Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
A new study led by UTSA researcher Phillip Schnarrs found that family approval is a major barrier to PrEP uptake among Latino gay and bisexual men. The research suggests that racial disparities, limited knowledge, financial barriers, language barriers, and lack of insurance coverage contribute to the low PrEP adoption rates among minor...
The HOPE in Action Multicenter Kidney Study evaluates the safety and efficacy of kidney transplants between people with HIV, following the passage of the HOPE Act of 2013. Researchers track outcomes of 160 kidney transplants, comparing recipients who received organs from HIV-positive donors to those from uninfected donors.
A new study suggests that early HIV treatment can prevent brain atrophy and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of timely antiretroviral therapy. By analyzing MRI data from patients with early HIV infection, researchers found that cART treatment halted volume loss and cortical thinning in several brain regions.
A study in southern Mozambique found that nearly 40% of people diagnosed with HIV do not disclose their status during diagnosis campaigns. This phenomenon can lead to errors in tracking progress towards the 90-90-90 target and wasting valuable resources.
A dolutegravir-based regimen is likely to increase life expectancy by nearly three years and reduce new HIV infections by 23 percent in India. This could be achieved without increasing the country's HIV/AIDS budget.
A collaborative effort found that CD32 identifies actively infected cells, not latently infected ones. The study challenges recent results suggesting CD32 as a preferential biomarker to identify HIV reservoirs.
A 20-year Quebec study reveals socio-economic inequalities impact access to AIDS treatment, with HIV-infected individuals on social assistance struggling to initiate early ART. The study highlights the need to consider socio-economic factors in controlling the HIV epidemic, as delayed access can put patients' health at risk.
Researchers found that HIV disables a pathway involving biological molecules that block viral activity and clear infection, allowing the virus to avoid elimination. The discovery opens a new era of HIV research focused on curing people living with the virus.
Two genetically modified broadly neutralizing antibodies protected rhesus macaques from an HIV-like virus, SHIV, with long-term protection of up to 37 weeks. The study demonstrated that genetic mutations increased durability and led to extended protection.
A new study found that up to 70% of 18-24-year-olds have never been tested for HIV. Young women and black/Latino individuals were more likely to have been tested than men and whites, respectively. The authors suggest addressing structural racism and behavioral interventions to improve testing rates.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that the Vpu protein in HIV allows it to overcome human tetherin, enabling efficient virus replication. Restoring normal levels of tetherin can suppress virus replication.
A recent study found that a focus on boys and young men is crucial to continue progress in reducing new HIV infections. Researchers suggest that improved health counseling and engagement with peers can encourage more adolescents to undergo circumcision, which reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 60%. The study also highlights the ne...
Artificial molecules mimicking DNA's surface features have been successfully synthesized, demonstrating the ability to inhibit activity of several DNA-binding enzymes. These findings pave the way for new medicines by inhibiting DNA-protein interactions.
A new UCLA study found that a peer navigation treatment program can help former HIV-positive inmates stay on their medications and keep the virus controlled. The program showed significant improvement in viral suppression rates compared to the traditional approach used today.
A study found racial disparities in HIV control exist even when patients have equal access to care, with differences attributed to adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy. Black veterans had higher viral loads than white counterparts, highlighting a critical issue in healthcare disparities.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that 22% of patients tested positive for HIV, including 6% newly diagnosed, in a South African emergency department. The study suggests that emergency departments can play a key role in identifying undiagnosed HIV cases.
A new study found that people with HIV in Ontario are dying at higher rates than the general population, highlighting the impact of social determinants on health outcomes. The study suggests that factors such as unemployment, low income, homelessness, and incarceration contribute to increased mortality rates among people with HIV.
A new University of Michigan study highlights the critical role of social and public health services in helping patients access lifesaving HIV services. Providers who offer behavioral interventions are more likely to link patients to testing and care.
New University at Buffalo research found that Hispanic patients prefer to receive care in Spanish, even if they're fluent in English. Language barriers restrict access to testing and diagnosis for many, but tailored outreach strategies can promote HIV testing in Hispanic communities.
Three NIDA Avant-Garde Award recipients will receive funding to investigate natural killer cell targeting, therapeutic dendritic cell vaccines, and a new platform for HIV-1 vaccine development. These innovative approaches aim to enhance the immune response against HIV in drug users.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a potential strategy to combat HIV latency by modulating histone crotonylation, which regulates HIV transcription. Increasing crotonylation increased viral transcription in both cell models and patient samples, suggesting a promising approach for developing an HIV cure.
