Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
Two clinical trials found that adolescents using oral Truvada and a vaginal ring for HIV prevention had high adherence rates, with most participants taking the medication as prescribed. The studies pave the way for larger trials of these interventions in this vulnerable age group.
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 nine-year-old South African child has suppressed HIV virus without anti-HIV drugs for eight and a half years, according to the NIH-funded study. The child received early limited anti-HIV treatment in infancy and was found to have maintained undetectable levels of HIV despite not receiving ongoing therapy.
Researchers at UNC have shown that interval dosing of Vorinostat can reverse latent HIV and improve detection, paving the way for further research into clearing infection. The study's findings suggest that pairing a latency reversing agent with an antiviral immune therapy may be necessary to achieve a cure.
Researchers at NIH have discovered that HIV uses a protein on the cell surface to invade cells. By blocking this step, they found it prevents HIV genetic material from entering cells. The study could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent HIV infection by targeting the transfer of phosphatidylserine.
Researchers found a high prevalence of resistant bacteria strains in Kenyan individuals, with agriculture and prophylactic use of antibiotics contributing to the issue. The study suggests the need for effective public health policies and improved infection control measures.
A study published in The Lancet found that exposure to the meningococcal group B vaccine reduced the likelihood of contracting gonorrhoea by approximately 31%. This is the first time a vaccine has shown any protection against gonorrhoea, offering a new avenue for vaccine development.
Two subsets of dendritic cells work together to activate T cells against a virus. CD141+ DCs produce viral fragments from infected CD1c+ DCs, which they then present to T cells.
A recent study has found that the HERV-K Gag capsid interferes with HIV-1 assembly, resulting in reduced particle release and infectivity. The researchers observed a correlation between coassembly of HERV-K Gag and decreased HIV-1 particle formation.
A new study has shown that boosting volunteers with an additional dose of AIDSVAX B/E vaccine 6-8 years after their initial vaccination resulted in higher humoral and CD4+ T-cell responses. This increased immune response suggests a potential for improved protection against HIV infection.
Researchers at the University of York and Leeds have made a major discovery in Hepatitis B Virus assembly, paving the way for new drug treatments. The team identified an 'assembly code' in the genetic material that allows the virus to create a protective casing.
A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Alberta predicts HIV growth and progression in the brain, revealing a viral reservoir. The model enables scientists to backtrack the development of HIV infection, informing treatment strategies and potential nasal spray therapies.
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.
A study by H. Fisher Raymond found that MSM with known HIV infection who know their viral status tend to reduce sexual risk behaviors. The results suggest a link between undetectable viral load and safer sex practices, but more research is needed to confirm this association.
A team of international scientists has identified a critical gene-regulating protein, Bdf1, essential for the survival of Candida albicans. Compounds that bind to this target can disrupt fungal growth, opening the way for novel drug treatments. The discovery offers a promising alternative to existing antifungal therapies.
Researchers found that Zika viral load and dengue antibodies were not associated with severe symptoms or fetal harm, contradicting previous theories. The study's findings suggest a lack of correlation between the amount of virus in the blood and severity of symptoms in pregnant women.
Researchers at the University of York have found that tobacco use is more common among HIV positive individuals and can lead to a loss of up to 12 years of life. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions to tackle tobacco use among this population.
A study of Senegalese women found that HIV-positive women were more likely to acquire human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and have it progress to precancerous lesions. The research highlights the importance of targeted cervical cancer prevention efforts for high-risk HIV-positive populations.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have identified key mutations that allow HIV to escape a broadly neutralizing antibody. The study's findings could inform the development of more effective vaccines against this notoriously difficult-to-target virus.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that immune cells latently infected with HIV can proliferate and replenish the virus reservoir, which is resistant to antiretroviral drug therapy. The proliferation of these reservoir cells poses a significant challenge to developing a cure for HIV.
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.
A new cost-benefit analysis suggests that a supervised facility in Baltimore could generate $7.8 million in annual savings by reducing overdose deaths, HIV and hepatitis C infections, hospitalizations and bringing people into treatment. The study found that such a space would save thousands of lives and prevent numerous overdoses.
