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Viruses
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Cascade of Care for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections
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Cascade of Care for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 4332

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Justyna Dominika Kowalska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: HIV; viral hepatitis; STI; Central and Eastern Europe
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The care cascade is a concept used to assess and improve the engagement of people living with HIV at various stages of HIV care and treatment. It helps identify gaps in the continuity of care and develop strategies to ensure that people living with HIV receive the health services and support that they need. This concept was so effective that it deserved to be transferred to other infectious diseases, especially hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and other sexually transmitted viruses.

This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals receive the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support that they need, ultimately improving their overall health and well-being. Promoting the well-being of people living with HIV goes beyond clinical care to address their overall quality of life and holistic health.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect research related to HIV, viral hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted viruses, covering topics ranging from early diagnosis and effective treatment to well-being and quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Justyna Dominika Kowalska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • HIV
  • AIDS
  • cascade
  • linkage
  • HCV
  • HBV
  • sexually transmitted infections

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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14 pages, 632 KB  
Article
Prevalence and Associated Factors for HPV in People Living with HIV: Are INSTIs Protective Against HPV-16? The GAIA Study
by Omar Hernández-López, Brenda Clara González-Contreras, Ana Luz Cano-Díaz, José Antonio Mata-Marín, Ericka Nelly Pompa-Mera, Javier Vicente Noyola-Gómez, Salma Triana-González, Paola Edith Padilla-Noguera, Alberto Chaparro-Sánchez, Sócrates Alberto García-Gutiérrez, Gustavo Barriga-Angulo and Jesús Enrique Gaytan-Martinez
Viruses 2025, 17(8), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17081147 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1038
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) significantly contributes to anogenital cancers, with elevated risks among people living with HIV (PWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). This study assessed anal HPV prevalence and associated risk factors in PWH in Mexico, focusing on the role [...] Read more.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) significantly contributes to anogenital cancers, with elevated risks among people living with HIV (PWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). This study assessed anal HPV prevalence and associated risk factors in PWH in Mexico, focusing on the role of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: A cross-sectional study at an HIV clinic in Mexico City (October 2023–December 2024) enrolled 214 MSM with HIV. The participants completed a validated risk factor questionnaire and provided anal samples for real-time PCR testing of 28 HPV genotypes. Logistic regression analyzed associations between HPV infection, ART regimens, and clinical/behavioral factors. Results: HPV prevalence was 89.3%, with HPV-16 (20.1%) being the most common high-risk genotype. Integrase inhibitor (INSTI) use was inversely associated with HPV-16 infection (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21–0.83; p = 0.011), while protease inhibitor use increased HPV-16 (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.09–4.29; p = 0.025) and HPV-6 risks. Higher CD4+ counts (≥500 cells/mm3) and undetectable HIV viral load (<40 copies/mL) were protective against multiple HPV genotypes. Lower education and smoking increased HPV risk. Conclusions: This first Mexican study in the ART and HPV vaccination era highlights high anal HPV prevalence in PWH and suggests that INSTI-based regimens may reduce HPV-16 risk, informing ART selection for HPV prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cascade of Care for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections)
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14 pages, 317 KB  
Article
Barriers and Facilitators of Implementation of the Non-Hospital-Based Administration of Long-Acting Cabotegravir Plus Rilpivirine in People with HIV: Qualitative Data from the HOLA Study
by Diana Hernández-Sánchez, Juan M. Leyva-Moral, Julian Olalla, Eugènia Negredo and on behalf of the HOLA Study Group
Viruses 2025, 17(7), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17070993 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 759
Abstract
Long-acting (LA) antiretroviral therapies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as injectable formulations of cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CAB+RPV LA), are now available. Considering the limited data on the out-of-hospital administration of this combination, evaluating the implementation strategies needed is essential to support future [...] Read more.
Long-acting (LA) antiretroviral therapies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as injectable formulations of cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CAB+RPV LA), are now available. Considering the limited data on the out-of-hospital administration of this combination, evaluating the implementation strategies needed is essential to support future clinical efforts. To gather data on barriers and facilitators of implementation for CAB+RPV LA in alternative outpatient facilities, this study used qualitative interviews informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), with 13 staff participating in the HOLA study (NCT06185452). Data analysis followed qualitative descriptive methods, assisted by Atlas.ti software version 22. The study adhered to the COREQ guidelines. Findings reveal five main factors to consider for implementation: operational and infrastructure adaptations, integrated management of human and organizational resources, need for coordination and follow-up, professional attitudes and work environment, and patient experience and patients’ needs perceived by professionals. This study emphasizes the comprehensive operational and infrastructure adaptations, adequate staff training, and supportive professional environment required for the successful implementation of CAB+RPV LA, while considering patients’ needs throughout the externalization process (trial registration number: NCT06643897). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cascade of Care for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections)
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14 pages, 799 KB  
Article
Short Assessment for People with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Aged 50 Years or Older: Essential Tests from Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
by Jordi Puig, Pau Satorra, Ana Martínez, Sandra González, Roberto Güerri-Fernández, Itziar Arrieta-Aldea, Isabel Arnau, Anna Prats, Vira Buhiichyk, Cristian Tebe and Eugenia Negredo