The HOPE open-label study found that women's risk of acquiring HIV was reduced by more than half, with an incidence rate of 1.9 new infections per 100 participants. Women's adherence to the ring use appears to be higher in HOPE compared to ASPIRE, with 89% indicating regular use.
An interim open-label study found increased product use of the dapivirine vaginal ring compared to a previous Phase III study. The data suggest that women's HIV-1 risk was reduced by more than half in the open-label study, known as DREAM.
In Lesotho, a clinical study validated a new approach to HIV testing and treatment, offering voluntary tests in remote villages. This strategy increased treatment rates by 26%, with 69% of patients on therapy three months after initial testing, compared to 43% in standard approaches.
A one-month antibiotic regimen was at least as safe and effective as the standard nine-month therapy for preventing active tuberculosis disease in people living with HIV. The study found that treatment adherence was significantly better for the shorter regimen, with nearly all participants completing the full course.
Researchers found that a combination therapy of broadly neutralizing antibody and immune stimulant suppressed HIV-like virus in primates for six months without additional treatment. The therapy may have targeted the viral reservoir, reducing viral loads and DNA in lymph nodes.
A smallpox outbreak could have devastating consequences in cities with high rates of immunosuppression. Experts warn that children and young people aged 0-19 years are most at risk, while older adults over 45 may experience severe disease and death.
A new study found that genital inflammation significantly reduces the effectiveness of tenofovir gel in preventing HIV infection in women. The study showed that tenofovir gel provided only 57% protection against HIV acquisition in women with genital inflammation, even if they used the gel consistently.
Researchers employed computational approaches to estimate the fitness landscape of gp160, a polyprotein that comprises HIV's spike. The inferred landscape was validated through comparisons with diverse experimental measurements.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill identified mixing patterns among men who inject drugs in Vietnam to pinpoint high-risk groups for HIV transmission. They found assortative mixing by age and linked this information with HIV infection rates, revealing key risk groups.
Researchers have made significant advancements in HIV vaccine production, using robotics and gene editing technology to improve yields and reduce costs. The new methods could lead to more effective vaccines with higher efficacy rates, potentially increasing protection against the AIDS virus.
Scientists have pinpointed seven bacterial species whose presence in high concentrations may significantly increase the risk of HIV infection in women. The study, which used data from six African nations, found that women carrying these bacteria had a 4.6-to-1 increased odds of acquiring HIV.
A recent study has confirmed that the spleen acts as an HIV sanctuary, hiding the virus from detection even when antiretroviral therapy is effective. Researchers also explore natural products with therapeutic compounds and gather insights on people living with HIV's perceptions of cure-related research.
The study aims to evaluate the current preferred first-line regimen for pregnant women recommended by WHO and two newer drug regimens containing dolutegravir. It will provide data on the use of these newer drugs during pregnancy, helping to ensure that women living with HIV and their infants receive the best available treatments.
The United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has saved millions of lives since its inception in 2003. PEPFAR-funded programs have delivered antiretroviral therapy to over 13 million people, prevented 2.2 million perinatal HIV infections, and supported vulnerable children impacted by HIV.
A recent study found a strong association between high levels of alpha-4 beta-7 on CD4+ T cells and increased risk of HIV acquisition and rapid disease progression. Women with higher pre-infection levels of alpha-4 beta-7 had more rapidly declining CD4+ T cell counts and greater viral loads.
A recent study found that latent HIV reservoirs exhibit inherent resistance to CD8+ T-cells, making it challenging to eliminate the virus. Researchers at George Washington University used their most powerful combinations against these cells, but were unable to kill the virus, which remained present at high levels.
A new assay has been developed to detect HIV antibodies in oral fluid, showing high sensitivity and specificity. This assay may enable early diagnosis of HIV infection in populations at risk, potentially improving public health efforts.
A new test developed by Stanford chemists combines the convenience of spitting in a cup with the reliability of blood tests to detect HIV infections earlier. The test was shown to correctly diagnose 22 people and demonstrate improved sensitivity compared to existing saliva tests.
Researchers adapt HIV/AIDS treatment-cascade model to combat rheumatic heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa, finding that patients facing distance barriers have lower continuation rates. The study shows that decentralizing care and providing more staff, funding, and resources per capita at regional sites can increase patient retention.
