Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A team of researchers has developed a strategy for inducing a key part of an effective immune response to HIV by tracing the evolution of HIV-recognizing molecules. The study suggests that a future vaccine against HIV could combine multiple biological components to give broad protection against the virus.
Gay men are more than 15 times as likely to develop genital cancer as straight men due to HPV infection. Targeted vaccination is recommended for those aged up to 26 years, with sexual health clinics ideal for offering the vaccine.
Researchers at UCSF discovered changes in intestinal bacteria can perpetuate inflammation triggered by HIV, linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, dementia, and obesity. The study suggests manipulating microbial populations could be a promising strategy to restore gut health and potentially treat HIV.
Researchers have developed HIV-derived antibacterial compounds that target and disrupt bacterial membranes, showing powerful activity against clinically resistant bacteria. These engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs) may also be applicable to treatment of other respiratory infections and biodefense applications.
A study reveals significant age disparities in HIV continuum of care, with people under 45 years less likely to be aware of their infection or have a suppressed viral load. Early diagnosis and prompt care are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality, but many patients face barriers to access treatment.
A University of Toronto study found that peer-based prevention programs for female sex workers in India reduced rates of syphilis, HIV, and other STIs. These programs provided condoms and treated STIs, resulting in a 40% decrease in HIV and a 70% decrease in syphilis among pregnant women.
A new study found that a daily oral dose of tenofovir significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection in people who inject drugs, with 17 participants infected out of 1204 on the drug versus 33 on placebo. Adherence to the treatment was key to its effectiveness.
Researchers found that viruses like HIV and Ebola hijack the same protein complexes as archaea and humans, using ESCRT machinery for cell division. The study presents a new model system to understand virus-host interactions.
A new study suggests that universal HIV testing in India could be a cost-effective strategy to save millions of lives. The study found that testing every five years would be the most cost-effective option, with a price tag of $1,900 per year of life saved in the general population and $1,300 per YLS among high-risk groups.
A study analyzed 275 endoscopes and found 30% to fail cleanliness ratings, with duodenoscopes failing at the highest rate. The study highlights the need for improved cleaning protocols and guidelines to prevent infections.
Researchers found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and high HBV replication in patients with chronic HBV. The study suggests that vitamin D may help control HBV levels and proposes further investigation of its therapeutic potential.
Scientists at NIH discover how HIV kills immune cells by triggering a signal that causes infected cells to die. Treating HIV-infected individuals with drugs blocking viral replication may improve CD4+ T cell survival and immune function.
In the UK, healthcare staff cannot test unconscious patients for HIV without consent, despite the risk of infection and potential psychological impact. Experts argue that changing the law would protect both patients and healthcare workers.
Mathematical analysis reveals that viral blips occur naturally due to infection rate saturation, not external triggers. Models propose a 5-dimensional immunological model that can generate blips, applicable to various viral diseases and autoimmune disorders.
A new study finds that HIV-positive transgender individuals have similar rates of retention, antiretroviral therapy coverage, and HIV suppression as nontransgender peers. Advances in HIV treatment and increased attention to LGBT health may contribute to the improvement in outcomes.
Theoretical mathematical models can help analyze viral dynamics in the early phase following exposure to HIV, providing insights into therapeutic and prevention strategies. The models suggest that reverse transcriptase inhibitors are more effective than protease inhibitors for PrEP, while fast initiation of treatment is crucial for PEP.
Researchers used computer simulations to study how HIV-1 virus creates its capsid, a protective armor around the viral genome. The simulations provide new insights into the process, which could lead to better understanding and prevention of infection.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a strategy to increase the number of viral peptides that T cells recognize, allowing them to more effectively respond to HIV. The method uses cytomegalovirus (CMV) to generate SIV-specific T cells that can target multiple viral peptides, providing a better targeting system for the immune system.
A new microsphere-based detection system uses multiple antibodies at once for early HIV detection and vaccine efficacy assessment. The novel multiplex immunoassay approach significantly improves sensitivity over standard ELISA techniques.
A global consensus statement establishes standardized definitions and measurements for drug-resistant tuberculosis in children. Research findings highlight the importance of colonization pressure as a predictor of healthcare-associated MRSA infections.
