Research on HIV infection and how the virus behaves. Covers viral persistence, prevention policy, adolescent consent, and how HIV infects cells.
Researchers at UNC Health Care found that men with high stress levels and weak social support developed AIDS faster. The study of 82 HIV-infected gay men showed that cumulative stressful events doubled the risk of progressing to AIDS.
The American Psychiatric Association is establishing the first comprehensive guidelines for treating persons with HIV infection and AIDS. The new guidelines will focus on access to care, treatment adherence, education, prevention, and direct mental health services.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that silent HIV infections can persist for decades, making long-term medication necessary. Researchers discovered that patients taking strict anti-HIV regimens could keep the virus suppressed and experience no symptoms of AIDS, highlighting the importance of adherence to therapy.
The American Red Cross has developed a new genetic test, nucleic acid testing (NAT), to detect viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in blood donations. This technology can identify infectious agents earlier than current screening tests, reducing the risk of disease transmission through blood products.
Researchers found a significant link between HIV infections and abnormal vaginal bacteria in pregnant women. Four times as many subjects with bacterial vaginosis were HIV-infected compared to those with a normal balance.
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a common ancestor among viruses that cause measles, mumps, and respiratory infections in infants and HIV, influenza, and Ebola. The study found a similar entry mechanism among these viruses, suggesting new approaches to blocking infection.
Researchers found that intense stimulation is required to create lasting memory T cells, which are crucial for killing HIV-infected or cancerous cells. This discovery may provide a solution to vaccine challenges in treating AIDS and cancer.
A new study found that women under 65 with certain chronic medical conditions experience substantial morbidity and mortality from acute cardiopulmonary events during influenza season. The study suggests that stronger efforts to reach younger high-risk patients are needed to improve influenza vaccination levels.
Researchers at Advanced Viral Research Corp. discovered that Reticulose markedly decreases the production of CCR5 receptors in CD4 positive T-lymphocytes, increasing resistance to HIV infection. This finding may enhance the effectiveness of AIDS cocktails and pave the way for combination therapy.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine program offered HIV testing to emergency department patients, identifying nearly 6.4% of those tested as positive. The study found that voluntary screening improved early detection rates, particularly among high-risk groups such as males and blacks, who had higher rates of HIV positivity.
Researchers are exposing chimps to lethal HIV strains to develop an AIDS vaccine, with some arguing that the practice is unjustified and disrespects animal life. Chimps have already been infected with deadly strains of HIV, and more may be exposed in future experiments.
A survey of nearly 1,000 primary care providers found that those with more experience were more likely to recommend evidence-based treatments for HIV. The study suggests that patients with HIV should have access to experienced physicians who can provide high-quality care.
A large clinical trial in Uganda found that despite reductions in STDs, HIV incidence was not reduced by mass treatment. The study suggests that STDs increase the risk of HIV infections at an individual level.
Research reveals that the AIDS virus in cerebrospinal fluid evolves independently of the virus in the blood, leading to two genetically distinct forms. This finding suggests that drugs effective against HIV-1 in blood may not be effective in the central nervous system, and vice versa.
A study reveals a dramatic rise in oral warts among HIV patients treated with protease inhibitors, which are effective against HIV. The researchers found that these warts were difficult to control and highly prone to recurrence, causing discomfort and affecting eating habits.
Researchers found that HIV can infect cells lacking the CD4 receptor by forming a receptor complex with co-receptors like CCR5 or CXCR4. This expands the range of potential targets for drug therapies aimed at preventing HIV spread.
Researchers identified HIV's key molecular site in the brain and colon as CCR5 co-receptor. This finding suggests a potential target for preventing virus entry into these tissues and possibly others.
Researchers have identified the importance of neutralizing antibodies in preventing HIV infection, with studies showing that these antibodies can prevent infection in primates. Additionally, a study found that vaccines must elicit responses in all three major immune cell subsets to be effective, suggesting that broadly based immunity i...
A study by Emory University infectious disease specialists found that most inner-city HIV patients hospitalized for HIV or AIDS had not received outpatient care or HAART therapy in six months prior. Despite the effectiveness of combination drug therapy, patients often fail to take advantage of available resources.
Scientists from the University of Montana and HHMI successfully produced broadly effective antibodies against HIV by capturing the virus's infective machinery in the moment it fuses with a target cell. The new approach outperforms previous efforts, which only neutralized laboratory-grown strains.
