Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A randomized controlled trial evaluated consent for HIV testing, showing opt-out schemes can substantially increase patient acceptance compared to opt-in schemes. Active choice testing may be the most effective approach in reflecting patients' true preferences, researchers suggest.
Researchers identify SIM4, a new part of the TRIM5alpha protein that attaches to SUMO and activates an immune response against HIV. This finding could lead to optimizing gene therapy by tweaking the activity of antiviral factors.
A new study reveals significant racial disparities in treatment for patients with HIV and Hodgkin lymphoma, with black patients facing higher rates of non-treatment. Despite effective treatment options, doctors note that socioeconomic factors and lack of access to care may contribute to these disparities.
A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that doctors trained on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had 38% lower odds of patients being infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia. This training also led to improved knowledge among physicians and reduced rates of new STI transmissions.
A single infusion of VRC01 can suppress HIV levels by over 10-fold in some individuals, even without antiretroviral therapy. The treatment remains safe and well-tolerated, but its effectiveness varies depending on the individual's viral load.
In a phase 1 trial, VRC01 antibody suppressed HIV levels by more than tenfold in six patients not on antiretroviral therapy, with some experiencing undetectable levels for up to 3 weeks. However, immune responses limited efficacy in others, highlighting the need for new strategies to prevent viral reservoirs.
Researchers found that South Africa reduced childhood deaths associated with HIV but failed to meet the MDG4 goal due to its narrow definition. The country's progress is deemed a 'success' when considering overall child mortality levels, despite not meeting the target.
A team of researchers at TSRI tracked the development of a family of antibodies that bind and neutralize HIV. By understanding how these antibodies evolve over time, scientists may be able to design a vaccine that triggers a faster immune response.
A new rapid test using polarized light can detect a wide range of pathogens, including malaria parasites, HIV, Ebola, diverse bacteria, glucose and cholesterol. The test is extremely fast, inexpensive, and flexible, making it suitable for use in areas with limited laboratory equipment.
A study in rural Malawi found that antiretroviral therapy (ART) not only benefits HIV-positive individuals but also those without the disease. ART reduced perceived mortality risk and led to increased productivity among HIV-negative people, particularly in terms of corn production.
A five-year, $60 million project will integrate HIV services with tuberculosis, malaria, family planning, nutrition, and other health services. The project aims to increase the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services for vulnerable populations in southwestern Uganda.
Young men with HIV who have sex with men are more likely to report condomless anal sex, particularly with a partner not infected with HIV. Behavioral approaches to improve engagement in care and medication adherence may need to occur in concert with interventions to reduce risky sexual behaviors.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that young men with detectable HIV are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior, particularly anal intercourse without condoms. This disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, such as those aged 13-29 and experiencing substance use issues.
Scientists at Texas Biomed aim to develop a functional cure for babies born with HIV by testing a combination of antiviral drugs and vaccines in infant monkeys. The goal is to induce long-lasting protective immunity and eliminate the virus from tissue reservoirs.
A study found that taking Truvada 'as needed' around periods of sexual activity reduced the risk of HIV transmission amongst men and transgender women at high-risk by 86%. The researchers suggest this approach can increase adherence to medication regimes, leading to improved prevention outcomes.
The Population Council's MZC microbicide gel has demonstrated strong efficacy against HIV, HSV-2, and HPV in a preclinical study, outperforming TFV 1% gel in some cases. The gel contains a potent antiretroviral compound and carrageenan, which provides enhanced anti-HPV properties.
A research team found that HIV's infectivity is regulated by protein motions, which can be manipulated to inhibit viral replication. By examining the interactions between HIV and host-cell protein cyclophilin A, the team identified a key mechanism for developing new therapeutic interventions.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that while HIV mortality declined and life expectancy improved for all adults following ART scale-up, the improvements were greater for females than males. Female adult life expectancy increased by 13.2 years, while male life expectancy increased only 9 years.
A modeling study suggests that countries will likely miss the 90-90-90 treatment target by 2020 due to funding gaps. The estimated gap in financial resources needed versus available for ART scale-up ranges from $19.8 billion to $25.0 billion.
A new study found that many European hospitals fail to routinely test patients at risk of HIV infection, missing out on diagnosing nearly two-thirds of those living with the condition. In Northern Europe, this results in a significantly lower test rate compared to Eastern Europe.
Researchers explore new pre-exposure prophylaxis strategies, broadly neutralizing antibodies, and innate antibacterial activity in relation to HIV acquisition. Advances in vaccine development and emerging clinical trial results offer promising near-term strategies for reducing HIV transmission.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has launched a major initiative to advance novel approaches to treat and prevent HIV infections using broadly neutralizing antibodies. Researchers will work with GlaxoSmithKline to develop long-acting agents for preventing and treating HIV.
A study at Georgetown University Medical Center found that HIV+ individuals over 50 years old showed cognitive impairments, even if they scored 'cognitively normal' in standard tests. Brain scans revealed deficits in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex region, a key executive area.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified four prototype antibodies targeting a weak spot on HIV, which could lead to an effective vaccine. Two of these antibodies use their basic germline structure to bind with the virus, potentially allowing patients with HIV to kick-start a useful immune response.
A new study from Oregon State University researcher Jonathan Garcia finds that safe spaces serve as surrogate homes, creating an environment with social support and reducing vulnerabilities like exposure to violence and lack of employment opportunities. The spaces help men feel secure, increasing their openness to HIV testing and treat...
