44 - Navigating the modern patient journey in HIV care

While HIV has transitioned from an acute, life-threatening infection to a highly manageable chronic condition, significant complexities in screening, prevention, and long-term care remain. In this episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD, discusses the dramatic evolution of HIV care with Dr Ann MacIntyre, DO, a board-certified infectious disease physician and Senior Medical Director of Infectious Disease at Quest Diagnostics. They explore the cellular mechanisms of HIV, the timeline of diagnostic markers in the blood, the vital role of PrEP and baseline testing, and the clinical shift toward holistic, longitudinal care for patients aging with the virus. This episode will - Explain the cellular mechanism of HIV infection and map the clinical timeline of diagnostic markers in the blood, including viral RNA, p24 antigen, and antibodies (3:30) - Differentiate between historic and modern HIV testing methodologies, highlighting how the fourth-generation antigen/antibody combo assay addresses the critical window period (6:00) - Outline the comprehensive laboratory testing required for safe PrEP initiation, including screening for co-infections like Hepatitis B and monitoring metabolic markers (8:00) - Analyze clinical strategies for staging newly diagnosed patients and managing long-term viral suppression, addressing the complex systemic impacts of chronic inflammation on aging patients (13:30)   Speakers: Dr Ann MacIntyre, DO; Maeson Latsko, PhD Contributors: Maeson Latsko, PhD; Dr Ann MacIntyre, DO; Katherine Watson; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Frank Samarro   Ordering information HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics - HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, Real-Time PCR | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics - HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics HIV-1 RNA, Quantitative, PCR with Reflex to Genotype | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics   Additional resources - Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center | Quest Diagnostics - HIV testing | Quest Diagnostics HIV testing | Quest Diagnostics   References US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for HIV Infection: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. *JAMA*. 2019;321(23):2326-2337. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.6587 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Association of Public Health Laboratories. Laboratory Testing for the Diagnosis of HIV Infection: Updated Recommendations. CDC. 2014. CDC. HIV treatment and care. Updated April 16, 2026.  Accessed August 6, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/clinicians/treatment-care/index.htmlClinical Care of HIV | HIV Nexus | CDC CDC. Clinical Guidance for PrEP | HIV Nexus | CDC. Updated April 30, 2026. Accessed August 6, 2026. Panel on Antiretroviral Guidelines for Adults and Adolescents. Guidelines for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents with HIV*.* Department of Health and Human Services. Updated May 27, 2026. Available at https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/adult-and-adolescent-arv. Accessed August 6, 2026.