Articles tagged with Hiv Prevention
A new approach to fighting HIV has been developed using RNA, specifically small interfering RNAs (siRNA), which regulate gene expression in cells. This nanomedicine was shown to reduce HIV replication by 73% and is intended for vaginal application to prevent sexual transmission.
Researchers discover HIV uses its capsid to bypass cellular defenses and transport genetic material into the cell nucleus. The 'smart' FG phase of the nuclear envelope allows the capsid to slide through, concealing the genomic payload from anti-viral sensors.
The MAMAH trial found that preventive treatment with DHA-PPQ significantly reduces the risk of malaria infection and disease in pregnant women living with HIV. Women in the treatment group had almost eight times lower risk of clinical malaria and half the risk of becoming infected compared to the placebo group.
A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.
Suicide rates in the US increased across all racial groups between 1999 and 2020, with highest rates among White people and American Indian/Alaska Native persons. Firearms and hanging were the top methods used, with a sharp increase in hangings among women.
A new study suggests that stronger responses from immune cells called CD8+ T cells may be key to increasing HIV immunity. Future HIV vaccine candidates may benefit from additional doses or longer persistence in the body to further stimulate the immune system.
Researchers are shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV replication and viral integration, opening new avenues for tackling the virus. Discoveries suggest that targeting the cell nucleus and harnessing innate immunity may be key to blocking viral replication and persistence.
A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that providing easy access to HIV treatment and care for heterosexual men could rapidly cut transmission to their female partners. Closing the viral suppression gap in men is estimated to halve rates of new infections among women and eliminate gender disparities.
The TAF/EVG fast-dissolving vaginal insert is being evaluated in a Phase 1 study to determine its safety and user acceptability. The study aims to assess the product's effectiveness as an on-demand HIV prevention method for women, particularly those who do not want or can't use daily PrEP or long-acting products.
A new HIV prevention study, PrEPVacc, has stopped further vaccinations due to little or no chance of demonstrating vaccine efficacy in preventing HIV acquisition. The trial, testing two different combinations of HIV vaccines and a new oral PrEP drug formulation, aims to find out if either can prevent HIV infection.
A qualitative research study from the University of Bath found that young men who have sex with other men often face barriers to accessing PrEP, a lifesaving medication. The study highlights the need for increased education and online services to improve access to the drug.
A new study by Rutgers University found that Latino sexual minority men who experience racial and ethnic prejudice are more likely to delay HIV testing, complicating efforts to end the over 40-year epidemic. The researchers suggest that everyday discrimination may be a barrier to testing frequency.
A study of over 2,300 patients found that HIV-1 neutralizing antibody response decreases over time but highly potent broadly neutralizing antibodies remain detectable. This finding suggests a possible permanent vaccine response and is an important step toward developing an effective HIV-1 vaccine.
Research found male providers in Western US states with high PrEP knowledge were more likely to prescribe the HIV prevention method. Structural factors like laws and access to care also played a role in prescribing habits.
Researchers developed a new intravenous needle that softens via body temperature on insertion, reducing tissue damage and blood-borne disease risks. The P-CARE needle's variable stiffness characteristics make it flexible upon insertion, allowing for more comfortable injections.
A vaginal film designed to dissolve in 30 days is being tested for its feasibility and acceptability as a potential HIV prevention method for women. The study will enroll 100 women and assess the comfort, usability, and safety of two prototype films with different shapes.
Researchers at UCLA and Charles Drew University are receiving NIH funding to tackle the HIV epidemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as youth, transgender individuals, and Black Americans. The projects will explore innovative implementation strategies to enhance community engagement and support high-quality services.
A new study by UConn researchers found that patients overwhelmingly prefer the traditional daily oral PrEP pill over newer forms, citing its efficacy and minimal side effects as key factors. The study highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities to ensure equitable access to these life-saving technologies.
A new Canadian guideline aims to promote health equity among marginalized groups by providing 16 preventive care recommendations. The guidelines focus on removing barriers to healthcare, prioritizing people from disadvantaged groups, and improving access to essential screenings and interventions.
