AIDS Research and Therapy最新文献

{"title":"High adherence to oral daily PrEP in a real-world implementation project in Kenya: a brief communication.","authors":"Ivan Segawa, Linxuan Wu, Josephine Odoyo, Margaret Mwangi, Jennifer F Morton, Elizabeth Irungu, Kenneth Ngure, Nelly R Mugo, Elizabeth Bukusi, Kenneth K Mugwanya","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00875-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00875-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Objective biomarkers of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), such as tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS), remain critical for interpreting PrEP adherence. We tested 195 DBS randomly collected from 168 of 4,955 PrEP clients returning for refills at 25 public HIV clinics in Kenya. DBS were extracted using the 50:50 methanol: water method, and drug concentrations quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Optimal adherence was defined as ≥ 900 fmol/punch, corresponding to ≥ 4 doses/week. TFV-DP was detectable in 96% (188/195) of samples; 71% (138/195) had optimal adherence, higher among older clients and men. Optimal adherence is achievable in real-world PrEP programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137526/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508681","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":"Cumulative effect of cotrimoxazole, isoniazid and opportunistic infection prophylaxis on CD4 response among people living with HIV on first-line ART in Ari Zone, Southern Ethiopia.","authors":"Sitotaw Ahmed, Tegenu Tento, Nurhussen Ahmed","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00873-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00873-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prophylactic medications are commonly used to prevent tuberculosis and opportunistic infections in people living with HIV (PLWH) who are on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, their cumulative influence on cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) responses is still a subject of ongoing investigation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective chart review was conducted utilizing secondary data derived from medical records of 500 people living with HIV (≥ 15 years) who initiated first-line ART at Jinka General Hospital in Ari Zone, South Ethiopia, between September 2019 and January 2025. CD4 response was defined as an increase of ≥ 50 cells/µL from baseline to the most recent measurement. The most recent CD4 measurement taken up to January 2025 was used for analysis. The primary outcome measure was a binary variable for CD4 response, defined as an increase of ≥ 50 cells/µL from baseline to end-line counts. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to assess independent and interaction effects of prophylactic therapies on CD4 response.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 500 participants, 50.2% demonstrated an improvement in CD4 count. Use of cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT), isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), and opportunistic infection (OI) medications was each independently associated with higher odds of CD4 improvement. However, interaction analysis showed that the CPT-OI combination and the triple CPT-IPT-OI regimen showed a statistically significant interaction suggesting a possible synergistic association with CD4 recovery beyond their individual additive effects. Predicted probabilities of CD4 improvement increased progressively with dual and triple prophylactic combinations compared with no prophylaxis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The combined use of prophylactic medications was significantly associated with CD4 recovery in people living with HIV on first-line ART. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated preventative strategies, particularly in resource-limited settings, and highlight the need for adherence support among individuals with limited formal education and those living in rural areas. The study's generalizability is limited, however, due to its single-center retrospective design and the use of a broad category for \"OI prophylaxis\" without specifying individual drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13130529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502868","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":"Stigma as a barrier to HIV care: a single center study in Egypt.","authors":"Mona Magdy, Adel Zaki, Sherif Omar Osman, Ekram W Abd El-Wahab, Asmaa Abd Elhameed","doi":"10.1186/s12981-025-00834-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-025-00834-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stigma entails labeling individuals and associating them with negative stereotypes, often resulting in social isolation, discrimination, and loss of social status. In the context of HIV/AIDS, stigma remains a significant barrier to effective prevention, treatment, and care. This study aimed to assess the level of HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV (PLWH) in an HIV cure center at Alexandria Fever Hospital, serving cities in northern Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 785 PLWH attending the HIV unit at Alexandria Fever Hospital. Data was collected through structured interviews using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Arabic-translated, 12-item short version of the HIV Stigma Scale, which demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.743). Results revealed that 72.4% of participants experienced high levels of stigma, indicated by a total stigma score greater than 30. Male participants reported significantly higher stigma scores than females (60.8% vs. 23.0%, respectively, with a median score of 33 or higher). Stigma scores were also associated with residence within Alexandria city (p < 0.05) but showed no association with educational level. In conclusion, PLWH in Alexandria face a high burden of stigma, particularly among men. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychosocial and community-based interventions to reduce stigma and support affected individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13047755/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147497313","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":"Pre-conflict prescription patterns and virological effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in HIV-1 patients in Tigray, Ethiopia.","authors":"Gebrecherkos Teame Gebrehiwot, Gebreselema Gebreyohannes, Mulugeta Tilahun, Ataklti Gessese, Mebrahatom Gebrelibanos, Goyitom Gebremedhn, Kibriti Mehari Kidane, Haileselassie Bisrat Bidre, Goitom Yisfa, Mebrahtu Kalayou, Kebede Araya, Etsay Weldekidan Tsegay, Yemane Tadesse Desta, Mebrahtu Teweldemedhin Shfare, Hayelom Kahsay","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00871-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00871-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists on the prescription patterns of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and their effectiveness in achieving HIV-1 viral suppression. This study evaluated pre-conflict prescription patterns of cART and their virological effectiveness among HIV-1 patients. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 7,689 patients with complete virological and clinical data extracted from the THRI database, covering the pre-war period from July 2018 to October 2020. The data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Associations between categorical variables and virological outcomes were assessed using Pearson’s χ² test. RESULTS: Among 7,689 HIV-1-infected individuals on ART (mean age: 43 ± 13 years; 64.4% female), first-line regimens were predominantly prescribed (91.1%), with strong adherence observed in 73.3% of cases. The most commonly used current regimen was 1 J (53.8%), while initial regimens included 1 C (32.9%), 1E (32.1%), and 1 A (21.6%). Overall, virological suppression was higher among females (4,597, 92.7%) than among males (2,392, 87.5%). Factors significantly associated with viral suppression included female sex, younger age, longer duration on ART, earlier clinical stage, higher CD4 counts, strong adherence, consistent follow-up, and timely regimen switching. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that favorable virological outcomes are strongly associated with patient sex, age, treatment duration, baseline clinical and immunological status, and adherence. The findings underscore the importance of early initiation, individualized regimen optimization, and enhanced support for males and individuals with advanced disease. Strengthening adherence programs, introducing genomic surveillance, and performing in-depth longitudinal studies to evaluate the impact of the war are also timely to further improve treatment outcomes, HIV care revitalization, and curb transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13122857/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147479394","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":"Case report: thoracic syphilitic gumma masquerading as a malignant tumor in a patient with AIDS.","authors":"Jiesi Luo, Wei Guo, Shi Zou, Yuting Tan, Jie Liu, Shihui Song, Hongzhi Yang, Ke Liang","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00868-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00868-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Syphilis, a systemic infection caused by Treponema pallidum, can present with atypical and severe manifestations in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), posing significant diagnostic challenges. We report the case of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who presented with a chest wall mass. Imaging findings were initially suggestive of a malignancy. However, subsequent evaluation, guided by positive serum syphilis antibodies despite non-specific inflammatory changes on histology and a negative metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) result, led to the diagnosis of a syphilitic gumma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. The lesion entirely resolved following penicillin therapy. This case highlights a critical clinical insight: syphilis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of mass lesions in immunocompromised hosts, and immunohistochemical staining is imperative for definitive diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13107751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147472219","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":"Australian medical students' attitudes towards HIV and PWH.","authors":"Anisha Ling Suriar, Mihiri Weerasuria, Ian J Woolley","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00872-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00872-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Long-term patient outcomes for people with HIV (PWH) are largely dependent upon provision of quality healthcare. Bias or misinformation influencing care may be present before healthcare workers begin formal training. There are no known studies profiling attitudes of Australian medical students towards PWH. This descriptive study gauged medical students' opinions regarding PWH and their understanding of HIV/AIDS and its transmission.