Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
A new model of HIV dynamics accurately predicts the emergence and growth of recombinant forms of the virus in infected individuals. This framework also establishes scaling relationships between the prevalence of these resistant strains and overall infection extent.
A new study finds that HIV-infected patients are sicker when starting therapy compared to the past. The delay in diagnosis and treatment is particularly pronounced among injection drug users, women, and certain demographic groups.
Researchers found that a combination of infection control measures, including masks, reduced hospitalization time, and improved ventilation, could prevent nearly half of new XDR tuberculosis cases. The study's findings highlight the need for immediate action to address the growing epidemic in South Africa.
Women in Botswana and Swaziland who lack food are more likely to sell sex or engage in other risky behaviors. Nearly one in three reported food insufficiency, which increased the likelihood of inconsistent condom use and intergenerational relationships.
High-risk individuals face barriers to testing, including lack of healthcare access and mental health issues. Despite CDC efforts, only 27% of those at highest risk have been tested in the past year, highlighting untapped potential for increased testing rates.
Researchers identified genetic variations that significantly contribute to HIV/AIDS progression rates, including CCR5 and CCL3L1 genes. These findings may lead to the development of additional markers for predicting HIV disease course.
A study found that care provided by nurses and clinicians in primary health care settings can lead to good outcomes for HIV-infected children in Africa. Children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) showed significant improvements in CD4 cell status, weight gain, and hemoglobin concentration.
Researchers from Imperial College London found that people with medium levels of HIV in their blood are the most likely to spread the virus. They can remain asymptomatic for six to eight years before progressing to AIDS, infecting multiple sexual partners during this time.
A study found HIV-infected African Americans are at a higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than white patients with HIV, with rates similar to those with diabetes
A new mathematical model explains how persistent microbes co-exist with humans, suggesting an increase in virulent organisms as populations grow. The model proposes that larger populations select for more virulent microbes, leading to potentially severe epidemics.
UF researchers tracked HIV genetic journey from birth to death in four children with HIV, finding the deadly X4 form emerges just before AIDS. The study reveals thymus as key location for viral replication and development of a 'program' of virus evolution over time.
A study of 151 HIV-positive patients found a low prevalence of H pylori infection compared to HIV-negative patients. The researchers suggest a different mechanism for chronic active gastritis in HIV-positive patients, potentially related to opportunistic infections rather than H pylori.
Scientists discover that mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) can replicate in cultured human breast cells, leading to rapid spread and potential role in human breast cancer. Researchers plan further investigation into the link between MMTV and breast cancer.
A combination of antiretroviral drugs called HAART halted neurodegenerative process caused by HIV, with normal biomarker levels found in nearly half of patients after three months. The study also found significant correlations between high protein levels and dementia in AIDS patients.
The NIH grant will support innovative research into HIV transmission and early infection, with a focus on understanding the interactions between HIV and the immune systems of newly infected patients. The study aims to provide new clues for developing a vaccine and improving therapeutic outcomes.
Research finds that HIV-positive employees in France face unemployment and workplace discrimination, particularly women and those with lower education levels. The study, based on a nationally representative sample of 478 participants, highlights the impact of disease severity and discrimination on employment opportunities.
A team of researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine has identified the most cost-effective way to fight treacherous hepatitis B by screening chronically infected individuals. Screening is more effective than vaccination in reducing mortality from hepatitis B, and vaccinating close contacts also provides significant benefits.
A mathematical model predicts that daily PrEP pills could prevent 3.2 million new HIV infections in southern sub-Saharan Africa in 10 years. The strategy is most effective when targeted towards high-risk individuals.
A recent study found that chronic viral infections can persist by targeting fibroblastic reticular cells (FRC) in lymphoid organs, disrupting the function of these cells. The researchers discovered a potential link between this mechanism and the PD-1 pathway, which may inhibit immune responses to chronic infections.
Research finds that biological and demographic causes, such as anal sex and role versatility, contribute significantly to high HIV prevalence in gay men. Gay men need to reduce unprotected sex rates by several times that of straight men to end the epidemic
Tulane University will receive $14 million to train public health workers and establish monitoring systems in Ethiopia, while also supporting programs in Haiti, Brazil, South Africa, and other high-risk countries. The grant aims to rebuild infrastructure and combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in these countries.
