The goal of this project is to compare the effectiveness of two methods (partner contact tracing [PCT] versus venue-based [VB] recruitment) for identifying previously undiagnosed HIV+ cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tijuana, Mexico. We will also use self-reported sexual networks, high-risk venue-based networks, and viral genetic networks (inferred by analysis of viral pol sequences) to identify missing connections (e.g., anonymous partners) in sexual transmission networks. In our MSM pilot data, HIV prevalence was 20.2%, and 88% of those were unaware of their HIV+ serostatus. Identifying previously undiagnosed HIV+ persons and linking and retaining them in care are critical steps in the treatment cascade, particularly among MSM in Mexico, who are disproportionately affected by HIV. No published studies have examined case finding methods in combination with genotyping to infer sexual transmission networks. Three innovative aims will be addressed:
Aim 1. Compare the effectiveness of PCT versus screening attendees of high-risk venues (e.g., sex clubs) as methods for finding previously undiagnosed HIV+ cases among MSM in Tijuana.
Aim 2. Determine the extent to which sexual contact networks generated through PCT versus VB sexual networks (generated through data on MSMs' affiliations in high-risk venues) map onto viral genetic networks at baseline and one-year follow-up.
Aim 3. Examine PCT versus VB case finding methods and their relationships to (a) linkage to and retention in HIV care and their psychosocial and environmental determinants; and (b) stability of sexual contact networks assessed over one-year follow-up. We will compare the productivity (i.e., ratio of undiagnosed cases to number of men screened) of these two case finding methods (n=200/group) in identifying previously undiagnosed MSM (primary outcome). By comparing these forms of network creation to HIV pol sequence data, we aim to identify where gaps exist in the chain(s) of transmission and thereby increase our understanding of the structure of local transmission networks. Longitudinal data will allow us to examine stability of sexual networks, as well as barriers and facilitators of linkage to and retention in care. This is the first study t: 1) determine the effectiveness of case finding methods to identify previously undiagnosed HIV+ cases in a high-risk, understudied population, using state-of-the-art network analyses; 2) use multiple forms of network creation to identify missing connections in sexual contact networks; and 3) identify factors associated with linkage and retention in care among HIV+ MSM in a lower- to middle-income country where this information is severely lacking.

Public Health Relevance

Early and consistent medical treatment of HIV disease in affected individuals is increasingly seen as an effective means of preventing the spread of HIV in the general population, due to dramatic decreases in the viral loads of treated individuals. This project will compare the relative effectiveness of two different methods (partner contact tracing and random sampling of high-risk venues) for locating previously undiagnosed HIV- positive, drug-using men who have sex with men (MSM) and of linking them with medical care. Genetic analysis of participants' HIV samples will be used to determine the extent to which 'gaps' may exist in the sexual networks reported by participants, as this information could be useful in locating additional undiagnosed cases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA037811-04
Application #
9285750
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1)
Program Officer
Hartsock, Peter
Project Start
2014-07-01
Project End
2019-06-30
Budget Start
2017-07-01
Budget End
2018-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2017
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California, San Diego
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
804355790
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92093
Town, Matthew A; Walters, Karina L; Orellana, E Roberto (2018) Discriminatory distress, HIV risk behavior, and community participation among American Indian/Alaska Native men who have sex with men. Ethn Health :1-13
Semple, Shirley J; Pines, Heather A; Strathdee, Steffanie A et al. (2018) Uptake of a Partner Notification Model for HIV Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Tijuana, Mexico. AIDS Behav 22:2042-2055