Izuchukwu Ezeh, Bethany Harrison, Eva Klesnik-Edwards, Alisha Varia, Emily Clarke, Vincent Lee
{"title":"<i>Mycoplasma genitalium</i> treatment strategies in the era of significant macrolide resistance: Findings from a multi-centre audit in Northwest England.","authors":"Izuchukwu Ezeh, Bethany Harrison, Eva Klesnik-Edwards, Alisha Varia, Emily Clarke, Vincent Lee","doi":"10.1177/09564624251353583","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624251353583","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IntroductionAzithromycin is first-line for uncomplicated <i>Mycoplasma genitalium</i> (Mgen) treatment in UK and European guidelines, however the rates of azithromycin resistance have increased significantly in recent years leading to higher rates of treatment failure. This study aims to review the disease epidemiology to guide service improvement.MethodsWe undertook a retrospective case note review of 1036 persons treated for Mgen over 1067 Mgen-related attendances. We obtained data on demographics, site(s) of infection, antibiotic resistance, treatment regimen received and results of test of cure.Results71.1% (<i>n</i> = 759) patients received the recommended first-line regimen of doxycycline and azithromycin. Moxifloxacin is the recommended first-line management for macrolide-resistant or complicated infection. 15% (<i>n</i> = 155) patients received moxifloxacin alone as first-line treatment, and 6.9% (<i>n</i> = 72) patients received doxycycline and moxifloxacin dual therapy. 72.9% (<i>n</i> = 753) samples were successfully tested for macrolide resistance. Of these, 55.5% (<i>n</i> = 418) showed macrolide resistance. 20.6% (<i>n</i> = 7) showed fluoroquinolone resistance.ConclusionsResistance data show a macrolide resistance rate of 55.5% across our region, and at least 1 in 10 persons were inappropriately screened for Mgen. We propose a multi-pronged approach which includes strict adherence to testing criteria, local resistance testing, resistance-guided management as well as innovative approaches to improve test of cure rates.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"902-906"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144484367","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}
Fehmi Tabak, Dilek Yıldız Sevgi, Esra Zerdali, Ahmet Furkan Kurt, Hayat Kumbasar Karaosmanoğlu, Meliha Meriç Koç, Alper Gunduz, Ahsen Öncül, İnci Yilmaz Nakir, Esra Canpolat Ünlü, Ozlem Altuntaş Aydın, Bilgul Mete
{"title":"Efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide- or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-containing regimens in adults with treatment-naïve HIV-hepatitis B co-infection.","authors":"Fehmi Tabak, Dilek Yıldız Sevgi, Esra Zerdali, Ahmet Furkan Kurt, Hayat Kumbasar Karaosmanoğlu, Meliha Meriç Koç, Alper Gunduz, Ahsen Öncül, İnci Yilmaz Nakir, Esra Canpolat Ünlü, Ozlem Altuntaş Aydın, Bilgul Mete","doi":"10.1177/09564624251352345","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624251352345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHepatitis B (HBV) infection affects 4%-14% of people with HIV infection in Turkey. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is highly effective in treatment of HIV infection. While it is active against HBV, data on the use in HIV-HBV co-infection are limited.Patients and MethodsWe analyzed the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)- and TAF-containing regimens in patients with HIV-HBV co-infection from six centers in Istanbul, Turkey. The results of the cohort of 36 months were presented.Results259 patients were enrolled: 146 and 113 were receiving TAF- and TDF-containing regimens respectively. Baseline characteristics were comparable except TAF-containing group was older; had higher CD4 cell count and lower rate of CD4 count ≤200 cells/μL. Baseline HIV-RNA were 8.2 log copies/mL and 6.8 log in TAF- and TDF-containing groups, respectively (<i>p</i> = .059) and HBV-DNA levels were 8.1 log IU/mL in both groups. Thirty-eight and 39% of the patients were HBeAg-positive. After 36 months, undetectable HBV-DNA was noted in 88% and 87%, and undetectable HIV-RNA in 85% and in 83% of TAF and TDF-containing groups, respectively. The increase in mean CD4 cell was significant in both groups: Δ = 311 cells/μL in TAF- and Δ = 393 cells/μL in TDF-containing groups. Rates of HBeAg loss (63% vs 57%), HBeAg seroconversion (35% vs 29%), HBsAg loss (29% vs 27%), and HBsAg seroconversion (23% vs 16%) were comparable at 36 months of therapy.ConclusionThis real-life study showed that both TAF- and TDF-containing regimens are effective in co-infected patients. The rates of HBsAg loss seemed higher than those in HBV-monoinfected patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"857-862"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144325707","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":"Incidence of and outcomes of pregnancy in adolescents with perinatally-acquired HIV infection in Southern Africa.","authors":"Nyasha Veronica Dzavakwa, Molly Chisenga, Hilda Banda-Mabuda, Cassandra Namukonda, Lackson Kasonka, Tsitsi Bandason, Nicol Redzo, Hilda Angela Mujuru, Katharina Kranzer, Victoria Simms, Rashida A Ferrand","doi":"10.1177/09564624251352066","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624251352066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThe scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has enabled more children living with HIV to reach adolescence and become sexually active. We investigated pregnancy incidence and outcomes among adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV enrolled in a multi-country trial of vitamin D and calcium carbonate supplementation (VITALITY; PACTR202009897660297).MethodsBetween February and November 2021, 842 adolescents aged 11-19 years from Zambia and Zimbabwe on ART for at least 6 months were enrolled. Pregnancies occurring during 96 weeks of follow-up (February 2021-October 2023) were identified through self-report or testing. Pregnancy incidence rate was calculated among post-menarche participants using survival time analysis.ResultsThirty-five adolescents (median age 18, range 13-22) became pregnant, 21 in Zambia, 14 in Zimbabwe. Overall pregnancy incidence was 4.