Improvements in Virologic Control Among PWH Over Time: Narrowing the Gap Between Those With and Without STIs

AIDS Behav. 2023 Feb;27(2):673-677. doi: 10.1007/s10461-022-03802-6. Epub 2022 Aug 19.

Abstract

Using the incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) as a surrogate for condomless sexual behavior, we assessed the association between STI and uncontrolled HIV replication among in-care persons with HIV (PWH) enrolled in a longitudinal HIV cohort study in the District of Columbia (the DC Cohort). Although STI occurrence initially correlated with higher HIV viral load (VL), this difference became more attenuated over time (2012-2016). This was true overall and among those with the greatest number of STIs [age 18-34, men who have sex with men (MSM)]. This likely reflects gains in population-wide virologic control through improved antiretroviral therapy and access to care, which helps mitigate the risk of HIV transmission.

Keywords: Ending the HIV Epidemic; HIV; HIV transmission; Sexually transmitted infection; Viral load.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cohort Studies
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Young Adult