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Proceedings of: 25th Bangkok International Symposium on HIV Medicine, 18–20 January 2023, held virtually and on site at Samyan Mitrtown Hall, Bangkok, Thailand. The Bangkok International Symposium on HIV Medicine has commenced on the third Wednesday of January since 1998. The Symposium aims to provide professional healthcare workers in Thailand and the region an opportunity to receive the most up-to-date information on HIV and its related conditions if they are unable to attend other HIV conferences abroad. This year’s hybrid symposium was held from 18 January to 20 January 2023. A total of six plenary sessions were held in the mornings, and four afternoon workshops held on Wednesday and Thursday. Expert speakers from Thailand, China, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia, the UK, The Netherlands and the USA participated in the symposium.

SARS-CoV-2 infection results in a broad spectrum of clinical outcomes, ranging from asymptomatic to severe symptoms and death. Most COVID-19 pathogenesis is associated with hyperinflammatory conditions driven primarily by myeloid cell lineages. The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection post recovery include various symptoms.We performed a longitudinal study of the innate immune profiles 1 and 3 months after recovery in the Thai cohort by comparing patients with mild, moderate, and severe clinical symptoms using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (n = 62).Significant increases in the frequencies of monocytes compared to controls and NK cells compared to mild and moderate patients were observed in severe patients 1-3 months post recovery. Increased polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) were observed in all recovered patients, even after 3 months. Increased IL-6 and TNFα levels in monocytes were observed 1 month after recovery in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, while decreased CD86 and HLA-DR levels were observed regardless of stimulation. A multiplex analysis of serum cytokines performed at 1 month revealed that most innate cytokines, except for TNFα, IL4/IL-13 (Th2) and IFNγ (Th1), were elevated in recovered patients in a severity-dependent manner. Finally, the myelopoiesis cytokines G-CSF and GM-CSF were higher in all patient groups. Increased monocytes and IL-6- and TNFα-producing cells were significantly associated with long COVID-19 symptoms.These results reveal that COVID-19 infection influences the frequencies and functions of innate immune cells for up to 3 months after recovery, which may potentially lead to some of the long COVID symptoms.

The worldwide burden of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients has not been systematically examined.A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and Scopus to determine the worldwide prevalence of HCV infection, risk factors, and clinical outcomes among hemodialysis patients. Random-effect models and meta-regressions were used to generate pooled estimates and assess heterogeneity.Four hundred and seven studies with 1,302,167 participants were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of HCV infection was 21%. The highest prevalence was observed in Africa (28%) and low-income countries (48.5%). A significant prevalence decline was observed following the publication year and was also inversely related to GDP and total population of each country. Factors associated with HCV positivity included younger age, longer dialysis duration, more blood transfusions, and dialyzer reuse. The pooled unadjusted hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was 1.12 (95% CI 1.03-1.22), and the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.21 (95% CI 1.12-1.30) in HCV-infected compared to non-HCV infected patients.HCV infection among hemodialysis patients is a worldwide shared burden and is associated with a higher risk of death. Avoiding unnecessary blood transfusion and dialyzer reuse should be encouraged to prevent HCV transmission in hemodialysis units.

Linkage studies have reported high rates of previously unascertained mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have been lost to follow-up (LTFU). We assessed survival outcomes among PLHIV who were LTFU in Thailand and Malaysia, through linkages to a national death registry or HIV database.Data linkages with the national death registry or national HIV database were conducted in 2020 on all PLHIV who met LTFU criteria while enrolled in care at participating HIV clinical sites. LTFU was defined as having no documented clinical contact in the previous year, excluding transfers and deaths. Survival time was analyzed using the Cox regression, stratified by site.Data linkages were performed for 489 PLHIV who had been LTFU at sites in Malaysia (n = 2) and Thailand (n = 4). There were 151 (31%) deaths after being LTFU; the mortality rate was 4.89 per 100 person-years. Risk factors for mortality after being LTFU were older age [41-50 years: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 3.68; and older than 50 years: HR = 4.93, 95% CI: 2.63 to 9.22; vs. age 30 years or younger]; receiving NRTI + PI (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.85 vs. NRTI + NNRTI); positive hepatitis C antibody (HR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.40 to 3.62); and having previous AIDS illness (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.05). An improved survival was seen with a higher CD4 count (CD4 351-500 cells/µL: HR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.21-0.76; and CD4gt;500 cells/µL: HR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.25-0.75; vs. CD4 ≤200 cells/µL).Almost one-third of PLHIV who were LTFU in this cohort had died while out of care, emphasizing the importance of efforts to reengage PLHIV after they have been LTFU and ensure they have access to ongoing ART.

Background We compared weight changes in virally suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH) switching to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) with those remaining on an INSTI or non-INSTI regimen. Methods PLWH aged ≥18 years with weight measurements available at baseline between 2001 and 2020 were included. Viral suppression was defined as having had a viral load Results A total of 1673 PLWH contributed 1952 episodes of viral suppression—143 (7.3%) episodes were among PLWH who had switched from a non-INSTI to an INSTI, 102 (5.2%) episodes were among PLWH who remained on an INSTI and 1707 (87.4%) episodes were among PLWH who remained on a non-INSTI. PLWH in the switch group had significantly greater weight gain than those in the remain groups at 6, 12 and 18 months after achieving viral suppression. By 24 months, weight change on all regimens started to converge. Tenofovir alafenamide use was not significantly associated with weight gain in adjusted models. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the mechanisms of weight gain due to INSTI use go beyond their superior efficacy over other antiretrovirals in controlling HIV or the effect of the ‘return-to-health’ phenomenon. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of such weight gain.

