Current HIV Research最新文献

{"title":"Foot Drop as the Initial Manifestation of HIV Infection with Focal Brain Lesions: A Case Report and Diagnostic Challenge.","authors":"Melis Demirci, Melda Türken","doi":"10.2174/011570162X512797260828115247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X512797260828115247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Neurological involvement in HIV infection encompasses a broad clinical spectrum, most commonly presenting as peripheral neuropathy. However, focal motor deficits such as isolated foot drop are rare, and cases accompanied by Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement pose significant diagnostic challenges.</p><p><strong>Case: </strong>A 53-year-old male patient was referred to our clinic after testing positive for anti-HIV during the evaluation of a one-month history of foot drop and sore throat. On admission, neurological examination revealed isolated motor weakness without additional deficits. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) demonstrated multiple T2 hyperintense lesions with contrast enhancement, consistent with HIV-associated CNS involvement presenting as a focal enhancing brain lesion. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis excluded opportunistic infections and neurosyphilis. Electromyography (EMG) demonstrated findings consistent with incidental chronic L5 radiculopathy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Antiretroviral therapy with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/FTC/ TAF) was initiated. At six months of follow-up, marked clinical improvement in foot drop was observed, accompanied by regression of lesions on follow-up MRI.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case highlights that foot drop may represent a rare initial manifestation of HIV infection and may reflect combined neuroaxis involvement affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems, rather than an isolated peripheral mononeuropathy. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy can lead to both clinical and radiological improvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148944363","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":"In Silico Studies of Licorice Chalcones on Three Key Enzymes Involved in HIV-1 Replication.","authors":"Bahman Nickavar","doi":"10.2174/011570162X488184260811105325","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X488184260811105325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a major global health challenge. This virus undermines the immune system of infected individuals, thereby increasing their susceptibility to infectious diseases and cancer. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) is a medicinal plant that is extensively used worldwide for its notable therapeutic properties. Licorice roots contain several compounds, particularly chalcones, which exhibit antiviral activity.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to explore the inhibitory potential of licorice root-derived chalcones on three key enzymes involved in HIV-1 replication: integrase, protease, and reverse transcriptase, using an in silico method, and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the selected compounds.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Licorice-derived chalcones were identified by searching various databases, and their molecular structures were retrieved from the PubChem database. The three-dimensional architectures of the targets, namely, integrase, protease, and reverse transcriptase, were obtained from the Protein Data Bank. Molecular docking was performed to examine the interactions between chalcones and the targets. Relevant online tools were used to predict the pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the selected compounds.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 30 chalcones evaluated, paratocarpin A demonstrated the most significant docking scores against all three enzymes. Furthermore, this compound exhibited better pharmacokinetic and toxicological characteristics than those of the other chalcones studied.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Paratocarpine A could be considered a potential multi-target anti-HIV-1 candidate, meriting further investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148886384","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":"Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity among People Living With HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Giovana de Souza Gonçalves, Lorhoâne Eduarda Simão de Morais, Hélio Ranes de Menezes Filho, Alice Pereira Vieira, David Michel de Oliveira, Eduardo Vignoto Fernandes, Luiz Fernando Gouvêa-E-Silva","doi":"10.2174/011570162X497245260803055428","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X497245260803055428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The study aimed to analyze barriers to physical activity (PA) among people living with HIV (PLWH).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This descriptive/hypothesis-generating cross-sectional study included 71 PLWH recruited from a Reference Center in Jataí, Goiás, Brazil. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, along with information on PA and barriers to PA. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, adopting p<0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample had a mean age of 39.2±11.73 years and a prevalence of males (61%). Women engaged in less physical exercise than men (p=0.005). The most frequently reported barriers to PA among PLWH were long working hours (35.2%) and lack of energy or fatigue (32.4%). Social (42.3%) and physical (35.2%) barrier categories were the most prevalent. A positive association was found between the environmental and behavioral categories and the time since HIV diagnosis, and between the social category and having a partner, lower income, and longer daily sitting time (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The findings indicate that barriers to PA among PLWH are multifactorial. Associations with socioeconomic disadvantage, employment status, and HIV-related conditions highlight the combined relationship of biological, behavioral, and structural determinants.