Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
Several phase II and III trials investigate anti-retroviral drug combinations for pre-exposure prophylaxis among at-risk populations. The implementation of such a program requires careful planning and substantial resources to ensure access, minimize risk behavior, and prevent drug-resistant strains.
Early HIV testing for exposed infants can prevent infection before AIDS or death, allowing for prophylaxis or treatment implementation. Universal availability of prophylaxis or treatment is crucial, but poses challenges such as long-term toxic effects of anti-retroviral treatment.
A new study found no correlation between conflict and increased HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, contradicting a common belief. In fact, the prevalence of HIV infection decreased in urban areas affected by conflict, and refugees often had lower rates than their host communities.
A survey of 700 surgical residents found that over half failed to report needle-stick injuries involving patients with bloodborne pathogens. Residents claim they are too busy or fear disrupting their work, but early reporting can prevent infection in up to 90% cases.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center studied an ancient retrovirus, PtERV1, which infected nonhuman primates 4 million years ago. They found that humans have innate immunity to this virus, but this resistance may have made them more susceptible to HIV infection.
amfAR is funding research projects to better understand the social and biological factors that influence HIV treatment. Studies will explore the potential benefits of maraviroc, a new antiretroviral drug, and examine how stigma affects healthcare quality for people with HIV.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that entecavir should not be used alone in patients co-infected with HIV, as it can lead to cross-resistance and compromise treatment for the AIDS virus. The study's findings have prompted changes to the drug's labeling and guidelines from governmental agencies.
A recent study found that treating hepatitis B patients with the drug entecavir can cause those co-infected with HIV to become resistant to two key anti-HIV drugs. Researchers identified a mutant strain of HIV that developed in one patient, rendering it resistant to lamivudine and emtricitabine.
A new study by Professor David Holtgrave in PLOS Medicine suggests that targeting HIV counseling and testing towards high-risk individuals is more effective than offering opt-out testing to everyone. The study found that this approach could prevent up to 36% of new HIV infections, while also improving diabetes care for ethnic minorities.
A targeted approach to HIV testing and counseling is more effective in identifying people with HIV and preventing new infections. The study estimates that for the same cost, a targeted program could diagnose over three times as many people with HIV and prevent four times as many new infections compared to the CDC's mass testing plan.
HIV scientists discovered that cells use small sacs known as exosomes to export proteins, including the virus's major protein Gag. This means HIV can leave infected cells and infect new ones, raising hopes for new treatment options.
The co-infection of HIV and viral hepatitis is a growing concern, with recent studies showing increasing rates of liver disease and related deaths among those with HIV. Hepatologists are discussing the best approaches to treating these patients, including the use of new agents and consideration of liver transplantation.
Researchers have found that monoclonal antibodies from avian flu survivors in Vietnam are effective in preventing infection and neutralizing the virus in mice. The treatment could potentially provide a clinical benefit to humans with H5N1 infections, especially if administered early after symptoms onset.
Researchers found that integrating rapid syphilis testing into prenatal HIV testing programs in Haiti can prevent over 2,000 cases of stillbirth, neonatal death or congenital syphilis. The approach proved to be the best strategy due to its simplicity and ease of administration.
Scientists have challenged a long-held theory about how HIV depletes white blood cells, instead proposing that the virus slowly adapts to evade the immune system. This new understanding could pave the way for new treatment approaches.
Researchers found that traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may counteract the heart-protective effect of hormone replacement therapy in women. Current use of hormone replacement therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack than non-use, but NSAID use negated this benefit.
Scientists at NIAID are exploring vaccines that reduce HIV levels, delay disease progression and prevent transmission. Early research suggests T-cell vaccines may have benefits, but questions remain about their effectiveness and potential side effects.
A university-based ED implemented opt-out HIV screening, with 60% of patients agreeing to testing. The study resulted in a low cost per preliminary positive ($1,700) and confirmed cases of HIV infection ($4,900).
Researchers at UCLA AIDS Institute found a peptide that enhances HIV infection, contradicting its normal protective function. The discovery could lead to the development of new tools for gene therapy using HIV-based vectors.
A new study by the Mailman School of PH found that marital sex is a single greatest risk for HIV infection among women worldwide. The study highlights the need for prevention programs that make extramarital sex safer rather than trying to eradicate it.