A Phase 1 trial of a preventive HIV vaccine candidate has begun enrollment in the US and South Africa. The vaccine, VIR-1388, aims to instruct immune cells to recognize and respond to HIV.
The USPSTF recommends prescribing preexposure prophylaxis using effective antiretroviral therapy to individuals at high risk of HIV acquisition. This strategy aims to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV, particularly among the estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV in the US.
Researchers from dfusion, West Virginia University and UMass Chan Medical School develop a customizable digital platform to deliver an effective sexual health education program tailored to Caribbean youth in the US. The adapted program, FOYC+ImPACT U.S., will be scalable across diverse Caribbean community settings.
A recent study found that international migrants in Australia are at increased risk of HIV infection due to reduced access to PrEP, a highly effective prevention measure. The study identified multiple barriers, including lack of awareness, low risk perception, and provider discrimination, which hinder their ability to access PrEP.
Researchers aim to identify best practices for increasing viral suppression in low-income populations with HIV. They will examine state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs to understand disparities in care and outcomes.
Researchers developed a new approach to evaluate HIV infection through the entire male genital tract, showing that productive HIV infection occurs in all organs of the male genital tract. Antiretroviral treatment can suppress HIV production and prevent penile HIV infection by using pre-exposure prophylaxis with an antiviral drug.
The African-led PrEPVacc trial has completed participant enrolment at all four sites in East and Southern Africa. The trial is testing two different ways to prevent HIV, including HIV vaccine regimens and a new form of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
A new study found that more than 60% of parents had heard of PrEP, with relatively low levels of knowledge and high intentions to discuss and support their adolescents' PrEP care. The study highlights the importance of educating parents about PrEP to increase self-efficacy and uptake among at-risk populations.
Targeted testing for HIV in emergency departments has led to a significant increase in diagnoses, with numbers more than tripling in Spain. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding the spread of HIV infection, and targeted screening has been shown to be effective, especially in increasing tests ordered and diagnoses made.
Global efforts to track HIV and HCV incidence among people who inject drugs are necessary to validate targets for ending the epidemics by 2030. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing this population in prevention and elimination work, particularly for vulnerable subgroups like young people and women.
A recent court ruling may result in more than 2,000 preventable HIV infections in the coming year due to reduced insurance coverage for PrEP. The study, led by Yale School of Public Health researchers, estimates that a 1% decrease in PrEP coverage could lead to 114 new infections among high-risk populations.
The new test helps detect new HIV infection and follows current guidelines for testing patients on HIV prevention medication. The study identified successful efforts and opportunities for process improvement during the first three months of implementation.
A new study examines the concerns of parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Parents cited effectiveness and adverse effects as key factors in their decision-making, while also expressing questions about how to discuss PrEP with their children.
Researchers found dapivirine levels in breast milk to be very low, posing no safety concerns. The study supports the inclusion of breastfeeding populations in global guidelines for the use of the dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV prevention.
A fast-dissolving insert containing TAF and EVG was found safe and effective in preventing HIV transmission through anal sex. The study delivered high levels of the drugs to rectal tissue and fluid, with potential protection for up to three days after use.
Researchers found that doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis did not prevent chlamydia or gonorrhea among cisgender women in a clinical trial. The lack of efficacy was attributed to differences in anatomy and antibiotic resistance.
The DELIVER study found that the vaginal dapivirine ring posed no safety concerns when used in the third trimester of pregnancy. The study enrolled women at different stages of gestation and reported similar pregnancy outcomes between those using the ring and a placebo.
A recent study found that PrEP was well received by justice-involved individuals, demonstrating high uptake among those eligible. The approach provided HIV prevention services to a large proportion of incarcerated people, including men aged 25-29 years.
A team of researchers from UNC and CDC developed an injectable implant that can release HIV PrEP medications for up to six months, providing full protection. The technology has shown promise in non-human primates and could potentially be adapted for human use.
A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.
A new study reveals that all 50 US states now allow minors to consent independently to some STI/HIV services, but confidentiality protections are rare and vary significantly. The laws remain complex, with gaps in coverage for prevention services like the HPV vaccine and PrEP.
