Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a small molecule compound called Retro-2 that successfully controls the spread of three polyomaviruses in human cell cultures. The compound protects up to 90.5% of cells from infection, offering new hope for treatment options.
CONRAD has developed a new intravaginal ring that combines contraception with HIV-1 and HSV-2 prevention, using levonorgestrel and tenofovir. The ring can remain in the vagina for up to 90 days and shows promising results in preventing infections.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is sponsoring a Phase I clinical trial for an investigational genital herpes vaccine candidate, called HSV529. The trial aims to test the safety and immune response of the vaccine in adults aged 18-40 with previous HSV-2 or HSV-1 infections.
Researchers have identified a molecular invisibility cloak that enables HIV to hide in cells, but exposing it triggers an immune response. This discovery could lead to new treatments and improve existing therapies for HIV infection.
Key findings include the potential for affordable bridge therapy, a potential solution for those on ART developing aging-related diseases, and a possible clearing of the latent reservoir that could contribute to a cure. A vaccine is also being explored, with promising avenues including monoclonal broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and TSRI have determined the atomic-level structure of the tripartite HIV envelope protein, known as Env. The findings provide a detailed picture of the complex protein and its sites of vulnerability that could be targeted by future vaccines.
Researchers have developed a detailed picture of the HIV envelope trimer, critical for understanding how HIV enters cells and creating potential vaccines. Atomic-resolution imaging revealed the structure of the Env trimer, its assembly, and interaction with broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization finds that mid-level health workers, such as midwives and nurses, can deliver clinical outcomes comparable to physicians in certain services. The research analyzed 53 studies conducted in 18 countries and suggests opportunities for all countries to exploit.
Danish researchers have discovered how the body's immune system responds to HIV infection, identifying key proteins and mechanisms that can be targeted for improved treatments. The study's findings aim to enhance the immune system's ability to defend against uncontrolled virus growth.
Two studies report rapid and sustained reduction of SHIV viral load in monkeys infused with anti-HIV antibodies, suggesting potential for treatment. Researchers propose testing antibody-based immunotherapy in HIV-infected people.
A study found that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected individuals with uninfected sexual partners can be a cost-effective strategy to prevent viral transmission. In South Africa, the treatment was projected to save money during the first five years, while in India, it was determined to be cost-effective o...
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered molecular signals that activate latent HIV, offering a potential strategy to purge viral infections and develop a cure. The study suggests using calcineurin, prostratin, and NF-κB proteins to activate the dormant virus.
Researchers found a significant association between longer duration of HIV infection and increased risk for atherosclerosis, regardless of antiretroviral therapy. The study suggests that inflammatory imbalance may play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis in HIV patients.
Research suggests that many high-risk organs are safe and should not be labeled as such. After a median of 2.4 years, 86.5% of transplants from these donors were functioning without evidence of infections. The study challenges the CDC's current classification system.
Researchers found a 60-fold increase in dormant HIV proviruses, potentially making it harder to find a cure. The latent reservoir is thought to contain functional proviruses that can reactivate and resume infection if antiretroviral therapy is stopped or interrupted.
A new study published in Cell suggests that the latent reservoir of HIV-infected patients is significantly larger than previously estimated, making it a major barrier to cure. The findings highlight limitations of current treatment strategies and could lead to the development of more effective interventions.
A national study led by the University of Miami's Miller School found that brief patient-centered counseling before rapid HIV testing has no significant impact on subsequent STD acquisition. Instead, resources should be devoted to universal testing that can detect more HIV cases earlier and link newly infected individuals to treatment.
A 3-year-old Mississippi child born with HIV continues to show no signs of active infection 18 months after stopping treatment. The case suggests that prompt antiviral therapy may help infants clear the virus and achieve long-term remission, potentially paving the way for a sterilizing HIV cure.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that South Africa's current antiretroviral treatment policy could lead to HIV elimination within the next 24-34 years. The research also found that a universal test and treat approach could achieve elimination 10 years earlier, according to more comprehensive mathematical models.
A study found that brief risk-reduction counseling at the time of HIV testing did not reduce new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) over a 6-month period. The counseling, which focused on specific risk behaviors and achievable steps, had no significant impact on STI rates among participants.
