Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A new study found that more than 60% of parents had heard of PrEP, with relatively low levels of knowledge and high intentions to discuss and support their adolescents' PrEP care. The study highlights the importance of educating parents about PrEP to increase self-efficacy and uptake among at-risk populations.
Targeted testing for HIV in emergency departments has led to a significant increase in diagnoses, with numbers more than tripling in Spain. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding the spread of HIV infection, and targeted screening has been shown to be effective, especially in increasing tests ordered and diagnoses made.
A nationwide study in Denmark found that people living with HIV are at double the risk of depression and treatment with electroconvulsive therapy compared to controls. Siblings of PLWH also face an increased risk of depression, use of antidepressants, and suicide, but lower than for PLWH.
A recent US study found that people living with HIV performed worse on cognitive tests after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to those without HIV, but these differences were attributable to HIV rather than COVID-19. However, vaccinated individuals experienced declines in processing speed following COVID-19.
Research found that STI and HIV testing rates dropped significantly in March 2020, while positive test rates rose. The decline was likely driven by public health recommendations limiting in-person visits during the pandemic.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute identified hopeaphenol as a plant-based compound that targets HIV reservoirs, reducing stress on the immune system and potentially decreasing age-related conditions. The compound was found to inhibit viral reactivation, blocking replication and production of new viruses in infected cells.
Scientists have identified monocytes, a type of white blood cell, as a potential target for eliminating HIV infections. A new study found that monocytes can harbor stable HIV genomes, which may provide a new direction for efforts to improve therapies and eventually cure the disease.
A new study confirms that HIV can persist in myeloid cells for months to several years, even in virally suppressed individuals. The findings suggest that these cells contribute to a long-lived HIV reservoir and may be an important target for cure efforts.
A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.
The new test helps detect new HIV infection and follows current guidelines for testing patients on HIV prevention medication. The study identified successful efforts and opportunities for process improvement during the first three months of implementation.
A new method to cure HIV using umbilical cord blood stem cells has yielded long-term successful results for a middle-aged mixed-race woman with leukemia and HIV. The approach broadens the opportunities for people of diverse ancestry to attain cures.
Researchers developed HIV-1-infection models in human microglia cell cultures to investigate the insertion of the HIV-1 genome. They discovered a correlation between a cellular chromatin factor and the sleeping virus phenotype, linking viral integration to topologically associated domains.
A new study from McGill University found that individuals with lower education levels are more likely to contract HIV. Researchers also discovered that people living in unstable housing conditions or those who did not complete post-secondary studies were at a higher risk of infection.
A new study examines the concerns of parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Parents cited effectiveness and adverse effects as key factors in their decision-making, while also expressing questions about how to discuss PrEP with their children.
Researchers have discovered that HIV creates reservoirs as early as the first days of infection, hiding and persisting during antiretroviral therapy. This finding is a major obstacle to curing HIV, but it also offers new opportunities for treatment development.
After a stem cell transplant from a donor with the CCR5-delta 32 mutation, a man was able to stop his antiretroviral treatment without viral resurgence. Four years later, no HIV virus could be detected in his body, indicating probable cure. This case joins two previous reported cases and offers further proof that HIV can be cured.
A new study has confirmed that people living with HIV who switch from efavirenz to dolutegravir may gain more weight and have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. The study found that patients on dolutegravir gained an average of 1.78 kg in 12 months, compared to those on efavirenz.
A study has identified a severe form of mpox with a 15% mortality rate in people with advanced HIV disease and immunosuppression. The researchers recommend adding this form of mpox to the list of AIDS-defining conditions to guide management of immunocompromised individuals.
A 53-year-old man has been cured of HIV after receiving a stem cell transplant, marking the third person to achieve this. The patient's genome contained a mutation in the CCR5 gene, making it impossible for most HIV viruses to enter his CD4+ T-lymphocytes.
A new study reveals that all 50 US states now allow minors to consent independently to some STI/HIV services, but confidentiality protections are rare and vary significantly. The laws remain complex, with gaps in coverage for prevention services like the HPV vaccine and PrEP.
