Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
Researchers found that Grindr's ad campaign effectively reached untested high-risk populations, increasing the distribution of HIV self-testing kits. The study showed that 74% of test recipients had last been tested for HIV over a year ago, highlighting the need for targeted testing initiatives.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that financial incentives did not improve health outcomes for HIV-positive people with substance use disorders. The study showed no statistical differences in rates of viral suppression versus non-suppression or death among trial arms.
A new study suggests that despite advances in HIV treatment, the epidemic continues among gay men globally due to inadequate access to preventive measures like PrEP. Stigma and discrimination also play a significant role in the spread of the disease.
A study by University of Minnesota researchers has identified distinct structural features among seven types of retroviruses, including HIV and HTLV-1. The findings could inform the development of new antiviral treatments and vaccines for various diseases caused by these viruses.
A NIH-led team studied implementation science approaches to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission, identifying effective interventions such as baby showers and breastfeeding support. The study found that deploying point-of-care tests and administering pre-exposure prophylaxis were likely cost-effective and resulted in timely initiat...
Researchers at TSRI have advanced efforts to design an AIDS vaccine by stabilizing the HIV Envelope glycoprotein trimer and designing novel nanoparticles that mimic the virus. The stabilization strategy improves the protein's properties, allowing for the creation of HIV-like particles that can prompt the body to fight the real virus.
HIV can enter the nucleus of immune system cells without dividing, a process previously unknown to scientists. By hijacking a motor protein called KIF5B, HIV manipulates the nuclear envelope to create a pathway for entry.
Researchers at NYU and Penn State aim to increase engagement in HIV care for African American/Black and Hispanic Patients Living with HIV using a pioneering framework. The study will identify effective intervention components, mediators, and moderators to build the most cost-effective package.
A new intervention aims to increase engagement with treatment among African-American/black and Hispanic people living with HIV. The study will use a pioneering engineering-inspired framework - the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) -- to identify effective components and build the most cost-effective package.
According to the National Gay Men's Sex Survey, more gay and bisexual men than ever are getting tested for HIV. However, one in four have never had an HIV test, and many are unsure of their status. The survey also found that condom use remains a concern, with one-in-three sexually active gay men having unprotected anal sex with non-ste...
A Johns Hopkins study of 28,000 people with HIV concludes that the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program remains crucial despite the Affordable Care Act's availability. The program provides free medical care to hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals, and its cutbacks could leave many without access to essential services.
University of Chicago scientists developed a computer model of HIV that gives real insight into how the virus matures and becomes infective. The model reveals critical proteins inside the bud are cut into bits by the enzyme HIV protease, which can be targeted by anti-viral drugs.
Scientists at the University of Utah found that delaying the budding of new HIV particles triggers protease to destroy the virus, rendering it non-infectious. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new AIDS treatments with fewer side effects in about a decade.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have shown how infected immune cells directly transmit newly minted viral particles to uninfected sister cells, spreading the virus efficiently. This study highlights cell-to-cell transmission as a key route for HIV spread and may help develop new treatments.
Researchers developed a new animal model to test HIV vaccines, combining the envelope of HIV with simian immunodeficiency virus to replicate in monkeys. Changing a single amino acid in the envelope coat protein improved the model's ability to infect monkeys while retaining native-like features.
A UBC study found that men who live outside major cities and have sex with other men are less likely to get an HIV test. Internalized feelings of homophobia contribute to reluctance to disclose sexual preferences, posing physical health risks.
Researchers estimate that implementing the '90-90-90' program in South Africa would avert over 2 million new HIV infections, reduce deaths by 2.4 million, and save an additional 13 million patient-years of life compared to current strategies.
Achieving the 90-90-90 targets for HIV diagnosis, treatment and virologic suppression in South Africa would have a transformative impact, averting millions of new infections, saving millions of lives and preventing orphanages. The initiative is estimated to yield enormous population and clinical benefits.
A Canadian government-funded study found that sending short, informative text messages to young Kenyan women's phones can significantly reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The study showed a 67% increase in HIV testing among participants who received weekly texts compared to those in a control group.
A UK-based service using DIY home sampling kits and online dating apps has successfully detected over three-quarters of new HIV cases before late-stage infection. The approach catches most men before their infection reaches an advanced stage, making it easier to treat effectively.