Researchers found no difference in STI incidence between those receiving risk-reduction counseling and those with information only. The study suggests that post-test counseling for those testing positive remains essential for addressing psychological needs and ensuring medical care, while a more focused approach to providing informatio...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a breast milk protein, Tenascin-C (TNC), that neutralizes HIV and may protect exposed infants. The protein binds to and blocks virus entry, providing widespread protection against infection.
Researchers will investigate links between substance abuse and HIV among Latino and African-American men who have sex with men. The MASCULINE study aims to determine how substance use affects HIV transmission and treatment outcomes.
Researchers used viral sequence data to estimate HIV transmission rates, death rates, and susceptible population sizes within clusters, gaining insight into rapid spread and slowdowns. The model can predict future changes in infected and susceptible individuals, guiding public health strategies.
The grant aims to investigate the effects of HIV-related changes on oral bacterial communities and their relationship to various oral infections in HIV disease. Researchers will explore how these changes affect conditions like oral candidiasis, periodontal disease, and cavities.
Early research shows that an investigational norovirus vaccine can reduce the main symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, such as vomiting and diarrhea, by 52 percent. The vaccine targets two common genotypes of norovirus and appears to be well-tolerated.
A new UCLA study reveals that cocaine makes quiescent CD4 T cells susceptible to HIV infection. Chronic cocaine exposure can increase the pool of infected cells with a higher viral reservoir, posing significant implications for HIV-positive individuals who abuse stimulants.
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that cocaine makes quiescent CD4 T cells more susceptible to HIV infection. The study found significant infection and new virus production in treated cells compared to untreated ones.
The trial aims to assess whether treating HIV-infected individuals as a form of prevention can substantially reduce new HIV infections across communities. The study will measure the impact on 52,500 adults over three years in 21 communities with a population of 1.2 million.
Researchers estimate that Avahan prevented more than half of the infections that would have occurred without the intervention. The initiative targeted high-risk groups with behavioral interventions and adequate provision of prevention commodities.
A new intravaginal ring has demonstrated a 100% success rate in protecting primates from HIV, offering hope for women in developing nations. The device utilizes a smaller dose of the anti-retroviral drug tenofovir, delivered through a unique polymer construction that increases drug release.
Hospitalized patients with severe infections like meningitis and C. diff. experience improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays when treated by infectious diseases specialists. ID consultation reduces readmission rates, ICU days, and total Medicare costs.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can protect vaccines from being cleared by the lungs, allowing them to generate a strong immune response in both the lungs and distant mucosal surfaces. The technology has shown promise in preventing infections such as influenza and HIV, as well as delivering cancer vaccines.
Scientists at Walter and Eliza Hall Institute identify IRF4 protein as key regulator of elite killer T cells, which recognize and fight infections. Enhanced IRF4 production boosts immune response against HIV and other chronic infections.
A team of Drexel University researchers has created a molecule called DAVEI that can trick HIV into destroying itself by hijacking the virus's fusion machinery. The microbicide was designed to mimic the forces it feels when attached to a healthy cell, causing the virus to release its genetic payload harmlessly and die.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry have discovered a new way HIV-1 reproduces itself without integrating its genetic material into cell DNA, allowing the virus to persist in vivo and evade antiviral drugs. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments aimed at eliminating the virus from infected individuals.
A novel vaccine approach against human cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been shown to be safe and more effective than previous vaccines in an animal model. The vaccine targets CMV's ability to hijack the immune system, inducing broader immunological protection.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution atomic structure of a cell-surface receptor used by most strains of HIV to infect human immune cells. The study provides detailed insights into how HIV attaches to cells and blocks its entry, guiding the development of next-generation drugs.
A study found that women had higher rates of spontaneous viral clearance, with an average time to clearance of 16.5 weeks. The gene IL28B and HCV genotype 1 were also independent predictors of spontaneous clearance in females.
A substudy found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can be highly effective in preventing HIV infection with high adherence rates. Participants who received counseling and support showed 100% efficacy, while those who did not showed significantly lower rates of adherence.
The American Chemical Society has inducted scientists from DuPont, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer, and Vertex into its Heroes of Chemistry program. These innovators have developed groundbreaking products that protect the global food supply, treat HIV-1 infection, and provide personalized medicine for lung cancer and cystic fibrosis patients.
