Category Archives: Biomedical interventions
Hormonal contraception and the risk of HIV acquisition: An individual participant data meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: Observational studies of a putative association between hormonal contraception (HC) and HIV acquisition have produced conflicting results. We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of studies from sub-Saharan...
Effect of rAd5-Vector HIV-1 preventive vaccines on HIV-1 acquisition: A participant-level meta-analysis of randomized trials
BACKGROUND: Three phase 2b, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized efficacy trials have tested recombinant Adenovirus serotype-5 (rAd5)-vector preventive HIV-1 vaccines: MRKAd5 HIV-1 gag/pol/nef in Step and Phambili, and DNA/rAd5 HIV-1 env/gag/pol in...
Lessons learned from a review of interventions for adolescent and young key populations in Asia Pacific and opportunities for programming
BACKGROUND: Over a third of new HIV infections globally are among 15-24 year-olds and over 20% among adolescents aged 10-19 years in Asia Pacific. The review was initiated to identify...
Introduction of rapid syphilis testing in antenatal care: A systematic review of the impact on HIV and syphilis testing uptake and coverage
BACKGROUND: Global guidelines recommend universal syphilis and HIV screening for pregnant women. Rapid syphilis testing (RST) may contribute toward achievement of universal screening. OBJECTIVES: To examine the impact of RST...
The uptake of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission programs in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis
BACKGROUND: No systematic review of prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) in China has been performed. We aimed to estimate the uptake of PMTCT programs services in China. METHODS:...
Effective approaches for programming to reduce adolescent vulnerability to HIV infection, HIV risk, and HIV-related morbidity and mortality: A systematic review of systematic reviews
BACKGROUND: In 2012, an estimated 2.1 million adolescents were living with HIV. Though there are effective interventions to prevent and treat HIV infection, adolescents face specific barriers in accessing them....
Cobicistat: A new opportunity in the treatment of HIV disease?
INTRODUCTION: Cobicistat (Cobi), a selective novel CYP3A4 inhibitor, is an orally administered, non-antiretroviral pharmacokinetic enhancer which boosts the plasma levels of several drugs, including HIV-1 protease inhibitors and the integrase...
Starter packs versus full prescription of antiretroviral drugs for postexposure prophylaxis: A systematic review
BACKGROUND: The provision of starter packs for human immunodeficiency virus postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) is practiced in many settings to facilitate rapid initiation by nonexperts and encourage adherence. However, the impact...
Barriers to successful implementation of prevention-of-mother-to-child-transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes in Malawi and Nigeria: A critical literature review study
Mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV still remains a significant route of new HIV infection in children in Malawi and Nigeria, despite the introduction of Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programmes in both...
