Institute of Human Virology at CROI 2025

In March 2025, Institute of Human Virology (IHV) members attended the 2025 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in San Francisco, California. CROI provides a forum for scientists and clinical investigators to present, discuss, and critique their investigations into the epidemiology and biology of human retroviruses and associated diseases. Attendees are researchers and clinical educators actively involved in the study and management of HIV, other retroviruses, and related medical conditions. Attendees from UMSOM included: 

• Kristen Stafford, PhD, MPH, Deputy Director of Ciheb Global

• Brianna Lindsay, MPH, PhD, Director of Health Programs at Ciheb Global 

• Patrick Dakum, MMBS, Chief Executive Officer at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria   

• Camille Knable, MD, MPH, resident physician at UMMC

This year boasted 3,772 registered attendees from 69 countries, with 40% of participants from outside the U.S. The conference showcased 1,076 accepted general abstracts, 94 late-breaking abstracts, 105 oral abstracts presented, and over 1,000 posters displayed. 

Dr. Stafford’s poster, Age-stratified Sexual Partner Profiles to Characterize HIV Risk Across Lifespan -Botswana and Zambia, shows predictions of age and sex distribution of HIV over time to provide intervention and resource planning. Other investigators on the poster are Divya Hosangadi, Hope Sabao, Kesalefa Elliam, Billy Tsima, Wilbroad Mutale, Lloyd Mulenga, Bornapate Nkomo, Chola Nakazwe, Susan Matroos, Ndwapi Ndwapi, Lillian Okui, Meagan Mutepfa, Stella Keipeile, Meagan Fitzpatrick.

Dr. Lindsay’s poster, Factors Associated with PrEP Uptake, Persistence, and Adherence Among Incarcerated People in Zambia, continues the study of PrEP uptake among a cohort of incarcerated people in Zambia (press release). Other investigators in this study are Cassidy W. Claassen, Muyunda Siyambango, Linah K. Mwango, Caitlin Baumhart, Nasho Nyirongo, Morley Mujansi, Clement Moonga, Godfrey Muchanga, Chiti Bwalya, Monica Gandhi, Maurice Musheke, Michael E. Herce. 

Dr. Knable’s poster, HIV Health Care Transition: Five-year Rates of Retention and Viral Suppression, examines several clinical outcomes of up-to-five years post-transition cohorts of adolescent and young adult participants’ linkage to adult care, retention in adult care, and viral suppression. Other investigators in this study are Matthew Grant, Vicki Tepper, and Patrick Ryscavage.

CROI is a significant conference bringing together ongoing research on HIV, hepatitis viruses, SARS-CoV-2, pox, and related conditions for discussion and collaboration. Developments in long-acting antiretroviral therapies, improved PrEP formulations, and advancements in research offer fresh opportunities to strengthen community-based interventions. Institute of Human Virology will continue transforming research findings into practical program actions with educational and outreach initiatives and developing prevention strategies for global health.