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PLWH are adversely affected by multiple factors associated with barriers to PA, including sociodemographic, clinical, and sedentary behavior characteristics. These findings highlight the need for an assessment of the patient's context in order to better propose ways to reduce barriers and promote PA in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148807978","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":"Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life Over a Six-Month Period in Newly Diagnosed People Living with HIV.","authors":"Hakkı Meriç Türkkan, Nazife Duygu Demirbas, Ozlem Gul, Ceren Atasoy Tahtasakal, Banu Çiçek Aktaş, Dilek Yildiz Sevgi, Ilyas Dokmetas, Okan Derin","doi":"10.2174/011570162X490765260714111611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X490765260714111611","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>HIV infection has transitioned from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition due to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). While life expectancy has increased, there is a growing need to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as part of comprehensive HIV care. This study evaluated changes in HRQoL during the first six months after diagnosis among individuals newly diagnosed with HIV.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Türkiye and included 81 newly diagnosed adults living with HIV. HRQoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-HIV Bref scale at baseline (n = 81), month 3 (n = 70), and month 6 (n = 81). Longitudinal changes were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman tests, with paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for pairwise comparisons, as appropriate. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) was calculated using anchor-based and distribution-based methods, and logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with anchor-defined perceived clinical improvement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall HRQoL score increased from 14.12 at baseline to 14.80 at month 3 and 14.90 at month 6. Significant improvements over the six-month period were observed in physical health (p = 0.006), environment (p = 0.011), and overall HRQoL (p = 0.021). Higher overall HRQoL scores were associated with greater odds of anchor-defined perceived clinical improvement (CI+) at month 3 (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.56-4.03, p < 0.001) and month 6 (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.52-4.60, p = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings suggest that HRQoL may improve during early follow-up after HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART, particularly in physical health. Early HRQoL assessment may also complement virological monitoring by capturing patient-centred information during the first months after HIV diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Beyond treatment access and virological suppression, improving HRQoL should be considered an important goal in HIV care. Strengthening social support systems, reducing stigma, and integrating multidisciplinary approaches may help support progress towards the Fourth 90 targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148705836","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":"Absence of Pharmacodynamic Interference Following Concomitant Administration of Long-Acting Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine and Intramuscular Antibiotics for Sexually Transmitted Infections in People with HIV.","authors":"Roberto Rossotti, Nicholas Brian Bana, Gabriele Cavazza, Massimo Puoti","doi":"10.2174/011570162X408164251203102620","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X408164251203102620","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CARLA) is an effective treatment for HIV-1. However, concerns remain regarding potential pharmacodynamic interactions, particularly with intramuscular antibiotics used to treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are common among people living with HIV (PLWH).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to assess whether concomitant intramuscular administration of CARLA and antibiotics affects antiretroviral control or impairs the syphilis serological response.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective, monocentric cohort study was conducted. The first analysis compared PLWH receiving CARLA and intramuscular antibiotics (benzathine penicillin, ceftriaxone, or gentamicin) with those receiving only CARLA. HIV RNA levels were evaluated before and after injection. The second analysis evaluated the serological response to syphilis treatment in PLWH who received CARLA versus controls not treated with CARLA. Serological response was defined as a fourfold decrease in the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer. Statistical comparisons included non-parametric tests and Cox regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 201 individuals included in the antiretroviral response analysis, no significant differences in HIV RNA suppression or blips were observed between the groups. Similarly, in 303 individuals assessed for syphilis response, the serological response rate and time to response were comparable. Adjusted Cox regression did not show an association between CARLA co-administration and delayed serological response (aHR 0.9, 95% CI 0.52-1.58, p=0.723).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Concomitant intramuscular administration of CARLA and antibiotics does not appear to compromise HIV viral suppression or syphilis serological response.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings support the co-administration of long-acting antiretrovirals and intramuscular antibiotics without compromising their effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148600072","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":"Isolated Kaposi Sarcoma of the External Ear in an Immunocompromised Host: A Case Report.","authors":"David J Dillard, Colten L Witte, Shaynie Segal, Joshua Rapp, Kenneth Walton, Shu K Liu, Magalie Nelson Charles","doi":"10.2174/011570162X483679260626085043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X483679260626085043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A vascular neoplasm linked to HHV-8 infection, Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is common in immunocompromised patients, notably people living with HIV. Isolated external ear involvement is uncommon and may present clinically as keloids, cysts, or infections.