Like HIV infection, smoking, which is common among HIV-infected persons, is associated with chronic, systemic inflammation. However, the possible augmentative effects of HIV infection and smoking and other types of tobacco usage on indices of systemic inflammation and the impact of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) thereon remain largely unexplored and represent the focus of the current study. Of the total number of HIV-infected persons recruited to the study (n = 199), 100 were categorised as pre-cART and 99 as virally suppressed (HIV viral load < 40 copies/mL). According to serum cotinine levels, 144 and 55 participants were categorised as nonusers and users of tobacco, respectively. In addition to cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and chemokines (IP-10, MIG, IL-8, MCP-1, and RANTES), other biomarkers of systemic inflammation included C-reactive protein (CRP), β2-microglobulin, and those of neutrophil activation [ICAM-1, L-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)], microbial translocation (soluble CD14, LPS-binding protein), and oxidative stress (cyclophilin A, surfactant D). These were measured using multiplex bead array, ELISA, and immunonephelometric procedures. Viral suppression was associated with significant decreases in the levels of most of the biomarkers tested (P < 0.0037-0.0008), with the exceptions of CRP, cyclophilin A, and MMP-9. With respect to tobacco usage, irrespective of cART status, circulating levels of β2-microglobulin, cyclophilin A, and RANTES were significantly elevated (P < 0.042-0.012) in users vs nonusers. Additional analysis of the groups of tobacco users and nonusers according to cART status revealed high levels of RANTES in pre-cART/tobacco users relative to the three other subgroups (P < 0.004-0.0001), while more modest increases in cyclophilin A and MMP-9 (P < 0.019-0.027) were observed in comparison with the cART/tobacco user subgroup. Notwithstanding the efficacy of cART in attenuating HIV-associated, chronic systemic inflammation, the current study has identified RANTES as being significantly and seemingly selectively increased in those with active HIV infection who use tobacco, a mechanism which may underpin augmentative proinflammatory activity.

Background. Telephone helplines can facilitate referral, education and support for patients living with HIV or those concerned about the infection. The anonymity of helplines facilitates discussion of sensitive issues that are difficult to raise face to face. These services could support the expansion of HIV self-testing. However, maintaining quality and standardising messages in rapidly evolving fields such as HIV is challenging. Objectives. To evaluate the quality of the South African (SA) National AIDS Helpline. Methods. Mystery clients posing as members of the public made 200 calls to the service in 2014. They presented several scenarios, including having received HIV-positive results from a doctor's secretary or through self-testing. Following the call, 'clients' completed a semistructured questionnaire on the information received and the caller-counsellor interaction. Results. Calls were answered within a median of 5 seconds (interquartile range 2 -14). Conversations took place in 8 of the 11 SA official languages, though mainly in English. Overall, 75% of callers felt that with the information they received they could locate a nearby clinic for further services. Counsellors expressed appropriate levels of concern about inadequate counselling that callers had received and confidentiality breaches in some scenarios. Eight counsellors incorrectly mentioned the need for a waiting period to confirm a positive result. Consistent with policy, almost all said that being foreign would not affect HIV treatment access. About 90% explained the need for CD4+ testing and antiretroviral therapy, but only 78% discussed HIV prevention. Counsellors were mostly empathetic (83%), though some adopted a neutral tone (10%) or were brusque (6%) or unhelpful (2%). Conclusions. Overall, helpline counsellors were proficient at providing information about local clinics, HIV testing and steps needed for initiating ART. Dissatisfaction with the caller-counsellor interactions, instances of incorrect information and the relatively low attention accorded to HIV prevention are worrying, however. Training for both refreshing and updating knowledge, and supervision and monitoring of calls, could target these areas.