Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A study of pediatric emergency department data found that only 27.7% of young women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were screened for syphilis, and 22% were screened for HIV. Screening rates varied significantly by hospital, with some facilities testing as little as 2% of high-risk patients.
The HIV pandemic is not on track to end by 2030 and current approaches are insufficient. A new Lancet Commission calls for collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to win the global fight against HIV.
A global study found that people infected with HIV are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease, with the greatest impact in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific regions. The study highlights the need for targeted treatments to maximize resources in countries with limited healthcare funding.
Research suggests VMMC has already impacted Zimbabwe's HIV epidemic and will continue to provide significant health and economic benefits. By 2021, the program aims to reach 80% coverage among 15-29-year-olds and 30% among 10-14-year-olds.
An expert panel has identified parallels between the current opioid epidemic and the early days of the HIV epidemic. The panel recommends five crucial steps for clinicians treating patients affected by opioid addiction and these intersecting infections, including increasing access to addiction care and developing hospital-based protocols.
The National Academies have released a report on the intersection of opioid use disorder and infectious diseases, highlighting the urgent need for integrated treatment strategies. The report suggests five action steps to target both opioid use disorder and its resulting rise in infectious diseases, including screening for OUD, implemen...
Researchers found at least one rhesus gammaherpesvirus in all but one tumor, with RLCV associated with cancer risk and RFHV levels increasing over time. The study suggests that gammaherpesviruses contribute to tumor development in SIV/SHIV-infected macaques.
Researchers developed an imaging technique to assess immune system changes in monkeys infected with a simian form of HIV. The study revealed that CD4+ T-cell levels in tissues vary from blood levels, challenging the notion of the gut as a major target for SIV infection.
A screening tool used on HIV-positive children in South Africa found nearly four times the odds of delays in sitting, standing and speaking compared to HIV-negative children. The study suggests increased attention to early HIV diagnosis and intervention is critical to prevent neurocognitive issues.
Despite highly effective anti-HIV pharmaceuticals, HIV remains a persistent threat, with significant equity gaps in access to PrEP. Research identifies barriers affecting minority groups and highlights the need for targeted interventions to increase awareness and facilitate equitable access to PrEP.
Research reveals that HIV-infected youth have lower levels of a protective bacterium in their dental plaque, leading to higher cavities rates. The study aims to explore the role of oral microbiome in HIV-exposed youth and inform new therapies to prevent dental decay.
A new HIV vaccine candidate has been shown to be safe and induce an immune response in both healthy adults and rhesus monkeys. The vaccine protected against infection with an HIV-like virus in monkeys and showed comparable results to those seen in humans, paving the way for a phase 2b clinical efficacy trial.
A new HIV vaccine candidate has triggered desired immune responses in humans and monkeys, demonstrating robust protection against infection. The 'mosaic' vaccine contains a patchwork of genetic sequences found among various HIV strains, providing broad protection against the many strains prevalent worldwide.
A mathematical model developed by Sylvie Deuffic-Burban assesses the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies, including universal screening. The results show that universal screening is associated with better life expectancy adjusted for quality of life than other strategies.
A new study from the CDC estimates substantial numbers of people infected with HIV, but unaware of their infection, weren
A Penn study found that protein fragments in semen enhance Ebola virus transmission and protect the virus from environmental stress. Researchers suggest targeting amyloids could prevent sexual transmission of the Ebola virus.
A clinical trial testing an experimental RSV vaccine is underway at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. The study aims to examine the safety and immune response of the vaccine, with the goal of protecting vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and older adults from severe illness.
Researchers identified over 8,000 endogenous retroviruses in 72 fish species, 4 amphibians, and 16 reptiles, greatly expanding the known diversity of retroviruses. The study suggests that retroviruses frequently switched between hosts and originated from aquatic environments.
A new mathematical framework predicts the efficacy of pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications, helping streamline the development of new treatments. The framework integrates molecular factors that affect drug efficacy, allowing researchers to evaluate clinical efficacy prior to clinical trials.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that high-risk individuals face multiple barriers to accessing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a lifesaving HIV drug. The researchers outline 31 potential solutions to overcome these barriers, which affect patient, provider, and health-system levels.