Liver disease is a growing burden among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-limited settings. As an indicator of liver disease, risk factors of high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and cirrhosis were assessed among PLHIV in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD). Patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with a pre-cART ALT measurement and at least one follow-up ALT measurement were included. Factors associated with high ALT (ALT levels 5 times its upper limit of normal) were analyzed using repeated measure logistic regression over a 10-year follow-up period. Liver cirrhosis was defined as having an AST to Platelet Ratio Index score 1.5, fibrosis-4 score 3.25, or a clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis. Cox regression analysis stratified by site was used to analyze factors associated with cirrhosis among those in follow-up after 2015. Of 5182 patients, 101 patients (1.9%) had high ALT levels with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positive (odds ratio [OR]: 4.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.82-8.77, p 0.001) and ever high alcohol consumption (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.00-5.46, p = 0.050) as likely factors. Among 6318 PLHIV in the liver cirrhosis analysis, 151 (2%) developed cirrhosis (incidence rate = 0.82 per 100 person-years). Those HCV-antibody positive (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.54, 95% CI: 3.75-8.18, p 0.001) and had high alcohol consumption (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.23-3.45, p = 0.006) were associated with liver cirrhosis. HCV-antibody positive and high alcohol consumption are factors associated with high ALT. With raised ALT levels as a known factor associated with liver cirrhosis, greater efforts are required in managing ALT levels and reducing the risk of developing liver cirrhosis among those positive for HCV-antibody and those who consume alcohol.

To assess the prevalence, and factors associated with QTc interval prolongation, among 383 virologically suppressed people with HIV (PWH), without evidence of cardiovascular disease and active opportunistic infections in Thailand.Cross-sectional study.Resting 12-lead digital ECGs were performed in 2019. QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc)gt;450 ms in males andgt;460 ms in females was defined as QTc interval prolongation. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate factors associated with QTc interval prolongation.Mean (standard deviation) age was 56 (5.5) years and 42% were female. The median current CD4+ was 619 (interquartile range [IQR] 487, 769) cells/mm 3 . The median duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 11.9 (IQR 7.1-16.1) years. Commonly used ART were rilpivirine (37.9%), efavirenz (20.1%), atazanavir/ritonavir (15.7%), lopinavir/ritonavir (12.3%) and dolutegravir (5%). The prevalence of QTc interval prolongation was 22.7%. In multivariable analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.12, P = 0.005), female sex (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.01-2.82, P = 0.046) and increasing BMI (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15, P = 0.03) were associated with QTc interval prolongation. With every 1-year increase in age, the odds of QTc interval prolongation increased by 7%.In this well-suppressed aging Asian HIV cohort, the prevalence of QTc interval prolongation was relatively high, and associated with increasing age, female sex, and higher BMI. For PLWH with these characteristics, QTc interval should be monitored before and after initiating any medications known to prolong QTc intervals, to prevent fatal cardiac arrhythmias.

Non-Asian body mass index (BMI) classifications are commonly used as a risk factor for high fasting blood glucose (FBG). We investigated the incidence and factors associated with high FBG among people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region, using a World Health Organization BMI classification specific to Asian populations.This study included people living with HIV enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study from 2003 to 2019, receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and without prior tuberculosis. BMI at ART initiation was categorized using Asian BMI classifications: underweight (18.5 kg/mA total of 3939 people living with HIV (63% male) were included. In total, 50% had a BMI in the normal weight range, 23% were underweight, 13% were overweight, and 14% were obese. Median age at ART initiation was 34 years (interquartile range 29-41). Overall, 8% had a high FBG, with an incidence rate of 1.14 per 100 person-years. Factors associated with an increased hazard of high FBG included being obese (≥25 kg/mPeople living with HIV with BMI25 kg/m

HIV-NAT has held the Bangkok International Symposium on HIV Medicine annually since 1998. It provides the latest advances in HIV medicine to professional healthcare workers in the Asia–Pacific region. This year’s symposium (the 24th) was held virtually, from 19 to 21 January 2022. There were a total of 27 sessions divided over 3 days. The Symposium started in the afternoon following industrial symposia and ended at 18:00. Various topics were presented by experts from Australia, India, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, UK and USA. COVID-19 has changed healthcare delivery and artificial intelligence is changing medical practice so sessions on these topics were included in the symposium.

Although the prevalence and mortality of hepatitis is high in the Asia-Pacific region, few studies are available on the diagnosis, treatment, and cure rates for viral hepatitis among people living with HIV in this area. This study aims to report the cascade of care (CoC) for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) among people living with HIV receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (ART).Patients enrolled in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database Low Intensity Transfer (TAHOD-LITE) cohort, on ART, and with follow-up data from 2010 to 2019 were included. Patients were determined as positive for HCV or HBV co-infection if they ever tested positive for HCV antibody (anti-HCV) or HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), respectively.In total, 39% (8612/22 340) of the adult HIV cohort had undergone HBsAg testing, with 8% (672/8612) testing positive. HBV CoC demonstrated that 71% (474/672) of those with HBsAg positive results initiated treatment, 67% (318/474) of those on treatment had HBV DNA testing to evaluate treatment progression, and 18% (58/318) of those tested reached viral suppression. Of the cohort, 37% (8231/22 340) had anti-HCV testing, of whom 10% (779/8231) tested positive. The HCV CoC showed that 68% (526/779) of those with positive anti-HCV tests had HCV RNA tests, of whom 51% (267/526) had detectable HCV RNA. Among those with detectable HCV RNA, 65% (174/267) initiated HCV treatment. Of the 40% (69/174) who initiated HCV treatment, 90% (62/69) reached sustained virological response.Our findings identified less frequent testing in the healthcare system and limited access to treatment as gaps in the CoC for viral hepatitis. More routine HCV RNA and HBV DNA testing is required for patients with positive screening tests to identify those in need of treatment.

