Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A special issue of PLOS Medicine presents groundbreaking research on HIV prevention, treatment, and cure. Studies reveal improved outcomes with combined interventions aimed at linking patients to care and retention, as well as substantial benefits for people with HIV.
Women involved in high-risk sex behaviors have more diverse vaginal bacterial microbiota, a lower abundance of protective Lactobacillus bacteria, and are at higher risk for STIs and HIV-1 acquisition. The study suggests that low diversity vaginal microbiota is associated with less risk of vaginal infections.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have identified the key player in the immune system's defense against Candida albicans, a fungus that causes oral thrush. The study reveals that a fungal toxin called Candidalysin plays a crucial role in triggering an immune response to prevent infection.
Research at Boston University School of Medicine found that frequent marijuana use is associated with cognitive dysfunction in people with HIV who have an alcohol or other drug use disorder. The study suggests that marijuana may have detrimental effects on cognitive function in this population, particularly as they age.
Chronic hepatitis B and C cause life-threatening liver damage, cancer, and premature death, with 300 million infected worldwide. Donors are essential to deliver results in the next 13 years, as domestic funding is unlikely to meet the challenge.
Researchers discovered that mothers with high levels of neutralizing antibodies were more likely to pass on HIV to their infants through breast milk. Infants born to these mothers were also at higher risk of serious illness or death from the virus.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new methods for detecting tuberculosis (TB), a deadly disease that kills over a billion people in the last two centuries. The new tests use nanotechnology to detect TB proteins in patient blood samples, providing rapid and accurate results.
Researchers identified specific immune memory T-cells as the site where HIV hides to evade detection, revealing a key target for future therapies. This discovery provides new insights into the chronic illness and offers potential avenues for developing a cure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that injured patients in LMICs are disproportionately HIV-seropositive compared to matched national estimates. These patients also face a significantly increased risk of death, especially when HIV-seronegative.
Researchers propose a mathematical model to investigate the effects of drug parameters and dosing schedules on HIV latent reservoirs and viral load dynamics. The study suggests that drugs with proper pharmacodynamic properties can potentially prevent or postpone establishment of viral infection.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases defines the burden of hepatitis C virus infection in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Researchers developed a simple test using existing HIV testing equipment, identifying 1% of adults living in the DRC as potentially infected.
A study published in Frontiers in Neuroanatomy found that HIV-positive children who started antiretroviral treatment by 18 months old have ongoing disruptions in white matter development at age 7, even with viral suppression. Uninfected children also show changes in brain development, suggesting long-term effects of HIV exposure
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have shown that a novel compound effectively suppresses HIV virus production in chronically infected cells and prevents viral rebound. The 'block-and-lock' approach blocks reactivation of the virus in cells and locks it into a durable state of latency.
Early dysregulation of cellular energy metabolism appears characteristic of chronic hepatitis C infection. Gene expression patterns in HCV-specific CD8 T cells differentiate between chronic and resolving HCV infections, offering potential avenues for predicting disease outcome and intervening before failure.
A UK-wide PrEP programme would be cost-effective, preventing up to one in four HIV cases. The study estimates savings of up to £1 billion over 80 years as a result of fewer men needing lifelong HIV treatment.
Researchers found noroviruses hide in extremely rare gut cells that fail to communicate with T cells, allowing the virus to evade the immune system. The study informs vaccine development and may explain limited effectiveness of current vaccines.
Researchers aim to reduce comorbid illness in people living with HIV by developing personalized prebiotic and probiotic therapies, targeting gut bacteria balance. The study seeks to attenuate metabolic health issues associated with harmful alcohol use and heart disease.
Despite progress in HIV treatment and prevention, a durable end to the pandemic may require an effective HIV vaccine. Existing tools such as antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis can effectively prevent HIV transmission and manage the disease.
A study found that antibiotics prescribed by dentists may contribute to Clostridium difficile infections, a serious and potentially deadly infection. The research highlights the importance of using antibiotics only when needed and notes that many unnecessary prescriptions are likely.
PrEP prescriptions increased by 976% in NYC between 2014 and 2016, but men of color, women, and those outside city centers were less likely to receive the HIV prevention medication. Many medical students and healthcare providers remain unaware of PrEP's benefits, highlighting the need for education and outreach programs.
