Skip to main content

HIV long-acting treatments: prophylactic and therapeutic

Guest Editors

Antonella Castagna, MD, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy
Stefano Rusconi, MD, DIBIC, University of Milan, Italy


 

BMC Infectious Diseases called for submissions to our Collection on HIV long-acting treatments: prophylactic and therapeutic. In recent years, long-acting treatments have emerged as a promising frontier in HIV management, encompassing both prophylactic and therapeutic modalities. These innovative approaches hold the potential to revolutionize the landscape of HIV care, addressing not only the challenges of treatment adherence but also expanding the toolkit for prevention strategies. This Collection called for novel research, spanning from laboratory-based investigations to clinical trials and public health studies, in order to shed light on the diverse aspects of long-acting treatments for HIV.

New Content ItemThis Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.

Meet the Guest Editors

Back to top

Antonella Castagna, MD, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy         

Dr Antonella Castagna, MD, is Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Full Professor at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan, Italy. She was clinical group leader of the HIV Infection Management and Antiretroviral Therapy Unit at San Raffaele Scientific Institute. Her research focuses on the impact of long-term HIV comorbidities, the evaluation of new therapeutic strategies, including long-acting therapy, and the study of multidrug-resistant virus as well as the clinical implications associated with the occurrence of residual viremia. 

Stefano Rusconi, MD, DIBIC, University of Milan, Italy

Dr Stefano Rusconi, MD, is an associate professor in infectious diseases at the DIBIC, University of Milan, Italy, since February 2015. His post-graduate specialties are in allergy and clinical immunology and infectious diseases. Dr Rusconi is the Chief of the I.D. Unit, Legnano General Hospital, Italy, since February 2021.


About the Collection

BMC Infectious Diseases is calling for submissions to our Collection on HIV long-acting treatments: prophylactic and therapeutic. 

The field of HIV research has made remarkable strides since the identification of the virus in the early 1980s. Over the decades, advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved the quality of life for people living with HIV and have played a pivotal role in reducing transmission rates. Yet, the quest for more effective, convenient, and accessible treatments continues.

In recent years, long-acting treatments have emerged as a promising frontier in HIV management, encompassing both prophylactic and therapeutic modalities. These innovative approaches hold the potential to revolutionize the landscape of HIV care, addressing not only the challenges of treatment adherence but also expanding the toolkit for prevention strategies.

This Collection calls for novel submissions in order to shed light on the diverse aspects of long-acting treatments for HIV. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

  • Long-acting antiretroviral therapies: research exploring the development, mechanisms, and clinical applications of long-acting antiretroviral agents, including their efficacy, safety, and impact on treatment outcomes
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): investigations into long-acting PrEP modalities and their potential to enhance HIV prevention efforts, particularly among high-risk populations
  • Treatment and prevention integration: studies assessing the feasibility and impact of integrating long-acting treatments into comprehensive HIV care and prevention programs
  • Patient perspectives: research that examines patient experiences, preferences, and acceptability of long-acting therapies, addressing issues related to quality of life and treatment satisfaction
  • Public health implications: studies evaluating the public health impact and cost-effectiveness of implementing long-acting treatments as part of HIV prevention and treatment strategies
  • Mechanisms of action: investigations elucidating the mechanisms underlying the sustained action of long-acting treatments, including pharmacokinetics, drug delivery systems, and immunological responses
  • Resistance and adherence: research exploring the potential emergence of drug resistance and the impact of long-acting treatments on adherence behaviors


This collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.


Image credit: gamjai / stock.adobe.com

  1. This study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of INSTI-based antiretroviral regimens compared to the national standard first-line treatment EFV/3TC/TDF for HIV/AIDS in China. The aim is to ...

    Authors: Jian Yang, Xuejuan Zhao and Fan Li
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:604
    Content type: Research Published on:

  2. The goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is to achieve a sustained HIV suppressed viral load. However, adolescents often present poor adherence to ART which is associated with lower rates of viral load suppres...

    Authors: Londiwe D. Hlophe, Constance S. Shumba, Diribsa T. Bedada and Peter S. Nyasulu
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:493
    Content type: Research Published on:

  3. Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapy (LAI ART) is a new, and innovative approach to HIV treatment, designed to address several challenges, including the adherence issues associated with daily oral ART...

    Authors: Pierre Gashema, Patrick Gad Iradukunda, Eric Saramba, Tumusime Musafiri, Thérèse Umuhoza, Felix Ndahimana, Angelique Ingabire, Moise Mukire Ndoli, Gerard Mutagoma, Ivan Emil Mwikarago, Eric Nyirimigabo, Muhayimpundu Ribakare, Jean de Dieu Harelimana, Enos Moyo, Tafadzwa Dzinamarira and Claude Mambo Muvunyi
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:476
    Content type: Systematic Review Published on:

  4. Monitoring the effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment by measuring viral load is a strong recommendation from the WHO following the intensification of this therapy, which, if well mana...

