Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A vaginal ring that releases an antiviral drug has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV by 39% in a study of over 1,400 women in southern and eastern Africa. The study found that participants used the ring more consistently than in previous trials, with higher adherence rates.
The HOPE study found that most women accepted the dapivirine ring and used it consistently throughout the year. The study showed a significant reduction in HIV incidence among participants, with an estimated 39% decrease in risk compared to those not offered the ring.
Researchers at PSU and UTMB will investigate the structure of Sulfolobus spindle-shaped virus 1, which thrives in high-temperature acidic environments, to better understand protein interactions and viral evolution. The study may also reveal connections to HIV and potential anti-HIV drug development.
A study of 427 young African women found that 95% initiated PrEP but use fell after three months, with only 9% maintaining high adherence. Tailored support strategies are needed to maintain PrEP use and optimize protection against HIV acquisition.
A clinical trial found that men who have sex with men and transgender women with unsuppressed HIV can be engaged in care when connected with HIV treatment services. Nearly half of study participants achieved viral suppression within a year, highlighting the effectiveness of connecting hard-to-reach populations with care.
A US study found that engaging disenfranchised men who have sex with men living with HIV in the US is possible, but achieving and maintaining viral suppression remains a challenge. Despite some progress, many participants still face personal, practical, and structural barriers to achieving success.
Researchers found a 0.2% increased risk of neural tube defects among children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing dolutegravir since conception compared to those on other regimens. The study tracked birth outcomes in Botswana and suggested that starting dolutegravir around conception may pose a risk.
Mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness analyses project substantial reductions in new HIV cases with sustained community-wide testing and prompt treatment. The HPTN 071 study found a sustained intervention to be cost-effective, reducing costs per disability-adjusted life-year.
A new study found that a HIV program in Botswana increased population viral suppression to high levels, resulting in a nearly one-third reduction in new infections. The intervention included universal HIV testing and counseling, support for accessing care, and expanded ART initiation.
A study of 69 individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy found nearly half had persistent HIV in cells of their cerebrospinal fluid, associated with neurocognitive difficulties. HIV can persist in the nervous system even when suppressed in blood medication, suggesting a significant obstacle to efforts to eradicate HIV.
A study published in Nature Immunology reveals that HIV drug therapy leaves 'holes' in the immune system, which may contribute to the lack of viral control. The researchers identified key differences in gene expression between HIV patients with and without effective immune responses.
A new study found that half of participants with well-managed HIV retain HIV DNA in their cerebrospinal fluid, associated with cognitive deficits. Researchers also noted a link between HIV DNA and poorer performance on neurocognitive tests.
The NIH is launching a Phase 3 HIV vaccine efficacy trial called Mosaico, which will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational vaccine regimen designed to prevent HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender people. The trial will enroll 3,800 participants in North America, South America, and Europe.
A global survey found widespread adoption of WHO's 'Treat All' HIV guideline across 200+ HIV clinics in 41 countries. Sites generally initiate treatment within 14 days of diagnosis, with rapid roll-out and no significant differences by region or facility characteristic.
A study found that HIV cells can be detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of half of participants with nearly a decade of strict treatment, associated with higher likelihood of cognitive deficits. The presence of these cells may indicate an important reservoir for the virus in the brain that cannot be overlooked.
Researchers found a 1% average decrease in bone mineral density in the spine and 0.5% decline in hip among Truvada PrEP users with daily adherence. This lower-than-expected risk suggests that young, healthy individuals on Truvada for PrEP have only a minimal risk of decreased bone density.
A new study has found that HIV can be detected in the central nervous system of patients on long-term antiretroviral therapy, linked to poorer cognitive performance. The discovery highlights the need to address viral mechanisms of cognitive decline in cART-treated patients.
A new study reveals a significantly higher prevalence of anal cancer precursors in women living with HIV compared to previous reports. The researchers recommend developing cost-effective detection and management strategies for this population.
Researchers discovered a new protein called KHNYN that works together with the known virus-killing protein ZAP to target viral genomes and destroy viruses. This natural antiviral system has potential applications in developing new vaccines and treatments for cancer.
Researchers developed a novel method to identify patients at high risk of HIV infection, which can benefit from preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) strategies. The algorithm analyzed electronic health records and successfully distinguished between patients who did or did not acquire HIV, with high precision.
