Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A University of Minnesota study found that natural genetic variation in a protective antiviral enzyme, APOBEC3H, can limit HIV-1 replication if the virus has weak Vif. This discovery opens doors to potential treatments by targeting Vif's ability to disable APOBEC3.
A recent NIH-sponsored study has identified a superior three-drug regimen for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission during pregnancy and delivery. The findings support World Health Organization guidelines, recommending a triple-drug anti-HIV regimen to all pregnant women with HIV infection.
A study of over 6,100 British men found that those who paid for sex had twice as many lifetime sexual partners as the general population, but few were paid for. Young professionals with a taste for binge drinking and recreational drugs were more likely to engage in this behavior.
A new study reveals a stark assessment of the health dangers faced by male sex workers in Mexico City, with 38% having HIV and 21% having syphilis. The study highlights the need for incentives to promote condom use and improve individual and population health.
Smoking increases susceptibility to TB infection, with white blood cells in smokers' lungs showing a weakened response to the disease. The discovery provides new insights into treating and preventing TB, which kills 1.5 million people annually.
The UCI team has created a new technology called Integrated Comprehensive Droplet Digital Detection (IC 3D) that can detect bacterial invaders in blood samples with unprecedented speed and accuracy. In as little as 90 minutes, IC 3D can identify bacteria at single-cell sensitivity without the need for cell culture.
A single-dose Ebola vaccine given to primates through their noses and lungs protected them against infection for at least 21 weeks. The vaccine's effectiveness could help prevent the spread of Ebola and other diseases through unintentional pricks.
A new study reveals that microbicides targeting HIV are less effective when exposed to semen due to its amyloid fibrils, which enhance the virus's infectiousness. Researchers suggest creating a compound targeting both the virus and these protein aggregates to improve drug efficacy.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that the use of antiretroviral medications during early pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of birth defects in infants. However, one specific ARV drug, atazanavir, was associated with a higher risk of birth defects, particularly musculoskeletal and skin anomalies.
Scientists have developed a topical microbicide loaded with hyaluronic acid nanofibers that could potentially prevent HIV transmission. The delivery system is triggered by semen fluid and provides prolonged retention at the target site, reducing discomfort.
Scientists have obtained the first high-resolution structure of HIV's immature form, revealing a surprising arrangement of its building blocks. This breakthrough enables researchers to probe further into potential drug targets and understand how mutations influence virus assembly.
Researchers found that macrophages, thought to be HIV's long-term hideout, are actually short-lived in primate model. The study suggests that therapeutic strategies targeting infected macrophages could facilitate viral elimination.
A mathematical model developed by NIH grantees predicts that women need to take Truvada daily to prevent HIV infection via vaginal sex, while men can protect themselves with just two doses per week. The model helps explain why previous PrEP trials in women were unsuccessful due to poor adherence.
A new study suggests that approximately one-fifth of schizophrenia cases may be attributable to T. gondii infection, according to professor Gary Smith's epidemiological modeling. This finding implies that preventing infections with this parasite could prevent about one-fifth of all schizophrenia cases over a lifetime.
A nationwide study will test whether treatment with a statin drug can reduce the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals infected with HIV. The REPRIEVE trial aims to investigate the preventive effects and underlying mechanisms of statin therapy in this population.
South African epidemiologist Quarraisha Abdool Karim wins TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for her groundbreaking work on HIV prevention in women. Her discovery of a topical anti-HIV gel has the potential to save millions of lives, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where women are disproportionately affected by the epidemic.
A new supplement in BJOG explores the potential of broad-spectrum prevention methods that can prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. The research highlights the need for funding to spur innovation and close gaps in development.
A new study by Brown University researchers estimates that increasing condom use among HIV-positive male sex workers could reduce the annual infection rate among their partners from 8% to 5.2%, while increasing antiretroviral therapy could slash the rate to 4.4%. The study also found that making interventions work, such as counteractin...
A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America found that social networking strategies are more efficient and targeted, resulting in 2-1/2 times more positive test results. As many as one in five HIV-positive people is unaware of their infection, making testing critical to prevent disease spread.
The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) has significantly reduced serious infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant superbugs, among children under five years old. The vaccine's effectiveness led to the early achievement of the Healthy People 2020 goal of reducing antimicrobial-resistant invasive pneumococcal disease.