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A 31-year-old man presented with a one-month history of ipsilateral dacryocystitis and a rapidly growing, painful right auricular mass. The auricular lesion was initially presumed to be a sebaceous cyst during his emergency room evaluation, with actively draining purulent material. Labs showed severe pancytopenia with anemia of chronic disease, and his HIV screening test was newly reactive. Otolaryngology described an exophytic mass on the superior pinna with concern for superinfection. Local wound care was recommended, with excision planned once inflammation improved. CT showed a heterogeneous, exophytic soft-tissue mass measuring 2.2 × 1.9 cm involving the pinna. The lesion was excised, and pathology was consistent with classic KS morphology. Pathology showed a single 2.5 cm spindle cell lesion. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of KS, with tumor cells positive for HHV-8, CD31, and CD34. Mitotic activity was 21 per 10 highpower fields. Margins were negative, and no lymphovascular invasion was seen. The dacryocystitis resolved with antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Kaposi sarcoma of the ear is uncommon and often appears without systemic symptoms, which can delay diagnosis. Purulence and tenderness may be mistaken for a simple infection, and a keloid-like morphology can also mislead clinicians. This case highlights the similarity of these lesions, making biopsy essential to differentiate Kaposi sarcoma from more common benign or infectious ear conditions. Clinicians should consider Kaposi sarcoma of the external ear when evaluating persistent or unusual ear masses, especially in patients with weakened immune systems. Early tissue diagnosis and teamwork among specialists may lead to improved outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148519929","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":"Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-The Interplay between Vaginal Microbiota and HPV, along with its Prevention.","authors":"Shivam Sharma, Arti Saini, Darpan Kalra, Bharat Bhushan, Meenakshi Dhanawat, Garima Malik","doi":"10.2174/011570162X461254260618050011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X461254260618050011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered one of the leading causes of cervical cancer and other anogenital malignancies. While most infections are considered short-term, persistent infection with some high-risk strains of HPV, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, can lead to oncogenesis. This review explores the inter-relationship between HPV and the vaginal microbiota. It focuses on how the microbial imbalance influences viral persistence.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The article is a narrative review for which a narrative literature search was conducted across PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed English language publications (2000-2025). Boolean operators were used, and research was filtered for original studies and meta-analyses covering HPV prevention, diagnosis, molecular pathways, and treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preventive strategies include vaccinations such as Cervarix and Gardasil that are considered to be the most effective when they are administered between the ages of 9 and 14. A healthy vaginal microbiome is considered to strengthen the immune system and reduce persistence of the virus. Emerging future trends include AI-based screening, multi-omics, and precision therapies.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Regardless of the available interventions, cervical cancer remains a topic of concern in low- and middle-income countries. Oncogenesis is driven by E6 and E7 oncoproteins, which disrupt cell regulation and metabolism. Beyond host immunity, the microbiota composition is a key factor in progression. AI and Personalized treatment strategies can also help in the optimisation of the treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The relationship between the vaginal microbiome and HPV shows that preventive strategies such as probiotics and vaccination may significantly reduce infection risk and cancer progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148390128","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":"Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Among People Living With HIV: A Single-Center Study From Türkiye.","authors":"Işılay Tanışman, Nevin İnce, Bekir Tunca, Dilek Akıncı","doi":"10.2174/011570162X491777260617105012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X491777260617105012","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Improved survival achieved through antiretroviral therapy has redirected clinical attention in people living with HIV (PLWH) toward long-term non-AIDS-related metabolic complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among PLWH followed at our center and to examine its relationship with immunological status and antiretroviral treatment regimens.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This single-center cross-sectional study included 102 adults living with HIV who were followed at the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Outpatient Clinic of Düzce University Faculty of Medicine between March and September 2025. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected during routine follow-up visits. MetS was defined according to the 2005 revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Patients were stratified by CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts (&lt;350 vs. ≥350 cells/mm³) and by NRTI and INSTI components of ART.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The study population was predominantly male (88.2%), with a mean age of 39 ± 12 years. Of the 102 participants, 5.9% had virologically suppressed HIV (RNA &lt;50 copies/mL). The prevalence of MetS was 37.3%. MetS was significantly more frequent in patients with CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts &lt;350 cells/mm³ (n=34) compared with those ≥350 cells/mm³ (n=68) (52.9% vs. 29.4%; p=0.021). Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower in patients receiving TDF-based regimens than in those receiving TAF-based regimens (TC: 145 vs. 178 mg/dL, p=0.004; LDL-C: 91 vs. 116 mg/dL, p=0.014). No significant differences in MetS prevalence or lipid parameters were observed among INSTI subgroups. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in patients receiving TAF/FTC/BIC compared with those receiving TDF/FTC+DTG.