Researchers developed two new algorithms that can identify patients at high risk of HIV and may benefit from preventive care. The models use data from patients' electronic health records to flag potential candidates for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, which is over 90% effective in preventing HIV acquisition.
A machine-learning algorithm predicts high-risk patients for HIV, flagging nearly half of those who later become infected. The tool uses 44 relevant variables from electronic health records and identifies 2.2% of patients as high or very high risk within 3 years.
A large health insurance database analysis reveals people living with HIV have a significantly higher risk of heart failure and stroke. Researchers found a 3.2-times increased risk of heart failure and 2.7-times increased risk of stroke in those living with HIV compared to uninfected individuals.
Researchers at Temple University and UNMC eliminate HIV DNA from animal genomes using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, achieving a critical step towards a possible cure for human HIV infection. The study combines gene editing with LASER ART therapy to suppress HIV replication and eradicate the virus from cells.
The study found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) averted 9.5 million deaths worldwide between 1995-2015, with global economic benefits reaching $1.05 trillion. Future projections estimate that up to 40.2 million new HIV infections could be avoided by 2030, generating $4.02 trillion in economic gains.
Researchers are developing a lab model to study co-infection with HIV and TB, which is a major health problem worldwide. The model mimics the early stages of co-infection and could lead to better treatments and control of both diseases.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are developing a disposable HIV-1 viral load microchip that can detect the virus in whole blood/plasma and provide results in under 45 minutes. The technology is designed to be highly sensitive, stable, and inexpensive, making it suitable for point-of-care settings in resource-constrained areas.
A new study reveals significant global disparities in cervical cancer rates among women living with HIV, particularly in South Africa and Latin America. The analysis shows that ICC rates are more than double in Latin America and 11 times higher in South Africa compared to European women.
A new study from Binghamton University found that nurse practitioners are more likely to conduct HIV screenings if their colleagues support routine screenings. The strongest predictor of HIV screening behavior was social normative expectations, followed by attitudinal beliefs towards routine HIV screening.
A randomised trial of over 7,800 African women found that a type of contraceptive injection (DMPA-IM), copper IUD, and levonorgestrel implant posed no substantially increased risk of HIV acquisition. The study suggests continued access to these highly effective contraceptives alongside high-quality HIV prevention services.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is conducting an omics analysis of synthetic opioids and HIV to better understand their interactions. The study aims to develop new therapies for individuals battling addiction and living with HIV.
A new study found large increases in rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation after national adoption of WHO's 'Treat All' recommendation in six sub-Saharan African countries. Across the six countries, 81.6% of patients enrolling into care initiated treatment within 30 days.
Researchers aim to achieve sustained HIV remission without life-long antiretroviral therapy (ART), motivated by side effects and stigma. Persistent viral reservoirs pose a major obstacle to this goal.
Research highlights increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases among people with HIV due to interactions between traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. Additionally, stigma and barriers to healthcare can exacerbate these risks, emphasizing the need for better awareness and patient-focused care.
The University of Miami has established a new center, CHARM, to study mental health disparities and curtail the local HIV/AIDS epidemic. The center aims to address behavioral factors that perpetuate the disease, particularly in poor and marginalized communities.
A protein from Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) has shown promise as a potential component of an HIV vaccine, eliciting antibodies that neutralize infection against multiple HIV strains. The study uses SIV Env proteins to stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies.
A new study from UVA School of Medicine suggests that co-located mental health services improve HIV viral suppression rates among vulnerable populations, with a notable increase in older and white patients. The researchers are calling for more Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics to expand their on-site mental health services.
A new clinical research study shows that increasing the intensity of treatment for alcohol use disorder among people with HIV improves both HIV-related disease measures and alcohol-related outcomes. Integrated stepped alcohol treatment (ISAT) involves consecutive steps of increased AUD treatment intensity.
A study of 1,989 HIV+ women found that while 71% achieved viral suppression, others struggle with mental health, unstable housing, and lack of social support. The researchers suggest 'wrap-around' services addressing these issues are crucial for universal treatment and viral suppression.
A Yale-led study found that integrated stepped alcohol treatment reduced heavy drinking days and improved abstinence rates in patients with HIV. The treatment model, which involves 'stepping up' treatments based on patient needs, also led to better HIV outcomes, including higher medication adherence and undetectable viral loads.
