Articles tagged with Hiv Infections
A study found that most persistent viral detection despite effective therapy is due to defective, non-infectious virus copies. The 5'-leader region of the virus is responsible for producing infectious particles, but defects in this area prevent the generation of functional viruses.
A study found that adolescents aware of their state's minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive HIV and other sexually transmitted infections testing. Teens who accurately knew their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services had higher testing rates.
Researchers discovered that HIV-1 can infect resting immune cells by temporarily 'unlocking' the nuclear pore complex, allowing its genetic material to enter the host's DNA. This finding challenges a long-standing dogma and has significant implications for understanding the latent reservoir and developing new treatments.
A study found significant CD39 expression on CD4+ T-cells in HIV/HCV coinfected patients, with a negative correlation between CD39 positivity and pro-inflammatory chemokines. This suggests that CD39-positive T-cells play a role in controlling purinergic signaling in these patients.
Researchers have successfully isolated and grown authentic reservoir clones (ARCs) that evade the immune system, providing new insights into how to eliminate them. The study suggests that potent CTLs can catch these cells during brief windows of HIV visibility, slowly shrinking the reservoir.
A newly described HIV antibody targets the V3 glycan site in a different manner than previously known antibodies, remaining effective against virus variants that are resistant to classical V3 antibodies. This breakthrough supports antibody therapy combinations that neutralize the virus more effectively.
A study found that switching to electronic medical records at HIV clinics in Malawi led to a 28% reduction in deaths after five years, with the greatest impact on children. The introduction of EMR systems prevented approximately 5,050 AIDS deaths and improved healthcare efficiency.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
A new study explores the potential of long-acting injectable treatments for HIV-positive breastfeeding women, finding that they can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year. The research suggests that these formulations could be cost-effective and widely available globally to reach those who need them most.
A molecule capable of opening the 'shell' of HIV allows specific antibodies to trigger a cytotoxic reaction, facilitating the elimination of infected cells. The compound, CJF-III-288, modifies the HIV envelope protein structure, making it detectable and vulnerable to the immune system.
A new study suggests that long-acting injectable treatment can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year in Zimbabwe. The treatment, LA cabotegravir with rilpivirine, could be cost-effective if priced at $156/year or lower for women whose HIV has not been fully suppressed at delivery.
The University of Houston is part of a statewide effort to fight the opioid epidemic by investigating opioid use disorder among people living with HIV in Harris County. Researchers aim to integrate prevention methods, including Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), into treatment for those affected.
Researchers investigate whether combining fostemsavir with antiretroviral therapy can lower 'bad' antibodies that damage CD4 cells. The trial aims to test if this treatment reduces cardiovascular problems in people living with HIV. Participants will undergo cardiac CT scans to measure coronary plaque progression.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
Researchers at Tulane University developed a handheld TB test inspired by the bombardier beetle's natural defense mechanism. The ASTRA device requires only a drop of blood and delivers same-day diagnoses without need for laboratory or trained staff, outperforming traditional tests in detection of TB with HIV co-infection.
Scientists from Florida Atlantic University have identified a mechanism that enables HIV-1 to hijack human immune cells using circular RNAs, which trap microRNAs to weaken the immune response. The findings reveal a previously hidden layer of HIV biology and offer new possibilities for treatment.
Cassandra Pierre, a BU researcher, has received the Bayard Rustin Award for Courage for her work on low-cost interventions to prevent infections in vulnerable populations. Her clinical interests include HIV management in pregnant women and subpopulations.
Researchers found that high-grade pre-cancer lesions triggered stronger immune responses and showed higher levels of immune-related markers PD-L1 and FOXP3. These findings suggest that HPV may begin avoiding the immune system early in infection, allowing infected cells to grow and potentially leading to cancer.
The EU/EEA is struggling to reach 2030 SDG targets for HIV, TB, viral hepatitis B and C, and STIs, with many countries not on track. Despite progress in some areas, significant data gaps hinder a complete assessment.
A mathematical modeling study suggests that sustained HIV remission or eradication could consistently reduce new HIV infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands. However, transient remission with a risk of rebound may increase new infections if not closely monitored.
Wesley Sundquist's lab developed lenacapavir, an exceptionally effective HIV-preventing drug with 99.9 to 100 percent efficacy in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people. The drug has the potential to dramatically decrease infection rates worldwide if distributed broadly.