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI 3.3-6.4), higher in those ≥15 years (6.8 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 4.8-9.7). Three pregnancies ended in miscarriage; 32 resulted in live births. Of the 30 adolescents with live births and available data, 26 (86.7%) infants were tested for HIV at birth: 24 were HIV-negative, two had unknown results. Twenty-nine received HIV prophylaxis. At 6 weeks, 19/30 infants were retested for HIV: 16 were HIV-negative. Twenty-one of 32 pregnant adolescents were in school at conception, and 4 (19.0%) returned post-pregnancy. Overall, 23/33 (69.7%) started contraception, a median of 9 weeks after delivery/miscarriage.ConclusionPregnancy incidence is high among adolescents with HIV, especially older adolescents. While prevention of vertical HIV transmission is effective, education re-integration and timely contraception uptake remain limited.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"885-891"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12450244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144511943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceptions of physical activity for health promotion among people living with HIV in Uganda: A qualitative study.","authors":"Davy Vancampfort, James Mugisha","doi":"10.1177/09564624251383797","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251383797","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundPromoting health and quality of life for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in low-resource settings is vital. Understanding perceptions of physical activity (PA) and factors influencing participation can guide culturally appropriate interventions. This study explored how PLHIV in Central Uganda perceive PA, factors affecting its acceptability, and views on integrating PA into antiretroviral treatment (ART) services.MethodsA qualitative exploratory design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adults (7 women, 5 men) on ART for at least 1 year. Data were analysed using content analysis, guided by the socio-ecological model.ResultsPerceptions of PA were shaped by intersecting factors across multiple levels. Individual factors included perceived weakness, comorbidities, fear of health risks, low awareness of PA benefits, body image concerns, competing demands, and seasonal food insecurity. Family and community-level barriers included stigma, gender norms, and lack of support. Institutional barriers involved limited health worker engagement and absence of PA-related incentives.ConclusionsReshaping perceptions and improving PA acceptability requires stronger health system involvement. Embedding PA promotion into routine HIV care and engaging health workers can help address barriers across levels. A multi-level public health approach is needed to integrate PA into biopsychosocial HIV care.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251383797"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145199354","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}
Rory Barry, Georgios Kravvas, Christopher B Bunker, Richard E Watchorn
{"title":"Male genital lichen sclerosus misreported as candidal or other infective balanitides: A systematic review of the literature.","authors":"Rory Barry, Georgios Kravvas, Christopher B Bunker, Richard E Watchorn","doi":"10.1177/09564624251383956","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251383956","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundMale genital lichen sclerosus (MGLSc) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis presenting as balanoposthitis, with potential for irreversible scarring, sexual and urinary dysfunction, and malignant transformation. Inflammation and architectural disruption from MGLSc may predispose to secondary colonisation or infection with microbial organisms. This can confuse non-specialist clinicians, who may misattribute clinical signs and positive microbiological results to primary infection, thereby overlooking the underlying MGLSc as the root cause of disease.ObjectiveTo evaluate systematically published reports of infective balanitis and balanoposthitis for clinical features suggestive of MGLSc.MethodsFollowing PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for English-language articles reporting cases of non-sexually-transmitted infectious balanitis or balanoposthitis. Eligible studies were required to include adequate clinical photography. Clinical images were reviewed for signs of MGLSc.ResultsOut of 978 identified records, 15 studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 19 clinical images. All images exhibited clinical features