A new study reveals striking variation in HIV prevalence across African countries, with some areas experiencing over a 5-fold difference in numbers of people infected. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address persistent high infection rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers are developing longer-acting injectable HIV treatments that target different components of the virus and can be administered once every few weeks. These therapies have shown promising results in clinical trials, with one treatment demonstrating effectiveness for at least a month and high patient satisfaction.
PrEP has already proven effective in reducing HIV acquisition by over 85% globally. A new study proposes making it available to MSM and PWID in India as a cost-effective way to combat the epidemic. The strategy is estimated to improve survival substantially, preventing over 270,000 transmissions in 15 years.
Portland State University researchers are helping to develop a mobile app called Trans Women Connected aimed at reducing HIV among transgender women. The app will offer effective HIV and sexual health messaging tailored to the community's specific needs, including social support networks and trans-friendly healthcare resources.
The LATITUDE study evaluates the effectiveness of a combination of two experimental injectable formulations of antiretroviral drugs in managing HIV infection. Volunteers will receive either conventional oral ART or long-acting injectable therapies, with the goal of achieving durable viral suppression and improved treatment adherence.
A new survey of over 200 internal medicine residents suggests that better training is needed to increase the prescribing of PrEP, a proven tool to prevent HIV transmission among high-risk individuals. The study's findings highlight the importance of improving residency training programs nationwide.
Researchers developed a drug candidate that can reverse mucosal barrier damage caused by HIV. The recombinant molecule rfhSP-D prevented HIV transmission and restored vaginal tissue integrity. This finding presents a promising approach to creating a safe and effective topical anti-HIV microbicide.
Despite improved timeliness, nearly 25% of New York City residents with a new HIV diagnosis in 2015 had not initiated treatment within six months. The study also found that only 35% of people diagnosed with HIV had less advanced HIV disease.
Researchers at the Ragon Institute identified specific viral peptides critical to HIV function that are targeted by immune cells of individuals naturally able to control the virus. This finding could lead to the development of broadly protective vaccines and a deeper understanding of natural immunity.
The US is falling short in tackling HIV, with new infections remaining high at 40,000 annually. Effective strategies learned from Africa's response can help bring the epidemic under control.
An international team of scientists has secured a five-year, $6.2 million grant to study HIV and tuberculosis (TB) coinfection in children. The researchers will investigate the disease mechanisms and explore potential therapeutic approaches using nonhuman primate experiments.
Researchers found that sharing equipment used to prepare drugs before injection can transmit HIV, but heating the equipment with a cigarette lighter for 10 seconds can destroy the virus. The 'Cook Your Wash' campaign has helped reduce rates of HIV transmission in London, Ontario.
Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), five individuals experienced extreme immune decline, a rare phenomenon known as EXID, where CD4+ T cell levels declined by an average of 157 cells per microliter. Gene mutations and HIV strain variations may contribute to this paradoxical response.
Researchers have developed a new antibody that can suppress HIV levels in people who undergo short-term pauses in their antiretroviral therapy regimens. The Phase 2 study, conducted in Taiwan, found the antibody, UB-421, to be safe and effective in maintaining HIV suppression without inducing antibiotic-resistant strains.
The new standard will facilitate collaboration and cross-study analyses to ensure the highest return on research investments. By structuring data in a common format, researchers can focus on discoveries that will have invaluable impact on clinical research and global public health.
Researchers visualize HIV's shape and vulnerabilities using single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) technology. The study provides a direct means of seeing the dynamic machine-like structure of the HIV envelope, which can be targeted by antibodies to eliminate infected cells.
A pilot study conducted in Kenya identified a safe and effective strategy to help women with HIV have children, despite the infection being passed on to their babies. The study showed six live births without HIV transmission among 23 couples participating in timed vaginal insemination.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have developed an all-in-one immunotherapy approach that not only kicks HIV out of hiding but also kills it. The key lies in immune cells designed to recognize the entirely different virus CMV.
A recent study found that adults at high risk of HIV infection have significantly lower rates of HPV vaccination, with only 3.39% fully vaccinated among those with high-risk behaviors. The lowest vaccination rates were seen in non-Hispanic black respondents and LGBTQ+ individuals.
A new study suggests that dolutegravir-based treatment could save thousands of lives in South Africa by reducing deaths among women and preventing HIV transmission to children. However, the use of dolutegravir may increase the risk of birth defects.