Medical Risks and Benefits of Newborn Male Circumcision in the United States: Physician Perspectives
Conclusions: In 2008, only about one-third of the physicians surveyed thought that the benefits of male circumcision outweighed the risks and recommended it to parents of newborn sons. These attitudes may be relevant to the declining circumcision rates in the United States. Repeat surveys may be useful, given the new AAP and ACOG recommendations. (Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC))
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - January 14, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Matar, L., Zhu, J., Chen, R. T., Gust, D. A. Tags: HIV Clinical Management Source Type: research

Racial Differences in the Accuracy of Perceived Partner HIV Status among Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in Atlanta, Georgia
We compared perceptions of partner HIV status to HIV test results in a cross-sectional study of sexual networks of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Atlanta. We then examined differences between black and white MSM in the predictive value of perceived partner status. We recruited men ("seeds") using time-space venue sampling. These seeds then referred up to three partners, who could also refer partners. All participants reported sexual behavior and HIV status for recent partners and received HIV tests. For partners who enrolled, we compared laboratory diagnoses to their partner’s perception of their status. Black MS...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - January 14, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Grey, J. A., Rothenberg, R., Sullivan, P. S., Rosenberg, E. S. Tags: HIV Clinical Management Source Type: research

Bacillary Angiomatosis Masquerading as Kaposi's Sarcoma in East Africa
Conclusions: These 3 cases, to our knowledge, are the first reports of BA in East Africa in the biomedical literature. Each had been originally incorrectly diagnosed as KS. We speculate BA is underdiagnosed and underreported in resource-poor regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, that have high endemic rates of HIV infection. (Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC))
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - January 14, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Forrestel, A. K., Naujokas, A., Martin, J. N., Maurer, T. A., McCalmont, T. H., Laker-Opwonya, M. O., Mulyowa, G., Busakhala, N., Amerson, E. H. Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Plasmoblastic Lymphoma as Cause of Perianal Fistula: A Case Report and Literature Review
We report the case of a 33-year-old HIV-infected man who presented with a recurrent, nonhealing perianal fistula. After multiple benign biopsies, the diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) eventually was made. The patient underwent chemotherapy and radiation with a complete response. Perianal fistulas are frequent in HIV-positive patients, but PBL as a cause is extremely rare. This often delays the diagnosis and treatment of this highly aggressive disease. We review the literature and discuss the pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of the disease. (Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC))
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - January 14, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Isfahani, F., Amar, S., Dave, H., Gridley, D. Tags: Case Reports Source Type: research

Rate of and Predicting Factors for Virologic Failure in HIV-Infected Patients with Persistent Low-Level Viremia under Antiretroviral Therapy
To determine the rate of and predicting factors for virologic failure among HIV-infected patients with persistent low-level viremia (PLV) under antiretroviral therapy (ART), a retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected patients who experienced PLV under ART. Persistent low-level viremia was defined as HIV RNA level at 50 to 1000 copies/mL for at least 2 consecutive visits. Of 68 patients, mean ± standard deviation age was 35.2 ± 9.0 years and 64.7% were males. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) CD4 count was 94 (26-264) cells/mm3 and baseline HIV RNA was 112 000 (1 090-461 500) copies/mL. Dur...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - January 14, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Charuratananon, S., Sungkanuparph, S. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research

Parks as a Tool for HIV Management
Access to parks improves overall health outcomes in the general population. Given that HIV infection has become a chronic disease to manage, among populations engaged in medical care, parks may be promoted as physical activity opportunities in order to manage chronic comorbid conditions. We conducted a cross-sectional examination of the relationships between sociodemographic and biomedical characteristics to park proximity among 635 individuals receiving outpatient HIV care. The data collected included HIV-related biomarkers, depression, and diagnoses of other chronic diseases. The total acres of parks an individual is exp...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - January 14, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Shacham, E., Hipp, J. A., Scheuermann, M., Onen, N., Overton, E. T. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research

Performance of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Interferon Gamma Release Assay among HIV-Infected Children in Botswana
Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) are poorly studied in HIV-infected children. The authors prospectively evaluated QuantiFERON-TB Gold results and family-described tuberculosis (TB) risk factors in 100 HIV-infected children in Botswana. Median age was 10.2 years; 58 were girls, 92 had received the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, 98 were receiving antiretroviral therapy, and the median body mass index was 15.8 kg/m2. Eighty-nine children had undetectable viral loads and the median CD4 count was 962 cells/mm3. Eighteen children had been treated for TB in the last 3 years. In the last 3 years, 36 (i...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - January 14, 2015 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Cruz, A. T., Marape, M., Graviss, E. A., Starke, J. R. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research