Viruses 2025, 17(7), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17070887 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 632
Abstract
Background: Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) are necessary to address the needs of people with human immunodeficiency virus infection (PWH) aged ≥ 50 years and ensure that they receive high-quality care. We aimed to identify the most effective tests from an extensive CGA to [...] Read more.
Background: Comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGAs) are necessary to address the needs of people with human immunodeficiency virus infection (PWH) aged ≥ 50 years and ensure that they receive high-quality care. We aimed to identify the most effective tests from an extensive CGA to develop a short CGA. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was conducted in three phases: (1) describing PWH aged ≥ 50 and matched controls; (2) jointly analyzing data to identify the most effective tests from the original CGA and develop a short version; and (3) applying the short CGA separately to both groups. Results: The most effective tests—the Lawton scale, SPPB, Barber questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Cognitive Complaints questionnaire—were used to create a short CGA. It identified abnormalities in 77% of PWH flagged by the full CGA, though 65% with the normal short CGA results had at least one abnormal result in the full version. Most false negatives were due to the excluded Hearing-Dependent Activities scale. Conclusions: These findings represent an initial step toward developing a short CGA for an easy and rapid identification of PWH aged ≥ 50, beyond a frailty assessment, who may benefit from early clinical management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cascade of Care for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections)
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11 pages, 827 KB  
Article
Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Cisgender Women Coming to a Walk-In Center
by Gaia Catalano, Tommaso Clemente, Sara Diotallevi, Riccardo Lolatto, Benedetta Trentacapilli, Martina Ranzenigo, Elena Bruzzesi, Paola Cinque, Antonella Castagna and Silvia Nozza
Viruses 2025, 17(4), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17040498 - 29 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 800
Abstract
The general female population is not considered a high-risk group for screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This retrospective study describes the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae ( [...] Read more.
The general female population is not considered a high-risk group for screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This retrospective study describes the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum), Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis), Mycoplasma spp., Ureaplasma spp., genital Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Monkeypox (mpox), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in asymptomatic and symptomatic cisgender women attending our walk-in STI clinic for the first time. Furthermore, it analyzes the number of individuals who returned for follow-up and were diagnosed with new STIs. Over 20 months, 189 women with a median age of 28.4 years were screened [129 (68.3%) asymptomatic and 60 (31.8%) symptomatic]. In order of prevalence, the most common STIs were: Ureaplasma spp. infections (50.3%), C. trachomatis (10.6%), N. gonorrhoeae (5.8%), Mycoplasma hominis infections (5.8%), T. pallidum (2.65%), HSV2 infections (2.65%), and mpox (0.53%). No diagnosis of HIV, trichomoniasis, HBV, or HCV was registered. After the initial evaluation, 128 (67.7%) women returned for follow-up, but only 43 (22.8%) repeated screening; among them, 11 (25.6%) were diagnosed with new STIs. Given the high prevalence of STIs in cisgender women, awareness measures to improve screening and prevention strategies in this neglected population are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cascade of Care for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections)
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17 pages, 1157 KB  
Systematic Review
Network Meta-Analytical Investigations of the Performance of HIV Combination Prevention Strategies for Indigenous Populations
by Marcos Jessé Abrahão Silva, Rebecca Lobato Marinho, Daniele Melo Sardinha, Diego Rafael Lima Batista, Luiza Raquel Tapajós Figueira, Tamires de Nazaré Soares, Keitty Anne Silva Neves, Aloma Mapinik Suruí, Manuella Nunes Colaço, Vinicius dos Santos Peniche, Ligia Regina Franco Sansigolo Kerr, Sebastião Kauã de Sousa Bispo, Ana Judith Pires Garcia, Carl Kendall and Luana Nepomuceno Gondim Costa Lima
Viruses 2025, 17(9), 1247; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17091247 - 16 Sep 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Background: Indigenous populations worldwide face a disproportionate burden of HIV due to structural inequities, cultural marginalization, and limited access to health services. Despite growing recognition of the need for culturally adapted responses, the effectiveness of combination HIV prevention strategies in these communities remains [...] Read more.
Background: Indigenous populations worldwide face a disproportionate burden of HIV due to structural inequities, cultural marginalization, and limited access to health services. Despite growing recognition of the need for culturally adapted responses, the effectiveness of combination HIV prevention strategies in these communities remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of multiple HIV prevention strategies among Indigenous populations using a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA), to inform equity-oriented public health interventions. Methods: Following PRISMA-NMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across four databases (PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, Science Direct) for quantitative studies published between January 2000 and June 2025. Eligible studies evaluated HIV prevention interventions among Indigenous populations and reported risk or odds ratios. A frequentist NMA model was used to calculate effect estimates (OR, 95% CI) and SUCRA rankings for seven types of interventions, combining biomedical, behavioral, and structural approaches. Results: Four high-to-moderate quality studies enclosing 4523 participants were included. The most effective intervention was home-based counseling and testing for HIV, followed by medical consultation combined with HIV testing. Standalone testing, while effective, was significantly less impactful than when combined with culturally sensitive educational strategies. Information-only strategies showed the least efficacy. The SUCRA analysis ranked home-based testing highest (45.17%), highlighting the importance of decentralization, community participation, and intercultural mediation. Conclusions: Culturally adapted combination prevention strategies—especially those integrating home-based testing and counseling—are more effective than isolated biomedical interventions in Indigenous populations. These findings reinforce the urgent need for participatory, context-driven public health responses that center Indigenous knowledge, reduce stigma, and expand equitable access to HIV care and prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cascade of Care for HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections)
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