A community survey of gay men in London, Manchester, and Brighton found that nearly one-third of HIV-positive men reported having unprotected sex, while almost one-fifth of HIV-negative men also engaged in this behavior. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to boost HIV diagnosis and curb risk behaviors.
A study found that drug-resistant HIV can quickly establish itself in infants' CD4+ T cells, making it difficult for future treatments to be effective. Protease inhibitors were still effective in controlling the virus, but resistance testing is crucial for choosing appropriate treatment.
A recent study monitored the reproductive health of adolescent girls perinatally infected with HIV, revealing a higher than expected rate of cervical abnormalities. Nearly half of the girls had abnormal cervical cells, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
The World Health Organization's guidelines for treating pneumonia in children under one year old are inadequate and require revision. High failure rates were found among HIV-infected and exposed infants, with polymicrobial infections being a key predictor of treatment failure.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry published several studies revealing new insights into cholesterol metabolism without oxygen, a compound effective against blood cancer, bacteria's quorum sensing mechanism, and HIV infection. These discoveries could lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals and treatments for related diseases.
A study by Ohio University researchers found that one-third of sexually active older adults with HIV/AIDS have unprotected sex. The study suggests that more prevention efforts may be needed to target this specific group.
Researchers found HIV-infected patients had a higher incidence of heart attacks and major cardiovascular risk factors compared to noninfected patients. The study's findings indicate that HIV-infected individuals should be assessed for cardiovascular risks and that strategies to modify those risks are urgently needed.
A cluster of six cases in central England suggests that human-to-human transmission can occur through social links and shared environments. Genetic fingerprinting identified the source case, which was linked to unpasteurized milk consumption, emphasizing the importance of disease prevention measures.
Research suggests that exclusive breastfeeding significantly lowers a baby's risk of postnatal infection with HIV. In contrast, introducing animal milks and solid foods before 14 weeks increases the risk. The study's findings warrant a revision of current infant-feeding guidelines.
A large trial in eastern Zimbabwe showed that a community-based program with integrated peer education, condom distribution, and STI management did not decrease the overall incidence of HIV-1. In contrast, male participants benefited from the program with a decrease in HIV-1 incidence, unprotected sex reporting, and STI symptoms.
Scientists have discovered that anti-fungal drugs can kill the TB bacteria, potentially effective against emerging drug-resistant strains. The study found that chemicals called azoles target a specific enzyme in the TB bacterium, leading to its death.
A study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found that early HIV infections account for nearly half of all transmission occurrences. Early infection is characterized by a high viral load, making newly infected individuals highly infectious.
The Emory Global Health Institute is collaborating with the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in India to combat the deadly HIV/TB co-infection. The partnership aims to develop a therapeutic vaccine for individuals already infected, addressing a major public health concern.
Research suggests sweat can carry hepatitis B virus, potentially transmitting the infection during contact sports. The study found that 13% of Olympic wrestlers had hidden or occult HBV infection and 11% had particles of the virus in their sweat.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that entecavir can lead to cross-resistance with other antiviral drugs used to treat HIV. The findings have serious implications for co-infected patients who may not be aware of the risks.
A national study estimates that approximately 1 in 4 U.S. females between 14 and 59 years old may have HPV infection, with the highest prevalence among younger women. The study also found a significant trend for increasing HPV prevalence with age, followed by a decline through 59 years.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that smoking significantly increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection. Smokers have a 73% greater chance of becoming infected than non-smokers, and if infected, are 50% more likely to develop active TB disease.
A clinical trial enrolling over 2,700 uncircumcised men found that circumcision reduced the risk of acquiring HIV by 53% compared to uncircumcised men. The study's results suggest that circumcision can be an effective addition to other prevention and reproductive health services in sub-Saharan Africa.
A trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating women co-infected with HSV-2 and HIV with anti-herpes treatment significantly reduced HIV levels in genital secretions and plasma. The results suggest a new approach to reducing sexual transmission of HIV from already infected individuals.
Research suggests treating HSV-2 infections reduces genital and systemic levels of HIV-1 RNA, with potential implications for treatment and management of co-infections.
Researchers identified primary targets of HIV-1 in the human vagina, finding that Langerhans cells and CD4+ T cells are key sites of entry. The study suggests that blocking transmission through the vaginal epithelium could prevent local spread and ultimately alleviate the pandemic.