A new study found Black South Africans who migrated to find work reported better emotional well-being and were at lower risk for depression after the move. The research may help policymakers tailor mental health resources to underprivileged migrants and those seeking economic mobility.
Research reveals that commonly used antiretroviral drugs TAF and TDF directly impact mitochondria's energy production in immune cells. The study suggests a larger energy reduction when combined with other antiretrovirals, sparking concerns about potential long-term effects on human cells.
A Phase 3 clinical trial testing an experimental HIV vaccine regimen found the treatment to be safe but ineffective in preventing HIV acquisition. The trial involved over 3,900 volunteers and concluded that the number of HIV infections were equivalent between the vaccine and placebo arms.
A Rutgers study found that pregnant people with HIV have higher levels of chronic systemic inflammation and immune activation, leading to poor growth in children. The study aimed to investigate the impact on babies exposed to HIV but not infected.
A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells trigger a change in the criteria for admission to germinal centers, allowing low-affinity B cells to join, increasing the diversity of the immune response. This process is crucial for fighting off viruses like SARS-CoV-2 but may hinder efforts against HIV.
Researchers discovered host proteins APOBEC3 can aid HIV's latency, a major hurdle to cure research. The finding raises questions about the role of these proteins and potential ways to block their activity to inhibit viral persistence.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV reveals that women experiencing recent intimate partner violence are three times more likely to contract HIV. The research highlights the intersectional epidemic of IPV and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women face increased risk of HIV acquisition and less frequent viral load suppression.
A modelling study in 90 low- and middle-income countries estimates that herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections drive significant healthcare cost savings and improved quality of life. The study suggests that widespread HSV-2 vaccination could prevent millions of quality of life years lost due to HSV-2 and HIV co-infections.
A new study examined the impact of Medicaid funding cessation on neonatal circumcision rates in California. The research found a significant decrease in circumcision rates, particularly among low-income families, which can exacerbate existing health disparities such as lower rates of sexually transmitted infections. The findings highli...
A new study suggests that expanding Medicaid coverage in Houston, combined with increased use of PrEP and antiviral medications, could lead to a significant decline in new HIV infections among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The model projects a potential decrease in HIV incidence rate to almost 50% with...
A recent study by Texas A&M University reveals that rural family medicine physicians are less comfortable providing sexual risk reduction counseling to adolescents compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and training of PrEP-related clinical activities among rural providers, whic...
Researchers found that Covid vaccines effectively protect HIV-positive individuals, particularly after a third booster shot. The study also revealed a surprisingly strong cellular immune response in HIV-positive people, similar to those in healthy individuals.
A large cohort study in Tanzania found that antiviral treatment can reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child by 99.5%. The study suggests that achieving the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission is possible with modern antiviral drugs.
Rice University researchers are developing implants that can produce and deliver monoclonal anti-HIV antibody therapeutics for at least a year. The project aims to reduce the cost and improve the logistics of HIV treatment, making it more accessible and beneficial for patients worldwide.
The updated guideline provides recommendations on managing HIV infection, including changing antiviral regimens, use of preexposure prophylaxis, care for pregnant persons with HIV, people aging with HIV, and those with substance use disorder. The guidelines also address new challenges such as COVID-19 and monkeypox virus infection.
A systematic review of national clinical practice guidelines in Europe found that fewer than half include HIV testing recommendations for patients with medical conditions indicating HIV infection. This omission hinders efforts to stop the spread of HIV through timely diagnosis, affecting the lives of people living with HIV.
A study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that a protein complex called SMC5/6 initiates a process that silences HIV DNA proviruses, leading to latent infections. The researchers propose a molecule that inhibits this action as a potential therapeutic strategy to reactivate latent HIV-1 and help clear the body of infectious virus.
Researchers found that people living with HIV have a significantly delayed internal body clock, consistent with the symptoms of jet lag. This disruption may contribute to increased health problems experienced by those with HIV. The study suggests a strong need for further research on younger people living with HIV in other countries.
