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Monkeypox virus found in anal samples from asymptomatic MSM

Researchers discovered 13 cases of asymptomatic MSM with positive monkeypox virus PCR results in anal samples, raising concerns about the outbreak's transmission dynamics. The findings suggest that vaccination may not be an effective strategy for preventing infection, highlighting the need for expanded public health interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2022

Starting antiretroviral therapy early essential to battling not one, but two killers

Researchers found that starting combined antiretroviral therapy against simian immunodeficiency virus two weeks after infection significantly reduced chronic immune activation, SIV replication, and latent TB reactivation. This study contributes to the growing evidence on the complex interaction between HIV and tuberculosis.

SourceTexas Biomedical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2022

Easy-to-take medicine better at suppressing HIV in children

A global trial led by UCL found that a dolutegravir-based regimen reduced treatment failure among young people aged three to 18 by around 40% compared to standard treatments. The study also showed better growth and lipid profiles in children receiving dolutegravir, making it an effective option for treating HIV in children.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 29, 2021

Orphanhood declines with rise in HIV antiretroviral therapy and male circumcision

Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.

Major disparities in use of preferred HIV medication may result in worse outcomes for women

A large observational cohort study of 134,672 people with HIV found significant disparities in the uptake of dolutegravir, a preferred HIV medication, among women of reproductive age. Only 29% of female patients aged 16-49 years had initiated dolutegravir, compared to 58% of male patients.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2021

Too many people with HIV fail to achieve durable viral suppression

According to a new study funded by NIH, adults with HIV are making progress toward the global target of 95% viral suppression, but children and adolescents are not. The researchers estimated that among adults, 79% were virally suppressed after one year of treatment, while among children and adolescents, only 64% reached this milestone.

Why drinking water needs monitoring for HIV drugs

Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring drinking water for HIV medications, as they can contaminate rivers and streams through wastewater. The lack of regulation on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe drinking water.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalEnvironmental Nanotechnology Monitoring & Management·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021

Addition of genotypic resistance testing did not improve virologic response in patients with HIV virologic failure sub-Saharan Africa

A randomized controlled trial found that adding genotypic resistance testing to routine care didn't improve virologic suppression among HIV patients with first-line antiretroviral therapy failure in public-sector clinics in Uganda and South Africa. The findings highlight the need for effective interventions for persons with virologic f...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Shorter weekly course of rifapentine-isoniazid associated with much higher treatment completion rates compared to longer daily course

A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 23, 2021

CUNY SPH and the NYC Health Department to study long-acting antiretroviral therapy for HIV

The APPLI study aims to assess the perceptions and preferences of people living with HIV on long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapies. The study will explore how to support adherence and integrate these therapies into Ryan White HIV care settings, potentially improving health outcomes for those struggling with daily oral medicati...

Two PrEP medications are now available. Equally safe/effective. The biggest difference? The price tag.

A new study found that only 7% of patients who switched from Truvada to Descovy had a documented clinical reason for doing so, highlighting the need for cost-effective PrEP options. The significant price difference between the two medications may be a major barrier to broad and equitable PrEP use in the US.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateAug 5, 2021

BU researchers identify basic mechanisms that regulate HIV expression

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified novel transcription factors that influence HIV expression and provided insight into cellular networks controlling activation and repression. Understanding these mechanisms may help target the latent reservoir of virus, allowing for potential treatment advancements.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

New cause of inflammation in people with HIV identified

A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers identified the inability to control HIV RNA production from existing HIV DNA as a potential key driver of chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. This finding highlights the need for novel treatments targeting persistent inflammation to improve outcomes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateOct 30, 2020

Antiretroviral therapy can't completely stop accelerated cell aging seen in HIV

A new study by UCLA researchers found that antiretroviral therapy given over two years was unable to completely restore age-appropriate epigenetic patterns in HIV-infected adults. This suggests that even successfully treated HIV-infected individuals are at an increased risk for early development of diseases commonly associated with aging.

FSU study aids fight against HIV, hepatitis B

Researchers at Florida State University College of Medicine have discovered the mechanism responsible for how two widely used antiviral drugs inhibit viruses, including HIV and hepatitis B. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more potent and effective treatments for millions of people worldwide.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 8, 2020

HIV patients lose smallpox immunity despite childhood vaccine, AIDS drugs

A study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that HIV-positive women who received a childhood smallpox vaccine still retained some immunity to the virus, despite receiving antiretroviral therapy. This limited response suggests that while HIV treatment can boost overall immune function, it may not restore specific memor...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 2, 2020

Risk of neural tube defects higher for babies of women on HIV therapy with dolutegrav

Researchers found a 0.2% increased risk of neural tube defects among children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing dolutegravir since conception compared to those on other regimens. The study tracked birth outcomes in Botswana and suggested that starting dolutegravir around conception may pose a risk.

Being HIV positive and staying on antiretroviral therapy in Africa: A systematic review

The systematic review identified nine themes impacting on adherence and treatment seeking, including external issues such as poverty and stigma. Long-term engagement requires adaptation and incorporation of ART into daily life, facilitated by factors like self-efficacy and emotional support. The review aims to inform service delivery a...

Lyndra announces publication of feasibility study of oral once-weekly drug delivery system for HIV antiretroviral therapy in Nature Communications

A recent study published in Nature Communications presents a proof-of-concept for an oral, once-weekly drug delivery platform for HIV antiretroviral therapy. The platform demonstrates sustained oral delivery of potent anti-HIV therapies, offering a potential solution to non-adherence issues.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

Rising levels of HIV drug resistance

A new study reveals that HIV drug resistance is on the rise, particularly among individuals in low- to middle-income countries, where 11.1% of those starting therapy have resistant virus strains. The research highlights the importance of improving monitoring and response strategies to combat this growing threat.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 30, 2017