Researchers studied the molecular mechanisms of successful HIV antibodies and found that Fc receptors play a crucial role in preventing infection. The study's findings may lead to the design of tailor-made vaccines that have never been done before.
Researchers discover ghrelin promotes thymopoiesis during aging, boosting T cell output, while also finding PPAR-gamma agonists exacerbate cardiac dysfunction due to glucolipotoxicity. Additionally, a study finds osteopontin deficiency in mice leads to improved insulin sensitivity despite obesity.
A study found that hepatitis C and B virus infections are spreading less quickly among injection drug users in San Francisco. This decrease is attributed to reduced needle-sharing, a common method of transmission.
The University of Utah has been awarded a five-year, $19.2 million NIH grant to establish an HIV research center focusing on the structural biology of the virus. This research aims to understand how HIV takes control of host cells and develop new treatments.
A new UCLA study found that up to one-fourth of HIV-positive patients in Los Angeles reported feeling stigmatized by their healthcare providers, leading to low access to care and delayed treatment. The perception of stigma was linked to higher odds of reporting low access to care, with significant consequences for patient outcomes.
The Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies will receive £15 million over five years to improve health status, focusing on HIV infection. Researchers will study the impact of ART programs and develop interventions to prevent transmission.
A study in Kabul found alarmingly high rates of risky injecting and sexual behaviors among injection drug users, with 50% sharing syringes and 76% engaging in paid sex. The incidence of Hepatitis C infection was also high, potentially foreshadowing an increase in HIV rates.
A study published in the journal Immunity reveals that a toxin released by bacteria causes severe bleeding in the lungs, making infections deadly. The discovery provides a better understanding of what makes major global bacterial infections deadly and may lead to new treatments.
A comprehensive survey found that most older adults (57-85) are sexually active and view intimacy as crucial to life, but face high rates of 'bothersome' sexual problems. Healthier individuals report more frequent sex, with physical health playing a stronger role than age.
The Internet platform is being exploited by HIV denialists to spread false information about the virus, posing risks to both uninfected and infected individuals. The scientific consensus confirms that HIV causes AIDS, yet denying this fact can lead to distrust of authority and adoption of ineffective treatments.
HIV denialists are spreading misinformation about HIV/AIDS, which can have severe consequences. The scientific community has established that HIV is the cause of AIDS, but denialist groups continue to promote false ideas, putting people at risk of infection and seeking ineffective treatments.
A study found that fat on the chest and upper back is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes. The researchers also discovered that each type of fat contributes independently to insulin resistance, regardless of its presence.
The HIV/AIDS virus affects adult neural progenitor cells in the brain, preventing them from dividing and contributing to neurodegeneration. The protein gp120 causes both brain injury and prevents its repair, highlighting a potential target for new therapies.
A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh found that bacterial vaginosis (BV) risk escalates when even one partner is African-American, increasing preterm birth risks. BV affects up to 50% of women in some populations and can lead to herpes and other STIs.
A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that few older women with significant risk factors for lifetime exposure to HIV showed interest in being tested. The study, which analyzed data from 514 women aged 50-95, found that only 22% of participants expressed interest in HIV testing.
Dr. Daniel Malamud leads a five-year research collective to study host defense molecules and bacterial factors in HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy. The project aims to define the interactions between these molecules and bacteria, with potential applications for designing better anti-HIV drugs and vaccines.
A genetically altered strain of tuberculosis has been developed that elicits a stronger immune response than the current vaccine, improving survival of infected animals. The new vaccine may help replace BCG, which is largely ineffective, and could lead to significant reductions in TB-related mortality.
A study of US medical residents found that nearly half of them incorrectly answered questions about diagnosing and managing tuberculosis (TB). The residents showed particular difficulty in answering questions related to latent TB, the progression from latent to active disease, and interpreting diagnostic tests for patients with active TB.