A new meta-analysis of seven trials in Bangladesh, India, Malawi, and Nepal found that grassroots women's groups can dramatically reduce maternal and newborn deaths. Additionally, an analysis of official development assistance for reproductive health reveals that less than a tenth of funding is directed towards family planning.
The new tool uses neutralization fingerprinting to identify specific types of HIV antibodies present in a blood sample. This approach is particularly useful when other methods are not feasible and can significantly reduce the time required for analysis.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to represent HIV-infected cell reproduction, revealing significant uncontrolled replication in sanctuary sites. The discovery implies current antiretroviral therapies may not be as complete in suppressing HIV as previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a potential treatment for deadly, drug-resistant bacterial infections that uses the same approach as HIV to infect cells. The new antibiotic, called engineered cationic antimicrobial peptides (eCAPs), has shown rapid destruction of bacteria resistant to standard antibiotics.
A study of 804 HIV-infected children found that those on nevirapine-based treatment had a longer time to virological failure compared to efavirenz-based treatment. The authors conclude that nevirapine may be a cost-effective option for pediatric antiretroviral treatment programs in resource-limited settings.
Researchers found that stimulating the CB2 receptor in white blood cells weakens HIV-1 infection. Synthetic compounds may make current therapies more effective and provide protection against certain complications. The discovery holds promise for fighting other viral diseases.
A study of HIV-infected children and adolescents found that highly active antiretroviral therapies do not impair heart function. Instead, the therapies appear to be cardioprotective, reducing the risk of heart failure in these patients.
A study found that circumcision significantly alters the penis microbiome, with a reduced bacterial load and fewer anaerobic bacteria. This change may explain why circumcision offers protection against HIV and other viral infections.
A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that women with HIV have an elevated resting energy expenditure compared to healthy women. The study also showed that this effect persists even among those on effective antiretroviral therapy, suggesting a direct impact of HIV infection on metabolism.
A mathematical model developed by Yale researchers predicts that combining multiple interventions could prevent up to two-thirds of future HIV infections and reduce prevalence from 19% to 10% in 10 years. The study suggests increasing male circumcision, more frequent screening, and antiretroviral therapy as the most effective strategies.
Researchers found that temporarily blocking a critical protein helps the immune system fight off chronic infection, reversing many immune problems. The discovery suggests new approaches to treating persistent viral infections like HIV and hepatitis C.
Researchers found high numbers of HPV type 53 in normal cervical smears from HIV positive women, but not in cervical cancers. This sub-type may inhibit progression to cervical cancer, potentially providing a simple biological therapy for prevention.
The Johns Hopkins researchers developed a Web-based mathematical model to predict which patients would benefit from taking a possibly infected organ. The tool considers factors such as waiting list duration, previous transplants, age, and diabetes status.
Researchers found that women with HIV are at risk of acquiring cancer-causing forms of HPV, including types 52 and 58, which are not covered by current vaccines. Treating HIV may also protect women from HPV-related cancers.
A study has identified a broadly cross-reactive neutralizing antibody in an infected HIV-1 patient, providing insights into effective vaccination strategies. The researchers hope that a vaccine mimicking the development of this potent antibody response may trigger similar protective antibodies.
Researchers have identified a key player in the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV, paving the way for potential vaccine discovery. By studying the co-evolution of HIV and an individual's immune response, scientists can identify target proteins to include in vaccines.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that a common sexually transmitted infection-causing parasite cultivates bacteria beneficial to it, changing the thinking about which comes first–infection or bacteria. The study found two unique bacterial communities strongly associated with trichomonas infection.
The review highlights the risks of sharps injuries, including high costs related to contracting serious infectious diseases, with nearly 400,000 incidents occurring annually in the US. Engineered safety devices and proper protocols can prevent many injuries, but clinician compliance remains a crucial factor in reducing their impact.
A systematic review confirms HIV self-testing is effective in removing fear and stigma associated with testing, leading to higher acceptability rates. Self-tests are non-invasive, convenient, and can provide results within 20 minutes, paving the way for early detection and treatment.
