide auxiliary epidemiological clues for targeted early screening and intervention for high-risk groups, yet WB band profiles cannot act as standardized tools to precisely judge infection duration or formal HIV disease staging due to lack of longitudinal verification.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>WB band profiles show a significant correlation with gender, transmission route, and baseline CD4+ T-cell counts. Restricted by the cross-sectional design, these band patterns cannot precisely determine delayed diagnosis, yet they may supply auxiliary reference about immune status for newly infected cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148966773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Depression and Associated Factors in People Living with HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Beck Depression Inventory.","authors":"Bülent Kaya, Pınar Öngürü","doi":"10.2174/011570162X529595260831071004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X529595260831071004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and to examine the sociodemographic, clinical, and immunologic factors associated with depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective cross-sectional study included 258 people living with HIV. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-I (BDI). Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical variables, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, immunologic parameters, and level of social support were examined. Appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests, as well as multivariable logistic regression analysis, were used for the statistical analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the participants was 41.4 ± 11.3 years, and 90.7% were male. The mean BDI score was 9.6 ± 7.7. In the univariable analysis, depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a lower CD4 cell count (p < 0.001), a higher HIV RNA level (p < 0.001), a family history of depression (p = 0.002), and a lower level of social support. In the multivariable analysis, a family history of depression (p = 0.009), a lower CD4 cell count (p = 0.005), and a higher viral load (p < 0.001) were independently associated with depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Depressive symptoms are an important comorbidity among people living with HIV and are independently associated with a family history of depression, a low CD4 cell count, and high HIV RNA levels. However, the modest discriminatory ability of these immunologic and virologic parameters indicates that they are insufficient when used alone for depression screening or diagnosis. These findings support the integration of psychological assessment into routine HIV care to facilitate the early recognition of depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Depressive symptoms were independently associated with a lower CD4 cell count, a higher HIV RNA level, and a family history of depression. Therefore, assessing depressive symptoms during the routine follow-up of people living with HIV and integrating appropriate psychosocial support into HIV care are important.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148944354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-Invasive Serum Biomarkers Used to Stage Liver Fibrosis in Brazilian HIV/HCV-Coinfected Individuals.","authors":"Bianca Peixoto Dantas, Mariana Cavalheiro Magri, Caroline Manchiero, Arielle Karen da Silva Nunes, Thamiris Vaz Gago Prata, Fátima Mitiko Tengan","doi":"10.2174/011570162X485799260831045019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X485799260831045019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>HIV/HCV coinfection accelerates liver fibrosis progression and increases liver-related morbidity and mortality. In Brazil, where chronic liver diseases remain a major public health concern and access to specialized diagnostic methods may be limited, accurate non-invasive biomarkers are essential for assessing liver fibrosis. However, data validating these biomarkers and establishing optimal cut-off values for Brazilian individuals with HIV/HCV coinfection remain scarce.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively evaluated 109 HIV/HCV coinfected individuals. APRI, FIB-4, FibroIndex, Forns, GUCI, and Lok index were calculated from patients' electronic medical records. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis, with liver biopsy as the reference standard. Optimal cohort-specific cut-off values were derived for each biomarker.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For cirrhosis, the highest diagnostic accuracy was observed for Lok (AUROC=0.893; cut-off >0.4570), FibroIndex (0.869; >1.9092), FIB-4 (0.849; >1.6555), GUCI (0.841; >1.0323), and APRI (0.822; >1.0212). For advanced fibrosis, the highest diagnostic accuracy was observed for FibroIndex (AUROC=0.871; cut-off >1.7183), FIB-4 (0.838; >1.6555), GUCI (0.836; >1.0323), Lok (0.836; >0.3865), and APRI (0.824; >1.0179). For significant fibrosis, the highest diagnostic accuracy was observed for GUCI (AUROC=0.822; cut-off >1.0323), APRI (0.817; >0.9948), and FIB-4 (0.806; >1.5118).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>For the assessment of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, most of the evaluated biomarkers achieved AUROC >0.80, indicating very good diagnostic performance. These findings support the use of non-invasive biomarkers as practical tools for screening individuals at increased risk of chronic liver disease, including those with viral hepatitis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Non-invasive fibrosis biomarkers showed robust diagnostic performance for identifying advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in Brazilian HIV/HCV coinfected individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148944356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}