The incidences of osteoporosis, fracture and vascular calcification increase concordantly with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD-mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) induced by hyperphosphatemia is a major pathophysiologic mechanism. The effects of phosphate binders on bone turnover biomarkers and bone mineral density (BMD) in haemodialysis patients are still inconclusive. Our aim is to demonstrate the effects of these phosphate binders on different aspects of CKD-MBD.We conducted a prospective cohort of 65 haemodialysis patients to investigate the effect of 12-month monotherapy of phosphate binders composing calcium-based phosphate binders (CPB) or non-calcium-based phosphate binders (NCPB), including sevelamer and lanthanum, on bone turnover biomarkers and BMD changes. The performance of bone turnover biomarkers to predict low BMD was attentively determined.When compared with CPB, NCPB use was associated with higher levels of bone turnover biomarkers. NCPB was also associated with lower BMD at lumbar and distal radius. Total procollagen type 1N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) provided the best performance for diagnosing low BMD in haemodialysis patients.Switching from CPB to NCPB might increase bone biomarkers and prevent the development of adynamic bone disease. On the contrary, NCPB should be cautiously used in haemodialysis patients who already had low BMD. P1NP, BALP and TRAP5b could be used to guide the appropriate management, including anti-resorptive and anabolic medications, and predict low BMD in haemodialysis patients treated with phosphate binders.

Background Leptospirosis is one of the most important public-health zoonotic diseases in the tropics that can cause severe organ dysfunction and death. Currently there are insufficient data on long-term renal dysfunction in patients after leptospirosis infection. Methods A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted at 15 hospitals in the Sisaket province of Thailand. Confirmed leptospirosis patients admitted from 1 December 2015 to 30 November 2018 were followed between 1 February 2020 and 31 October 2020 (median 4.1 years after hospital discharge). The primary outcome was a composite of major kidney adverse events (MAKEs) including all-cause mortality, dialysis and new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results Of the 217 confirmed leptospirosis cases enrolled, 32.7% were classified as having severe leptospirosis. Fifteen cases (6.9%) were deceased at the time of hospital admission. After a median follow-up time of 4.18 years, 30 patients had died and 33 patients developed CKD. Patients with severe leptospirosis had a significantly higher risk of MAKEs {adjusted hazard ratio 2.45 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44–4.18]}. Patients with intensive care unit admission, pulmonary haemorrhage and acute kidney injury also had a higher risk of MAKEs and all-cause mortality. Participants with severe leptospirosis in the follow-up cohort showed a higher risk of developing CKD compared with non-severe leptospirosis [adjusted odds ratio 3.22 (95% CI 1.04–9.96)], especially renal magnesium and phosphate wasting. Conclusion Leptospirosis patients, especially severe leptospirosis, are associated with long-term kidney sequelae. Our finding reflects the importance of long-term follow-up and the urgent need for specific interventions.

In settings with high tuberculosis (TB) endemicity, distinct genotypes of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) often differ in prevalence. However, the factors leading to these differences remain poorly understood. Here we studied the MTBC population in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania over a six-year period, using 1,082 unique patient-derived MTBC whole-genome sequences (WGS) and associated clinical data. We show that the TB epidemic in Dar es Salaam is dominated by multiple MTBC genotypes introduced to Tanzania from different parts of the world during the last 300 years. The most common MTBC genotypes deriving from these introductions exhibited differences in transmission rates and in the duration of the infectious period, but little differences in overall fitness, as measured by the effective reproductive number. Moreover, measures of disease severity and bacterial load indicated no differences in virulence between these genotypes during active TB. Instead, the combination of an early introduction and a high transmission rate accounted for the high prevalence of L3.1.1, the most dominant MTBC genotype in this setting. Yet, a longer co-existence with the host population did not always result in a higher transmission rate, suggesting that distinct life-history traits have evolved in the different MTBC genotypes. Taken together, our results point to bacterial factors as important determinants of the TB epidemic in Dar es Salaam., PLoS Pathogens, 19 (4), ISSN:1553-7374, ISSN:1553-7366

Additional file 1. Supplementary data.

OBJECTIVES We investigated the incidence and associated factors of liver cirrhosis and cardiovascular disease risks among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in a Thai cohort. DESIGN A prospective cohort analysis. METHODS Participants with at least one reliable transient elastography measurement during follow-up, who had pretreatment alanine transaminase, AST, and platelet count at HIV treatment initiation were included. Liver cirrhosis was defined as AST to Platelet Ratio Index >1.5 or fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) >3.25 or liver stiffness by transient elastography >12.5 kPa and confirmed by imaging or liver biopsy. Competing-risk regression was used to identify factors associated with liver cirrhosis. Time-updated 10-year atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risks were compared between PLHIV with or without liver cirrhosis. RESULTS A total of 1069 participants (33% women, 9% hepatitis C virus, and 16% hepatitis B virus) with the median age and CD4 at cART initiation of 32 years and 240 cells/mm3 were included. During 8232 person-years, 124 (12%) developed liver cirrhosis after a median of 6.9 (2.4-13.7) follow-up years [incidence, 1.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 1.8) per 100 person-years]. In multivariable analysis, the factors independently associated with liver cirrhosis were time-updated HIV viremia, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus coinfection, diabetes mellitus, high-density lipoproteins

The kidney is a notable site of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and fatty acid oxidation. Loss of a kidney after kidney donation might, therefore, affect the glucose and lipid metabolism of the donors. This matched cohort study investigated the effect of nephrectomy on glucose and lipid metabolisms using Bayesian hypothesis testing. There were 77 pairs of matched donor-control pairs in the present study. Clinical and laboratory data of the participants, at baseline and 1-year, were extracted from electronic medical records. Comparisons between donor and control groups were performed using the Bayesian independent samples t-test or Bayesian Mann-Whitney test. The Bayes Factor for alternative hypothesis over null hypothesis (BF