Researchers discovered that expressing Vpu in infected cells makes them more difficult for non-neutralizing antibodies to target, allowing the virus to evade the immune system. The study provides valuable insights into developing effective vaccines against HIV-1.
A 3-year initiative implemented evidence-based interventions to improve routine STI screening, testing, and treatment in primary HIV care clinics. The interventions included provider training, audio computer-assisted self-interviews, and patient self-collection of nucleic acid amplification tests.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that specific immune system biomarkers are linked to the acquisition of both HIV and genital herpes. The researchers identified unique predictors for each disease, providing new targets for preventive treatments.
Researchers identified specific monkeypox mutations that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The virus is accumulating mutations where drugs and antibodies from vaccines are supposed to bind, making it smarter and more infectious.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to examine how alcohol use alone or in combination with fentanyl affects HIV medications, including PrEP medication. The study aims to determine metabolite signatures and pharmacological biomarkers of PrEP in HIV-negative populations.
A multi-year initiative aimed at improving HIV health outcomes for Black men who have sex with men found improvements in retention in care, receipt of HIV prescriptions, and viral suppression. The project used evidence-based approaches to link, engage, and retain Black MSM with HIV in medical care and supportive services.
Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
A study found that young women's vaginal immune systems become more active after first-time intercourse, which may increase or decrease the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. The changes were confirmed not to be due to pregnancy or having an STI.
A new Danish-led study has demonstrated a way to strengthen the body's own ability to fight HIV, even when standard treatment is paused. The study found that monoclonal antibodies and Romidepsin can help the immune system recognize and kill infected cells.
Research suggests people with HIV and CD4 counts lower than 350 cells per microliter are at increased risk of severe breakthrough COVID-19 infections. The study's findings support the CDC's recommendations for additional vaccine dosing and risk-reduction measures for these individuals.
A recent poll reveals that 48% of people aged 50-80 have purchased at least one home health test, including COVID-19 and DNA tests. Notably, 82% of older adults express interest in future medical tests at home, while 90% agree to share results with their healthcare provider.
Researchers have discovered two genes contributing to a paradoxical drug effect in Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that causes deadly infections. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers develop custom vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies to protect against HIV variants. The team uses a modified HIV spike protein to prime the immune system, paving the way for an effective HIV vaccine.
A new University of Colorado Boulder research warns that an obscure family of viruses in wild African primates may jump to humans, causing disease. The study focuses on simian arteriviruses, which have caused Ebola-like symptoms in monkeys and may attack immune cells like HIV.
Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.
A recent study published in The Lancet HIV found that individuals with viral suppression through antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications can live longer and experience less disability compared to those with unsuppressed HIV. This research highlights the critical importance of maintaining support for HIV treatment programs to ensure op...
Researchers found that a 'slow delivery, escalating dose' vaccination strategy can prompt B cells to spend months mutating and evolving their antibodies, leading to more effective long-lasting vaccines. This breakthrough has implications for vaccines against pathogens like influenza, malaria, and SARS-CoV-2.
A five-year, $4.2 million grant will test two strategies to improve PrEP access in the Bronx, aiming to reduce HIV infection rates. The strategies include assigning a sexual health navigator to contact patients and offering telehealth consultations with specialists.
Research found that people with HIV who also have untreated hepatitis C virus have a higher risk of heart attack as they age. The study analyzed health data from 23,361 people with HIV and found that those co-infected with hepatitis C had a significantly increased risk of heart attack compared to those with HIV alone.
A study found that dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) had a high probability of maternal viral suppression at delivery, outperforming commonly used ART regimens. The researchers also observed no significant differences in adverse birth outcomes between dolutegravir and other regimens.
A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers found that dolutegravir-based regimens are more effective in treating HIV-1 during pregnancy than other commonly used ART regimens. The study showed high viral suppression rates for pregnant people taking dolutegravir, with no observed differences in adverse birth out...
A 21% relative risk reduction in reported high-risk HIV behavior was found for single mothers with a State-level Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC) of 10% or above the Federal EITC. A 10 percentage-point increase in SEITC was also linked to a 38% relative reduction in high-risk behavior.