Articles tagged with Hiv Infections
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV exploits a human cytokine called interleukin 7 (IL-7) in semen to promote its own transmission. The researchers discovered that the increased concentration of IL-7 in semen facilitates HIV transmission to cervical tissue ex vivo.
A new study finds that extra-couple transmission accounts for 30% of new HIV infections in men and 10% in women within stable partnerships. Targeting all heterosexual routes of transmission with test-and-treat strategies could be key to fighting the epidemic.
A study found that conditional cash transfer programs can improve behavior among gay men and male sex workers in Mexico City. Gay men would participate at a rate of over 75% if offered $7-8.75/month, while male sex workers would participate for significantly less, $156/year.
A UK study found that improved prevention measures failed to reduce HIV levels among men who have sex with men in England and Wales, despite increased testing and treatment rates. The researchers suggest that targeting the most-at-risk groups and initiating treatment earlier may be necessary to bring about a drop in HIV incidence.
A new study suggests that early diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C in intravenous drug users can prevent many transmissions by identifying 'super-spreaders' who are highly infectious. By understanding how the virus spreads in these individuals, researchers hope to develop targeted interventions to stop its spread.
A study found that moderate gum disease exacerbated infection and inflammation in a monkey model of AIDS, potentially slowing treatment effects. Researchers emphasize the importance of controlling mild mouth inflammation due to its negative implications on long-term disease progression.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that patient satisfaction with care is associated with higher adherence to antiretroviral therapy and retention in HIV care. Patients who were more satisfied had better clinical outcomes, including improved survival rates.
Research suggests that HIV-like viruses in non-human primates date back to at least 5 million years ago, possibly up to 12 million years ago. The study's findings indicate an evolutionary arms race between viruses and the host immune system, driving selective changes in antiviral genes.
The Pitt team found that targeting Nef, a small HIV protein, could prevent it from replicating and infecting other cells. They discovered a compound called B9 that blocks Nef activity, impairing its function in the viral replication process.
A new study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that sex is rated as highly arousing and pleasurable regardless of condom and lubricant use. The research, led by Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH, reveals few differences between men and women in their ratings of sexual quality with or without these products.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have engineered key immune cells to resist HIV infection by inactivating a receptor gene and inserting additional anti-HIV genes. The new approach, known as 'stacking,' provides multiple layers of protection against the virus and could potentially replace drug treatment.
A meta-analysis found that current smokers with HIV were at double the risk of bacterial pneumonia than non-smokers, but stopping smoking decreased this risk by about a third. Stopping smoking reduced the risk of bacterial pneumonia by approximately 30-70% compared to non-smoking counterparts.
Researchers found that probiotic supplementation improved gastrointestinal immune function and decreased inflammation in SIV-infected macaques treated with ARV. These findings suggest that probiotics could benefit ARV-treated HIV patients, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
A 48-week course of antiretroviral medication can delay the need for lifelong treatment and reduce virus levels in the blood for up to sixty weeks after stopping. This study suggests that early treatment may slow immune system damage and reduce the risk of transmission.
Researchers found that starting antiretroviral therapy within four months of estimated HIV-1 infection significantly improves restoration of CD4+ T-cell counts. The study used data from 468 patients followed in the San Diego Primary Infection Cohort, and recovery rates were observed to be higher for those initiating therapy early.
Researchers found that probiotic supplementation improved gastrointestinal immune function and reduced inflammation in SIV-infected macaques, a model for human HIV-infection. This study suggests that probiotics could benefit ARV-treated HIV patients by mitigating the damage caused by viral-induced gut inflammation.
A study has provided new clues for designing a more effective HIV vaccine by analyzing the structure of antibody-virus complexes produced in vaccine recipients. The researchers found that antibodies targeting specific regions of the virus are associated with decreased transmission of HIV.
In Ethiopia, a study found that only 66% of patients with HIV disclosed their status to their spouse, while 17% disclosed to siblings and 16.8% to other relatives. The lack of disclosure hinders treatment and prevention efforts.
A Pitt-led team has identified a molecule that effectively polices tuberculosis (TB) lung infections and prevents the progression to active disease. The presence of CXCR5 enables the immune system to target infected cells and form protective granulomas, which keep TB under control.
Researchers at Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology developed a new technique to knock out genes in the parasite's genome. The study found that removing specific genes did not prevent the parasite from invading host cells, suggesting alternative invasion strategies.