Background Three-dose series of conventional alum-adjuvanted Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-based vaccines achieve seroprotection rates (SPRs) of 35-70% in PLWH. HepB-CpG, a HBsAg vaccine adjuvanted with a TLR-9 agonist, achieves high SPR in immunocompetent adults with a 2-dose regimen, but limited data exist in PLWH. Methods A5379 is an ongoing prospective, open-label study to evaluate immunogenicity of the HBV vaccine HepB-CpG in PLWH. The HBV vaccine-naïve group consisted of PLWH without past HBV infection on antiretroviral therapy with CD4 ≥100 cells/mm3 and HIV-1 RNA < 1000 copies/mL. Participants received 0.5 mL of HepB-CpG intramuscularly (20 mcg recombinant HBsAg and 3000 mcg of CpG 1018® adjuvant) at Wks 0, 4, and 24. Primary objectives were to determine the proportion of participants who achieve seroprotection (HBsAb≥10 mIU/mL) at Wk 28 and to assess safety. This study was designed to conclude SPR >55%, with up to 10% loss to follow-up prior to 28 wks. Results Of the 74 eligible participants enrolled at 13 global sites: 46% were male, 66% Asian, 16% Black,15% White and median age was 47 years (range 23-68). 27% were enrolled in the US, 65% in Thailand. Median CD4 was 625 cells/mm3, 96% had HIV-1 RNA < 60 copies/mL, and 9% had diabetes. Primary analysis set per analysis plan consisted of 68 participants (excluded: 3 missed visit, 3 out of visit window). All 68 completed 3 doses and achieved seroprotection (100% [95% CI: 94.7%, 100%]). 88% had HBsAb >1000 mIU/mL (assay upper limit). The SPR was also 100% [CI: 94.2%,100%] in the per protocol analysis set of 62 participants. At 8 wks after the 2nd dose, the SPR was 94.4% followed by 98.5% at Wk 24, prior to the 3rd dose. The proportion of participants with HBsAb >1000 mIU/mL increased from 27.9% at Wk 24 to 83.8% at Wk 28. One or more AEs related to study treatment were experienced by 61% of participants (39% Grade 1, 20% Grade 2, Grade 3 malaise in one participant). Vaccination site pain (40%), malaise (26%), fatigue (23%), myalgia (22%) and headache (22%) were the most frequent AEs. Seroprotection achieved by study week. Percentage of participants achieving seroprotection over the first 28 study weeks. HepB-CpG vaccine was administered at Entry, Week 4, and Week 24. Conclusion In this study of PLWH with no history of HBV vaccination or evidence of prior HBV exposure, 100% seroprotection was achieved at 4 weeks after 3 doses of the HepB-CpG. No unexpected safety issues were observed. Disclosures Kristen Marks, MD, MS, Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support Andrea L. Cox, M.D. Ph.D., Janssen: Advisor/Consultant Jennifer C. Price, MD, PhD, AbbVie: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences: Honoraria|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Theratechnologies: Advisor/Consultant Kelvin McKoy, M.D., M.B.A., Dynavax Technologies: Employee|Dynavax Technologies: Ownership Interest|Dynavax Technologies: Stocks/Bonds Kenneth E. Sherman, MD, PhD, AbbVie: Grant/Research Support|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Grant/Research Support|Helio: Grant/Research Support|Inovio: DSMB|Intercept: Grant/Research Support|MedPace: DSMB|Theratechnologies: Advisor/Consultant|Zydus: Grant/Research Support.

BACKGROUND This population pharmacokinetic-pharmacogenetic study aimed to investigate the optimal dose of RTV-boosted ATV (ATV/RTV) for Thai adult HIV-infected patients. METHODS A total of 1460 concentrations of ATV and RTV from 544 patients receiving an ATV/RTV-based regimen were analyzed. The CYP3A5 6986 A > G, ABCB1 3435 C > T, ABCB1 2677 G > T, SLCO1B1 521 T > C, and NR1I2 63396 C > T were genotyped. A population pharmacokinetic model was performed using a nonlinear mixed-effect model (NONMEM®). Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to compare the percentages of patients achieving the therapeutic range of ATV through concentrations (Ctrough). RESULTS The apparent oral clearance of ATV (CL/FATV) without RTV was 7.69 L/h with interindividual variability (IIV) of 28.7%. Patients with CYP3A5 6986 GG had a 7.1% lower CL/FATV than those with AA or AG genotype. The CL/FATV decreased by 10.8% for females compared with males. Simulation results showed higher percentages (~70%) of patient receiving doses of 200/100 or 200/50 mg achieved the target ATV Ctrough, while more patients (~40%) receiving a standard dose (300/100 mg) had ATV Ctrough above this target. CONCLUSIONS Both CYP3A5 6986 A > G and female decreased CL/FATV in Thai HIV-infected patients. Simulations supported that the reduced dose of ATV/RTV was sufficient to achieve the target concentration for Thai population.

Objectives We investigated weight changes following antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with all-cause mortality among Asian adults living with HIV. Methods Participants enrolled in a regional Asian HIV-infected cohort with weight and height measurements at ART initiation were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Factors associated with weight changes and incident MetS (according to the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) definition) were analysed using linear mixed models and Cox regression, respectively. Competing-risk regression models were used to investigate the association of MetS with all-cause mortality. Results Among 4931 people living with HIV (PLWH), 66% were male. At ART initiation, the median age was 34 [interquartile range (IQR) 29-41] years, and the median (IQR) weight and body mass index (BMI) were 55 (48-63) kg and 20.5 (18.4-22.9) kg/m2 , respectively. At 1, 2 and 3 years of ART, overall mean (± standard deviation) weight gain was 2.2 (±5.3), 3.0 (±6.2) and 3.7 (±6.5) kg, respectively. Participants with baseline CD4 count ≤ 200 cells/µL [weight difference (diff) = 2.2 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-2.5 kg] and baseline HIV RNA ≥ 100 000 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL (diff = 0.6 kg; 95% CI 0.2-1.0 kg), and those starting with integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based ART (diff = 2.1 kg; 95% CI 0.7-3.5 kg vs. nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) had greater weight gain. After exclusion of those with abnormal baseline levels of MetS components, 295/3503 had incident MetS [1.18 (95% CI 1.05-1.32)/100 person-years (PY)]. The mortality rate was 0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8)/100 PY. MetS was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality in the adjusted model (P = 0.236). Conclusions Weight gain after ART initiation was significantly higher among those initiating ART with lower CD4 count, higher HIV RNA and an INSTI-based regimen after controlling for baseline BMI. Greater efforts to identify and manage MetS among PLWH are needed.

Antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is an important barrier to achieve long-term kidney allograft survival. Human leukocyte antibody (HLA)-incompatibility and ABO-incompatibility are the two main mechanisms of ABMR. Nevertheless, the advances in managing ABMR have changed the paradigm for kidney transplantation. This review aimed to emphasize the HLA-incompatibility and ABO-incompatibility kidney transplant and update the management of ABMR.HLA-incompatibility kidney transplantation is a strong risk factor for ABMR. Donor-specific antibody (DSA) is a surrogate biomarker that prevents long-term allograft survival. The standard treatment for ABMR has unfavorable results. New drugs that target the B cell are a promising approach to treat ABMR. In the past, ABO-incompatibility kidney donor was an absolute contraindication but now, it is widely accepted as an alternative organ resource. The advancement of ABO antibody removal and B-cell depletion therapy has been successfully developed. ABO isoagglutination remains the main biomarker for monitoring ABMR during the transplantation process. C4d staining without inflammation of the kidney allograft is the marker for the accommodation process.With the shortage of organ donors, transplant experts have expanded the organ resources and learned how to overcome the immunological barriers by using novel biomarkers and developing new treatments that support long-term graft survival.

Risk factors and consequences of urinary tract infection (UTI) post-kidney transplant have been variously reported by studies that were heterogenous in immunosuppressants and prophylactic protocols. We aimed to clarify the risks and consequences of UTI in kidney transplant recipients with post-transplantation cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in the context of modern immunosuppression. This retrospective cohort included kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus, mycophenolate, prednisolone, and cotrimoxazole for bacterial UTI prophylaxis. Recipients were categorized into non-UTI and UTI groups. Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) was screened in the first 3 months and was evaluated for association with UTI. Of 348 kidney transplant recipients, 129 were in the UTI group and 219 in the non-UTI group. UTI risk factors were female sex, body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2, human leukocyte antigen mismatch, and panel reactive antibody ≥ 50%. Recipients with recurrent UTI had inferior allograft function compared with non-UTI recipients. Patient survival was significantly lower in recipients with UTI in the first post-transplant month. Higher degree of immunosuppressions was associated with recurrent UTI and drug-resistant organisms. In conclusion, UTI continues to negatively affect graft function and survival of kidney transplant recipients. Treating ASB in the first 3 months did not reduce the UTI incidence in the first transplantation year.

Background There is little known about the contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to discover and validate miRNA profiles for predicting renal recovery from severe AKI. Patients and methods A prospective observational study was conducted between June 2020 and January 2021. Urine and serum samples of participants with AKI stage 3 were collected from two groups: renal recovery and renal non-recovery. Transcriptomic analysis was performed using nCounter miRNA Expression Assay. Expression levels of candidate miRNAs were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results The discovery phase identified 18 and 11 differentially expressed miRNAs that were statistically significant between the two groups in urine and serum specimens, respectively. Top candidate miRNAs selected included miR-556-3p, miR-1915-3p, miR-4284, miR-32-5p, miR-96-5p, and miR-556-5p in urine, and miR-499b-5p, miR-30a-3p, miR-92b-3p and miR-770-5p in serum. This study enrolled 110 participants in the validation phase. The qRT-PCR analysis indicated that urine miR-556-3p was significantly higher in the renal recovery group than in the renal non-recovery group. Urine miR-556-3p alone predicted renal recovery with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64 (95%CI 0.52–0.75, p = 0.03). Combining the clinical model with urine miR-556-3p predicted renal recovery with an AUC of 0.83 (95%CI 0.75–0.92, p Conclusion This data provides evidence that microtranscriptome profiles of severe AKI patients with renal recovery differed from the non-recovery group. Urine miR-556-3p had the potential to improve the prediction of renal recovery from severe AKI.

In settings with high tuberculosis (TB) endemicity, various genotypes of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) often differ in prevalence. However, the factors leading to these differences remain poorly understood. Here we studied the MTBC population in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania over a six-year period, using 1,082 unique patient-derived MTBC whole-genome sequences (WGS) and associated clinical data. We show that the TB epidemic in Dar es Salaam is dominated by multiple genotypes introduced to Tanzania from different parts of the world during the last 300 years. The most common MTBC genotypes deriving from these introductions exhibited differences in transmission rates and in the duration of the infectious period, but little differences in overall fitness, as measured by the effective reproductive number. Moreover, measures of disease severity and bacterial load indicated no differences in virulence between these genotypes during active TB. Instead, the combination of an early introduction and a high transmission rate accounted for the high prevalence of L3.1.1, the most dominant MTBC genotype in our setting. Yet, a longer co-existence with the host population did not always result in a higher transmission rate, suggesting that distinct life-history traits have evolved in the different MTBC genotypes. Taken together, our results point to bacterial factors as important determinants of the TB epidemic in Dar es Salaam.Author summaryTuberculosis (TB) is the deadliest human infectious disease caused by one single agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). The origins of Mtb have been traced to East Africa millennia ago, where it likely became adapted to infect and transmit in humans. Here we show that in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, an East African setting with a very high burden of TB, infections are caused by distinct Mtb genotypes introduced in recent evolutionary times from different parts of the world. These genotypes differed in traits important to Mtb transmission in the Dar es Salaam host population; while some Mtb genotypes transmitted more efficiently during a certain period of time, others elicited that patients would be infectious for longer periods. These traits evolved independently in the different Mtb genotypes and could not be explained by the time of co-existence between the host population and the pathogen. This suggests that bacterial factors are important determinants of the TB epidemic. More generally, we demonstrate that distinct pathogenic life history characteristics can co-exist in one host population.