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Discussion: &lt;/strong&gt;The 37.3% MetS prevalence observed in this cohort exceeds the globally reported pooled average of approximately 25%, which may reflect the characteristics of the study population, ART exposure duration, or demographic factors. The association between lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts and higher MetS prevalence is consistent with the existing literature linking advanced immunodeficiency to adverse metabolic outcomes. Differences in lipid profiles between TDF- and TAF-based regimens, and the independent association of ART regimen with TC and LDL-C in multivariable linear regression, underscore the clinical importance of ART drug selection in the context of cardiometabolic risk management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;MetS was common among PLWH and was more prevalent in individuals with lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts. TDF-based regimens were associated with more favorable lipid profiles compared with TAF-based regimens. These findings highlight the importance of early MetS screening and individualized ART selection wit","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148389513","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":"Weight Change with Long-Acting Cabotegravir Plus Rilpivirine in People with HIV: Targeted Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Thomas Barnett","doi":"10.2174/011570162X494392260623064653","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X494392260623064653","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Weight gain with modern antiretroviral therapy has raised concerns about long-term metabolic implications, particularly with integrase strand transfer inhibitor‑based regimens. However, evidence regarding the metabolic implications of long‑acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine remains limited. This targeted review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate weight outcomes in adults with HIV receiving long‑acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A targeted literature review was conducted via the PubMed database to identify peer-reviewed studies reporting changes in body weight among adults with HIV receiving long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine. Studies that met predefined eligibility criteria underwent quantitative synthesis using random-effects meta-analysis. Among eligible studies, absolute weight change was stratified and evaluated at ≤1 year and >1 year; weight change relative to oral antiretroviral therapy controls was analyzed at ≤1 year. Moderator and exploratory regression analyses supplemented these findings as available.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine was associated with a statistically significant mean weight increase at ≤1 year (0.92 kg; P = .006) compared to baseline. No significant differences in mean weight change were observed between long‑acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine and oral antiretroviral therapy through ≤1 year (P = .225). At >1 year, long‑acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine produced a significant pooled weight gain (P < .001), exceeding the ≤1-year pooled mean by approximately 1.3 kg. Moderator analyses indicated greater weight gain in cohorts with fewer male participants (P = .047); no differences were observed between once- and twice-monthly dosing. Compared with oral antiretroviral therapy controls, long‑acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine was associated with greater weight gain in studies using mixed-class antiretroviral therapy comparators versus those using only integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy regimens (P < .001).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Long‑acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine is associated with modest early weight gain that may increase with longer exposure. Limited evidence suggests similar weight-related outcomes to contemporary integrase strand transfer inhibitor‑based antiretroviral therapy regimens. Further research is warranted to better characterize mediators of weight gain and long-term metabolic implications associated with long‑acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings support the potential for progressive weight gain with prolonged use of long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine and reinforce the importance of continued monitoring of weight-related changes in people with HIV receiving this regimen.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148359763","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":"Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Individuals Receiving Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV in the Republic of Cyprus: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Maria Antonia Kalatta, George Siakallis, Annalisa Quattrocchi, Danny Alon-Ellenbogen","doi":"10.2174/011570162X457897260530161448","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X457897260530161448","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals seeking PEP in the Republic of Cyprus and identify characteristics associated with PEP administration, willingness to use PrEP, and engagement with sexual health services.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Grigorios HIV Reference Clinic, Larnaca General Hospital, from September 2022 to December 2024. Data from 214 individuals presenting with potential high-risk HIV exposure were collected using structured questionnaires, administered at presentation. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses (t-tests and chi-square tests) were performed to explore possible associations (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 214 participants, 209 (97.7%) received PEP, with 48.1% presenting within 24 hours. The majority were male (85.5%), aged 25-34 (43.9%), and identified as men who have sex with men (MSM). Unprotected anal intercourse (44.9%) was the most common exposure type. Sexual orientation was linked to the type of exposure (p<0.001). Willingness to use PrEP was associated with prior PEP/PrEP use (p<0.001), and willingness to attend sexual health clinics was correlated with recent HIV testing (p=0.030).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>PEP services in Cyprus appear to reach key high-risk groups, specifically MSM, with generally timely access. However, late presentations, reported access and awareness barriers regardless of fully reimbursed PEP, and infrequent HIV testing suggest persistent gaps in equitable prevention coverage. Decentralising services and strengthening testing and education are required alongside PrEP application.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>High PEP uptake and timely access were observed among MSM in Cyprus, though gaps in PrEP awareness and engagement with preventive services remain.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148263698","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}