A Danish study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that HIV patients who smoke lose more years of life to smoking than to HIV infection. Researchers estimated the effect of smoking on mortality and life expectancy among nearly 3,000 HIV-infected patients treated in Denmark from 1995 to 2010.
Researchers from IrsiCaixa have identified a molecule on the surface of dendritic cells that recognizes and binds HIV gangliosides, allowing the virus to be taken up by these cells and transmitted to CD4 T lymphocytes. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments against AIDS.
A new study suggests that maraviroc, an HIV treatment drug, could be effective in treating Staphylococcus aureus infections. The discovery was made through a serendipitous finding and further confirmed using mouse models, showing that blocking CCR5 receptor can help control the infection.
A clinical trial led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University will enroll 75 men and women with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis to test the investigational TB drug AZD5847. The study aims to determine whether the drug reduces TB bacteria counts in participants, with a focus on patients co-infected with HIV.
DNDi will receive a $17.3 million grant from UNITAID to accelerate the development and delivery of child-adapted antiretroviral therapy (ARV) formulations for babies and toddlers with HIV/AIDS, including those co-infected with tuberculosis. This support aims to improve treatment accessibility and outcomes for young children affected by...
A new study demonstrates that a vaginal microbicide gel is highly effective in blocking HIV infection in non-human primate models. The gel, containing engineered peptides, prevents the virus from entering and infecting cells, offering a promising strategy for prevention and protection against HIV transmission.
Scientists at IMIM and UPF have simulated the release of HIV protease, a protein responsible for the virus's maturation process. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new antiretroviral therapies by understanding how free protease appears during the maturation process.
Researchers discover that JQ1 can reactivate latent HIV by activating the virus in the presence of potent therapy, making it vulnerable to current treatments. The study also found potent suppression of inflammatory genes, suggesting its potential effectiveness against other inflammatory conditions.
Stanford researchers use a new animal model to study the early course of urogenital schistosomiasis, a chronic disease affecting 112 million people worldwide. They found that continuous waves of egg deposition are what's generating chronic disease, and that killing the worms can halt the cycle.
Routine HIV testing can significantly reduce AIDS-related morbidity and death, as well as HIV transmission. Implementing this strategy would provide a roadmap for an AIDS-free generation.
Imtiaz A. Khan, a GW professor, is studying the effects of microsporidia on HIV patients using a $1.6 million federal grant. His project aims to regulate CD8+ T cells to prevent complications in immunocompromised individuals.
Researchers discover Arih2 gene essential for immune system function, potentially leading to treatment breakthroughs for chronic infections like HIV and hepatitis. The gene's role in regulating the immune response could lead to new treatments that reinvigorate the immune system and help clear these infections.
Researchers have found that targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) can effectively eliminate HIV-infected cells using immune responses. This discovery could lead to the development of novel HIV vaccines by leveraging HERV-targeted T-cells.
Researchers at Wits University and Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa have discovered a unique feature of HIV that enables infected people to create potent antibodies. These broadly neutralizing antibodies can kill up to 88% of HIV types, providing an important new approach for developing an AIDS vaccine.
Researchers used UV-C to eliminate Acinetobacter and Clostridium difficile bacteria from patient room surfaces, reducing CFUs by 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively. The study suggests UV light could be a promising addition to hospital infection control strategies.
Babies born to HIV-positive mothers are at risk of measles infection due to impaired maternal antibodies. Early immunization is crucial to prevent measles virus transmission and complications.
A new 90-day intravaginal ring delivers steady doses of antiretroviral drug tenofovir to prevent HIV transmission in women, promising improved adherence and cost-effectiveness.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Facebook-based STI prevention messages encouraged condom use among young adults, with 68% reporting condom use two months after the intervention. The effects decreased over time but remained significant compared to traditional HIV prevention programs.
A team of scientists will enroll 250 people living with HIV/AIDS in a clinical study to compare an intervention with a Holistic Health Recovery Program adapted for Alcohol Use Disorders, aiming to enhance patients' awareness and modify behaviors that promote HIV disease progression.
A recent study found that overall HIV death rates declined between 1993 and 2007 for most men and women by race/ethnicity and educational levels. However, disparities in mortality rates persisted among non-Hispanic black individuals, particularly those with lower education levels.
