Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A study of 170 people living with HIV/AIDS in Turkey found that younger individuals, wealthier participants, and those working at diagnosis had higher employment rates. Illicit drug use, longer time since diagnosis, and low CD4 T cells counts were negatively associated with employment.
A recent HVTN study found that antibody-mediated and cellular-mediated immune responses correlate with a decrease in HIV transmission. The study demonstrated that measuring both types of immune responses can predict the transmission of HIV, providing new insights into potential correlates of protection (CoP).
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing used a mystery shopper methodology to evaluate the quality of HIV/STI testing services for young men who have sex with men. The results showed variable performance across cities and testing sites, emphasizing the need to improve these services.
Experts say optimal implementation of existing tools and development of new interventions are crucial to ending the HIV pandemic. Current highly effective treatments like antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can prevent transmission if implemented correctly.
Researchers from Xyphos and Gladstone Institutes published preclinical data demonstrating that convertibleCAR cells can significantly reduce latent reservoirs of diverse HIV strains. This approach targets specific cells for destruction using bispecific MicAbodies, providing a promising solution to the HIV/AIDS cure.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and Xyphos Biosciences have developed convertibleCAR, a cell-based immunotherapy that reduces the latent HIV reservoir in infected patients on anti-retroviral therapy. The technology combines cytotoxic T cells with antibodies, offering a flexible approach to fighting the virus.
A unique study aims to analyze how daily microaggressions affect the health of black women living with HIV. The Project MMAGIC team will gather data from 150 women for one year to see how microaggressions and other related experiences impact their viral suppression over time.
A new therapy shows promise in reducing liver fat and fibrosis in people with HIV, a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study found that tesamorelin reduced liver fat by 37% and slowed the progression of fibrosis in treated subjects.
Researchers found that tesamorelin reduced liver fat and prevented liver fibrosis in people living with HIV. The study showed a 37% relative reduction in liver fat fraction and a significant decrease in blood markers associated with inflammation and liver damage.
A study found that around half a million men who have sex with men in the EU need HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) but face barriers to accessing it. The estimated 'PrEP gap' ranged from 4.3% in Portugal to 44.8% in Russia, highlighting the need for improved accessibility of PrEP.
Researchers found that antiretroviral therapy alters the host environment to form most of the long-lived HIV reservoir. The study's findings suggest that treatment may contribute to the formation or stabilization of the latent viral reservoir.
The NYDOH AIDS Institute awarded a 5-year, $1 million grant to the Health Education Alternatives for Teens Program (HEAT) at SUNY Downstate to provide essential health services for transgender and gender non-conforming youth. The grant will nearly triple the program's capacity to serve over 100 patients annually.
Research analyzing data from 44,993 MSM across 28 African countries found that only 19% of those with HIV were aware of their status, and only 24% were taking anti-retroviral therapy (ART). The UNAIDS targets of 90-90-90 by 2020 will not be achieved among MSM in Africa if the current situation remains unchanged.
A meta-analysis of 44,993 African men who have sex with men found that severe anti-LGBT legislation is associated with lower HIV testing rates and reduced awareness of the disease. The study suggests that countries with more protective and progressive legislation have higher testing rates.
Research reveals HIV-1B originated in America, then developed into a unique Indonesian strain after introduction in the late 1980s. The study found multiple introductions of the virus to Indonesia via Thailand, Europe, and America throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
A clinical trial found that isoniazid preventive therapy during pregnancy increases the risk of poor health outcomes and death for fetuses and newborns. In contrast, deferring treatment until after delivery was safer, with no significant difference in risks.
Researchers found high rates of overall survival and kidney graft survival in recipients living with HIV who received kidney transplants from deceased donors with HIV. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that outcomes were comparable to those in a previous US study using kidneys from donors without HIV.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that interprofessional collaboration and on-the-job training significantly improve linkages to HIV testing and primary care. This can help decrease HIV transmission and promote viral suppression among vulnerable populations.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified a principal cellular player controlling HIV reproduction in immune cells, which when turned off or deleted eliminates dormant HIV reservoirs. The discovery highlights a potential therapeutic target to eradicate HIV and AIDS.
