Rapid initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) plays a critical role in reducing mortality and improving quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and factors associated with rapid cART initiation among PLWHA, and to offer a scientific basis for the development of targeted interventions. A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed among PLWHA reported from 2016 to 2025 in Wuhan, China. Data were collected from the National Disease Prevention and Control Information System. According to the WHO guidelines, rapid cART initiation was defined as initiation within 7 days of HIV confirmation. A chi-square test for trend was applied to assess changes in rapid cART initiation rates over calendar years, and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with rapid cART initiation. Among 7389 HIV/AIDS patients, the median time from confirmation to initiation of cART was 21 days (interquartile range: 11–41 days). The proportion of patients receiving rapid cART was 15.37
This cross-sectional study investigated associations between social determinants, risk behaviors, mental health, and two outcomes—antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and health-promoting lifestyle—among 120 randomly selected people living with HIV (PLWH) in southeast Iran. Validated instruments (HELIA-SF, HPLP-II, MARS-5, barriers questionnaire) were used. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were applied; all results are correlational. In adjusted models, optimal adherence (≥ 95
People living with HIV experience a disproportionate burden of vaccine-preventable infections. This retrospective audit assessed the proportion of patients with adequate vaccination against hepatitis B, human papillomavirus, pneumococcus and influenza within an Australian HIV service. There was a significantly higher proportion (p < 0.001) with adequate hepatitis B vaccination (47.9
Syphilis and HIV are two closely intertwined sexually transmitted infections, with bidirectional effects on transmission, clinical manifestations, and immunopathogenesis. People living with HIV (PLWH) are at higher risk of syphilis acquisition and reinfection, while syphilis may increase susceptibility to HIV acquisition and has been associated with transient changes in HIV virological and immunological parameters. In PLWH, syphilis can present with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, including atypical, severe, or multisystemic presentations such as neurologic, ocular, and malignant forms, although the frequency and clinical significance of these manifestations in routine practice remain uncertain. Serological diagnosis can be challenging due to delayed seroconversion, false-negative results, and slower declines in non-treponemal antibody titers. Although penicillin-based therapy remains the mainstay of treatment, PLWH require careful clinical and serological monitoring because of the potential for inadequate serologic responses and frequent reinfections, particularly in populations at increased risk. Emerging strategies, such as post-exposure prophylaxis with doxycycline, may benefit selected high-risk populations, although evidence remains limited for some groups. Understanding the complex interplay between HIV and syphilis is essential to optimizing diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention.
In this audit of PWHIV and current or prior HBV exposure, 12/183 patients were switched to HBV-inactive ART. There were significant variations in testing practice performed pre- and post-switch to monitor potential HBV activity. Consistency between guidelines would enhance implementation efforts in our context.