A survey of 131 medical residents found that they scored poorly in diagnosing and managing tuberculosis, with a median score of just 55 percent. Despite this, most residents understood the main facts about how the disease is transmitted, highlighting the need for improved training in outpatient settings.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study documents high rates of HIV infection among young Nepalese girls trafficked to India, with 60.6% infected among those trafficked prior to age 15. The study highlights the dire health consequences of sex trafficking and the need for improved prevention measures.
Researchers genetically modified a plant to halt reproduction of cauliflower mosaic virus, which attacks the same protein complex used by HIV. The plant's protein complex involves two genes that can be blocked to prevent viral replication.
A new UC Irvine study suggests that co-infection of multiple HIV particles may be the key to preventing deadly strains from emerging and triggering the onset of AIDS. By blocking this process, scientists might be able to ward off AIDS, keeping patients healthy despite carrying the virus.
A study of repatriated Nepalese sex-trafficked girls and women found nearly 40% tested positive for HIV infection. Those trafficked prior to age 15 had higher rates of infection, with five times the increased odds of being detained in multiple brothels.
A study of 1607 Quebec prisoners found injection drug use was the leading risk factor for HIV and HCV infections. The majority of infected inmates reported being injection drug users before imprisonment, highlighting the need for pre-imprisonment testing and harm-reduction measures.
A study of Ontario prison inmates found injection drug use was the leading risk factor for HIV and HCV infections, with rates 11-22 times higher than in the general population. Targeted education and prevention efforts are recommended to address the high rates of recidivism and short stays in remand facilities.
Researchers found that HIV fusion peptide dramatically decreases energy needed to bend a cell membrane, making it easier for the virus to infect immune cells. This discovery will aid in future computer simulations and drug discovery efforts.
Three clinical trials in Africa found that adult male circumcision reduced HIV transmission by 51-60%. However, the impact on US populations is uncertain due to differing modes of transmission and circumcision prevalence. The CDC suggests considering circumcision as an additional prevention measure for high-risk men.
Researchers have identified two gene variants associated with immune system capacity against HIV, and a third variant linked to immune damage. These findings may lead to more targeted vaccines and tailored treatments.
Researchers identified three gene variants linked to HIV control and progression, providing new targets for therapies and vaccines. The study's findings could lead to improved treatments and more effective immune responses against the virus.
Researchers have discovered three gene variants in HIV-infected patients that may help fight off the virus and delay AIDS onset. The genes, particularly HLA-C, could be key targets for an HIV vaccine designed to boost immune system control.
A study of 1835 antiretroviral-naive patients found that those with suppressed HIV viral loads could see significant increases in CD4 cell counts over time, even after five years on treatment. Patients with low initial CD4 counts showed substantial rises in counts.
A study from the University of Alberta found that administering HBV vaccine intradermally to HIV-infected individuals who failed to respond initially shows promise, with 50% producing protective levels of anti-HBs. However, this approach is not recommended due to limited success rates.
Scientists studied SIVs in African green monkeys, finding a recent split that may have led to reduced virulence. This discovery sheds light on the potential course and timing of HIV evolution.
The new publication provides up-to-date recommendations for clinicians treating patients with both HIV and TB, emphasizing the urgent challenge of integrating these two complex diseases. Key articles focus on treatment options, diagnostic tools, and prevention strategies, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between experts.
A clinical trial involving 5,045 women in South Africa and Zimbabwe found no statistical difference in the rate of new HIV infections between those who used a diaphragm with lubricant and male condoms versus only male condoms. The study found an overall HIV incidence rate of 4.0 percent, with no additional protective benefit from addin...
A study of 5000 African women found that using diaphragms with condoms offered no additional protection against HIV. The researchers noted lower condom use in the diaphragm group, but no significant increase in HIV incidence.
Montréal researchers have identified a novel cellular protein complex targeted by HIV-1 Vpr to stop infected cell division. This discovery may lead to the development of a new class of drugs to combat HIV.
Researchers found that each doubling of a program's scale can reduce costs by around a third, making it a cost-effective strategy to prevent more HIV infections. Larger prevention programs use money more efficiently than smaller ones, with some large programs being ten times more efficient.
A randomized trial found that darunavir-ritonavir reduced HIV RNA levels by 77% compared to lopinavir-ritonavir at week 48. The treatment was well-tolerated with mild side effects in both groups.