HIV in the Context of Chronic Disorders and Aging

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 July 2026 | Viewed by 1051

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Infectious and Tropical Disease Unit, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
Interests: HIV; ageing; polypharmacy; multimorbidity

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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Interests: HIV; antimicrobial agents; antiretroviral therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
Interests: HIV; neurological complications; antiretroviral therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, HIV in the Context of Chronic Disorders and Aging, explores the multifaceted health challenges faced by people living with HIV (PWH) as they age. Thanks to antiretroviral therapy, HIV evolved from a fatal disease to a chronic condition, allowing people to live longer. However, with increased longevity comes a higher burden of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, renal and hepatic dysfunction, osteoporosis, neurocognitive impairment, and cancer. This Special Issue also examines the complex interactions between HIV, chronic inflammation, immune senescence, and polypharmacy, which contribute to multimorbidity and frailty. Special attention is given to the impact of social determinants of health, stigma, and disparities in care that disproportionately affect aging PWH. This Special Issue will gather original research, reviews, and perspectives addressing clinical management, pathophysiology, and care models tailored to this evolving population. Ultimately, its aim is to inform multidisciplinary strategies to promote healthy aging and improve the quality of life for older PLWH in diverse settings.

Dr. Maria Mazzitelli
Dr. Andrea De Vito
Dr. Mattia Trunfio
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

14 pages, 1048 KB  
Article
Antiretroviral Adherence and Use of Antihypertensives, Statins, and Antidiabetics Among Elderly People with HIV: A 5-Year Real-World Study in Southern Italy
by Pietro Trisolini, Simona Cammarota, Anna Citarella, Marianna Fogliasecca, Viviana Alicchio, Stefania Antonacci, Romina Giannini, Renato Lombardi, Mariantonietta Piccoli, Francesco Pomarico, Cataldo Procacci, Antonino Siniscalco, Stefania Spennato, Annalisa Saracino and Sergio Lo Caputo
Viruses 2025, 17(9), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17091212 - 5 Sep 2025
Viewed by 742
Abstract
Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a chronic, manageable condition. This retrospective analysis of administrative data from Apulia (Southern Italy) covering 2018–2023 evaluated demographic changes, ART regimen trends, adherence, and the use of antihypertensives, statins, and antidiabetics among people with HIV [...] Read more.
Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV into a chronic, manageable condition. This retrospective analysis of administrative data from Apulia (Southern Italy) covering 2018–2023 evaluated demographic changes, ART regimen trends, adherence, and the use of antihypertensives, statins, and antidiabetics among people with HIV (PWH). Temporal trends were assessed using compound annual growth rate (CAGR). ART adherence was measured as proportion of days covered (PDC), categorized as <75%, 75–90%, and ≥90%. Over the study period, the proportion of PWH aged 18–54 declined, while those aged 55–64 and ≥65 increased (CAGRs: +10.9%, +14.3%). Use of single-tablet regimens rose from 45.1% to 79.6% (CAGR +12.1%), and integrase-based regimens increased from 52.0% to 69.0%, while protease inhibitor and multi-tablet regimens declined. Antihypertensives were the most prescribed concomitant drugs, followed by statins and antidiabetics (CAGRs: +5.8%, +9.7%, +9.5%). In 2023, 81.9% of subjects achieved PDC ≥ 90%, although lower adherence was observed in women and treatment-naïve individuals. These findings indicate a shift toward simplified, integrase-based regimens and high ART adherence, alongside a growing cardiometabolic burden. Tailored strategies are needed to support adherence, particularly in women and treatment-naïve individuals, and to address cardiovascular risk in aging PWH. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue HIV in the Context of Chronic Disorders and Aging)
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