The Phambili trial aims to determine the efficacy of a candidate HIV vaccine and its potential to protect against clade C subtype prevalent in South Africa. The study will enroll healthy HIV-negative men and women aged 18-35 years old.
A study of 32 African adolescents reveals long-standing HIV infection leads to stunted growth, chronic ill health and organ damage. Early testing and care can prevent this, highlighting the need for reduced barriers.
A French study suggests modifying therapeutic treatment for individuals with cryptococcosis based on patient sex, serotype, and fungal load. The study found that patients with a high fungal load should receive initial therapy combining two antifungals.
Researchers find vitamin D3 plays a role in immune response after skin wounds, inducing expression of antimicrobial peptides. Genetic variation linked to schizophrenia may be associated with increased expression of DARPP-32, influencing brain communication.
The trial will evaluate a candidate HIV vaccine on the African continent, aiming to determine its effectiveness and potential protection against different strains of HIV. The study will enroll healthy HIV-negative males and females aged 18-35, exploring how the vaccine works in a predominantly heterosexual epidemic.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a new model for discovering and evaluating anti-HIV drugs using a mouse protein called APOBEC3. The study found that APOBEC3 inhibits the infection and spread of a mouse tumor virus, providing a potential test system for evaluating human APOBEC3-based drugs.
A new compound, 2-5AN6B, has shown significant promise in inhibiting HIV replication in white blood cells from HIV-infected patients. The compound works by a different mechanism than current drugs, reducing the risk of mutation and improving treatment effectiveness.
A historical analysis by Johns Hopkins researchers found that increased investment in HIV prevention programs led to a significant decline in new infections. The study suggests that increasing national investment in effective prevention services could further lower infections and save lives and dollars.
A study found that selenium supplements increased blood selenium levels and suppressed HIV viral load in patients with HIV. The results suggest that selenium may be a safe and inexpensive adjunct therapy to conventional pharmacotherapy.
Researchers will study anal intercourse, rectal microbicides, and social networks to better understand HIV transmission. The findings will contribute to the development of prevention technologies that can be used by those engaging in anal intercourse.
Researchers are exploring a new way to harness the body's natural defense system to fight HIV. They are designing modified viruses that can deliver therapeutic payloads to specific cells, potentially creating a cure for AIDS.
Researchers at USC are exploring a novel way to manipulate the body's natural defense system to produce antibodies that can neutralize HIV. By targeting hematopoietic stem cells and using an HIV-based lentiviral vector, they aim to create 'designer immune cells' that can combat the virus.
A review of human growth hormone use in healthy elderly people found minimal benefits and high adverse events. Narcotics are often prescribed for chronic back pain but have poor efficacy data and high abuse rates. Meanwhile, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved HIV survival rates among those diagnosed since 2000.
Researchers have decoded the genetic makeup of T. vaginalis, a parasite causing trichomoniasis, revealing potential pathways for new treatments, diagnostics, and a vaccine strategy. The large genome comprises nearly 26,000 predicted genes, with many repetitive genes accounting for 65% of its structure.
A rapidly increasing syphilis epidemic is sweeping China, with infection rates rising from less than 0.2 cases per 100,000 people in 1993 to 6.5 cases per 100,000 in 1999. The study attributes the surge to economic reforms and globalization, as well as changes in social practices and healthcare costs.
Researchers at Princeton University have found a specific genetic trigger that can deactivate the HIV virus, potentially leading to new treatments. The trigger, involving an enzyme called SirT1, can keep the virus in its dormant phase, reducing its ability to replicate.
Current guidelines only target US-born residents for TB testing; new changes aim to address the burden of latent TB infection in foreign-born populations, particularly those from high-risk countries. Eliminating TB will require a comprehensive strategy involving varying approaches for immigrant populations.
A study published in PLoS Medicine finds that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection, resulting in cost savings for healthcare systems. The analysis suggests that circumcision could be a cost-effective strategy for preventing HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan countries.
Researchers found that Mycobacterium tuberculosis can hide in adipose cells, protecting it from the immune system and antibiotics, and may remain dormant for years. This discovery sheds light on possible strategies for fighting tuberculosis, highlighting the need for new targeted therapeutic weapons.