Researchers at Rutgers University and Dartmouth College find that oral drug deferiprone kills HIV-infected cells in lab cultures and suppresses the virus in patients in a limited clinical trial. The treatment approach has potential as a new strategy for destroying the DNA harbored in HIV-infected cells.
Researchers discovered that HIV controllers' CD4+ T cells express specific T cell receptors targeting the HIV capsid protein, enabling sensitive detection and control of viral replication. These findings offer potential for developing immunotherapy strategies to restore antiviral responses in patients with HIV.
Scientists from KU Leuven discover a new way to treat HIV by blocking the virus's attachment to genetic material. Led by Professor Zeger Debyser and Doctoral student Lenard Vranckx, their research sheds light on eliminating the virus.
PrEP has been estimated to prevent up to 7400 new infections in the UK if made available. Despite strong evidence, those at high risk remain unable to access this important HIV prevention measure.
The lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assay (LF-LAM) shows an average sensitivity and specificity of 45% and 92% in HIV-positive people with TB symptoms. However, its sensitivity is higher in individuals with low CD4 cell counts, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that Denmark's exceptional treatment programs, with high patient adherence rates, have brought the country's HIV epidemic to near-elimination. The 'treatment as prevention' strategy has been shown to be effective in reducing new infections and can serve as a model for global elimination.
A Phase 1 clinical trial shows that an antibody-based drug can stimulate patients' immune response, enabling them to make new or better antibodies against HIV. The researchers also found that the antibody was able to engage immune cells and accelerate their clearance of HIV-infected cells.
Researchers found that a potent antibody can evoke a strong immune response in humans and accelerate the clearance of infected cells. The study revealed that administering this antibody to HIV patients can lead to a significant reduction in viral loads.
Despite progress, US HIV infections declined by 11% and transmission rates fell by 17% between 2010 and 2015. However, the country failed to meet President Obama's 25% reduction in new infections and 30% decrease in transmission rate targets.
The US saw an 11% decrease in new HIV infections and a 17% drop in transmission rates from 2010 to 2015. However, the country fell short of its goal to reduce these numbers by 25% and 30%, respectively.
A UCLA study found a significant decline in funding for the US government's HIV/AIDS initiative, PEPFAR, from $448.6 million in 2013 to $302.8 million in 2014. This drop is concerning as many countries rely on PEPFAR for vital health care services.
Scientists have identified hundreds of infected cells at different points of initial entry and developed a technology that lights up the location of first cells to be infected. This discovery will enable researchers to develop more effective vaccines against HIV by targeting the primary target of transmission, Th17 cell.
Researchers have found that single antibody infusions can protect monkeys against infection with an HIV-like virus for up to 23 weeks. The study used broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting a wide range of HIV strains and showed varying levels of protection depending on the antibody's potency and half-life.
Researchers aim to determine if enhancing cognitive functioning through speed of processing training can improve quality of life in middle-aged and older adults with HIV. The study will compare the effects of varying amounts of specialized speed of processing training on cognitive ability and everyday functioning skills.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that women in sub-Saharan Africa who use modern contraceptives are more likely to undergo HIV testing than those who do not. The research highlights a missed opportunity to provide education and HIV testing concurrently with condom and pill provision.
A recent study by UMass Amherst researchers found that zinc deficiency is associated with chronic inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. Higher serum zinc concentrations were linked to lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation.
A 71-year-old HIV-positive man was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease through a PET scan showing amyloid deposition in the brain. This finding suggests that some older HIV-positive patients may be misdiagnosed with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and highlights the need for accurate diagnosis to guide treatment.
Funding for maternal and child health has grown faster than HIV, TB, and malaria since 2010. Despite this growth, global health spending remains stagnant, with total development assistance for health increasing only slightly between 2010 and 2015.
Studies presented at The International Liver Congress 2016 show differing perspectives on direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV. While one study found lower SVR12 rates in co-infected patients, another study showed no statistically significant impact of HIV co-infection on DAAs.
The researchers created a portable, paper-based electrochemical 'immunosensing' platform for rapid diagnosis of HIV and HCV co-infections. The device can detect HIV and HCV antibodies at lower concentrations than existing tests, with high accuracy and sensitivity.