    Authors: Edwige Hermione Dagba Gbessin, Michel Kiréopori Gomgnimbou, René Kpemahouton Keke, Haziz Sina, Aldric Afangnihoun, Moussa Bachabi, Abdoul-Salam Ouedraogo and Lamine Baba-Moussa
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:427
    Content type: Research Published on:

  5. Immune senescence can occur in untreated HIV infection and is partially reversible with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we investigated the differences in immune senescence of T cell subsets amon...

    Authors: Li Li, Fengting Yu, Siyuan Yang, Hui Li, Yunxia Tang and Chengjie Ma
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:290
    Content type: Research Published on:

  6. Long-acting antiretroviral therapy (LA-ART) is an emerging alternative to daily oral ART pills that may improve HIV treatment adherence. We studied preference heterogeneity for LA-ART among people with HIV (PW...

    Authors: Enrique M. Saldarriaga, Brett Hauber, Douglas Barthold, Aaron T. Brah, Jacinda Tran, Vincent C. Marconi, Jane M. Simoni and Susan M. Graham
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:237
    Content type: Research Published on:

  7. HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ghana is 18.1% as compared to 1.6% in the general population. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for p...

    Authors: Amos Apreku, Chris Guure, Samuel Dery, Alhassan Yakubu, Gamji Rabiu Abu-Ba’are, Stephen Ayisi Addo and Kwasi Torpey
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:213
    Content type: Research Published on:

  8. Long-acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine (LA CAB + RPV) shows potential advantages in heavily comorbid and even in viremic people with HIV (PWH). We assessed LA CAB + RPV durability in a cohort of PWH with a h...

    Authors: Valentina Iannone, Roberto Rossotti, Nicholas Brian Bana, Gabriele Cavazza, Federico D’Amico, Francesca Lombardi, Pierluigi Francesco Salvo, Gianmaria Baldin, Simona Di Giambenedetto, Dario Bernacchia, Gabriele Pagani, Alberto Borghetti and Stefano Rusconi
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:105
    Content type: Research Published on:

  9. The study aims to investigate the demographic characteristics, the variations in their immune status, and mortality risk among HIV-1 infection long-term non-progressors (LTNP).

    Authors: Jinming Su, Jie Liu, Fengxiang Qin, Rongfeng Chen, Tongxue Qin, Xing Tao, Xiu Chen, Wen Hong, Bingyu Liang, Ping Cui, Li Ye, Junjun Jiang and Hao Liang
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:72
    Content type: Research Published on:

  10. Increased risk of HIV acquisition during pregnancy and lactation among women is evident, necessitating their inclusion in the evaluation of new HIV prevention interventions. Pregnant and postpartum women speci...

    Authors: Vallery Ogello, Paul Mwangi, Zachary Kwena, Nicholas Thuo, Catherine Makokha, Emmah Owidi, Nelson Muteti, Catherine Kiptinness, Nelly R. Mugo and Kenneth Ngure
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2025 25:37
    Content type: Research Published on:

  11. There is currently limited knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment cascades among female sex workers (FSW) in Ghana. This study sought to use the 2020 bio-behavioural survey (BBS) among FSWs to identify g...

    Authors: Samuel Dery, Chris Guure, Kwaku Owusu-Ansah, Amos Apreko, Comfort Asamoah-Adu, Stephen Ayisi Addo and Kwasi Torpey
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:1418
    Content type: Research Published on:

  12. HIV/AIDS has left a profound impact, leading to significant mortality, morbidity, economic strain, and disability on a global scale. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has played a pivotal role i...

    Authors: Abel Andargie Berhane, Hawibilisuma Fituma Chimdesa, Atalel Fentahun Awedew, Nahom Addisu Bekele, Henok Mulatu Teferi and Getachew W/Yohannes
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:1068
    Content type: Research Published on:

  13. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection has evolved substantially. The development of long-acting drugs, such as cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) might improve treatment satisfaction among peopl...

    Authors: Keiji Konishi, Daisuke Onozuka, Moeka Okubo, Yu Kasamatsu, Satoshi Kutsuna and Michinori Shirano
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:979
    Content type: Research Published on:

  14. A dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral regimen has been rolled out for pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries since 2020. However, available safety data are limited to a few clinical trials and ...

    Authors: Abel Gedefaw, Birkneh Tilahun Tadesse, Yifru Berhan, Eyasu Makonnen, Stefano Vella and Eleni Aklillu
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:901
    Content type: Research Published on:

  15. Long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatment (LAI-ART) has emerged as a novel alternative to the burden of daily oral pills. The bi-monthly intramuscular injectable containing cabotegravir and rilpivirine h...

    Authors: Henry Zakumumpa, Adolf Alinaitwe, Marjorie Kyomuhendo and Brenda Nakazibwe
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:876
    Content type: Research Published on:

  16. Monitoring chronic diseases, particularly kidney disorders, in people living with HIV (PLWH) is of paramount importance. Here, a systematic search was conducted across electronic search engine and databases li...

