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Study shows how HIV copies itself in the body

Researchers discovered that HIV chooses its viral RNA genome based on a two-nucleotide difference, which could be targeted by new drugs. This finding has implications for future HIV treatments and is an important scientific step towards understanding the virus's replication process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2021

Racial bias among doctors may exacerbate disparities in HIV prevention, Rutgers-led study finds

A Rutgers-led study found that racial biases among health care providers may limit the number of Black women taking a daily pill to prevent HIV infection. The study also highlights how providers' racist beliefs can disadvantage Black women's access to PrEP, a medication up to 92% effective when taken correctly.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateDec 8, 2021

A piece of the bigger picture: evidence on HIV prevalence among key populations in Europe

A systematic literature review found HIV seroprevalence in five key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. The review identified significant gaps in data, particularly for transgender individuals.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 25, 2021

Scientists identify second HIV patient whose body appears to have rid itself of the virus

Researchers have identified a second person living with HIV who appears to have rid themselves of the virus, with no intact HIV genomes found in over 1.19 billion blood cells and 500 million tissue cells sequenced. This finding may represent a sterilizing cure for people with HIV who cannot achieve this on their own.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021

Wistar scientists discover sugar molecule on HIV-infected cell plays role in evading immune system — they exploit as weakness to make more effective “natural killers” against HIV

Researchers at The Wistar Institute identified a glyco-immune checkpoint interaction that allows HIV-infected cells to evade immune surveillance. They developed a novel approach to selectively target these interactions, enabling killer cells to attack and kill infected cells in a selective manner.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021

Mother-to-child HIV transmission lower in infants with high antibody function levels

A new study found that infants with high levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against their mother's strain of HIV are less likely to get infected through breastfeeding. The study also showed that ADCC is more effective than neutralizing antibodies in protecting infants against HIV transmission and improving outcomes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 19, 2021

Solving mystery of rare cancers directly caused by HIV

A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh and National Cancer Institute discovered why HIV is rarely the direct cause of cancer. The research found that it requires a specific series of events involving changes in HIV and additional mutations in human genes, resulting in T cell lymphomas. However, the occurrence is rare, a...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 13, 2021

Gene found in monkeys and mice could work as a new type of antiviral to block HIV, Ebola, and other deadly viruses in humans

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation called retroCHMP3 that can block the replication of certain viruses like HIV and Ebola by disrupting their ability to exit an infected cell. This finding has the potential to lead to the development of new medical interventions against these deadly diseases.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Fewer than one in 20 people living with HIV in England expected to be unaware of status by 2025

Researchers estimate that by 2025, fewer than one in 20 people living with HIV in England will be unaware of their status. The study suggests that combination prevention strategies, including HIV testing and early treatment, are working effectively in reducing undiagnosed HIV cases. However, gaps persist, particularly among heterosexua...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2021

Hopkins Med news update

Researchers discovered that new mutations in the BRAF gene can lead to gliomas growing back after treatment, suggesting personalized approaches to therapy. The study also explored potential impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on menstruation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 23, 2021

HIV linked with increased risk of sudden cardiac death

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people living with HIV are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those without the virus. The study analyzed data from over 144,000 veterans and found that 26% of those who died from sudden cardiac death had HIV.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 8, 2021

Long COVID ‘brain fog’: Neurocognitive tests to harmonise global methods

A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 2, 2021

Lewis Katz School of Medicine researchers awarded prestigious grant from the NIH's Martin Delaney collaboratories for HIV cure research program

Researchers at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine have been awarded a prestigious grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop novel treatments for individuals living with HIV using CRISPR technology. The $4.8M grant will fund four major research laboratories working towards eliminating HIV DNA from infected c...

Shorter weekly course of rifapentine-isoniazid associated with much higher treatment completion rates compared to longer daily course

A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 23, 2021

New epidemiology study reveals clues that can help combat HIV/AIDS in China

A new epidemiology study reveals crucial trends in HIV/AIDS progression in China from 1990 to 2017. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce mortality rates, especially among men, by intensifying targeted efforts including early identification and diagnosis, high-quality treatment services, and patient retention.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 17, 2021

A new approach to curing HIV

A new strategy for curing HIV targets latent viruses by blocking and excising the virus, offering hope for patients to be taken off daily treatments. The HOPE Collaboratory's approach uses genome editing technology to destroy latent HIV.

Infection prevention organizations say COVID-19 vaccines should be required for healthcare personnel

Infection prevention organizations recommend COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for healthcare personnel. The vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing infection and reducing transmission, with benefits including protecting patients, healthcare personnel, and communities.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 13, 2021

Highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 emerged from someone living with advanced HIV who could not clear SARS-CoV-2 until their HIV infection was suppressed with effective antiretroviral therapy

A study reveals that highly mutated SARS-CoV-2 can emerge in people living with advanced HIV if they cannot clear the virus through effective antiretroviral therapy. This increases the risk of severe disease and potentially more potent variants.

Newly diagnosed HIV infection in an 83-year-old man--research highlights older populations still at risk

An 83-year-old man was diagnosed with HIV after experiencing fever and weight loss. He was treated with antiretroviral therapy and achieved an undetectable viral load. The case highlights the importance of targeting older adults for HIV testing, as they are often diagnosed late and at higher risk of death.

Modelling COVID-19 cases in Africa

African countries can better interpret complex data with a new data-driven framework, tracking and predicting country-level case incidence. The framework considers factors like testing capacity, social policy, landlocked status, temperature, and humidity.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2021

UChicago Medicine's ED maintains HIV screening despite pandemic interruptions

The University of Chicago Medicine's emergency department continued routine HIV screening alongside COVID-19 testing during the pandemic. The number of HIV tests remained at pre-pandemic levels, while the rate of acute HIV diagnoses rose. This successful implementation is attributed to targeted efforts and a strong partnership between ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 6, 2021

Horizontal transmission can cause severe and persistent eye inflammation

A new study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University clinicians reveals that horizontal transmission is responsible for HTLV-1 uveitis, a severe eye inflammation. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, showing promise in managing the condition, but highlighting the need to consider infection route in diagnosis and treatment.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 27, 2021