A study suggests that donor organs classified as 'increased risk' due to factors like drug use or incarceration are less likely to be used by transplant patients. Despite low disease transmission risks, these organs account for 1 in every 5 deceased donor organs and could lead to hundreds of additional transplants each year.
Researchers have developed a synthetic molecule, SUW133, that awakens dormant HIV cells and then knocks them out. The technique, called 'kick and kill,' could lower the viral reservoir enough for people with HIV to discontinue their anti-viral therapy.
A study examining HIV virulence and its effect on the human immune system found that both CD4+ T cell decline and per-pathogen pathogenicity are heritable from donor to recipient. Heritability rates revealed a significant 17% impact, indicating that viral genotype plays a crucial role in infection severity.
A recent ECDC study found that the rate of newly reported HIV cases increased by 2% each year among older adults between 2004 and 2015. This translates to around 17% of new diagnoses being among people aged over 50, accounting for 5076 reported cases.
A new scoring system calculates risk based on vital signs and indicates whether patients are at low, medium or high risk of death. The tool has been shown to outperform existing scoring systems in predicting patients' risk of death.
A Massachusetts General Hospital analysis shows that achieving the treatment targets of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy by 2020 would prevent hundreds of thousands of new infections and deaths. Meeting NHAS goals would also demonstrate excellent value, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $68,900 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).
A global review of 28 studies found that opioid substitution treatment (OST) reduces hepatitis C infection risk by 50% and when combined with high coverage needle syringe programmes (NSP) reduces risk by 74%. OST is essential for comprehensive strategies to prevent HCV transmission and disease.
A European study found that nearly one in six new HIV diagnoses in Europe are among people aged 50 or older. Older adults were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced HIV disease and acquire the virus through heterosexual contact. The study calls for increased awareness, targeted testing, and prevention programs for this age group.
Patients with both HIV and HCV are at increased risk of end-stage liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Drinking three or more cups of coffee daily halved all-cause mortality in these patients. The anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols in coffee may protect the liver and reduce inflammation.
A study found that women with a specific strain of Lactobacillus iners had an increased risk of chlamydia infection. The researchers suggest that specific signatures of vaginal microbiota may indicate increased susceptibility to acquiring STIs.
A study found low compliance with CDC recommendations for HIV and syphilis screening in at-risk adolescent patients in US emergency departments. The lack of adherence was attributed to inadequate clinician education, emphasizing the need for enhanced training.
A new synthetic molecule, SUW133, has been designed to reactivate dormant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in mice and lead to cell death. In a study published in PLOS Pathogens, researchers found that up to 25% of latently infected cells died within 24 hours after treatment.
Scientists at NIH and Sanofi created a trispecific antibody that protects monkeys from two strains of SHIV, a monkey form of HIV. The antibody stops more strains from infecting cells than individual natural antibodies, showing promise for long-acting prevention and treatment.
Researchers found that a combination of two broadly-neutralizing HIV-1 antibodies protected primates against infection with a mixed population of HIV viruses. The findings suggest that combination therapies might be essential to prevent HIV in people, highlighting the need for regimens that protect against several targets.
Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre have discovered a molecule that stimulates HIV replication in CD4 T cells located in the gut. By targeting this molecule, medications can significantly reduce HIV replication in undetectable patients, potentially leading to a functional cure.
A Yale-developed videogame improved sexual health knowledge and attitudes among minority youth, while also reducing risky behavior and STI transmission rates. The game, PlayForward: Elm City Stories, was designed with teen input and showed sustained positive changes in attitudes and knowledge over a year.
A team of researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre has discovered a molecule that stimulates HIV replication in CD4 T cells located in the gut. They have also started testing medications to block this replication and decrease inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which could lead to a functional cure for HIV.
Researchers identified how HIV induces antiviral interferon-stimulated genes in infected cells to survive and spread, hindering the body's early immune response. The study aims to boost expression of these genes to stop virus replication.
Chronic pain affects 39-85% of people living with HIV, with neuropathic pain being a significant concern. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary treatment approach using non-drug options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and physical therapy.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to determine optimal prevention and treatment strategies for patients co-infected with cryptosporidiosis and HIV. The model shows significant positive impact of dual strategy on reducing both diseases.