    Authors: Joel Choshi, Sidney Hanser, Sihle E. Mabhida, Haskly Mokoena, Marakiya T. Moetlediwa, Ndivhuwo Muvhulawa, Machoene D Sekgala, Bongani B. Nkambule, Zandile J.R. Mchiza, Duduzile Ndwandwe, Unati Nqebelele, André P. Kengne and Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:776
    Content type: Systematic Review Published on:

  17. HIV treatment currently consists of daily oral antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting (CAB + RPV LA) is the first ART available in Spain administered every 2 months through intram...

    Authors: Laura-Amanda Vallejo Aparicio, Victoria Neches García, Beatriz Hernández-Novoa, Gregorio Casado, Ferrán Jodar, Marco Pinel and Daniel Callejo Velasco
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:775
    Content type: Research Published on:

  18. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that HIV treatment scale-up is accompanied by a robust assessment of drug resistance emergence and transmission. The WHO HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR) monitoring an...

    Authors: Nália Ismael, Hernane Gemusse, Isabel Mahumane, Osvaldo Laurindo, Cacildo Magul, Cheryl Baxter, Eduan Wilkinson, L. Marije Hofstra, Nick Wagar, Dulce Bila, Nédio Mabunda, Juliana da Silva, Túlio de Oliveira, Elliot Raizes, Wolfgang Preiser, Pedro Manuel…
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:748
    Content type: Research Published on:

  19. HIV remains a critical global public health challenge. In 2022, it was estimated that approximately 39.0 million people worldwide were living with HIV, and of these, around 29.8 million were receiving antiretr...

    Authors: Eduardo Mangue Chicanequisso, Cynthia Sema Baltazar and Jahit Sacarlal
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:713
    Content type: Research Published on:

  20. The effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) depends on participants adherence, making it crucial to assess and compare regimen options to enhance human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prophylaxis strateg...

    Authors: Lin Gan, Xiaoxin Xie, Yanhua Fu, Xiaoyan Yang, Shujing Ma, Linghong Kong, Chunli Song, Yebing Song, Tingting Ren and Hai Long
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:565
    Content type: Research Published on:

  21. Early prediction of mortality in individuals with HIV (PWH) has perpetually posed a formidable challenge. With the widespread integration of machine learning into clinical practice, some researchers endeavor t...

    Authors: Yuefei Li, Ying Feng, Qian He, Zhen Ni, Xiaoyuan Hu, Xinhuan Feng and Mingjian Ni
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:474
    Content type: Systematic Review Published on:

  22. Mother-to-child transmission is the primary cause of HIV cases among children. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a critical role in preventing mother-to-child transmission and reducing HIV progression, morbid...

    Authors: Fatemeh Mehrabi, Mohammad Karamouzian, Behnam Farhoudi, Shahryar Moradi Falah Langeroodi, Soheil Mehmandoost, Samaneh Abbaszadeh, Shahrzad Motaghi, Ali Mirzazadeh, Behnam Sadeghirad and Hamid Sharifi
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:417
    Content type: Systematic Review Published on:

  23. In 2022, the WHO reported that 29.8 million people around the world were living with HIV (PLHIV) and receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART), including 25‌ 375 people in Gabon (54% of all those living with HI...

    Authors: Guy Francis Nzengui-Nzengui, Gaël Mourembou, Hervé M’boyis-Kamdem, Ayawa Claudine Kombila-Koumavor and Angélique Ndjoyi-Mbiguino
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:316
    Content type: Research Published on:

  24. This study aimed to assess weight gain associated with treatment switching to INSTI-based regimens in people living with HIV (PLWH) and to determine whether it is accompanied by worsening features of hypertens...

    Authors: Omer Maman, Wiessam Abu Ahmad, Ofer Perzon, Keren Mahlab-Guri, Daniel Elbirt and Hila Elinav
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:221
    Content type: Research Published on:

  25. This study aimed to understand the basic situation of adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Meigu County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. The information ...

    Authors: Li Yuan, Kaiyou Chen, Yuanfang Cai, Zhonghui Zhou, Ju Yang, Wuti Jiqu, Qirong Zhu, Hong Zhang, Shaowei Niu and Hui Sun
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:155
    Content type: Research Published on:

  26. Among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the mortality of immunological non-responders (INRs) is higher than that of immunological responders (IRs). However, factors associated wit...

    Authors: Heping Zhao, Anping Feng, Dan Luo, Tanwei Yuan, Yi-Fan Lin, Xuemei Ling, Huolin Zhong, Junbin Li, Linghua Li and Huachun Zou
    Citation: BMC Infectious Diseases 2024 24:138
    Content type: Research Published on:

Submission Guidelines

Back to top

This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "HIV long-acting treatments: prophylactic and therapeutic" from the dropdown menu.

Articles will undergo the journal’s standard peer-review process and are subject to all of the journal’s standard policies. Articles will be added to the Collection as they are published.

The Editors have no competing interests with the submissions which they handle through the peer review process. The peer review of any submissions for which the Editors have competing interests is handled by another Editorial Board Member who has no competing interests.