HIV and Co-Infections: Old and New Challenges

Dear Colleagues,

It has been almost 40 years since HIV/AIDS emerged and affected millions of people around the globe. In these past decades, the diagnostic methods, antiretroviral treatment options, and the access to medical care has improved substantially around the globe. However, there is still a myriad of old and new challenges affecting people who live with HIV, especially in the presence and context of co-infections.

This Special Issue is primarily focused on HIV and co-infections, including aspects of functional interplays of infectious diseases, interactions of immunology, their treatments, novel therapeutic options and their compatibility with antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, novel aspects of transmission modes and circumstances for both HIV and sexually transmitted co-infections. While malaria or hepatitis B in people living with HIV, their clinical and pharmacological interactions, and their complications have been extensively described in the past, especially in resource-limited countries, new challenges are found in novel drug treatment approaches (including semi-synthetic artemisin), treatment combinations and their potential interactions with antiretroviral drugs, their accessibility for affected populations, as well as development of drug resistance.

Among the new challenges are also emerging epidemics, such as hepatitis C. The fast-changing development of therapeutic approaches and introduction of new antiviral drugs have complicated the treatment of HIV/hepatitis C co-infected patients due to potential interactions and incompatibilities. In addition, recreational drug use plays into both acquisition and drug treatment of HIV and co-infections, suggesting a need for increased awareness. Last but not least, we are experiencing the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, a paradigm change in preventing HIV. To what extent this affects ‘Tropical Medicine’ and also ‘Travellers’ will be questioned in this issue.

In addition, this Special Issue will shed light on important public health aspects concerning HIV-infected people in who HIV is completely controlled through antiretroviral medication. This population is living without medical restrictions and increased health risks, leading to lifestyle changes and assimilation to the HIV-negative population. While, in general, international travel has become increasingly common, people living with HIV face new challenges, including travel restrictions, potential interactions with preventive medicine, and the management of travel-related infections.

We are looking forward to your contributions to this Special Issue.

Prof. Jan Fehr
Dr. Alexia Anagnostopoulos
Guest Editors

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