Researchers have discovered that HIV can infect the entire female reproductive tract, including the vagina and ovaries, in a macaque model. The study used an artificial virus to track the spread of infection through the FRT, revealing that infected cells were detected throughout the tract within 48 hours after vaginal introduction.
A study found that college athletes playing football, soccer, and other contact sports are more likely to carry MRSA, increasing their risk of infection. Experts recommend practices like frequent hand washing, covering open wounds, and not sharing personal equipment to reduce the spread of the superbug.
Antibiotic stewardship programs in hospitals improve care for hospitalized children by reducing unnecessary antibiotics and shortening hospital stays. Children who received program recommendations were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days.
New research reveals the complete structure and movement of HIV spikes, shedding light on how the virus evades detection by the immune system. The findings suggest a ground-state, pre-fusion form of the spike should be targeted in an effective HIV vaccine.
Scientists develop technology to visualize HIV protein motion in real-time, revealing key insights into the virus's ability to infect human immune cells. The study reveals three different conformations of the envelope trimer and provides a basis for developing effective therapies.
A team of researchers has captured a high-resolution image of the HIV surface spike protein, revealing its dynamics and structure. This breakthrough provides new information on how the virus infects cells and may lead to the development of more effective treatments.
The UCLA Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute has named three recipients of the inaugural Harry Winston Fellowships, supporting young pediatric physician-scientists conducting research to prevent, treat, and cure diseases in children. Dr. Kristina Adachi, Dr. Leslie Kimura, and Dr. Edward Talya will receive funding for their p...
A team of researchers reports a case of a baby born with HIV who appeared to be cured after early antiretroviral treatment, but later exhibited detectable HIV infection. The child's immune system showed signs of responding to HIV even after the virus was undetectable.
The UCSF Clinician Consultation Center has been funded by the CDC to provide a telephone consultation service for healthcare providers prescribing PrEP. The service will guide clinicians on identifying patients at risk, evaluating their ability to take PrEP regularly and ensuring safe prescribing practices.
A new preclinical trial will begin to confirm the HIV vaccine candidate's excellent results, led by Dr. Ruth Ruprecht and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The study aims to provide mucosal protection and blood antibodies against infection.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens shows that an irradiation plus transplantation combination approach can treat or even possibly cure HIV/AIDS in nonhuman primates. The treatment eliminated most of the animals' CD4-T cells, allowing their own virus-free hematopoietic stem cells to regenerate blood and immune cells.
Researchers tested a stem cell transplant approach on infected rhesus macaques, finding that it failed to eliminate the HIV-like virus and its reservoirs. The study's results suggest that myeloablative total body irradiation can decrease viral reservoirs in blood cells, but may not be sufficient for a cure.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a new technique called vectored immunoprophylaxis (VIP) to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, malaria, and influenza. This method provides specific antibodies that can neutralize pathogens, offering a potential solution for widespread use in the less developed world.
Researchers found that certain individuals with HIV are more tolerant of the virus than others, with factors including age and HLA-B gene variants playing a role. The study suggests that tolerance-based treatments could be an alternative to traditional resistance-based strategies.
Researchers found that tolerance to HIV varies substantially between individuals, influenced by inherited genes, and is distinct from resistance. The study also discovered a gene linked to both resistance and tolerance, suggesting a unique mechanism for coping with the virus.
Researchers found that malaria parasites in birds react to mosquito bites, triggering increased parasite loads and higher infection rates of mosquitoes. This 'plastic' transmission strategy may improve malaria control by better understanding its ecological determinants.
Researchers found heme oxygenase-1 deficiency in HIV-infected brains associated with cognitive decline and increased viral load. Increasing heme oxygenase-1 expression may offer protective benefits against HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Pitt researchers identify natural TH17 cells as a key player in preventing oral thrush, a common infection among HIV patients and those with impaired immune systems. These innate immune cells produce IL-17 to fight Candida albicans, a fungus that causes painful white lesions.
The Miriam Hospital is part of a research collaboration that has received a $20 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop an intravaginal ring (IVR) that can deliver powerful antiretroviral drugs to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted HIV in women. The project will test multiple-drug combinations to d...