Men who would use PrEP prefer long-acting injectable medications due to lower cost and reduced side effects. The survey found that respondents ranked costs and potential side effects as the most important factors in considering whether to take PrEP, with a preference for lower-cost options.
The institutions will develop trials to screen cervical cancer patients in low-resource countries, aiming to prevent advanced cancer. The collaboration aims to achieve the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating cervical cancer by adapting and innovating prevention strategies.
A Phase 3 clinical trial testing an experimental HIV vaccine regimen found the treatment to be safe but ineffective in preventing HIV acquisition. The trial involved over 3,900 volunteers and concluded that the number of HIV infections were equivalent between the vaccine and placebo arms.
A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.
A recent study by Texas A&M University reveals that rural family medicine physicians are less comfortable providing sexual risk reduction counseling to adolescents compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and training of PrEP-related clinical activities among rural providers, whic...
The updated guideline provides recommendations on managing HIV infection, including changing antiviral regimens, use of preexposure prophylaxis, care for pregnant persons with HIV, people aging with HIV, and those with substance use disorder. The guidelines also address new challenges such as COVID-19 and monkeypox virus infection.
A systematic review of national clinical practice guidelines in Europe found that fewer than half include HIV testing recommendations for patients with medical conditions indicating HIV infection. This omission hinders efforts to stop the spread of HIV through timely diagnosis, affecting the lives of people living with HIV.
Nurses play a key role in combating stigma by educating healthcare professionals about safe spaces for affected individuals, regardless of sexual behavior or co-infections. Accurate messaging is crucial to prevent misinformation and promote proper care and counseling.
Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.
Research found annual earnings for men in same-sex couples decrease by $2,650 when PrEP drugs become available. Part-time employment also increases by 10.7% among young white men taking HIV prevention drugs.
A study found that despite PrEP's effectiveness in reducing HIV risk by 99%, many male couples underestimate its benefits and experience high levels of stigma. Joint education for male couples may improve PrEP adoption rates, and providing information to both partners can facilitate open discussions and concerns about the medication.
PrEP users in Germany experienced infrequent testing, with 26.3% not following recommended frequencies for HIV, STI, and renal function testing. Regular testing is crucial to prevent missed diagnoses and manage asymptomatic STIs, particularly in MSM populations.
A study in Botswana found that HIV transmission occurs primarily within and between same-age communities, rather than between distant communities. Community-based HIV testing and treatment can effectively curb the spread of the disease if targeted at high-risk populations.
In a study published in Social Science & Medicine, researchers found that young people in Uganda are turning to healers for their holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health. Healers provide a destigmatized, holistic SRH experience by embracing young people's sexual citizenship.
A UCI-led study found that using peer-led online communities increased HIV self-testing and reduced alcohol consumption among Latinx and African American MSM. The HOPE intervention program was successful in reaching diverse audiences, particularly those with high rates of HIV cases and new diagnoses.
The REACH study found that nearly all adolescent girls and young women accepted the option of using a monthly dapivirine vaginal ring or daily oral PrEP. Most preferred the ring, but most were able to use their chosen product some or most of the time. The study suggests that choice is crucial for adherence in HIV prevention.
A meta-analysis of 33 interventions targeting STI/HIV risk reduction found that including pleasure can improve knowledge and attitudes around sex, as well as condom use. The review suggests revisiting sexual education approaches that acknowledge the pleasurable aspects of human experience.
Researchers at UC San Diego found a steep rise in HIV incidence among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, driven by undiminished drug tourism. The rate of infection is 11 times higher than in San Diego residents who do not cross the border.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that the value of long-acting injectable cabotegravir for HIV prevention is comparable to generic oral alternatives. The study found that CAB-LA's superiority over oral PrEP among high-risk individuals would not justify a large price difference.
A study of continuous monthly mortality data found that excess deaths associated with COVID-19 reached greater peaks than most other periods of excess deaths since 1918. The relative excess of deaths in 2020 was 12.5% in Switzerland, 8.5% in Sweden, and 17.3% in Spain.