Researchers identified a new class of anti-malarial compounds, 4-(1 H )-quinolone-3-diarylethers, derived from endochin, which effectively treats malaria in birds. The compounds demonstrated strong activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, the parasites responsible for most human cases of malaria.
A NIH/NIAID study found that antiretroviral-based strategies to prevent HIV infection among women were not effective due to low adherence rates. The VOICE trial showed that nearly half of participants, particularly young and unmarried women, failed to use their assigned products daily.
A two-year-old child was treated with antiretroviral drugs from birth and later showed no detectable levels of virus or disease symptoms without treatment. Researchers are exploring the possibility of replicating this outcome in clinical trials involving other HIV-exposed children.
Researchers are conducting an early-stage human clinical trial of two related candidate vaccines to prevent infection with Shigella bacteria, which causes diarrheal illness particularly among children. The Phase I trial aims to evaluate the vaccines for safety and immune response induction in healthy adults.
NIH researchers discovered a critical transport system in Staphylococcus aureus that produces deadly toxins, paving the way for new antibiotic treatments. The system, called Pmt, is thought to play a similar role in other staphylococci, such as S. epidermidis.
The NIH is sponsoring three clinical trials to test new treatments for influenza, including oseltamivir, combination antiviral drugs and plasma enriched with anti-influenza antibodies. The trials aim to improve treatment options for people with severe illness or chronic health conditions.
A Phase I clinical trial of a tetravalent candidate dengue vaccine found it induced a balanced antibody response against all four dengue viruses in most recipients. The vaccine was safe, and its development is promising for preventing severe dengue disease.
Researchers at NIH and OHSU found that an experimental Ebola vaccine elicits antibodies that protect nonhuman primates from Ebola virus infection. The study's results showed that antibodies induced by the vaccine appeared to be critical to protecting the animals, while immune cells had a minimal role.
A new study funded by NIH suggests that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can reduce the allergic response to peanut in adolescents and adults, increasing their tolerance to peanut. The treatment approach involves placing a small amount of allergen under the tongue under medical supervision.
Over the past two decades, heightened awareness of emerging infectious diseases has improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through advances such as rapid genome sequencing. The complex interactions between microbes and human hosts are being better understood, leading to new insights into disease development and countermeasures.
A clinical trial led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University will enroll 75 men and women with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis to test the investigational TB drug AZD5847. The study aims to determine whether the drug reduces TB bacteria counts in participants, with a focus on patients co-infected with HIV.
A study found that linezolid, an antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections, proved largely effective in treating extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) when added to ongoing treatment regimens. However, 82% of patients experienced significant adverse events that may have been related to the drug.
Researchers aim to improve protection against pneumonia with a higher dose of pneumococcal vaccine in older adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will compare two dosages of a pneumococcal vaccine approved for children and adults.
Research reveals that preferentially transmitted HIV strains in heterosexuals are often similar to the strain initially infecting the partner, indicating an evolutionary advantage. This finding may help advance HIV prevention efforts and develop an effective vaccine.
Researchers found that taking Truvada daily leads to a 99% reduction in HIV infection risk and that participants need to take the medication at least 4 days per week to achieve a 90% risk reduction. The study focused on men who have sex with men, as the findings may not be applicable to other populations.
The reconstructed 1918 influenza virus has provided key insights into how to prevent and control future pandemics. By studying the virus's structure and evolution, researchers have identified potential targets for universal influenza vaccines that can protect against multiple viruses.
Researchers have identified how immature immune cells respond to the influenza virus and traced the path to generate antibodies that can neutralize a wide range of strains. This understanding could aid in designing a universal flu vaccine that provides protection against most or all influenza virus strains.
A clinical study found that an antibody against interferon-gamma compromised the immune systems of HIV-negative people, making them vulnerable to infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria. The study identified autoantibodies as a possible cause of adult-onset immunodeficiency in Southeast Asia.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded 14 grants totaling $7.8 million to focus on basic research for designing a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Recent discoveries about HIV biology are guiding the development of new vaccine strategies.
Researchers found that a prime-boost vaccine regimen can elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies in animals with pre-existing immunity, offering hope for developing vaccines giving long-lasting flu protection. The study's results suggest that a universal flu vaccine may be possible, potentially benefiting people of all ages.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that protects African green monkeys from Nipah virus, with all nine vaccinated animals surviving a lethal challenge. The vaccine is based on a Hendra virus surface protein and is in commercial development for use in horses.
A landmark HIV treatment-as-prevention study has found that providing antiretroviral treatment to HIV-infected individuals earlier, when their immune systems are healthier, delays AIDS-related health events such as chronic herpes simplex virus and tuberculosis. Earlier treatment is also cost-effective as it increases survival, prevents...
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health discovered that beneficial bacteria in the skin play a crucial role in protecting the body from infection. The study found that commensal bacteria work with immune cells to fight off harmful microbes, providing new insights into the importance of skin health and microbiota.
Researchers have identified genetic and blood serum markers that can predict the rapid progression of hepatitis C disease, allowing for more effective treatment decisions. Patients with high levels of a specific protein called MCP-1 are at risk for severe liver diseases.
A recent NIH-funded study found a 2.8% overall rate of new HIV infections among black MSM in the US, with a higher incidence rate among individuals aged 18-30. The study also identified associations between HIV infection and high rates of untreated STIs and poverty.
A new study funded by the NIH suggests that oral immunotherapy can help children with egg allergies overcome their condition. The trial found that 55% of participants who received daily egg white powder doses were able to pass an oral food challenge after 10 months, and 75% were able to do so after 22 months.