A study by Stanford Medicine researchers identifies cost-effective ways to combat HIV risk among intravenous drug users, with opioid agonist therapy and needle-syringe exchange programs showing high value. The study also found that combining these methods could avert up to 40,000 HIV infections over 20 years.
A Canadian researcher has received a $3.99 million grant to develop an HIV vaccine candidate in partnership with IAVI. The team aims to improve upon a promising candidate and advance it to clinical testing in human volunteers.
Scientists have created a vaccine that boosts specific parts of the immune system attacking HIV viral genes, prolonging resistance and allowing for more efficient defense. This approach may lead to an effective HIV vaccine by targeting weak immunostimulatory parts of viruses.
Researchers discovered a key molecule VCP linked to Human Cytomegalovirus replication, which can be blocked by chemicals to stop the virus from multiplying. This approach could lead to more powerful therapies and reduce the risk of resistance.
A special issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases focuses on HIV eradication, exploring scientific thinking behind cure strategies. Researchers from UNC and other institutions discuss challenges and priorities in key areas of HIV cure research.
A new study models HIV incidence, prevalence, and mortality to determine feasible targets for ending the US AIDS epidemic. Achieving a reduction of 12,000 new infections by 2025 could mark an important turning point in the epidemic, with significant declines in HIV transmission rates and related deaths.
New research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that the US could see a significant decline in HIV infections and prevalence if critical milestones are met. By 2025, annual new infections could drop to 12,000, marking a turning point for the epidemic.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that mothers with early HIV infection and high CD4+ counts who continued antiretroviral therapy (ART) after delivery experienced fewer adverse outcomes. However, challenges with long-term ART adherence were observed.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that inhibiting SMYD2 enzyme can reactivate latent HIV, offering a potential therapeutic target for the 'shock and kill' approach. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for eliminating HIV latency and developing more effective treatments.
The life expectancy of treated individuals with HIV in the EU and North America has increased by around a decade since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy. Projections suggest that life expectancy may approach that of the general population for those starting treatment from 2008 onwards.
A new study finds that HIV-positive young adults with limited treatment history have significant disruptions in brain structural networks, poorer connections, and reduced cognitive performance. The study suggests that anatomical brain connectivity is a useful biomarker for white matter disruption in HIV infection.
Early findings from PopART, a clinical trial evaluating universal HIV testing and treatment, show increases in HIV awareness and ART coverage. However, challenges persist in reaching men and younger adults with HIV, highlighting the need for optimized resource allocation to accelerate progress against the global HIV epidemic.
Scientists at Temple University have developed a gene editing strategy that can excise HIV DNA from the genomes of living animals, eliminating further infection. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was successfully tested in three animal models, including one with latent HIV-1 infection.
Researchers used GIS and spatial epidemiology to identify areas with highest rates and counts of hepatitis C infections in Massachusetts. The study found hotspots around Boston, New Bedford, and Springfield, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment interventions.
A new behavioral intervention program called HOLA en Grupos has been shown to increase condom use and HIV testing among Latino MSM, reducing the risk of infection. The program achieved a 100% retention rate and significant increases in knowledge and skills, providing a promising solution for addressing this growing public health concern.
A University of Surrey-led study has developed a model to provide vital insight into controlling CMV infection, particularly in transplant patients and HIV/AIDS sufferers. The research identified four unique patterns of response and created a sophisticated mathematical model to predict therapy duration needed for viral clearance.
Researchers found that defective forms of HIV create proteins recognized by cytotoxic T cells, which can distract the immune system from functional viruses. This discovery could help develop a vaccine to boost immunity against HIV.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found that HIV persists in macrophage cells, a type of white blood cell, which has significant implications for HIV cure research. This discovery demonstrates that two types of cells may be targets for therapeutic intervention to eradicate the virus.
Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered that our primate ancestors evolved a defense mechanism against an ancient virus by manipulating its gene function, leading to its extinction. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic material used by animals to combat viruses, sometimes resulting in viral extinction.