In low-income and middle-income countries, affordable direct-acting antivirals are urgently needed to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The combination of ravidasvir, a pangenotypic non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor, and sofosbuvir has shown efficacy and safety in patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 infection. STORM-C-1 trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir in a diverse population of adults chronically infected with HCV.STORM-C-1 is a two-stage, open-label, phase 2/3 single-arm clinical trial in six public academic and non-academic centres in Malaysia and four public academic and non-academic centres in Thailand. Patients with HCV with compensated cirrhosis (Metavir F4 and Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A) or without cirrhosis (Metavir F0-3) aged 18-69 years were eligible to participate, regardless of HCV genotype, HIV infection status, previous interferon-based HCV treatment, or source of HCV infection. Once daily ravidasvir (200 mg) and sofosbuvir (400 mg) were prescribed for 12 weeks for patients without cirrhosis and for 24 weeks for those with cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12; defined as HCV RNA12 IU/mL in Thailand and HCV RNA15 IU/mL in Malaysia at 12 weeks after the end of treatment). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02961426, and the National Medical Research Register of Malaysia, NMRR-16-747-29183.Between Sept 14, 2016, and June 5, 2017, 301 patients were enrolled in stage one of STORM-C-1. 98 (33%) patients had genotype 1a infection, 27 (9%) had genotype 1b infection, two (1%) had genotype 2 infection, 158 (52%) had genotype 3 infection, and 16 (5%) had genotype 6 infection. 81 (27%) patients had compensated cirrhosis, 90 (30%) had HIV co-infection, and 99 (33%) had received previous interferon-based treatment. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were pyrexia (35 [12%]), cough (26 [9%]), upper respiratory tract infection (23 [8%]), and headache (20 [7%]). There were no deaths or treatment discontinuations due to serious adverse events related to study drugs. Of the 300 patients included in the full analysis set, 291 (97%; 95% CI 94-99) had SVR12. Of note, SVR12 was reported in 78 (96%) of 81 patients with cirrhosis and 153 (97%) of 158 patients with genotype 3 infection, including 51 (96%) of 53 patients with cirrhosis. There was no difference in SVR12 rates by HIV co-infection or previous interferon treatment.In this first stage, ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir was effective and well tolerated in this diverse adult population of patients with chronic HCV infection. Ravidasvir plus sofosbuvir has the potential to provide an additional affordable, simple, and efficacious public health tool for large-scale implementation to eliminate HCV as a cause of morbidity and mortality.National Science and Technology Development Agency, Thailand; Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand; Ministry of Health, Malaysia; UK Aid; Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF); MSF Transformational Investment Capacity; FIND; Pharmaniaga; Starr International Foundation; Foundation for Art, Research, Partnership and Education; and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people living with HIV co-infected with HCV, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and inmates in correctional settings. The barriers to eliminate HCV among these key populations include diagnosis challenges, lack of awareness, discrimination and stigmatization. In addition, scaling up of HCV treatment has been a challenge in Asia–Pacific with the lack of national policies, targets and unavailability of appropriate direct-acting antivirals regimens. In order to achieve HCV micro elimination within these high-risk populations, novel strategies to improve the cascade of care from diagnosis to treatment with direct-acting antivirals, complemented by behavioral change interventions, harm reduction services for people who inject drugs, civil society led advocacy and policies from the government, will be necessary.

Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have a suboptimal immune response to COVID-19 vaccination due to the effects of immunosuppression, mostly mycophenolic acid (MPA). This study investigated the benefits of switching from the standard immunosuppressive regimen (tacrolimus (TAC), MPA, and prednisolone) to a regimen of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi), TAC and prednisolone two weeks pre- and two weeks post-BNT162b2 booster vaccination. A single-center, opened-label pilot study was conducted in KTRs, who received two doses of ChAdOx-1 and a single dose of BNT162b2. The participants were randomly assigned to continue the standard regimen (control group, n = 14) or switched to a sirolimus (an mTORi), TAC, and prednisolone (switching group, n = 14) regimen two weeks before and two weeks after receiving a booster dose of BNT162b2. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibody level after vaccination in the switching group was significantly greater than the control group (4051.0 [IQR 3142.0–6466.0] BAU/mL vs. 2081.0 [IQR 1077.0–3960.0] BAU/mL, respectively; p = 0.01). One participant who was initially seronegative in the control group remained seronegative after the booster dose. These findings suggest humoral immune response benefits of switching the standard immunosuppressive regimen to the regimen of mTORi, TAC, and prednisolone in KTRs during vaccination.

With the increased availability and efficacy of ART, co-morbidities are now one of the leading causes of death in HIV-positive individuals. One of these co-morbidities is co-infection with HBV.