Researchers identified glycans as a critical anchor for antibodies that can broadly neutralize the virus, suggesting vaccines targeting this region may elicit effective protection. The discovery could speed efforts to develop a successful HIV vaccine.
A study found PrEP effective in preventing HIV infection among adolescent men who have sex with men, but struggled with low adherence rates. The treatment was safe, with most participants having detectable drug levels throughout the study.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research and National Institutes of Health found that tick saliva-based drug Ixolaris reduces inflammation in monkeys infected with SIV, a primate form of HIV. The study suggests that targeting this inflammation pathway could improve the clinical management of HIV-infected ...
Researchers found that a tick saliva molecule blocks inflammation and abnormal blood clotting in HIV-infected cells, reducing cardiovascular risks. The discovery could lead to new treatments targeting the TF pathway.
A USC researcher has identified a novel protein variant that can be targeted to prevent the human immunodeficiency virus from harming HIV-positive individuals. This approach differs from traditional methods of targeting viruses and may offer a more effective solution to treating acute HIV infection.
A re-analysis of USPSTF evidence suggests flexible sigmoidoscopy may reduce all-cause mortality, contrary to previous guidelines. Researchers found that looking at cohorts as separate trials, rather than aggregating them, strengthened the evidence supporting screening with flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute are developing a modified TB vaccine that could provide longer-lasting immunity. The team has shown promising results in mouse models, increasing the bacteria-killing power tenfold and protection by threefold.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to track HIV infection by identifying individual viral particles associated with infection. The new method reveals that uncoating leading to infection occurs early in the cytoplasm, around 30 minutes after cell fusion.
Researchers discovered a potential broad-spectrum antiviral by inhibiting the EZH2/1 complex, which suppressed HSV infection and reactivation in mice. The treatment also showed promise against other viruses, including human cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and Zika virus.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a protein called MELK essential for correct HIV-1 coat removal. Depleting MELK reduced virus infectivity, while restoring it restored normal infection processes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that both bisphosphonates and denosumab improve bone mineral density in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer receiving androgen deprivation therapy. Further trials are needed to confirm fracture reduction outcomes.
Researchers will analyze adaptive immune responses of infants with different HIV exposure in utero, comparing those exposed to low and high levels of HIV infection. The goal is to understand the mechanism of increased susceptibility to infections and develop strategies for improving infant health.
HIV hides in more types of bone marrow cells than previously thought, including hematopoietic progenitor cells that can pass the virus's genetic material to daughter cells. This discovery expands understanding of the type of cells that harbor functional HIV and could aid the search for new drugs to clear it entirely.
Research by Drexel University reveals that pregnant women diagnosed with HIV are twice as likely to suffer domestic violence compared to those without an HIV diagnosis. The study suggests targeted interventions for women at risk of domestic violence, including those already experiencing it.
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that offering HIV testing at health checks in high-prevalence areas is cost-effective. The researchers estimate that the annual cost of rolling out screening programs to all high-HIV prevalence local authorities in England would be approximately £600,000.
Scientists are noticing a shift from hepatitis E as only a disease of the poor to one that can also affect affluent people in developed world settings. The virus is re-emerging as zoonotic, with transmission linked to pork products and environmental contamination.
A South African child diagnosed with HIV at 32 days old has maintained undetectable viral levels and good health despite ART cessation at age 9.5 years, suggesting early treatment may be key to long-term remission.
A two-year clinic-based HIV testing program in Zimbabwe failed to identify many cases of HIV in children. The study found that 37.7% of HIV-positive children were undiagnosed, highlighting the need for alternative testing methods to reach these vulnerable populations.
A study administered VRC01 antibody infusions to virally suppressed volunteers who initiated ART during acute HIV infection, showing a delay in viral load rebound. The results provide valuable lessons for future studies on early-treated individuals with combination broadly neutralizing antibodies.
The HPTN 077 study found that long-acting injectable cabotegravir was well-tolerated by men and women, with consistent levels in the bloodstream and good acceptance. The 600mg dose every 8 weeks showed promising results for HIV prevention.