consistent with MGLSc, despite being attributed to infections such as candida or bacterial pathogens. Histological confirmation, where performed, was frequently non-specific. Many cases reported incomplete resolution following antimicrobial therapy.ConclusionThis review underscores a recurring problem in the literature viz. the misattribution of MGLSc to microbial infections. Attributing a named diagnosis to positive microbiological results without specialist input can lead to delays in accurate diagnosis and effective management, create fallacious diagnoses and erroneously perpetuate non-existent diagnoses. Improved awareness of the clinical features of MGLSc, and careful interpretation of microbiological data within the broader clinical context, will support more accurate patient care but also enhance the reliability of the literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251383956"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145199267","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":"Correspondence on \"Artificial intelligence meets HIV education\".","authors":"Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.1177/09564624251382036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251382036","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251382036"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145137768","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":"The impact of cART on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in treatment-naïve PLwHIV: A prospective cohort study.","authors":"Meryem Sahin Ozdemir, Yusuf Emre Ozdemir, Alperen Dogdas, Kanan Nuriyev, Ibrahim Volkan Senkal, Alper Gunduz, Esra Zerdali, Sabahattin Kaymakoglu, Bilgul Mete, Fehmi Tabak","doi":"10.1177/09564624251382627","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251382627","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundWe aimed to determine the effect of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLwHIV).MethodsIn this single-center and prospective cohort study, PLwHIV were evaluated longitudinally by transient elastography at the initiation and 7 months (±1 month) after the cART.ResultsOf the 81 PLwHIV, 28.3% had hepatic steatosis, 40.7% had fibrosis (≥F1), and 24.7% had significant fibrosis (≥F2). In multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) (<i>p =</i> .005) and albumin (<i>p =</i> .045) were independent predictors for hepatic steatosis, while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (<i>p =</i> .041) was an independent predictor for hepatic fibrosis. Control transient elastography was performed in 66 (81.5%) PLwHIV after treatment. Among these patients, the rate of hepatic fibrosis decreased significantly after treatment (43.9% vs 24.2%, <i>p =</i> .017). In the tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)-based regimen, weight (<i>p <</i> .001), BMI (<i>p <</i> .001), waist circumference (<i>p <</i> .001), and total cholesterol (<i>p =</i> .012) increased, while kPA value (<i>p =</i> .002) decreased. In the tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based regimen, controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) value (<i>p =</i> .017) and waist circumference (<i>p =</i> .006) increased. In the lamivudine (LAM)-based regimen, there was no statistically significant change (p > .05).ConclusionHepatic fibrosis regressed with antiretroviral treatments (especially with TAF-based), while the degree of hepatosteatosis progressed (especially with TDF-based). Additionally, weight gain occurred after cART in PLwHIV (especially with TAF-based). Therefore, hepatic steatosis and weight gain in PLwHIV should not be disregarded. In conclusion, PLwHIV on cART need close follow-up for the development of metabolic complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251382627"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145130868","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}
Martha G Normallairy, Nadia Hanum, Miasari Handayani, Pratiwi Wikaningtyas, Armina Padmasawitri, Mawar N Pohan, Tarinanda A Putri, Fani F Rakhmat, Dwi S Anggiani, Nurhalina Afriana, Endang Lukitosari, Bagus R Prabowo, Rudi Wisaksana
{"title":"Changes in bacterial sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men using pre-exposure prophylaxis in West Java, Indonesia.","authors":"Martha G Normallairy, Nadia Hanum, Miasari Handayani, Pratiwi Wikaningtyas, Armina Padmasawitri, Mawar N Pohan, Tarinanda A Putri, Fani F Rakhmat, Dwi S Anggiani, Nurhalina Afriana, Endang Lukitosari, Bagus R Prabowo, Rudi Wisaksana","doi":"10.1177/09564624251379714","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251379714","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundWe assessed STI incidence, prevalence, and associated factors, and changes in sexual behaviours among MSM using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in West Java province, Indonesia.MethodsThe Indonesia PrEP pilot program was a prospective, real-world implementation study providing oral daily or event-driven PrEP among key populations (KPs) in Indonesia. Participants completed baseline and three-monthly follow-up visits between 2021 and 2023, providing data on HIV tests, sexual behaviours, and changes in STIs.Results311 MSM were included in the analyses (median age 26.95, 54.34% chose D-PrEP, 16.40% had a history of STIs). During follow-up, STI prevalence increased, from 8.57% at month-three (M3) to 12.5% at M12. The STI incidence rate was 15.4/100 person-years [PYs] (9.78-23.16; 23 new STIs over 149 PYs). Multiple sexual partners and condomless last sex decreased, while inconsistent condom use increased. History of STIs before PrEP initiation (age-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.02, 2.21-11.39, <i>p < 0.001</i>), condom use at last sex (aOR 3.24, 1.07-9.80, <i>p</i> = 0.037), and not having ≥2 sexual partners (aOR 0.12, 0.03-0.47, <i>p</i> = 0.002) were associated with STIs.ConclusionsAmong MSM in West Java, an increase in the prevalence of STIs was observed, but not exceeding the prevalence before PrEP initiation, which was related to sexual behaviours.