IntroductionConventional markers are not reliable predictors of histological activity of lupus nephritis (LN). We aimed to examine the utility of urine γ-interferon-inducible protein (IP-10) in predicting LN flares, diagnosis of LN, and forecasting treatment response.MethodsSLE patients who fulfilled the ACR 1997 criteria with history of LN were enrolled. Urine IP-10 was measured at least once during routine quarterly visits, at the time of diagnosis of active LN, and monthly during induction therapy for 6 months.ResultsThere were 65 active LN and 46 inactive LN included. The mean urine IP-10 levels among the active and inactive LN were 2.69 (95%CI 2.53-2.86) and 2.18 (95%CI 1.96-2.39) log copies/mcg total RNA respectively (p-value < 0.0001). Clinicopathological discordance was observed in 9 of 55 (16%) biopsied patients (5 with proliferative LN without proteinuric flare and 4 with nephrotic-range proteinuria from glomerulosclerosis). Urine IP-10 predicted histological activity of LN with 91% accuracy, compared to 84% with proteinuric flare. Within two years, half of the clinically inactive LN patients with positive baseline urine IP-10 developed LN flare, whereas no flares were observed in patients with negative baseline urine IP-10. Urine IP-10 levels were not associated with treatment response at 6 months.ConclusionUrine IP-10 may reflect histological activity of LN more accurately than conventional markers, especially in patients with clinicopathologic discrepancy. Clinically inactive LN patients with positive urine IP-10 were at a higher risk of developing LN flare.Key messages-The majority of the studies on novel biomarkers in LN lacked renal biopsy and relied on clinical indicators to determine histological activity. As a result, the validity of these studies may be jeopardized.-According to this study, clinicopathological discordance was found in 16% of LN patients who underwent renal biopsy. Urine IP-10 outperformed urinary protein level in differentiating histologically active LN from inactive LN (accuracy 91% versus 84%).-Within two years, half of the clinically inactive LN patients who had positive urine IP-10 developed LN flares, whereas none of those who had negative urine IP-10 did.-Urine IP-10 may aid in the diagnosis of histologically active LN, particularly in patients with clinicopathologic discrepancy. Urine IP-10 monitoring in clinically inactive LN patients may predict the risk of future LN flares.

A rapidly changing landscape of antiretrovirals and their procurement at scale has permitted the evaluation of new optimised second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low- and middle-income countries. D

Background Aging characteristics in people living with HIV (PLWH) are heterogeneous, and the identification of risk factors associated with aging-related comorbidities such as neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and frailty is important. We evaluated predictors of novel aging markers, phenotypic age (PhenoAge) and phenotypic age acceleration (PAA) and their association with comorbidities, frailty, and NCI. Methods In a cohort of PLWH and age- and sex-matched HIV-negative controls, we calculated PhenoAge using chronological age and 9 biomarkers from complete blood counts, inflammatory, metabolic-, liver- and kidney-related parameters. PAA was calculated as the difference between chronological age and PhenoAge. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with higher (>median) PAA. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was used to assess model discrimination for frailty. Results Among 333 PLWH and 102 HIV-negative controls (38% female), the median phenotypic age (49.4 vs. 48.5 years, p = 0.54) and PAA (− 6.7 vs. -7.5, p = 0.24) was slightly higher and PAA slightly less in PLWH although this did not reach statistical significance. In multivariate analysis, male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.68 [95%CI = 1.03–2.73]), current smoking (2.74 [1.30–5.79]), diabetes mellitus (2.97 [1.48–5.99]), hypertension (1.67 [1.02–2.72]), frailty (3.82 [1.33–10.93]), and higher IL-6 levels (1.09 [1.04–1.15]), but not HIV status and NCI, were independently associated with higher PAA. PhenoAge marker discriminated frailty better than chronological age alone (AUROC: 0.75 [0.66–0.85] vs. 0.65 [0.55–0.77], p = 0.04). In the analysis restricted to PLWH, PhenoAge alone predicted frailty better than chronological age alone (AUROC: 0.7412 vs. 0.6499, P = 0.09) and VACS index (AUROC: 0.7412 vs. 0.6811, P = 0.34) despite not statistically significant. Conclusions While PLWH did not appear to have accelerated aging in our cohort, the phenotypic aging marker was significantly associated with systemic inflammation, frailty, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. This simple aging marker could be useful to identify high-risk PLWH within a similar chronological age group.

ACTG A5288 was a strategy trial conducted in diverse populations from multiple continents of people living with HIV (PLWH) failing second-line protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 10 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Participants resistant to lopinavir (LPV) and/or multiple nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors started on third-line regimens that included raltegravir (RAL), darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) and/or etravirine (ETR) according to their resistance profiles. At 48 weeks, 87% of these participants achieved HIV-1 RNA ≤200 copies/ml. We report here long-term outcomes over 144 weeks.Study participants were enrolled from 2013 to 2015, prior to the availability of dolutegravir in LMICs. "Extended Follow-up" of the study started after the last participant enrolled had reached 48 weeks and included participants still on antiretroviral (ARV) regimens containing RAL, DRV/r and/or ETR at that time. RAL, DRV/r and ETR were provided for an additional 96 weeks (giving total follow-up of ≥144 weeks), with HIV-1 RNA measured at 48 and 96 weeks and CD4 count at 96 weeks after entry into Extended Follow-up. Proportion of participants with HIV-1 RNA ≤200 copies/ml was estimated every 24 weeks, using imputation if necessary to handle the different measurement schedule in Extended Follow-up; mean CD4 count changes were estimated using loess regression.Of 257 participants (38% females), at study entry, median CD4 count was 179 cells/mmThird-line regimens comprising of RAL, DRV/r and/or ETR were very well tolerated and had high rates of durable virologic suppression among PLWH in LMICs who were failing on second-line PI-based ART prior to the availability of dolutegravir.

The Bangkok International Symposium on HIV Medicine is the longest running HIV conference in the Asia-Pacific, that provides professional healthcare workers with the latest information on HIV and related fields. For the first time, this event was held as a virtual symposium due to the COVID-19 pandemic and registration was free to everyone. More than 1800 people viewed the symposium from 41 countries. The first sessions reviewed COVID-19 and had a panel representing physicians from Australia, Myanmar, Indonesia and Thailand, who shared experiences in managing HIV care during the pandemic. For the first time, we had sessions on the WHO’s vision for integrating HIV care delivery models, and a number of physicians shared the innovative models that have been developed in their clinics.