Research finds that injecting drugs triggers immune system inflammation, harming chronic disease progression; cessation of injections can reduce immune activation levels. Harm reduction strategies, such as treatment for hepatitis C and encouraging injection frequency reductions, may also have positive effects.
A new study tracks infectious disease trends in China over ten years, finding that while overall incidence has declined, some diseases like hydatid disease and hepatitis C are on the rise. The study highlights the need for improved prevention and control measures, particularly in remote border regions.
Researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have identified a set of protein complexes that are recruited to viral genes to stimulate both initial infection and reactivation from latency. Environmental stresses also induce reactivation, providing new targets for the development of therapeutics.
A new research initiative aims to reduce HIV infection and transmission by providing job readiness and employment skills to young men who have sex with men and young transgender women. The project, funded by the NIH, will explore how economic stability can prevent adolescent homelessness, drug use, and migration to high-risk environments.
Three scientists have been selected for NIDA's Avant-Garde Awards to develop novel approaches to HIV prevention and treatment. Michael Farzan plans gene therapies to prevent HIV infection, while Eric Poeschla explores innate immunity against viruses using viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.
A new study projects that a culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program promoting alcohol abstinence among HIV-infected residents in Kenya could save $628,000 over five years. The program uses trained paraprofessionals with limited training to deliver the intervention, which boosts alcohol abstinence rates to 69 percent.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reports a global decline in child and adolescent deaths from nearly 14.2 million in 1990 to over 7.2 million in 2015. The progress has been uneven, with countries with lower socioeconomic indices bearing the greatest burden of death, particularly in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
A new rapid blood test to diagnose and quantify the severity of active TB cases has been developed by a team of researchers from Arizona State University. The NanoDisk-MS assay can detect minute blood levels of two proteins that are released only during active infections, providing faster results than current tests.
A new study has found that U.S. youth infected with HIV around the time of their birth are at higher risk for experiencing serious health problems, poor control of the HIV virus, or death as they age. The study highlights the need to strengthen services for these patients, taking into account their developmentally specific needs.
Researchers at UNC are developing an injectable drug delivery system that forms a long-lasting implant to steadily release anti-HIV medication. The goal is to provide durable, sustained protection from HIV transmission while improving adherence and allowing for easy removal.
Researchers at Portland State University have found that only half of a virus's genes are necessary for infection, highlighting the resilience of these pathogens. The study's findings also shed light on the molecular basis of survivability under extreme conditions and potential origins of life.
A vaccine with even partial effectiveness against HIV could prevent millions of new infections and potentially reverse the pandemic. However, diagnosis and treatment remain a significant challenge, particularly in high-risk groups.
The study estimates that there were 69 perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among infants born in the US in 2013. Maternal and infant factors associated with infant HIV infection include late maternal diagnosis and lack of antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis.
A Duke Health-led research team has developed a synthetic HIV outer envelope mimic that induces broadly neutralizing antibodies with vaccination. The study supports the concept of designing vaccine candidates that mimic critical regions of HIV.
A new study reveals that 15% of patients with suppressed HIV infection still have active HIV in the brain. MRI scans identify high-risk individuals for further testing and potential treatment regime changes.
More than one third of girls marry before reaching their 18th birthday in half of the 31 countries studied, posing health risks and controlling issues.
Researchers found that early intervention with two anti-HIV antibodies can induce potent immunity to HIV, allowing the immune system to effectively control the virus. In a study using macaque monkeys, treatment suppressed the virus levels for up to six months and enabled some animals to spontaneously regain control of the virus.
Despite progress in implementing primary and secondary prevention measures, Europe still has a long way to go to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. The authors highlight the need for improved data collection and monitoring of interventions along the continuum of care to track progress and reduce mortality.
A study led by UC Riverside's Brandon Brown explores HPV vaccine acceptability among Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW), finding widespread acceptance despite barriers such as access and stigma. The research aims to inform HPV vaccine implementation globally.