The NIH is launching a clinical trial to test the safety and tolerability of maraviroc-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) regimens for HIV prevention. The study aims to reduce the risk of infection by enrolling 400 HIV-uninfected men who have sex with men in 12 cities across the US and Puerto Rico.
A recent study by the Consortium of Food Allergy Research (CoFAR) found that young children with milk and egg allergies experience severe reactions at a higher rate than previously believed. The study also revealed that some caregivers are hesitant to give epinephrine, a medication that reverses the symptoms of such reactions. Nearly 1...
A new study in Uganda found that HIV superinfection may be more common than previously thought, occurring at a rate comparable to the annual incidence of new HIV infections. The research suggests that post-test counseling should emphasize the risk of superinfection and its implications for public health strategies.
Researchers have identified a new HIV-suppressing protein called CXCL4, which binds to the outer coat of the virus and prevents it from entering human cells. This discovery may provide new insights into treating and preventing HIV disease progression.
Scientists traced the origin and development of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus by analyzing genome sequences of 12 strains. The study found that each strain acquired resistance independently and identified shared features among the strains that may have helped them evade human immune defenses.
Researchers found that the sasX gene is more prevalent in MRSA strains from China than previously thought, with its frequency increasing significantly over the past decade. The gene plays a pivotal role in establishing MRSA epidemics and may be involved in molecular processes that help bacteria spread and cause disease.
Researchers identified the most strongly associated strains with premature birth and severe birth defects, using a new blood test developed by NIAID. The study suggests that widespread screening and treatment of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii could prevent infants from suffering eye and brain damage.
A study analyzing blood samples from RV144 trial participants found that those with high levels of a certain antibody were less likely to get infected. Researchers believe this may indicate the need for a different type of immune response in an HIV vaccine, but further testing is needed.
A recent study found that dengue virus infection triggers changes in the activity of genes and functions of mosquito salivary glands, which may lead to greater virus transmission. The researchers also identified three salivary gland genes that modulate dengue virus infection and two olfactory genes that help control mosquito behavior.
Scientists have made significant progress in building knowledge and infrastructure to develop novel tuberculosis vaccine candidates. The next decade of research will focus on investigating remaining fundamental questions and leveraging recent innovations in systems biology, genomics, and bioinformatics.
Two NIH-funded studies demonstrate the benefits of immediate antiretroviral treatment for HIV-infected infants, showing improved survival rates and healthier brain development. The studies found that treating infants with ART within the first year of life significantly reduced the risk of death and disease progression.
A consortium of federal agencies and organizations has published a report proposing common measures and data-collection methods for asthma clinical research. The proposed standardization aims to compare results more efficiently, leading to improvements in asthma management and treatment.
Scientists have identified a highly transmissible variant of the LA-ST398 strain that can efficiently spread among humans, leading to community-associated infections. The new strain, ST398-NM, contains human-specific immune evasion genes and adheres well to skin, increasing its ability to colonize and infect people.
Scientists from NIAID outline key advances in understanding and combatting infectious diseases, including the development of vaccines to prevent many infections. They also note the ongoing challenge of emerging pathogens, such as HIV, which can have devastating effects on societies.
A genetic mutation in the PLCG2 gene causes a rare immune disorder characterized by excessive and impaired immune function, leading to symptoms such as cold-induced hives, immune deficiency, and autoimmunity. The study identifies a unique genetic mechanism at the crux of allergy, immune defense, and self-tolerance.
Researchers have developed a vaccine that partially protects monkeys against a virulent HIV-like virus, with the best predictor of protection being antibodies targeting the virus surface protein. The study suggests that an immune system mechanism for prevention differs from control of viral replication.
The HPTN 052 clinical trial found that HIV-infected individuals who start antiretroviral therapy when their immune systems are healthy have a 96% reduced risk of transmitting the virus to their uninfected partners. This groundbreaking study demonstrates the effectiveness of treatment as prevention in reducing HIV transmission.
The Vaginal and Oral Interventions to Control the Epidemic (VOICE) study found that daily use of an antiretroviral-containing oral tablet or vaginal gel was not effective in preventing HIV infection among women. The study will continue to examine the safety and effectiveness of oral Truvada as a preventive measure for women.
Researchers reveal how a broadly neutralizing HIV antibody called PG9 disarms the virus by grabbing hold of a sugar at residue 160, along with part of a second sugar and a string of amino acid residues in the V1/V2 region. This discovery may help scientists develop more effective HIV vaccines.
Researchers have identified a new class of compounds, known as the imidazolopiperazine (IP) cluster, that could target both liver and blood stages of malaria infection. The IP cluster, including compound GNF179, showed promise in treating malaria-infected mice, extending survival by an average of 19 days.
Flu strains migrate globally, evolving along the way, contradicting the theory that they come from tropical areas. Influenza viruses in tropical regions show relatively low levels of genetic diversity and no seasonal fluctuations.
A potential EBV vaccine could prevent infectious mononucleosis and cancers linked to the virus. Researchers prioritize studying immune responses to vaccination and identifying biological markers for cancer prediction.
A human antibody given to monkeys infected with Hendra virus completely protected them from disease. The study results are cause for hope that the antibody may be developed into a possible treatment for people who become infected with these viruses.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded five-year contracts totaling $150 million to develop broad-spectrum therapeutics against multiple types of bacteria and viruses. The development focuses on creating products that can be stockpiled to protect the public in bioterror attacks or public health crises.