A new, easier-to-administer sustained-release formulation of flucytosine has entered Phase II clinical trials in Malawi and Tanzania. The trial aims to address the growing concern of cryptococcal meningitis, a major health threat to people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with advanced HIV.
A study in Tanzania found that eliminating worm infections, such as Wuchereria bancrofti, can reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The research, conducted between 2007 and 2019, showed a significant decrease in HIV incidence among people cured of the worm infection, compared to those who remained infected or never had the infection.
Tulane University scientists developed a handheld device to deliver rapid and accurate tuberculosis diagnoses in under an hour. The device, called the lab-in-tube assay (LIT), can detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in saliva, blood, and sputum samples, offering a cost-effective tool for improving TB diagnoses in resource-limited areas.
Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new molecular stool test has shown promise in detecting tuberculosis in adults living with HIV, particularly those with advanced AIDS. The test, known as Xpert MTB/Ultra, had a sensitivity of 23.7% and specificity of 94.0%, outperforming standard tests in some cases.
A new point-of-care technology developed by Northwestern University scientists can detect multiple HIV antigens at high sensitivity in a matter of minutes. The technology uses a nanomechanical platform and tiny cantilevers to measure the binding of p24 antigens to surface antibodies, demonstrating high specificity.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University develop a disposable microchip technology for HIV-1 self-testing during acute phase or viral rebound. The device is expected to be affordable and provide results within 40 minutes.
A new modelling study warns that proposed cuts to international funding for HIV prevention and treatment programmes could result in significant increases in new HIV infections and deaths. The research estimates 4.4-10.8 million additional new infections and 770,000-2.9 million HIV-related deaths by 2030 if funding cuts are not mitigated.
A computer simulation model suggests that administering long-acting, injectable antibodies to infants can reduce HIV transmission and be cost-saving in high HIV burden settings. The study found that bNAbs could potentially prevent up to 42% of all new infant HIV infections.
A study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that a single dose of the Imvanex vaccine provides 84% protection against Mpox for HIV-negative individuals, but offers limited protection for those living with HIV. The study recommends that all at-risk groups, particularly those with HIV, receive two doses of the vaccine to ac...
Researchers identified nine distinct types of T cells that harbor inactive HIV cells, and persistent T cells with HIV even after antiretroviral therapies. This discovery brings medical experts closer to a cure for the infection affecting nearly 40 million people globally.
A new dataset captures over 170 years of US state laws governing minors' legal capacity to independently consent to sexual health services without parental involvement. This increase in states allowing minors to consent has substantial limitations, including complexity and neglect of confidentiality concerns.
A cross-sectional study of Ugandan adults with and without HIV found the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis disease to be much lower than expected in similar populations in the Global North. The study's results refute prior notions that well-controlled HIV infection is associated with increased CAD risk.
A new study by researchers at UCSF has found that long-acting injectable treatments can be transformative for patients who struggle to take daily HIV pills, resulting in undetectable viral loads and improved health outcomes. The treatment approach could help stop the spread of HIV by keeping more patients from being infectious.
A new study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy has found that lenacapavir is effective in controlling HIV in a population of patients in Uganda. The study sequenced the capsid proteins from 546 Ugandan patients and found little natural resistance to the drug.
A new low-cost handheld device combines paper-based sample preparation with real-time isothermal amplification for rapid and accurate HIV diagnosis. The device offers high sensitivity, portability, and simplicity, making it an ideal tool for resource-limited settings.
A study projects the impact of PEPFAR funding cuts on South Africa, finding that eliminating funding would lead to significant increases in HIV infections and related deaths. The analysis highlights the devastating consequences of abrupt funding cuts, including a $1.7 billion increase in healthcare expenditure.
Climate change is associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced testing and increased risk behaviors, leading to higher new infections and poorer treatment adherence. Researchers identified links between extreme weather events and HIV-related challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions and strategies.
A new study has found that rates of chlamydia and syphilis plummet among people prescribed doxycycline for STI prevention in routine clinical care. The study used pharmacy data to determine which HIV PrEP users filled prescriptions for doxyPEP, with 2,253 people receiving the medication within its first year of availability.