Researchers deciphered previously unknown properties of transmitted HIV-1 viruses, revealing they are highly infectious and contain more envelope protein. The findings provide new insights into the biology of viral/host dynamics and may inform vaccine design.
A study published in PLoS Pathogens suggests that removing the viral infectivity factor gene from HIV allows the innate human immune system to destroy the virus. The researchers used a humanized mouse model and found that APOBEC3 proteins effectively restrict HIV growth when vif is removed.
Researchers have discovered that broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) can handle HIV's high mutation rate, offering a promising strategy for vaccine development. The study found that mutations in framework regions strengthened the antibodies' antiviral activity while conserving key structural features.
A new study by Michigan State University found that about four percent of HIV-positive individuals also have hepatitis, highlighting the need for stronger protections against co-infection. The study reveals that behaviors putting people at risk of HIV also increase their risk of getting hepatitis B or C.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a new approach for stopping herpes infections by identifying the molecular key that herpes viruses use to infect cells. The finding could lead to new drugs for treating or suppressing herpes virus infections.
A new study reveals that immune cells can recognize and respond to mutated HIV, paving the way for an effective vaccine. The research suggests that a vaccine targeting key mutant forms of the virus could be effective in preventing HIV infection and AIDS.
Researchers will study the effectiveness of a mobile phone app/game in improving antiretroviral treatment adherence among HIV-infected youth and young adults. The goal is to enhance CD4+ cell count, reduce HIV viral load, and decrease transmission risk.
A new study published in Hepatology found that hepatitis C transmission from an infected partner during sex is extremely rare in monogamous heterosexual relationships. The researchers recruited 500 couples and found a maximum incidence rate of 0.07% per year, equivalent to roughly 1 case per 190,000 sexual contacts.
A systematic review of 13 modelling studies found that pre-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing HIV infection in people at risk. The cost-effectiveness of this approach depends on factors such as drug costs, epidemic context, and individual adherence levels.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine researchers have been awarded a $12 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop a drug-impregnated intravaginal ring to prevent HIV infection in women. The device aims to provide safe and effective prevention strategies for women at increased risk of HIV infection.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed nanoparticles carrying melittin, a toxin found in bee venom, that can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed. This finding offers an important step towards developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV.
A new study found that community-based HIV-prevention efforts can significantly increase testing rates and reduce new infections. The trial demonstrated a 14% reduction in new HIV infections compared to control communities.
Researchers found that co-infection with HIV speeds up the progression of liver disease in individuals infected with hepatitis C, increasing the severity of scarring and cirrhosis by nearly a decade. The studies identified two genetic mutations that may help the immune system fight off the HCV virus more effectively.
A two-year-old child was treated with antiretroviral drugs from birth and later showed no detectable levels of virus or disease symptoms without treatment. Researchers are exploring the possibility of replicating this outcome in clinical trials involving other HIV-exposed children.
The study demonstrates that community efforts can significantly increase HIV testing rates, especially among men and young individuals. The intervention communities showed a 45% higher rate of testing for men compared to control communities, leading to a 14% reduction in new HIV infections.
A large study of veterans found that HIV infection is independently associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI or heart attack), even after adjusting for standard risk factors. The study also identified other risk factors, including low CD4 cell count and hepatitis C virus, as contributing to the increased risk.
A NIH/NIAID study found that antiretroviral-based strategies to prevent HIV infection among women were not effective due to low adherence rates. The VOICE trial showed that nearly half of participants, particularly young and unmarried women, failed to use their assigned products daily.
A study led by Katherine Luzuriaga and Deborah Persaud shows that early ART can curtail the formation of hard-to-treat viral sanctuaries. Five HIV-infected teenagers who started ART within two months of exposure had lower copy numbers of viral DNA compared to those who started later.
A team of researchers describes the first case of a functional HIV cure in an infant, achieved through prompt antiviral therapy within 30 hours of birth. The infant remained virus-free for over a year without treatment.
A Monash Institute of Medical Research team has identified a protein called Interferon epsilon (IFNe) that protects females against infections, including STIs. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic opportunities and boost protective immunity.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 25 human proteins that may be critical to HIV-1's ability to infect new cells. These proteins are found in viruses from two different types of infected cells, providing a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.