Professor Thinh Toan Vu presents study on kidney dysfunction in people living with HIV and HBV in Rwanda

Adjunct Assistant Professor Thinh Toan Vu from the Department of Health and Human Performance recently presented significant research at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025) in Kigali, Rwanda. His presentation highlighted crucial findings from a decade-long study on kidney dysfunction in adults living with both HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr. Vu's research, which analyzed data from over 23,000 people with HIV (PWH) participating in the TREAT Asia Observational Database – Low Intensity TransfEr (TAOD-LITE) cohort, spanned seven countries and ten years. The study offered new insights into the interplay of HIV, HBV co-infection, and kidney health outcomes.

Dr. Vu's presentation, titled "Kidney dysfunction in adults living with HIV and HBV: A 10-year retrospective cohort study across seven Asia-Pacific countries," revealed that 8% of PWH experienced kidney dysfunction, with the rate nearly doubling (14.9%) among PWH with HBV. Most cases were classified as stage 3 renal dysfunction.

Key risk factors identified among PLHIV with HBV included older age (particularly age 50+), low platelet counts, lower CD4 levels, and ART regimens not containing integrase inhibitors. Surprisingly, no significant differences were found between the use of TDF (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and TAF (tenofovir alafenamide) in relation to kidney dysfunction.

"These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted renal screening and monitoring, particularly for older adults with HBV co-infection and limited immune recovery," Dr. Vu stated during the session. "With a growing population of aging individuals with HIV in the Asia-Pacific, proactive interventions in low-resource settings are critical."

IAS 2025 is the world's largest gathering of HIV professionals, drawing global attention to new evidence and strategies in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Dr. Vu's research adds an essential voice to the growing conversation on co-morbidity management and health equity in HIV care.