O13.3 Estimating the Epidemiological Impact of Antiretroviral Treatment on Heterosexual HIV Epidemics in South India: A Modeling Study. (13th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mishra, S; Mountain, E; Pickles, M; Vickerman, P; Shastri, S; Washington, R; Becker, M; Alary, M; Boily, M
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 89(2013)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A51
• Page End: A51
• Publication Date: 2013-07-13
• Subjects: Antiretroviral Treatment -- HIV -- Sex work; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051184.0157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Background: In south India, where intensive condom-based targeted interventions (TIs) for female sex workers (FSWs) have been successful, the potential impact of past, current, and proposed universal antiretroviral treatment (ART) eligibility criteria on concentrated HIV epidemics, remains unknown. Methods: We developed a mathematical model of heterosexual HIV transmission to simulate the HIV epidemic in three south Indian districts, using district-specific epidemiological data. The model was calibrated to HIV prevalence by risk groups (low-risk, clients, FSWs), population size, and ART coverage. Assuming that condom-based TIs, HIV testing and treatment access, and retention in HIV-care are sustained at current levels, we compared the following scenarios against no ART: (a) continue with the previous eligibility criteria (CD4 ≤ 250 cells/μL) from the start of each district's ART programme; (b) expand from previous to current eligibility (CD4 ≤ 350 cells/μL) after November 2011; and (c) expand to early ART at any CD4 cell count after January 2013. Results: Without ART, the three districts achieve local elimination between the years 2040 and 2082, and by 2035–2063 under the current ART programme (eligibility criteria: CD4 ≤ 250 cells/μL prior to November 2011, CD4 ≤ 350 cells/μL thereafter). By January 2013, the current ART programme has potentially averted 7.8–11.0% of HIV infections, and saved 32–44 life-years per 100-person years on ART, in addition to gains achieved by local TIs. By 2023, the additional fraction of HIV infections averted by ART(compared to sustained TIs without ART) under scenarios A, B, and C are 21–42%, 33–57%, and 43–69%, respectively, and the incremental gains in life-years per 100-person years on ART are 120–140, 68–111, and 40–91, respectively. Conclusions: In declining HIV epidemics with sustained TIs, current ART programmes and proposed ART expansion could provide additional epidemiological impact. The medium-term incremental gains become smaller as eligibility expands but access and retention in care remain constant.