Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found a link between 'leaky gut' and autoantibody production in HIV-positive patients, with high levels of Staphylococcus products in the blood. A 'leaky gut' allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can lead to autoimmunity.
In a phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers found that B-cell depletion using rituximab over 12 months was not associated with clinical improvement in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, contradicts previous phas...
A multidisciplinary team from Johns Hopkins Medicine has completed the first living donor HIV-to-HIV kidney transplant in the US. Nina Martinez, a 35-year-old living with HIV, donated her kidney to an anonymous recipient after undergoing rigorous evaluation and testing.
Researchers have developed a novel brain map that tracks early brain atrophy in people with HIV, revealing a two-stage model of brain damage. The study suggests that the frontal lobe is affected early on, while the caudate/striatum area becomes more damaged as clinical symptoms appear.
A study found that men in Cote d'Ivoire are hesitant to seek HIV testing and treatment due to concerns about privacy and stigma. Men reported being deterred by the risk of disclosure, stigmatization, and inadequate healthcare services, despite some positive experiences with providers.
Research found that HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of obesity and reactive airway disease compared to their non-exposed peers. Lower prenatal maternal CD4 count was associated with increased body mass index (BMI) in HEU adolescents.
A new study published in Lancet HIV shows that a naltrexone implant was more effective in reducing relapse and improving HIV-related outcomes for HIV-positive patients with opioid addiction. The implant helped patients maintain their ART regimen, lower viral loads, and remain in addiction treatment without relapsing.
Researchers explore link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV transmission in women, highlighting importance of standardized diagnosis and testing. The study aims to standardize discussions around BV clinical and research findings, shedding light on the microbial make-up of the vagina and its impact on HIV acquisition.
The study found that high parenting support, government cash transfers, and safe schools were associated with positive outcomes for targets in at least three Sustainable Development Goals. The UN's development approach was validated as an effective solution to maximize positive policy impacts.
Researchers at Children's National Hospital have received a $3 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of APOL1 and HIV nephropathies in children. The study aims to understand how HIV-1 interacts with APOL1 risk variants in renal cells, triggering chronic kidney disease.
Researchers found that 86% of individuals who entered HIV care soon after diagnosis maintained viral suppression after 48 weeks. The high rate of viral suppression is attributed to recent advances in HIV care, including changes in treatment guidelines and the inclusion of integrase inhibitors in first-line ART regimens.
A large Latin American cohort study found that TB diagnosis in people with HIV increases the risk of death within 10 years. The study, supported by NIH, analyzed clinical records of 15,999 people with HIV and found that those diagnosed with TB were twice as likely to die compared to those without a TB diagnosis.
A study found that Hurricane Maria led to a significant increase in viral load and decrease in CD4 counts among people living with HIV. Access to care was also reduced by over 22 percent, with those not virally suppressed before the hurricane having fewer medication adherence and more hospital visits.
A new study found that offering voluntary HIV testing and immediate treatment to those who test positive can significantly reduce new HIV infections. The 'universal test and treat' strategy was associated with a 30% lower rate of new HIV infections compared to standard care.
A new study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind increased HIV risk in women who have experienced sexual trauma, especially among adolescents. The THRIVE Study will examine the impact of forced vaginal sex on immune system and stress response in young girls and women.
A second person has experienced sustained remission from HIV-1 after ceasing treatment through a stem cell transplant. The patient remained undetectable after stopping antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and his immune cells continue to lack the CCR5 receptor, making it difficult for the virus to enter host cells.
Researchers have found no rebound of HIV in two patients who stopped taking their medication after receiving stem cell transplants, providing crucial insights into the potential mechanisms of cure. The transplanted donor cells had a gene defect that made it difficult for HIV to infect cells, offering new hope for developing a cure.
HIV patients face a range of cardiovascular risks due to chronic inflammation, immune activation, and antiretroviral therapy side effects. Experts provide guidance on managing CVD in this growing patient population.