12 Years of Universal Access to Hepatitis C Treatment: Brazil's Comprehensive Response
This article describes Brazil’s response to hepatitis C, from the first steps in 1993 to a national program in 2002. We reviewed the available literature, most of it in Brazilian Portuguese, and compiled them in order to share this experience with those seeking some pragmatic solutions. After 12 years, the national program has achieved universal coverage of treatment, resulting in saved lives and resources for the health system. There is abundant evidence that the HCV epidemic deserves attention. The overall consequence of long-term HCV infection is a negative impact on the health care economy. The Brazilian experien...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Naveira, M., Barbosa, J., Sereno, L., Domanico, A., Mesquita, F., de Souza, L. A. Tags: Viral Hepatitis Source Type: research

Evaluation of Parent-Child Pairs on Antiretroviral Therapy in Separate Adult and Pediatric Clinics
In Africa, HIV infection is considered a family disease. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed to describe the characteristics and outcome in 35 parent–child pairs taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in separate adult and pediatric HIV clinics. In 26 pairs, ART was first initiated in children. Baseline median CD4 count was 122/mm3 in adults and 376/mm3 in children. World Health Organization stage 3 or 4 disease affected 49% of adults and 83% of children. In all, 3 parents and 1 child died. Hospitalization, poor adherence, missed appointments, or regimen change affected >50% of pairs on ART. Following tuber...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Bost, B. P., Fairlie, L., Karstaedt, A. S. Tags: Antiretroviral Therapy Source Type: research

Inadequate Monitoring in Advanced Stages of Disease with Lack of Supportive Counseling Increases Attrition among Patients on Antiretroviral Treatment at a Large Urban Clinic in Uganda
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of close patient monitoring in advanced stages of disease, supportive counseling for patients initiating ART, extra psychosocial support for patients with TB and HIV coinfection, assisting patients with disclosure, and setting up a good referral system to retain patients on ART. (Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC))
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Nakiwogga-Muwanga, A., Alamo-Talisuna, S., Musaazi, J., Kambugu, A., Ssekawungu, P., Katabira, E., Colebunders, R. Tags: Antiretroviral Therapy Source Type: research

Nonoccupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV in New York State Emergency Departments
New York State (NYS) established guidelines for nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) to HIV in 1997. To assess current nPEP practices in NYS Emergency Departments (EDs), we electronically surveyed all ED directors in NYS, excluding Veterans’ Affairs hospitals, about nPEP and linkage-to-care protocols in the EDs. Basic descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The response rate was 96% (184/191). Of respondents, 88% reported evaluating any patient with a possible nonoccupational exposure to HIV, in accordance with NYS guidelines. Of these, 83% provided the patient with a starter pack of medications, w...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Fitzpatrick, L. J., Egan, D. J., Cowan, E., Savitsky, L. M., Kushner, J. D., Calderon, Y., Agins, B. D. Tags: Antiretroviral Therapy Source Type: research

Integration of HIV and Tuberculosis in the Community
Current strategies are insufficient to contain the growing tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in areas of high HIV prevalence such as sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the increased risk of morbidity and mortality among those coinfected, early detection is critical. However, strategies dependent on passive, facility-based case finding have failed due to severe limitations in the HIV-positive population. There is growing evidence from multiple clinical trials that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in patients coinfected with HIV and TB reduces mortality. Integration of community-based distribution of ART and TB medicines sh...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Frasca, K., Cohn, J. Tags: HIV Clinical Management Source Type: research

The Prevalence and Determinants of Short Stature in HIV-Infected Children
Conclusion: In Botswana, short stature affects a quarter of HIV-infected children and severe short stature is associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment, severe immunosuppression, and virologic failure. (Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC))
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Joel, D. R., Mabikwa, V., Makhanda, J., Tolle, M. A., Anabwani, G. M., Ahmed, S. F. Tags: HIV Clinical Management Source Type: research

Incidence of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Associated Mortality in Fresno, California, 1998 to 2012
Conclusions: The incidence of KS remains stable since 1998 with a 12-month mortality of 30%. (Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC))
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Mu, A., Rutledge, J., Mills, P., Paul, S. Tags: HIV Clinical Management Source Type: research

Aging with HIV: A Model of Disability
The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop a theoretical model describing the disability experienced by older adults living with HIV. Forty nine HIV positive men and women over the age of 50 years participated in in-depth qualitative interviews. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Uncertainty or worrying about the future was at the core of the model. Components of disability including symptoms and impairments, difficulties with day to day activities and challenges to social participation were experienced in the context of extrinsic or environmental factors (social support, stigm...
Source: Journal of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (JIAPAC) - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Solomon, P., O'Brien, K., Wilkins, S., Gervais, N. Tags: HIV Clinical Management Source Type: research