A new study has found that children exposed to zidovudine in utero and as newborns show no cancers or other health effects up through preschool age. The study, sponsored by the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group and funded by NIAID and NICHD, includes over 2,200 children who were enrolled in PACTG prevention and treatment protocols.
Researchers found HIV's impact on T-cell production and its role in the immune system. The study involved measuring daily rates of new T-cell production in HIV-negative adults and those with suppressed virus, revealing a surprising increase in new cell production responsible for increased T-cell counts.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a way to track thymus function and produced new T-cells in patients with HIV. The discovery could lead to therapies that increase T-cell production and aid in recovery from both HIV and cancer treatments.
Researchers found that the thymus gland remains functional in adults and can produce new T cells after HIV infection is suppressed. After receiving HAART, HIV-infected individuals showed a rapid increase in T-cell production.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found latent HIV in the semen of seven infected men taking HAART, which may be transmissible. The study suggests that even if detectable virus is not present in blood, individuals should practice safe sex to prevent transmission.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health discovered that administering itraconazole to HIV-positive patients with P. Marneffei infection can prevent relapse, reducing the risk by 100%. The study showed a 50% relapse rate among untreated patients compared to zero in those treated with itraconazole.
A significant proportion of individuals within the low risk population test positive for HIV-1 antibodies in their urine and negative in their blood. The presence of antibody against HIV-1 in the urine indicates prior exposure to the virus, suggesting a need for both blood and urine screening.
Researchers propose that HIV's passive infection of astrocytes may contribute to AIDS dementia by disrupting glutamate removal. The study found more apoptotic astrocytes in brains of people with dementia compared to those without, suggesting a potential new target for prevention and treatment.
Researchers used x-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of HIV reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme. The active form shows how genetic mutations confer resistance to antiviral drugs like AZT by preventing nucleotide analogs from binding, allowing RT to continue making DNA for the virus.
A new study by Emory researchers found that HIV patients treated with protease inhibitors are more likely to engage in risky sex, including inconsistent condom use. The study also reveals significant differences in condom use among men who had sex with men (MSM) and heterosexual men or women.
The study found that HIV prevalence rates declined by 60-70% from the mid-1980s to the present day, with the majority of participants identifying as gay. However, high-risk groups such as men of low socio-economic status, African-American, and injection drug users continue to have high levels of HIV infection.
A study found that IL-2 plus HAART treatment reduced the number of resting CD4+ T cells harboring HIV, making it harder for the virus to replicate. Researchers detected no replication-competent HIV in peripheral blood samples from patients treated with IL-2 plus HAART.
A study suggests that triple-drug treatment regimens are superior to less intensive therapies in maintaining HIV suppression. Researchers found that patients who switched from three-drug to two- or one-drug treatment regimens were more likely to experience a resurgence in their HIV levels.
A new study led by UCSF researchers found that anonymous HIV testing is associated with earlier diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a longer quality of life. The study showed that participants who underwent anonymous testing were diagnosed with AIDS 1.5 years later than those who tested confidentially.
Research found that supportive social relationships slow HIV progression in later stages, but accelerate it in earlier stages. The correlation may be due to factors like high-risk behavior and stress associated with caring for others with HIV.
Researchers studied 1,200 female crack users, finding that exchangers were four times more likely to have been in substance abuse treatment and twice as likely to be homeless. The study aims to develop effective HIV prevention measures targeting women at risk of exchanging sex for drugs.
The number of newborns infected with HIV has decreased significantly thanks to optimal anti-retroviral treatment for mothers, while the number of surviving HIV-infected children has risen. Early aggressive therapy, teamwork, and a holistic approach are key to keeping children well with HIV.
A study by UNC researchers confirms the presence of mutated, drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus in the semen of men taking antiviral medications. The study found that if men do not have adequate suppression of their virus, they are likely to shed drug-resistant strains of HIV in their genital secretions.
Researchers have tested a new approach to immunization, using dendritic cells to stimulate immunity in mice. The technique, which uses heat-killed bacteria to sensitize immune cells, has shown promising results in preventing Chlamydia and potentially HIV infections.
Researchers found a genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene promoter that significantly delays HIV disease progression, affecting approximately 20% of infected individuals. The mutant promoter is 45% less active, leading to slower disease progression and increased resistance to HIV infection.
