Interdisciplinary HIV Sentinel Case Review: Identifying Practices to Prevent Outbreaks in Philadelphia

The Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative considers cluster and outbreak response essential. This article describes the design, implementation, and early findings of a Philadelphia-based project to systematically assess sentinel cases among priority populations for improving public health infrastructure and preventing future outbreaks.

Sentinel HIV cases (i.e., early-stage or acute infection or molecular cluster cases) were identified among priority populations (Black and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men, youth aged 18-24 years, and transgender people who have sex with men). Chart abstraction and structured interview data were reviewed to determine themes and service gaps and to identify, prioritize, and implement recommendations. Interdisciplinary review teams included individuals with lived experience, frontline staff, and local agency leadership.

Data were collected during July 2019-December 2020 and analyzed for 53 of 126 sentinel cases of HIV diagnosed since July 1, 2018. The majority were men who have sex with men (79.3%), those aged 18-24 years (67.9%), and non-Hispanic Black (67.9%). More than half received sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing ≤3 years preceding HIV diagnosis (56.6% and 54.7%, respectively), had a healthcare visit within 12 months before diagnosis (64.2%), and had no evidence of pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness (58.5%). Project recommendations effectuated actions to improve pre-exposure prophylaxis provision, integrate sexually transmitted infection and HIV testing, and educate primary care providers.

HIV sentinel case review is a model for health departments to rapidly respond to recent transmission, identify missed HIV prevention opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, and implement programmatic and policy changes. Such efforts may prevent outbreaks and inform longer-term strategies.