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Study finds standard treatment for common STD doesn't eliminate parasite in some women

A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that a single dose of medication is not enough to eliminate trichomoniasis, a common curable STD causing serious birth complications and increasing HIV susceptibility. Researchers suggest multiple doses of treatment may be necessary for effective elimination of the parasite.

SourceTulane University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 5, 2018

FRESH program combines basic science with social benefits for women at risk of HIV

The FRESH program has shown that young women in South Africa are more likely to be infected with HIV due to socioeconomic factors such as gender inequality and economic dependence. The program also identified biologic factors contributing to a higher risk of HIV infection, including hormonal levels and bacterial microbiome composition.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 14, 2018

Researchers date 'hibernating' HIV strains, advancing BC's leadership in HIV cure research

Researchers have developed a novel method to date 'hibernating' HIV strains, revealing a genetically diverse latent reservoir that can persist for decades. The study confirms the importance of understanding the timeline and characteristics of HIV in the latent reservoir for developing an effective cure.

SourceBC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2018

Epigenetic immune cell diagnostic tool helps detect diseases in newborns not currently identified

A novel epigenetic diagnostic approach enables early detection of primary immune deficiencies in newborns, including Severe Combined Immunodeficiencies and X-linked agammaglobulinemia. The technology also shows promise for improving HIV treatment in low-resource countries by accurately monitoring immune cell counts on dried blood samples.

SourceCoyne PR·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 1, 2018

In Southern Mozambique, only half of people diagnosed with HIV enroll in medical care

In Southern Mozambique, half of those diagnosed with HIV do not enroll in medical care. The study highlights the need to develop interventions to facilitate access to care and treatment among this population. Only 44% attend a medical visit three months after diagnosis, while 25% initiate antiretroviral treatment.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJul 23, 2018

Early HIV treatment key to avoiding brain atrophy

A new study suggests that early HIV treatment can prevent brain atrophy and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of timely antiretroviral therapy. By analyzing MRI data from patients with early HIV infection, researchers found that cART treatment halted volume loss and cortical thinning in several brain regions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 3, 2018

Neighborhood socioeconomic position an important predictor of cardiovascular risk

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that neighborhood socioeconomic position is a crucial predictor of cardiovascular risk. The model used to predict this risk systematically underestimated the negative effects of living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, highlighting the importance of considering ecologic circum...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 28, 2017

New injectable antiretroviral treatment proved to be as effective as standard oral therapy

A Phase II clinical trial found that an injectable antiretroviral treatment was as effective as standard oral therapy in suppressing viral loads in HIV patients. The treatment, which involves a combination of carbotegravir and rilpivirine injected every 4 or 8 weeks, showed improved adherence rates and quality of life for patients.

Understanding HIV's persistence

A new study found that HIV-1 infected cells can persist in the body for decades by exploiting normal cell proliferation. The research identified a single infected CD4 T cell that can amplify the number of virally infected cells through clonal proliferation, leading to a million-fold increase.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 2017

HIV: A therapeutic advance for resource-limited settings

The study found dual therapy with lamivudine and a boosted protease inhibitor to be effective as second-line treatment in patients infected by HIV with multiple mutations. The combination resulted in lower rates of treatment failure, increased CD4 cell count, and better tolerability compared to monotherapy.

SourceANRS·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMay 29, 2017

Prevalence of immunosuppression among US adults

A study published in JAMA analyzed data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey to estimate the prevalence of self-reported immunosuppressed adults in the United States. The estimated US prevalence of immunosuppression is 2.7%, with higher rates among women, whites, and individuals aged 50-59 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 28, 2016

Largest HIV transmission study conducted

A new study of over 800 couples found that neither gay men nor heterosexual people with HIV transmitted the virus to their partners if on suppressive antiretroviral treatment. The PARTNER study, the world's largest of its kind, monitored couples for several years and recorded no instances of transmission.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJAMA·DateJul 12, 2016