Jay A. Levy, a UCSF professor of medicine, suggests delaying antiviral therapy for HIV infection until the CD-4 cell count falls below 400 and the viral load is above 30,000 copies per milliliter. This approach aims to avoid drug resistance and allow the immune system to recover and control the virus.
In a groundbreaking case, doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center reversed kidney failure in an HIV-infected patient by putting them on high-intensity antiretroviral therapy. The patient's kidneys regained normal function, and their viral load decreased significantly.
Scientists identify a new pathway through which HIV can disturb the function of uninfected cells, leading to a sudden decline in immune function. The research suggests that blocking HIV binding to CXCR4 could stop advanced AIDS progression in patients with certain strains of the virus.
A Northwestern University study found that women with sexually transmitted diseases or elevated progesterone levels are more susceptible to HIV infection after unprotected sex with an HIV-positive partner. The research suggests that blocking chemokine receptors in genital tissues could be a key strategy for preventing male-to-female HI...
The UCSF Center for AIDS Research has been awarded a major grant from the National Institutes of Health to support ongoing work in basic, clinical, and behavioral science areas of HIV/AIDS. The grant will focus on developing new treatment approaches, understanding HIV transmission, and improving therapy effectiveness.
Researchers at UCSF found that patients with HIV who undergo aggressive therapy have a robust response to cytomegalovirus, which causes blindness in people with AIDS. This suggests that CD4+ T cells replenished by therapy can mount effective responses against specific pathogens.
Researchers found that HIV establishes a pool of latently infected immune system cells even with early treatment. These cells can persist for years, posing an obstacle to ultimate control and eradication of the virus. The study suggests that these reservoirs are established very early in infection.
A new study at UNC-CH aims to help low-income black mothers cope with HIV by providing home visits, counseling, and teaching. The program has shown promising results in improving women's understanding of the disease and their mental health.
Community-wide treatment of curable STDs reduced STD rates and improved pregnancy outcomes, but did not reduce new HIV infections in a recent study. The treatment regimen also reduced the prevalence of most targeted STDs, including syphilis and trichomoniasis.
A study of 1,148 women infected with HIV or at high risk found that those with regular doctors had lower recidivism rates. Continuous medical care can also provide emotional support and substance abuse help, changing lives for many.
A team of researchers documented a case of transmission of protease-resistant HIV, which is resistant to six of the 11 approved HIV anti-retroviral drugs. The patient was infected through unprotected anal intercourse with a partner who had previously been treated with these drugs, highlighting the need for continued prevention efforts.
A new study by University of California San Francisco researchers proposes expanding federal Medicaid coverage of HIV drugs to control the disease. The expansion would result in 9,600 more years of life for persons with HIV disease over five-years and prevent 4,200 deaths.
Anemia is a major cause of debilitating fatigue and early death in people with HIV. Research shows that treating anemia can reduce the risk of mortality, especially when related to antiretroviral therapy like AZT.
New data show that latent pools of infected cells are established early in HIV infection, even with treatment. Dr. Fauci discusses potential strategies to diminish latent pools by stimulating latently infected cells with antibodies or cytokines.
A San Francisco study found that 55% of HIV patients who achieved undetectable viral levels experienced a return to detectability within one year, yet remained generally healthy. The study's findings suggest that maintaining undetectable viral load levels may not be necessary for sustaining wellness.
A clinical trial in Uganda found that controlling sexually transmitted diseases did not lower HIV infection rates, contradicting earlier studies. Despite significant reductions in STDs, particularly among pregnant women, the study showed no effect on HIV incidence.
A new vaginal microbicide, BufferGel, has shown promising results in a Phase I study, with 27 women reporting no serious side effects. The gel works by reducing the vaginal pH level, making it an effective barrier to HIV transmission.
Researchers found that 11% of infected men were long-term nonprogressors at 10 years, but only 2% remained nonprogressors after 18 years. High plasma viral loads are a strong predictor of disease progression. Antiviral therapy is recommended for individuals with rising virus levels and high CD4 counts.
Research finds that voluntary HIV counseling and testing significantly reduce risk behaviors, including unprotected sex, in individuals and couples. The study, conducted in three developing countries, shows a 50% reduction in risk behavior among participants who received counseling and testing compared to those receiving standard healt...
Researchers have developed a new strategy to determine the early stages of HIV infection, allowing for targeted treatment and study. The approach uses a modified enzyme immunoassay test to distinguish between recent and long-term infections, enabling more precise diagnosis and monitoring of disease spread.