Background: There is a very high prevalence of subclinical vitamin K deficiency in patients requiring hemodialysis (HD), and this problem is associated with vascular calcification and arterial stiffness. Vitamin K2 (MK-7) supplementation can improve vitamin K status in HD patients. However, the benefits of vitamin K supplementation on arterial stiffness have still not been established. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of menaquinone-7 (MK-7) supplementation on arterial stiffness in chronic HD patients. Methods: This open-label multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted in 96 HD patients who had arterial stiffness, defined by high carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV ≥ 10 m/s). The patients were randomly assigned to receive oral MK-7 (375 mcg once daily) for 24 weeks (n = 50) or standard care (control group; n = 46). The change in cfPWV was the primary outcome. Results: Baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the change in cPWV at 24 weeks between the MK-7 group and standard care [−6.0% (−20.2, 2.3) vs. −6.8% (−19.0, 7.3), p = 0.24]. However, we found that MK-7 significantly decreased cPWV in patients with diabetes [−10.0% (−15.9, −0.8) vs. 3.8% (−5.8, 11.6), p = 0.008]. In addition, the MK-7 group had a lower rate of arterial stiffness progression, compared to controls (30.2% vs. 39.5%, p = 0.37), especially in diabetes patients (21.4% vs. 72.7%, p = 0.01). No serious adverse events were observed during the 24 weeks. Conclusion: Vitamin K supplements provided a beneficial impact in lowering the rate of arterial stiffness progression in chronic hemodialysis patients with diabetes. Possible benefits on cardiovascular outcomes require further investigation.

BACKGROUND We validated the Data collection on Adverse events of anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) full-risk and short-risk score models for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Asian HIV cohorts. SETTINGS A validation study among people living with HIV (PLHIV) aged ≥18 years among the cohorts in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS PLHIV with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/min/1.73 m were included for validation of the D:A:D CKD full version and short version without cardiovascular risk factors. Those with

Prior to dolutegravir availability, ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) was an alternative recommendation when first-line drugs could not be used. A high concentration of protease inhibitors was observed in the Thai people living with HIV (PLWH). Thus, dose reduction of LPV/r may be possible. However, the pharmacokinetics and dose optimization of LPV/r have never been investigated. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of LPV/r and provide dosage optimization in Thai PLWH.LPV and RTV trough concentrations from Thai PLWH were combined with intensive data. The data were analyzed by the nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach. The influence of RTV concentration on LPV oral clearance (CL/F) was investigated.Rifampicin (RIF) use increased LPV and RTV CL/F by 2.16-fold and 1.99-fold, respectively. The reduced dose of 300/75 and 200/150 mg twice daily provided a comparable percentage of patients achieving LPV target trough concentration to the standard dose for PI-naïve patients. For HIV/TB co-infected patients receiving RIF who could not tolerate the recommended dose, the reduced dose of 600/150 mg twice daily was recommended.The population pharmacokinetic model was developed by integrating the interaction between LPV and RTV. The reduced LPV/r dosage offers sufficient LPV exposure for Thai PLWH.

Despite the mental health and substance use burden among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Asia-Pacific, data on their associations with HIV clinical outcomes are limited. This cross-sectional study of PLHIV at five sites assessed depression and substance use using PHQ-9 and ASSIST. Among 864 participants, 88% were male, median age was 39 years, 97% were on ART, 67% had an HIV viral load available and 1000 copies/mL, 19% had moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, and 80% had ever used at least one substance. Younger age, lower income, and suboptimal ART adherence were associated with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Moderate-to-high risk substance use, found in 62% of users, was associated with younger age, being male, previous stressors, and suboptimal adherence. Our findings highlight the need for improved access to mental health and substance use services in HIV clinical settings.

Background: Impaired immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines have been observed in autoimmune rheumatic disease patients. Determining the most effective and safe vaccine regimen is critically needed in such a population. We aim to compare the immunogenicity and safety of three COVID-19 vaccine regimens in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: SLE and RA patients aged 18–65 years who received inactivated (CoronaVac or COVILO), adenovirus-vectored (AZD1222), or heterogeneous (AZD1222/BNT162b2) vaccines were enrolled. Humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed at day 28 after the second vaccination. This was performed using the serum binding antibody level against the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-RBD Ig) and IFNy-ELISpot assay (ELISpot), respectively. Reactogenicity was reviewed on day 7 following each vaccination. Disease activity was assessed before and on day 28 after the second vaccination. Results: The cohort consisted of 94 patients (64 SLE and 30 RA). Inactivated, AZD1222, and AZD1222/BNT162b2 vaccines were administered to 23, 43, and 28 patients, respectively. Anti-RBD titers were lowest in the inactivated vaccine group (2.84 AU/mL; 95% CI 0.96–8.44), followed by AZD1222 (233.7 AU/mL; 95% CI 99.0–505.5), and AZD1222/BNT162b2 (688.6 AU/mL; 95% CI 271–1745), p < 0.0001. After adjusting for relevant factors, the inactivated vaccine was associated with the lowest humoral response, while adenovirus-vectored/mRNA vaccine was the highest. The proportion of positive ELISpot test was also lowest in the inactivated vaccine group (27%), followed by the adenovirus-vectored vaccine (67%), and the adenovirus-vectored/mRNA vaccine (73%) (p = 0.03). All types of vaccine were well-tolerated. There was no flare of autoimmune disease post-vaccination. Conclusion: Adenovirus-vectored and adenovirus-vectored/mRNA vaccines elicited a stronger humoral and cellular immune response than inactivated vaccines, suggesting that they may be more suitable in SLE and RA patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.