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic approach against Ebola virus infection by targeting cellular proteins critical for the virus's functions. Oubain, a drug previously used to treat heart disease, has been shown to reduce virus replication in infected cells.
A new study in Russia highlights the challenges of reducing HIV transmission among heavy drinkers. The study shows that a behavioral intervention did not lead to a reduction in STIs and HIV risk behaviors, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. Researchers recommend exploring alternative approaches to stem the growing epidemic.
Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in the HIV armor that a vaccine could exploit, with an antibody called 35O22 preventing 62% of known strains from infecting cells. The discovery suggests it may be easier to elicit this antibody through vaccination compared to other broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that HIV-infected cells activate specific immune cells in the brain, leading to chronic inflammation and neuronal cell death. This discovery may help develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
Gut inflammation breaks down intestinal lining due to HIV viral invasion, but Lactobacillus plantarum helps protect barrier.
Researchers developed a semi-soft vaginal suppository made from carrageenan to deliver the antiviral drug Tenofovir, reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS. The study found that women prefer this drug-delivery system due to its plant-based material, stability, and ease of use.
A study found that many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries have insufficient stocks of sterile gloves, eyewear, and other protective equipment. This is particularly concerning in the context of the current Ebola outbreak.
In a laboratory study led by NIH scientists, broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies (bNAbs) were found to effectively block HIV from entering immune cells. The researchers also demonstrated that these antibodies could completely block HIV replication in infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Researchers found that TIM-family proteins can block the release of HIV and Ebola viruses by attaching to lipids on the surface of viral particles. This discovery provides a potential approach to slow virus production and replication.
Researchers at Hera Therapeutics have developed a therapy that blocks replication of high-risk HPV types, including HPV-16 and HPV-18, which cause 70% of cervical cancer. The company is developing a topical approach to treat HPV infection, offering hope to millions of women infected with these high-risk strains.
Leading infectious disease experts argue that screening and isolating infected patients may not be effective in preventing MRSA spread. Instead, they recommend a broader approach focusing on reducing all hospital-acquired infections.
A new study found that desire for intimacy is a strong predictor of whether gay and bisexual men will adopt PrEP. Men in steady same-sex relationships with HIV-negative partners who value intimacy are more likely to take antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV.
Broadly neutralizing antibodies, combined with viral inducers, have been found to control HIV in mice by targeting latent reservoirs of infected cells. The approach, called "shock and kill," resulted in a 57% success rate in preventing viral rebound.
Researchers have developed a multipronged strategy to eradicating the hidden reservoir of infected cells in the body. A 'shock-and-kill' approach involving inducers and virus-fighting antibodies shows promise for curing HIV-1 infection in humans.
Researchers have successfully mutated the powerful anti-HIV bNAb called VRC01 to make it last longer in blood and collect in rectal mucosal tissue, potentially blocking HIV transmission. A low-dose infusion of mutated VRC01 also protected monkeys against SHIV infection more effectively than unmutated VRC01.
Researchers found that the HIV virus's outer envelope is mistaken for bacterial antigens by the immune system, leading to ineffective antibodies. The study suggests a new hypothesis for how HIV vaccine development could be improved by targeting the gut flora.
Researchers at Oak Crest Institute of Science are developing an intravaginal ring capable of delivering powerful antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV infection in women. The project aims to determine the best combination of antiretroviral drugs for prevention via vaginal delivery.
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that an individual's genotype correlates with their ability to develop immunity to HIV in response to vaccination. Researchers identified single nucleotide variations in genes involved in antibody production, which were associated with protection against HIV infection.
A new test developed at CU School of Pharmacy helps monitor the effectiveness of HIV prevention drug Truvada, taken once daily to prevent HIV infection. The test measures tenofovir levels in red blood cells, showing a continuous gradient of increasing efficacy with consistent dosing.
Research by Weizmann Institute scientists found that suppressing interferon activity can have devastating consequences in fighting HIV infection. The study revealed that a short period of blocked interferon activity can lead to permanent damage and disease progression.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that two B-cell lineage antibodies teamed up to stimulate broadly neutralizing antibodies in people with HIV infection. This cooperative mechanism may lead to a global vaccine strategy by inducing high levels of such antibodies in approximately 20% of individuals with HIV infection.