Researchers found that conducting HIV testing among social and risk networks of those recently diagnosed with HIV can identify undiagnosed cases at higher rates and lower costs than other approaches. The study used a network-based recruiting, counseling, and HIV testing strategy, which was more effective in locating undiagnosed positives.
A new study published in LGBT Health found that young men who have sex with men are less likely to receive school-based HIV education than their female-only sex partners. The study associated HIV education with reduced sexual risk behaviors, particularly among young MSM.
Timothy Ray Brown, the first person cured of HIV, continues to advocate for research funding and education on the impact of an HIV cure. Despite disappointment over decreased public desire for a cure, he remains optimistic that a functional cure can be achieved with proper funding.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine provides a more accurate representation of site- and regional-level mortality among people on HIV therapy in Zambia. The research found that mortality is substantially underreported in routine provincial program data, leading to a change in the ranking of provinces by mortality rates.
A study published in PNAS found that conflict in Ukraine has increased the risk of HIV outbreaks due to displaced people moving from war-affected regions to areas with higher risk of transmission. The research suggests that harm reduction services should be scaled up and international support provided to prevent further transmission.
Conflict-induced displacement of people in eastern Ukraine has been shown to drive the spread of HIV within the country. The largest exporters of viral lineages were regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, which then spread to central and southern regions, as well as cities like Kyiv and Odessa.
A new study provides a model for accurately measuring HIV mortality rates in Zambia, which is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. The study found that mortality is substantially underreported in routine data, with some provinces showing mortality rates up to 23-fold higher than reported.
Researchers found that short-term treatment interruptions do not lead to permanent expansion of the HIV reservoir or irreversible immune damage. Upon resuming ART, participants' immune systems returned to normal levels.
A study by Dr. Jonathon Rendina and Dr. Jeffrey Parsons found that 70% of HIV-positive and 36% of HIV-negative men perceive the 'Undetectable = Untransmittable' message as accurate, with rates increasing since earlier studies. Regular testing and PrEP use are associated with higher accuracy perceptions.
A recent study published in Nature Communications presents a proof-of-concept for an oral, once-weekly drug delivery platform for HIV antiretroviral therapy. The platform demonstrates sustained oral delivery of potent anti-HIV therapies, offering a potential solution to non-adherence issues.
Researchers developed a long-acting compound that targets HIV's replication, suppressing the virus and protecting immune cells. The compound works synergistically with current treatments, enhancing their potency and potentially improving treatment for 37 million people worldwide affected by HIV.
A randomized controlled trial found nearly doubling of STI testing in a group using internet-accessed testing compared to face-to-face appointments. E-STI testing should be considered as a complement to existing services, increasing uptake and treatment rates.
Researchers found that team-based care with medication titration by a nonphysician clinician and physician leads to significant reductions in systolic blood pressure. Multilevel strategies without team-based care also show promise, reducing systolic blood pressure by 5 mm Hg.
Researchers found that FDA-approved anti-inflammatory medications tofacitinib and ruxolitinib can block HIV production from infected cells, prevent transmission to bystander cells, and decay the viral reservoir. The study suggests using Jak inhibitors as a potential treatment for HIV-infected individuals to control the virus.
A study suggests that age 25 would be the most beneficial age for a one-time screening HIV test of the general population, improving rates of HIV diagnosis and overall health outcomes. However, youth at high risk should be tested more frequently.
A Drexel University study suggests that if a quarter of high-risk men use daily PrEP, 3 out of every 10 HIV infections could be prevented. The study also found that when all preventive strategies were combined, they resulted in the prevention of 72.2% of infections.
A Michigan State University study suggests that THC in marijuana can reduce inflammatory white blood cells and decrease proteins released by the body, potentially slowing down mental decline in HIV patients. The researchers found that patients who used marijuana had lower levels of inflammatory cells compared to those who didn't use it.
Researchers analyzed monkey brains infected with SIV on antiretroviral therapy and found persistent lymphocyte-dominant inflammation, suggesting underlying cognitive problems. The study suggests that adjunctive immunomodulatory therapies may be useful in patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
A randomized clinical trial found no benefit for a therapeutic HIV vaccine in suppressing viral infection, but provided valuable insights for future cure efforts. Four people in the placebo group exhibited spontaneous HIV suppression, exceeding expected rates among the general population.
A research team from St. Michael's Hospital is conducting a nationwide survey to identify the sources of HIV discrimination in Canada, with the goal of reducing and eliminating it. The study aims to promote changes in policy, healthcare, and individual awareness to improve the lives of people living with HIV.