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A REDCap-based self-administered survey was disseminated to undergraduate and postgraduate Monash University medical students over a 7-week period. The survey closed in March 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of an estimated 1900 enrolled students, we received 136 responses. Of those, 54 identified as male, 81 identified as female, and 1 identified as another gender. The median age was 21 years (range 17-31). There were 48 (35.3%) preclinical and 88 (64.7%) clinical year students. Most preclinical (87.5%) and clinical year (67.0%) students had at least one inaccuracy in their HIV/AIDS knowledge. The majority (107/136, 78.7%) had inaccurate knowledge about HIV transmission. Only 6.8% clinical year students were confident in their ability to counsel a PWH on all relevant aspects of management. Insufficient education was cited by 41.2% of students and 88% felt that further education regarding HIV/AIDS would be beneficial. HIV/AIDS knowledge improved as students progressed through medical school. Bias against PWH was rare.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While bias against PWH was low, this highlighted a crucial gap in students' knowledge and confidence regarding HIV management. These findings underscore a critical need for targeted HIV/AIDS education and training to ensure sustained delivery of quality HIV care.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13104418/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147455163","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":"Near-full-length genomic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of an HIV-1 CRF02_AG/G second-generation recombinant in Ningxia, China.","authors":"Subinuer Mutalifu, ZiYang Luo, YouPing Duan, YuFeng Li, XiaoHong Zhu, JianXin Pei, DongZhi Yang, ZhongLan Wu","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00858-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00858-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With the rapid evolution of global HIV-1 recombinant strains, existing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are under threat. This study aims to conduct molecular characterization and origin tracing of a CRF02_AG-derived second-generation recombinant detected in Ningxia, China. In 2024, during genotyping screening of the pol region in HIV-1-infected individuals from Ningxia, preliminary evidence of CRF02_AG-related signals was identified in one sample. Subsequently, the near-full-length genome sequence of this strain (designated A01) was successfully obtained. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that its gag, pol, and env gene regions clustered within the A1 and G subtypes, respectively. Recombination analysis using jpHMM and Simplot software confirmed that this strain utilizes the CRF02_AG (A1/G primary recombinant) as its genomic backbone, with two G subtype fragments inserted into the env region (HXB2 sites: 6194–7137 and 7788–8532). Consequently, this strain was defined as a novel CRF02_AG/G second-generation recombinant. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis further revealed that this Ningxia strain shares close genetic relationships with CRF02_AG strains prevalent in the United Kingdom and South Korea. This study marks the first identification of an HIV-1 CRF02_AG/G second-generation recombinant in Ningxia (singular case), underscoring the importance of sustained high-resolution molecular surveillance in populations with mobility for early warning of imported and locally transmitted novel recombinant strains.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13063434/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147455110","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":"Rapid identification of antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies from HIV-1 elite controllers using the Beacon platform.","authors":"Xiangyu Zhang, Xinyuan Zheng, Rishen Liang, Lina Huang, Yu Shi, Zhi Zhang, Chengrui Yin, Chengchao Ding, Jiabing Wu, Jianjun Wu, Yong Gao","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00863-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00863-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Elite controllers (ECs) are rare human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals who manage viral replication without antiretroviral therapy. While their cellular immunity is well characterized, humoral responses remain limited, which provides an uncommon window into antibody responses to HIV-1. Using single-cell functional screening, this study aimed to isolate and characterize HIV-1 envelope (Env)-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from ECs. The Beacon platform was used for enrichment, activation, and screening of cluster of differentiation 27⁺ (CD27⁺) memory B cells. Among ~ 12,000 single B cells, 40 Env-specific IgG-secreting cells were identified. Although 18 mAbs were recovered, six showed high-affinity binding to multiple Env trimers (average EC50 < 100 ng/mL). Notably, one mAb (#2) demonstrated broad reactivity, neutralizing 15 of the 17 pseudoviruses, albeit with limited potency (geometric mean IC50 of 46.53 μg/mL). Sequence analysis revealed predominant usage of IGHV1-69 and varied somatic hypermutation levels. However, the high binding affinity could not consistently