Researchers have identified changes in the microbiome that can predict chemotherapy-induced diarrhea and developed new diagnostics, including a breath test for fungal disease. A single dose of an antibiotic candidate has been found to be as effective as a week-long course of vancomycin for certain skin infections.
Researchers have identified multiple strains of simian foamy virus (SFV) in people living alongside macaques in urban areas, highlighting the need for long-term surveillance. The study's findings suggest that SFV can be transmitted through bites and may lead to viral recombination, posing a risk of pathogenic strain emergence.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that community voluntary male circumcision services in Orange Farm, South Africa significantly reduced HIV infection levels. The study estimated that without circumcision procedures, the HIV rate among men living in this community would have been 15% in 2011.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that nearly 54% of individuals diagnosed with HIV presented late to clinics, with some populations experiencing increased late presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better health outcomes and reducing the risk of transmission.
Current HIV elimination agenda focuses on mother-to-child transmission prevention, but neglects pediatric treatment, resulting in high morbidity and mortality among children. The paper argues for an expanded agenda to ensure all children receive antiretroviral therapy and care.
A new all-oral drug regimen has been found to be highly effective in clearing the hepatitis C virus and well tolerated in patients who historically have had unfavorable prognoses. The study showed a cure rate of about 70 percent using regimens without interferon, offering hope for those with chronic HCV infection.
Researchers have identified a genetic link between HIV infection and increased susceptibility to cryptococcal disease, which can cause devastating fungal meningitis. Patients with the high-affinity Fc receptor gene are up to 20 times more likely to develop the disease, highlighting the need for a predictive test to save lives.
The study found that the proportion of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased, with virologic suppression rising from 35.5% to 63%, among perinatally infected HIV patients now approaching adulthood. However, older patients are more likely to experience higher viremia and advanced immunosuppression.
Scientists have successfully transmitted HIV in a mouse model of heterosexual intercourse, shedding light on the complexities of viral transmission and potential prevention methods. The study's findings suggest that hormonal factors in the female reproductive tract can impact host susceptibility to HIV infection.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine and Brazilian experts found that preventive antibiotic therapy for people with HIV lowers their chances of developing TB or dying. Isoniazid therapy reduced deaths and new cases of active TB disease by 31 percent among men and women already infected with HIV.
A new study in PLOS Medicine suggests that CD4 counts are a suitable alternative to viral loads for monitoring treatment and determining when to switch antiretroviral therapy in adults with HIV. The study found that the two approaches had similar outcomes, providing reassurance for healthcare centers using CD4 counts alone.
Researchers found that community-based pharmacies can be effective locations for offering rapid HIV testing and connecting those who test positive with medical care quickly. The study used five community-based pharmacies in the Bronx and Manhattan to test hard-to-reach individuals, resulting in six positive cases and improved access to...
The new guidelines recommend immediate use of a combination of three or more antiretroviral drugs after any occupational exposure to HIV, eliminating the previous recommendation to assess individual exposure risk. Exposed healthcare personnel should complete a full four-week regimen and undergo follow-up testing and monitoring.
A randomized trial found that universal HIV screening in emergency departments detected nearly as many cases as targeted screening, despite requiring fewer tests. The study suggests that broad criteria and sufficient resources can detect most cases with reduced testing numbers.
Experts warn that widespread use of Truvada for HIV prevention may lead to unintended consequences, including increased transmission of other STIs. Daily dosing, safer sex counseling, and regular testing are crucial for successful PrEP implementation.
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center have received a $16 million NIH grant to investigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on women. The study will focus on identifying immune factors that protect women against HIV infection, understanding virus transmission, and predicting treatment response.
A Miriam Hospital researcher joins an international panel to issue first-of-its-kind recommendations for treating hepatitis C in people who inject drugs. The guidelines present evidence-based strategies for improving assessment and treatment, which could dramatically reduce the burden of liver disease worldwide.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies a genetic mutation in Africans with HIV that increases their risk of tuberculosis. The research found that low expression of immune response gene MIF confers almost a two-and-a-half fold increased risk for severe TB.
A new small animal model of the human norovirus has been developed, allowing researchers to study the virus and develop potential antiviral treatments. The model was created by infecting 'humanized' mice with the virus and identified macrophages as the cell type infected by the virus.