Research finds higher Treg lymphocyte levels in uninfected babies born to mothers with HIV, suggesting a protective mechanism against infection. This discovery could pave the way for vaccine or immune-based therapies to prevent HIV transmission from mothers to their babies.
Monash researchers have discovered a unique set of 'super' receptors on immune cells capable of killing HIV across genetically diverse populations. These killer CD4+ T cells can recognize HIV fragments in people with different HLA molecules, a feature that may help control the spread of the disease.
Researchers developed an experimental model of HIV infection in mice that shows HIV causes learning and memory dysfunction, a common problem in half of HIV-infected people. The virus establishes latent and active reservoirs in T cells and macrophages, leading to cognitive impairment.
Researchers have found that active HIV in macrophages can cause learning and memory problems in mice, even with suppressed viral levels. The study suggests that macrophages may transport HIV to the brain, leading to cognitive impairment.
A new study has identified a distinct group of men who may be underestimating their HIV risk due to fear of stigma and rejection. These men, including bisexual and non-gay-identified individuals, tend to mix with each other and acquire infection from within their own networks, rather than openly gay men or heterosexual women.
Researchers found that T cells can establish and maintain HIV infection in the brain, suggesting a reservoir for future HIV cure approaches.
A new study finds that chemsex disclosure is associated with higher rates of new HIV diagnoses, as well as Hepatitis C and other STIs. Researchers urge at-risk GBMSM to access pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and increase public awareness about the potential consequences of chemsex.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers reveals how HIV establishes a persistent reservoir of infected cells that can survive indefinitely. The findings highlight the role of BIRC5 and OX40 in these cells' long-term survival, providing potential targets for future therapy.
A Japanese research group has developed a CRISPR/Cas9 system to target and block HIV-1 production in infected cells. By targeting two regulatory genes tat and rev, they were able to significantly lower the expression and functions of both genes.
A Northwestern University study found that over 50% of sexually active gay and bisexual teen boys aged 14-17 used adult hookup apps like Grindr and Scruff. These teens also used the apps to connect with friends and find new partners, highlighting the importance of sex education and HIV prevention tailored to their needs.
Higher levels of bilirubin in the blood are associated with lower rates of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke, even in people without liver disease. The study suggests that bilirubin may have beneficial effects as an antioxidant, potentially reducing chronic disease morbidity risk.
A team of La Trobe University scientists has discovered a peptide found in the flowers of the ornamental tobacco plant Nicotiana alata that can target and destroy Candida albicans cells, making it a promising lead for developing a new class of antibiotics.
Researchers used proteomics to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of Trichomonas vaginalis and Aspergillus fumigatus, identifying palmitoylation sites in T. vaginalis proteins that regulate infectivity and a strategy for A. fumigatus to evade macrophage destruction. This work suggests potential treatments for these infections.
Researchers found that HIV uses alternative splicing to tune random noise, dictating its fate and function. This inefficient process could be targeted to create novel HIV cure strategies.
Researchers have developed an in vitro model of urethral mucosa to visualize the HIV transmission process. The study reveals that infected T cells target epithelial cells above macrophages, leading to viral production and shedding via transcytosis. Macrophages then capture and store the virus, posing a challenge for treatment efforts.
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.
A study in southern Mozambique found that nearly 40% of people diagnosed with HIV do not disclose their status during diagnosis campaigns. This phenomenon can lead to errors in tracking progress towards the 90-90-90 target and wasting valuable resources.
Researchers have found that only a small percentage of latently infected cells are reactivated by the 'shock and kill' approach, indicating a need for new treatment strategies. The study suggests exploring alternative approaches to control or eliminate non-reactivatable latent HIV genomes.
A dolutegravir-based regimen is likely to increase life expectancy by nearly three years and reduce new HIV infections by 23 percent in India. This could be achieved without increasing the country's HIV/AIDS budget.
Gene editing of bone marrow stem cells has shown promise against HIV in non-human primates. The technique successfully reduced the size of dormant 'viral reservoirs' that pose a risk of reactivation, giving rise to white blood cells resistant to SHIV.