Scientists have discovered a new reaction to obtain water-soluble fullerene derivatives with high antiviral activity against flu viruses, HIV, HSV, and CMV. This breakthrough opens opportunities for developing effective antiviral drugs capable of suppressing untreatable infections.
A new study published in Nature Communications presents a promising alternative for HIV treatment and prevention. The injectable implant combines multiple drugs and is ultra-long-acting, addressing challenges faced with current methods. It can be removed surgically within weeks or biodegrades into body-absorbed acids if not needed.
The RV144 vaccine has shown promising results with a new study indicating it may provide protection against multiple strains of HIV. Researchers discovered that the vaccine elicited stronger immune responses, particularly in men, and was well-tolerated, suggesting potential long-term efficacy.
Researchers say hospital emergency departments can play a critical role in curbing the spread of HIV infections in hard-to-reach populations. By initiating treatment and case management, EDs may be able to reach key targets in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have discovered a link between prenatal HIV exposure and reduced infant immunity. The study found two clusters of HIV-exposed but uninfected infants, one with a significantly reduced immune repertoire, which may explain their increased risk of morbidity.
A study by UCSF researchers found that HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a leading cause of stroke. The risk is comparable to known factors like hypertension and diabetes, affecting up to 1 in 5 HIV-positive patients.
The NIH has awarded $11 million to 23 institutions to develop locally relevant plans for diagnosing, treating, and preventing HIV in high-new HIV cases areas. Researchers will focus on implementing proven treatment and prevention tools, including daily antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis.
The University of California, San Diego's Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) has been awarded $1.2 million in funding to support research and implementation of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. The initiative aims to reduce new infections by 90% by 2030. CFAR will lead teams working on four pillars: diagnose, treat, prevent, and res...
A review of autopsy reports reveals that early in the HIV epidemic, the average age of death was 36, increasing to 54 by 2010 due to development of antiviral therapies. However, people are still dying predominantly from underlying disease rather than just old age, with infections like pneumonia and hepatitis C contributing to deaths.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with altered immune function among people living with HIV, leading to higher levels of biomarkers linked to mortality. The study highlights the potential harms of heavy drinking on people with HIV and emphasizes the need for further research.
A recent study found that people living with HIV have a significantly elevated risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and coughs, heart disease, pregnancy mortality and sepsis, anemia, and bone fractures. The review combined data from 20 observational studies to examine 55 different illnesses.
A nationwide HIV prevention study led by Dr. Christian Grov has been extended due to its success in achieving stringent transition milestones. The study aims to improve HIV prevention and care for gay and bisexual men using technology-mediated epidemiological cohort studies.
Researchers found that HIV integrase inhibitor dolutegravir is not a clinical inhibitor of folate transport pathways, reducing concerns about its impact on maternal and fetal health. The study's results suggest that these drugs may be safer for pregnant women than previously thought.
Researchers at University of Texas Medical Branch developed a new medication that works with the human body to further suppress HIV, potentially leading to HIV remission. The treatment targets dormant HIV genes by programming a protein called BRD4 to silence the virus.
A study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that children and adolescents born with HIV are less likely to adhere to their medications as they age. The prevalence of detectable viral load, a factor associated with nonadherence, also increases with age.
The University of Miami will track cardiovascular and pulmonary disease in men and women with HIV, exploring differences between sexes. The seven-year study aims to understand comorbid conditions and their impact on people with HIV infection.
A new study examines the safety and effectiveness of multiple doses of injected rilpivirine, a long-acting antiretroviral agent. The results show that rilpivirine is associated with significant inhibition of HIV replication in rectal tissue, persisting for up to 4 months after treatment, but not in cervicovaginal tissue.
A new study reveals that HIV transmission occurs mainly through direct cell-to-cell contact in 3D cell cultures, contradicting the traditional assumption of viral particle diffusion. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for HIV treatment.
A team of scientists has pinpointed a long noncoding RNA molecule that influences a key receptor involved in HIV infection. This discovery may lead to new targets for therapy and increase understanding of how genetic variations affect disease progression.
The ADVANCE study found that dolutegravir-containing regimens perform as well as the current efavirenz-containing one used for first-line antiretroviral treatment in South Africa, with minimal side effects and a greater resistance barrier. The new regimens are cheaper and may revolutionize ART in South Africa and beyond.
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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.