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251379714"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145069575","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}
Christen J Arena, Nathan A Everson, Rachel M Kenney, Indira Brar, Smitha Gudipati, Nicholas Yared, Susan L Davis, Michael P Veve
{"title":"A cross-sectional analysis of doxyPEP use and outcomes in Michigan, United States.","authors":"Christen J Arena, Nathan A Everson, Rachel M Kenney, Indira Brar, Smitha Gudipati, Nicholas Yared, Susan L Davis, Michael P Veve","doi":"10.1177/09564624251379701","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251379701","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> In 2024, national guidance was issued for doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The study purpose was to evaluate doxy-PEP use in patients with increased risk of STI exposure at a large, urban health system. <b>Methods:</b> IRB-exempt study of adult patients with clinic encounters for increased risk of STI exposure and testing for <i>N. gonorrhoeae</i>, <i>C. trachomatis</i>, and <i>T. pallidum</i> from 01/01/2023-31/10/2024. Patients were identified using ICD-10 code Z20.XX and STI testing. Doxy-PEP prescription utilization was evaluated after a dedicated doxy-PEP order was implemented with appropriate patient counseling instructions. The primary outcome was the proportion of doxy-PEP prescriptions utilized in at-risk patients; secondary outcomes were utilization of the dedicated doxy-PEP order and abnormal STI testing within 3-months of the doxy-PEP prescription. <b>Results:</b> 4234 high-risk sexual patient encounters were documented; 7.37% of patients received a doxy-PEP prescription. Of these, 29.5% were ordered utilizing a dedicated doxy-PEP order. Most patients who received a doxy-PEP prescription were Black (96.6%), men (92.6%), with a median (IQR) age of 29 (24-37) years, and had private/commercial insurance (42%). One patient had abnormal syphilis testing within 3-months of doxy-PEP prescription. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings highlight doxy-PEP underutilization and the need for broader provider engagement and advanced antimicrobial stewardship interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251379701"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145069511","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}
Francisca Oliveira, Francisca Bartilotti Matos, Ana Gorgulho, Cristóvão Figueiredo, Tiago Teixeira, Maria Mendes, Rita Carvalho, Maria José Monteiro, Raquel Couto, Daniel Coutinho, Cristina Pelicano, Amélia Magna Marques, Luís Malheiro
{"title":"A multidisciplinary approach to people living with HIV dropping out from treatment-results from a HIV clinic in Portugal.","authors":"Francisca Oliveira, Francisca Bartilotti Matos, Ana Gorgulho, Cristóvão Figueiredo, Tiago Teixeira, Maria Mendes, Rita Carvalho, Maria José Monteiro, Raquel Couto, Daniel Coutinho, Cristina Pelicano, Amélia Magna Marques, Luís Malheiro","doi":"10.1177/09564624251379715","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251379715","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAdherence to HIV care is pivotal for achieving viral suppression, preventing viral transmission, and improving health outcomes. Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy, many people living with HIV (PLHIV) are disengaged from care, compromising treatment effectiveness.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on 81 episodes of care dropout at a Portuguese hospital between 2018 and 2024. A multidisciplinary team (physicians, nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals) implemented a structured program to reengage patients. Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data were collected at baseline and after 6 months.Results79% percent of the participants returned to care, with 68% resuming antiretroviral therapy. Although most patients achieved improved viral load suppression after returning, 27% were lost to follow-up after 6 months. Foreign-born individuals were associated with a lower likelihood of re-engagement. Common barriers include financial hardship, limited social support, and unaddressed mental health needs.ConclusionsA multidisciplinary approach effectively reconnected PLHIV to care and achieved enhanced virological outcomes. However, persistent socioeconomic and psychosocial challenges can lead to repeated disengagement. Long-term, targeted interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups, are required to sustain retention and ensure improved HIV management and overall patient well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251379715"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145069517","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}