A new over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick, is unlikely to significantly impact the fight against HIV due to its high cost and limited accessibility. Physicians recommend counseling patients about the use and limitations of home testing to make informed decisions.
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a lower-than-expected incidence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) at a nationwide retail pharmacy chain. The study revealed that the annual NSI rate was between 0 to 3.62 per 100,000 vaccinations, with most incidents occurring after use and disposal of needles.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a significant association between HIV infection and an increase in anal cancer risk among US males. The research suggests that measures to prevent anal cancer in HIV-infected males could reduce overall rates at the population level.
Researchers discovered polymorphisms in HIV-1 that improve resistance to drugs, even without the medication. This finding has significant implications for treating HIV-1 infection, as it suggests newly infected individuals can be drug-resistant before treatment.
A study published in JAIDS found that starting antiretroviral therapy reduces food insecurity and improves physical health among HIV-infected Africans. Food insecurity is linked to higher rates of opportunistic infections, poorer immune responses, and increased risk of death.
A new study reveals the emergence and spread of invasive non-Typhoidal Salmonella disease in sub-Saharan Africa, which has a significant mortality rate of up to 45% in infected people. The disease is caused by a rapidly evolving form of Salmonella Typhimurium that acquired resistance to multiple front-line drugs.
A Johns Hopkins research suggests that the commonly prescribed anti-retroviral drug efavirenz attacks brain cells, contributing to cognitive impairment. The study found that 8-hydroxyefavirenz is 10 times more toxic to brain cells than the drug itself.
Same-sex contact and inconsistent condom use were major risk factors for HIV infection among US Navy and Marines personnel. The study highlights opportunities for targeted prevention efforts, particularly promoting condom use after the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal.
Researchers discovered that a protein called SAMHD1 protects resting T helper cells from HIV replication by degrading genetic information. The study provides new insights into the immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS and could lead to new treatments for HIV.
A UC San Diego study has identified a human gene called Human Schlafen 11 that produces a protein blocking the replication of HIV in infected cells. The research may lead to diagnostic tests and therapeutic drugs to prevent AIDS progression.
Research reveals that preferentially transmitted HIV strains in heterosexuals are often similar to the strain initially infecting the partner, indicating an evolutionary advantage. This finding may help advance HIV prevention efforts and develop an effective vaccine.
A team of researchers has identified a possible key to slowing the progression towards AIDS by uncovering an early immune response that targets a specific section of the HIV protein. This novel finding could lead to new insights into vaccine design and may provide hope for better treatment options for those living with HIV.
Researchers found that taking Truvada daily leads to a 99% reduction in HIV infection risk and that participants need to take the medication at least 4 days per week to achieve a 90% risk reduction. The study focused on men who have sex with men, as the findings may not be applicable to other populations.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a method to precisely track the life cycle of individual cells infected with HIV, targeting 'HIV latency'. This breakthrough could help advance the discovery of a cure for AIDS by understanding and interrupting the dormant virus.
A new study found that the RV144 vaccine was effective in preventing certain HIV viruses, particularly those carrying specific genetic footprints. The vaccine's immune response targeted the Env-V2 region, leading to increased efficacy of up to 80 percent.
Researchers at OHSU's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute studied the mechanism behind protection offered by slightly weakened monkey AIDS virus versions that were too risky for human use. The study reveals that anti-viral T cells in lymphoid tissue are responsible for this protection, which is lost when the virus is further weakened.
A UCLA study challenges the World Health Organization's approach to HIV prevention in South Africa, suggesting a 'test and treat' strategy could be more effective but costly. The researchers predict that treating the 1.6 million people who need treatment would be very effective as a form of 'treatment as prevention,' bringing the epide...
A vaginal ring releasing an anti-HIV drug has been shown to prevent the transmission of SHIV in macaques, providing strong potential for its success in women. The study found that the rings provided highly significant protection when inserted 2 weeks or 24 hours before virus exposure.
A UCLA study challenges the World Health Organization's approach to HIV prevention in South Africa, suggesting it could lead to millions developing drug-resistant strains and costing billions more than estimated. The researchers argue that providing treatment to those in need would be more effective and cost-efficient.
A provocative essay in NEJM calls for redoubling efforts to combat TB, highlighting global health inequity and inadequate treatment. The authors advocate for adopting a zero-TB death goal, rapid diagnosis, and infection control measures to stem the pandemic.