A collaborative effort found that CD32 identifies actively infected cells, not latently infected ones. The study challenges recent results suggesting CD32 as a preferential biomarker to identify HIV reservoirs.
Researchers found that HIV disables a pathway involving biological molecules that block viral activity and clear infection, allowing the virus to avoid elimination. The discovery opens a new era of HIV research focused on curing people living with the virus.
Scientists at the University of Waterloo have developed a vaginal implant that decreases the number of cells targeted by the HIV virus, taking advantage of natural immunity. The implant, containing hydroxychloroquine, was tested in an animal model and showed significant reduction in T cell activation.
The US government has renewed funding for UC San Diego's Center for AIDS Research, supporting continued studies of HIV/AIDS. The five-year, $15 million grant will focus on finding a cure for HIV in those already infected and preventing transmission to uninfected individuals.
Researchers discovered that HTLV-1 survives by evading immune surveillance through transient Tax expression in infected cells. This unique strategy allows the virus to maintain a population of infected leukemic cells, making it a potential target for new therapies.
Researchers at UTSA investigate the potential for vaccine development against Cryptococcus, a fungus that can cause deadly fungal meningitis in immunocompromised individuals. The study highlights the need for further research to overcome current challenges in distinguishing between human and fungal cells.
A new study reveals that HIV-infected patients experience dysfunction in follicular helper T cells, which typically help fight off infection. The researchers found that these cells are not playing their usual role to defend against viral infections.
A new study found that up to 70% of 18-24-year-olds have never been tested for HIV. Young women and black/Latino individuals were more likely to have been tested than men and whites, respectively. The authors suggest addressing structural racism and behavioral interventions to improve testing rates.
A study found that postnatal Zika virus infection in rhesus macaque infants resulted in persistent brain structure and function abnormalities, as well as behavioral and emotional changes. The researchers recommend long-term clinical monitoring for affected infants.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that the Vpu protein in HIV allows it to overcome human tetherin, enabling efficient virus replication. Restoring normal levels of tetherin can suppress virus replication.
A recent study found that a focus on boys and young men is crucial to continue progress in reducing new HIV infections. Researchers suggest that improved health counseling and engagement with peers can encourage more adolescents to undergo circumcision, which reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 60%. The study also highlights the ne...
A study published in JAMA Network found that deaths due to most infectious diseases decreased in the US over a 34-year period. However, significant variations in mortality rates were observed across different counties, with lower respiratory infections and HIV/AIDS being major contributors to these disparities.
The study highlights the significant burden of hepatitis B virus globally, with 292 million individuals living with the virus in 2016. Only 5% of eligible patients received antiviral therapy, and less than 1% of expectant mothers with high viral load received prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that 22% of patients tested positive for HIV, including 6% newly diagnosed, in a South African emergency department. The study suggests that emergency departments can play a key role in identifying undiagnosed HIV cases.
A study of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that most Americans have suboptimal cardiovascular health. The study also revealed racial disparities in cardiovascular health, with rates of optimal health remaining below 40% for whites, 25% for Mexican Americans, and 15% for African Americans.
TB, a bacterial infection that infects the lungs, is a leading cause of death worldwide. The NIH calls for modernized TB research using new diagnostic and vaccine approaches to cure people infected with any strain of Mtb.
In an open-label study, nearly 90% of participants used the vaginal ring at least some of the time, with a rate of HIV infection half of what would be expected without the ring. The study found promising results for the desirability and effectiveness of the anti-HIV vaginal ring in real-world settings.
In Lesotho, a clinical study validated a new approach to HIV testing and treatment, offering voluntary tests in remote villages. This strategy increased treatment rates by 26%, with 69% of patients on therapy three months after initial testing, compared to 43% in standard approaches.
Researchers found that a combination therapy of broadly neutralizing antibody and immune stimulant suppressed HIV-like virus in primates for six months without additional treatment. The therapy may have targeted the viral reservoir, reducing viral loads and DNA in lymph nodes.
A one-month antibiotic regimen was at least as safe and effective as the standard nine-month therapy for preventing active tuberculosis disease in people living with HIV. The study found that treatment adherence was significantly better for the shorter regimen, with nearly all participants completing the full course.