Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
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.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital are developing new models to test HIV vaccines, enabling the rapid evolution of human antibodies in mice. This approach could lead to a protective version of broadly-neutralizing antibodies in uninfected individuals through preventative immunization.
Recent studies present promising methods for early HIV identification and treatment, including self-testing and expanding antiretroviral therapy eligibility. Researchers also explore curing HIV using stem cell transplantation and discuss the ongoing growth of the Russian HIV epidemic.
Researchers have found a mechanism that prevents the formation of HIV's protein shell, which is essential for infection. The discovery could lead to the development of new anti-HIV drugs by targeting specific molecular processes.
A new study reveals that HIV drug resistance is on the rise, particularly among individuals in low- to middle-income countries, where 11.1% of those starting therapy have resistant virus strains. The research highlights the importance of improving monitoring and response strategies to combat this growing threat.
A recent study has found that a cancer drug called nivolumab can drastically decrease the reservoirs of HIV-infected cells in the body, a key step towards potentially eradicating the virus. This breakthrough has been observed in a single patient with lung cancer, who showed a sustained reduction in HIV reservoirs after treatment.
A new dual-purpose drug delivery device, SCHIELD, aims to provide long-acting contraception and HIV prevention for women in low- and middle-income countries. The device, set to be launched in Kenya and South Africa, has the potential to improve health outcomes and empower women.
Researchers at Stellenbosch University found that HIV affects the brain in early stages of infection, leading to decreased blood flow and brain functional impairment. The study used fMRI scans to compare brain activity of people with and without HIV, revealing a link between frontal lobe atrophy and cognitive symptoms.
A US-funded global effort to curb HIV infection in high-risk populations appears to be working, with a 42% decline in new HIV infections. Male circumcision was shown to have a direct risk-lowering effect, while antiretroviral therapy increased the likelihood of viral suppression.
A combination of proven HIV prevention measures significantly reduced new HIV infections in a Ugandan district. The strategy includes voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV-suppressing antiretroviral therapy.
A new report by ECDC and WHO reveals that over half of HIV diagnoses in Europe occur at a late stage, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased transmission risks. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent these outcomes, with improved testing practices and community-based services vital to addressing the issue.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately following an HIV diagnosis dramatically improves retention in clinical HIV care. Patients who were eligible for ART at diagnosis were 25 percentage points more likely to start therapy and 18 percentage points more likely to remain in care at...
The new guidelines, published in CMAJ, endorse pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) as highly effective strategies to prevent HIV infection. These biomedical interventions should be used alongside behavioral interventions like condoms and risk reduction counseling.
A large cohort study found that patients with low-level viremia are at increased risk of treatment failure and developing virological failure. Clinical interventions should take place at lower viral loads than current WHO guidelines to prevent poor outcomes.
Low rates of routine HIV testing were reported in emergency departments and acute medical units in the UK and US, with operational and patient-specific factors hindering uptake. The study identifies providers' fears about offering HIV testing as a major barrier, stemming from perceived lack of knowledge about HIV.
A new study reveals barriers to routine HIV testing in emergency departments and acute medical units in the UK and US. The analysis found that operational and patient-specific factors hindered HIV testing coverage, while commitment from medical staff and local specialist providers facilitated its offer.
A new study suggests that a second HIV test can substantially reduce incorrect diagnoses in infants, saving costs on unnecessary treatment. The study found that confirmatory testing reduces the number of infants incorrectly diagnosed with HIV by 99.6%, leading to cost savings over a lifetime.
HIV-infected patients have a lower rate of cholesterol-lowering statin drugs and aspirin therapy, while antihypertensive medication therapy shows less significant differences. The study calls for improving the quality of cardiovascular care for people with HIV.
Adults with treated HIV experience cognitive decline and smaller brain volumes, but effective therapy may halt progression. Brain changes were observed even after two years of treatment, highlighting the importance of monitoring viral suppression in HIV patients.