HPSC - Weekly HIV & STIs Report – Week 45, 2018
Latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre show a total of 24 new cases for week 45- 2018, with a total of 454 HIV new notifications for 2018 to date.

Viral load in semen rapidly rebounds to potentially infectious levels when HIV treatment is interrupted
Aidsmap, 14 November 2018
A French study shows that within two weeks of ART interruption the viral load in both blood and semen rapidly increases to infectious levels.

PROUD qualitative findings: PrEP’s impact on sexual behaviour
Aidsmap, 13 November 2018
Qualitative data from the PROUD study suggest that PrEP does not necessarily increases risk-taking behaviours.

Trying to prevent and diagnose HIV at the same time – a Catch-22?
Daily Maverick, 7 November 2018
Inconsistent PrEP usage and inconclusive HIV testing can create problems in HIV diagnosis and treatment.

Novel mechanism of immune activation in HIV-exposed, seronegative people who inject drugs
EurekAlert!, 13 November 2018
A small percentage of individuals who are at high risk of HIV infection because of their continued exposure to the virus remain uninfected. Previous research has shown that these individuals have a higher level of innate immune activation.

Provider Stigma Toward HIV Slows Prevention Goals
AJMC, 14 November 2018
Reducing stigma surrounding HIV is critical for combating new HIV infections and increasing linkage to and retention in HIV care. However, according to CDC researchers, healthcare providers’ stigma toward patients with HIV is impeding on HIV prevention goals.

Leeds man opens up about HIV diagnoses as hospitals reveals plan to test people in A&E
Yorkshire Evening Post, 14 November 2018
Activist James Ward talks is urging people to get tested as part of the new Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust pilot programme. Patients who undergo routine blood tests at emergency departments in Leeds will now also be tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as part of this programme.

Council leaders are taking HIV tests and want those at risk to as well
PrEP Watch, 13 November 2018
Leading members of Calderdale Council are taking a HIV test, to help stamp out stigma and encourage more people to get tested. The initiative is part of the UK national HIV Testing Week.

Why U=U does not cover breastfeeding
i-base, 9 November 2018
This article explains the various reasons why HIV treatment does not cover HIV transmission through breastfeeding.

The Effect of Chronic Pain on HIV Outcomes
Infectious Disease Advisor, 14 November 2018
Chronic pain is associated with impaired physical functioning, including mobility, self-care, and work and leisure activities, which may adversely affect ART adherence and retention in care.


Hepatitis

Hepatitis C is detectable in rectal and nasal fluid
Aidsmap, 13 November 2018
High levels of HCV can be found in the rectal and nasal fluids of people with high hepatitis C viral loads even when blood is not present. The findings reinforce the plausibility of HCV transmission through sharing of materials for snorting drugs. They also support the hypothesis that rectal bleeding is not needed for the sexual transmission of HCV during anal intercourse.

Why Does Mother-to-Child Hep C Transmission Differ by HIV Status?
POZ, 14 November 2018
HIV co-infection in people with hepatitis C is associated with a higher risk of mother-to-child transmission of HCV.


STIs

Ano-genital warts in Ireland, 2017
HPSC, October 2018
The HPSC has published the Annual Epidemiological Report: Ano-genital warts in Ireland, 2017.