The updated recommendations provide a comprehensive framework for healthcare professionals to deliver better care and move closer to ending the HIV epidemic. The guidelines emphasize tailored antiretroviral therapy, effective HIV prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis, and comprehensive care for people living with HIV.
A new hepatitis B vaccine, Heplisav-B, has been shown to be more effective than an older vaccine type in inducing a protective antibody response among people living with HIV who didn't respond to prior vaccination. The study found that up to 99.4% of subjects received the new vaccine showed protective levels of antibodies.
The new MemoryHIV.org website addresses a growing need for information on brain health in people with HIV. The site offers comprehensive guides, practical advice, and strategies for managing cognitive challenges, empowering individuals to better understand and manage their brain health.
A recent clinical trial has revealed a twice-yearly injection of Lenacapavir to be 96% effective in preventing HIV infection, surpassing daily oral PrEP. The study included racially and ethnically diverse participants, highlighting the need for more options in HIV prevention.
A new IHME study reveals significant progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way in cutting new HIV infections and deaths. However, the world is not on track to meet UNAIDS 2030 targets, with a quarter of people living with HIV not receiving treatment.
Researchers gather data from 400 women to analyze the effects and interactions of Bacterial Vaginosis on immune cells and vaginal tissue, hoping to develop more effective personalized treatments.
A new study has compared four different training courses to help students gain a better understanding of probabilities, particularly in Bayesian situations. The findings show that translating probabilities into concrete frequencies using a double tree approach proved most effective in helping students solve similar tasks.
The survey found that the number of US clinicians available to provide HIV prevention and treatment is shrinking, with 10.5% of current clinicians reporting they would leave HIV care in the next five years. Younger clinicians and those from certain regions are more likely to continue providing HIV care.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has found that giving iron supplements to children living with HIV can optimize brain development. The study, published in the Lancet HIV journal, demonstrates that iron is not only beneficial but also safe for these children.
Sweden has surpassed the UNAIDS and WHO targets for the HIV epidemic, with 96% diagnosed, 99% on treatment, and 98% having undetectable virus levels. The country's effective infrastructure and comprehensive data collection have made it possible to reach these ambitious targets.
A new study found that kidney transplantation from HIV-positive donors to recipients with HIV is safe and effective, with comparable survival rates and risks of serious side effects. The study's results support the use of organs from HIV-positive donors as standard clinical practice for people with HIV in need of kidney transplantation.
A Rutgers Health study suggests telehealth is a viable long-term option for people living with HIV, maintaining treatment regimens and health outcomes. Researchers found that 69.2% of participants accessed healthcare via telehealth, with 92.4% rating the quality as 'excellent' or higher.
Researchers aim to determine structure-function and validate anti-HIV activity of PSGL-1, a host protein inhibiting HIV virion infectivity. The study may lead to novel therapeutics for HIV cure.
Researchers evaluated HIV reservoir in breast milk cells of two women living with HIV, detecting very low levels of cellular HIV DNA. The study's findings support revised recommendations on infant feeding by people with HIV in high resource settings.
Researchers argue that stigma can play a huge role in health outcomes, leading to disengagement from care, coerced sterilization, and lack of informed choices. Addressing stigma through evidence-based approaches, such as staff training and relationship building, can improve healthcare services.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Institute have developed a TB therapy that does not interfere with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in patients with HIV. The host-directed therapy blocks an immune system protein and has shown improved control of TB when used with antibiotics.
Researchers analyzed over 6,400 tweets from young male Twitter users and found that posts using humor to stigmatize people or promote risky behaviors received more attention. The study's findings suggest that understanding how at-risk populations discuss HIV on social media can help design effective health campaigns to reach them.
Researchers at MIT found that a two-dose schedule for an HIV vaccine can generate a strong response to the virus, outperforming a traditional seven-dose regimen. The first dose primes the immune system, helping it to produce antibodies more effectively when a larger dose is administered one week later.
A study of 12 participants demonstrates that a cocktail of three broadly neutralizing antibodies successfully suppressed virus in people living with HIV. Long-term control of the virus was observed in five participants, suggesting a new treatment strategy for HIV.
A single dose of the Modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine was found to be 58% effective in preventing mpox infection in a recent study published in BMJ. The study used real-world health data to estimate the vaccine's effectiveness against mpox infection and included over 3,200 men who received the MVA-BN vaccine.