A study found that co-administered vaccines against HCV and HIV did not impair the magnitude or breadth of either specific T-cell responses. This approach, known as prime-boost, showed potent T-cell responses in healthy volunteers.
Researchers identified six areas for improvement: HIV prevention, common entry points, information availability, funding sources, competiveness, and building trust. Collaboration among agencies was found to be crucial for effective service delivery.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have isolated antibodies with a loop-like structure that binds tightly to HIV and disables it. The study suggests a new approach to rapidly induce broadly neutralizing antibodies in people who have not been exposed to HIV.
Researchers at TSRI have identified the first-ever immature HIV-neutralizing antibody, revealing a possible guide for developing an effective vaccine. The antibody, found in a Chinese patient, evolved rapidly and gained key traits within two years, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers apply global sensitivity analysis to pinpoint key HIV model parameters affecting treatment plans. By fixing non-influential inputs and minimizing parameter dimensions, they better understand HIV dynamics and develop optimal treatment strategies.
A recent study identifies multiple sexual behaviors associated with prevalent sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Men who engaged in anal stimulation or enema use were nearly five times as likely to test positive for HIV as those who did not.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have identified an enzyme that may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by HIV medications. The enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), offers protection against endothelial cell dysfunction when used in conjunction with protease inhibitors.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation has been awarded the Saving Lives at Birth: A Grand Challenge for Development Award to scale up use of the Pratt Pouch in Uganda. The model aims to reach 40,000 infants in three years with the goal of significantly reducing HIV transmission rates.
Researchers have discovered an HIV-fighting immunogen called eOD-GT8 that shows extraordinary binding affinity for naïve human B cells, outperforming previous candidates by a factor of 2100. Approximately 96% of humans harbor B cells sensitive to this immunogen, suggesting its potential as a viable HIV vaccine strategy.
Researchers in South Africa are conducting a medical trial focused on controlling tuberculosis (TB) epidemics. The trial uses a novel approach that combines intensified household tracing and screening for TB and HIV using rapid molecular technologies.
Researchers at Osel have engineered Lactobacillus jensenii to stably express broadly neutralizing antibody fragments against the HIV-1 virus, offering a cost-effective and long-lasting new barrier to HIV-1 transmission. The engineered bacteria reduced vaginal HIV transmission in a primate animal model by over 63%.
According to a new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Botswana has achieved remarkable progress in reducing the number of people who are infectious with HIV through strong treatment programs. The country has reported 96% viral suppression rates among patients on antiretroviral therapy, surpassing Western nations and ...
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that nearly 41% of young transgender women had one or more mental health or substance use disorders. The study also revealed a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and substance abuse among Latina young transgender women.
Scientists administered anti-HIV-1 human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to infant rhesus macaques exposed to SHIV and found that the treatment completely cleared the virus within 14 days. This study shows that early administration of powerful antibodies can effectively clear a nonhuman primate virus similar to HIV.
A recent NIH study found that antibodies derived from unconventional B cells in HIV-infected individuals with uncontrolled virus levels are less effective at neutralizing HIV. The study suggests that the abnormal distribution of B cell types contributes to the lack of effective immune response.
A large clinical trial found that treating HIV patients at risk for tuberculosis with TB drugs does not save more lives. Simple TB screening and isoniazid preventive therapy were well-tolerated and resulted in similar survival rates compared to a four-drug TB treatment.
A survey of nearly 3,000 Ugandan students reveals that one in three had been in love with a person of the same sex and 6-8% of men engaged in homosexual relations. The study found associations between homosexual experiences and poor mental health, sexual coercion, and drug use.
A randomized clinical trial found that using four drugs for TB does not improve survival rates over isoniazid therapy in advanced HIV/AIDS patients. The study validates the World Health Organization guidelines for prescribing isoniazid to vulnerable patients.
The article discusses the nephrotoxic effects of newer antiviral therapies, such as HAART and DAAs, in HIV and HCV patients. Organic transporters play a crucial role in explaining potential renal toxicities, and a review highlights the substrates, inhibitors, and distribution of these transporters.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a low-cost, urine test to diagnose tuberculosis among patients with HIV could save thousands of lives per year in sub-Saharan Africa. The test, which provides results in 25 minutes and costs $2.66, showed an absolute reduction of 4% in TB death rate among patients with HIV.