predict neutralization potency. This study demonstrated the utility of integrated single-cell screening for rapid discovery of antibodies from rare donors. This study also highlights the need for functional assessment in HIV-1 antibody development and identification of mAb candidates for potential therapeutic applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13097949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147442080","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":"Beyond protection: navigating biomedical HIV prevention and risk compensation in MSM, 2018-2024.","authors":"Junfeng Zhang, Zhan Lin, Jing Yang, Qingcui Wu, Jingran Dong, Xiaoyan Zhang, Nahom Kiros Gebregziabher, Jie Yang, Jianyun Bai, Changping Li, Maohe Yu, Zhuang Cui","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00864-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00864-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Men who have sex with men (MSM) face a disproportionately high HIV risk globally. Biomedical prevention strategies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), reduce HIV transmission, but their combined impact on sexual risk behaviors remains uncertain, raising concerns about risk compensation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From 2018 to 2024, MSM in Tianjin, China were recruited through snowball sampling and followed within a longitudinal cohort linked to routine HIV testing services. HIV testing frequency and HIV incidence were analyzed using Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazards models, respectively. Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) risk scores were constructed from sexual behavior indicators. Mixed-effects models and trajectory modeling assessed the associations between biomedical intervention use and UAI risk.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 8790 repeat-testing MSM, 1858 (21.14%) used biomedical interventions. Intervention users had lower HIV incidence (0.40 vs. 0.62 per 100 person-years; HR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.35-0.80), more frequent testing (IRR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.27-1.33), higher risk scores (β = 0.191, 95% CI 0.162-0.219), more anal intercourse, and lower condom use at last sex and consistently. Trajectory analysis indicated users were more likely in high-risk group. Risk compensation effects tended to be greater among older MSM and those living in suburban areas.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Biomedical interventions are associated with increased HIV testing and reduced incidence but may elevate UAI risk, especially in older and suburban MSM. Integrating behavioral support into biomedical prevention is essential to mitigate risk compensation and address the prevention paradox in key subgroups.</p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13047811/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389173","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":"Stigma, depression, and poor expectations regarding aging among older adults with HIV in Brazil.","authors":"Marília Bordignon Antonio, Thiago S Torres, Paula M Luz, Beatriz Grinsztejn, Sandra W Cardoso, Roberta S Nogueira, Lucas R Ramos, José Valdez R Madruga, Carlos Brites, Estela Luz, Tamara Cordeiro, Márlon J R Aliberti, Esper G Kallás, Jessica L Castilho","doi":"10.1186/s12981-026-00867-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12981-026-00867-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>INTRODUCTION: HIV stigma negatively impacts multiple outcomes for persons living with HIV (PLHIV). Among older PLHIV, stigma may influence mental health and aging expectation. We aimed to evaluate factors related to HIV stigma and whether depression mediates its association with expectations regarding aging (ERA-12). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of PLHIV ≥ 50 years, on antiretroviral therapy with suppressed viral load, enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of HIV & Aging in Brazil (ELEA-Brasil). METHODS: We assessed factors related to HIV stigma (12-item Berger, range:12–48, higher = higher stigma) and associated with ERA-12 (range: 0–100, lower = more negative aging expectation). Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]; range:0–27, higher = higher symptoms) as a mediator of the association between stigma and ERA-12. Univariable and multivariable Poisson and linear regression models were applied, adjusted for demographics, time since HIV diagnosis, and substance use. RESULTS: We enrolled 702 PLHIV (median age 62 years; 64.9% men). Median and interquartile range (IQR) of HIV stigma, ERA-12 and PHQ-9 were 30 (25–35); 36 (22–47) and 3 (1–7) respectively. In adjusted analyses, older age (≥ 70 vs. 50–55 years) and shorter time since HIV diagnosis (10–19 years vs. ≥ 20 years) were significantly associated with lower HIV stigma. In adjusted models, higher HIV stigma (Coefficient = − 12.05 [95%CI − 17.84, − 6.26]) and lower education (Coefficient = − 7.60 [95%CI: − 13.40, − 1.81]) were associated with worse ERA-12. Depressive symptoms may reflect 25% of the overall effect of stigma on ERA-12. CONCLUSION: We observed a high prevalence of HIV stigma, with depressive symptoms consistent with a potential mediating role in aging expectations. </p>","PeriodicalId":7503,"journal":{"name":"AIDS Research and Therapy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13067458/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147353199","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}