A study found that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduced the rate of HIV acquisition, even among those at high risk. Adherence to PrEP was higher among participants with more reported risk behaviors.
A new study by Brown University found that HIV incidence rises significantly in the five years leading up to bloodshed in sub-Saharan Africa. The rate of new infections increases by 2.1 infections per 1000 people a year during this period, compared to times of peace.
Researchers develop 'kick and kill' strategy using Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting molecules to target HIV-infected cells and killer T cells. The study shows that the molecules can induce killing of infected cells and reduce detectable HIV expression in blood cells.
A study found that switching to efavirenz-based therapy did not result in higher rates of viral rebound or failure in HIV-infected children with suppressed viral loads. This approach may offer advantages in these patients.
Researchers found that switching to efavirenz is effective in reducing viral rebound and improving CD4 T cell counts, suggesting it's a safer alternative for older children and adults.
Research in the Netherlands found that persistent HIV transmission clusters, many of which originated before 1996, continue to sustain the epidemic among men who have sex with men. The study highlights the need for new prevention strategies to combat further increases in infection rates.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital are exploring whether phone-delivered mindfulness training can help individuals living with HIV better cope with stress, anxiety, and depression. The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of phone-based mindfulness training for improving ART adherence and promoting healthy behaviors.
A computer model developed by Johns Hopkins predicts that strengthening HIV care, including retention in care and increased testing, can avert 752,000 new infections and 276,000 AIDS deaths over 20 years. Enhanced interventions could reduce incidence by 54% and mortality by 64% at a cost-effectiveness ratio of $45,300 per QALY.
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health is launching a study to promote health among aging gay and bisexual men living with HIV. The research team will identify protective factors, or resiliencies, that help some men stay healthy and could be extended to others.
A new study by Dr. Susitha Wanigaratne found that pregnant refugee women in Ontario had a higher prevalence of HIV than immigrants and Canadian-born women, with rates eight times higher for refugees than immigrants and 17 times higher than Canadian-born women. The study suggests that recent changes to Canadian immigration policy may ha...
A new experimental treatment regimen combining a drug delivery system and URMC-099 has been shown to effectively combat HIV, reducing the need for daily medication. The nanoformulated protease inhibitor and URMC-099 prolonged therapeutic effects by increasing drug concentration in immune cells.
A new method allows patients to get effective treatment quickly with improved sensitivity and speed. The system operates directly on the virus' RNA rather than requiring extra steps, enabling faster detection of drug-resistant strains.
Researchers found that low-income Virginians with HIV who enrolled in Affordable Care Act healthcare plans had better virologic suppression rates (85.5%) compared to those receiving care under the state's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) (78.7%). Patients enrolling earlier in ACA insurance also tended to have better health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered three immune system biomarkers - PD-1, Tim-3 and Lag-3 - that can predict when the HIV virus will rebound after treatment interruption. These biomarkers are associated with 'exhausted' T-cells prior to patients commencing ART.
A study by the University of Virginia found that low-income HIV patients enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans achieved higher viral suppression rates compared to those receiving only medications through direct AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). This approach allows the state to cover more patients in a cost-effective wa...
Research reveals that certain vaginal bacteria species can trap HIV particles, while others allow them to diffuse freely. The study suggests that altering a woman's vaginal microbiota could improve protection against STIs by increasing the barrier properties of cervicovaginal mucus.
The American College of Physicians recommends against routine pelvic exams for asymptomatic adult women due to low diagnostic accuracy. In contrast, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains that annual exams are necessary for recognizing issues like incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
A UC Riverside-led study found a high prevalence of HPV infection among Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM), highlighting the need for targeted HPV vaccine delivery. The study suggests that HPV vaccine can be a useful tool in preventing chronic infection and related cancers among sexually experienced individuals.
A primary care-based program has been shown to lower patients' substance dependence and encourage treatment engagement. The program's success was attributed to medication-assisted treatment, such as buprenorphine, and addressing underlying depression.
A new bi-specific antibody, DART, has been developed to bind HIV-infected cells to the immune system's killer T cells, potentially clearing HIV infection. The molecule was engineered using HIV-targeting antibodies and showed early promise in pre-clinical models.
University of Missouri researchers have discovered that Interferon Induced Transmembranes (IFITM) proteins can inhibit the transmission of HIV-1, the most common HIV strain. The study found that IFITM proteins specifically interact with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein and block its maturation, reducing viral infectivity and transmission.
Researchers argue that single therapies are unlikely to achieve long-term HIV remission, and propose a data-driven approach to combination therapy trials. The proposed method involves parallel animal and human studies, with combinations selected based on in vitro and existing data, accelerating the research process.
A study published in mBio found that children with cerebral malaria have an accumulation of white blood cells and platelets in the brain, which is more severe in HIV-positive children. This discovery may lead to better treatment algorithms for CM.
A clinical trial of romidepsin, an HDAC inhibitor, found that it can reverse HIV latency in individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy. The treatment did not negatively affect T-cell function, and increased plasma HIV-1 RNA was detectable in five of six participants.
A team of researchers has identified ERManI as a key protein that prevents HIV-1 replication, providing a potential natural defense against the disease. The discovery could lead to the development of new antiretroviral treatments and promote HIV resistance by increasing ERManI levels.
The Healthy Young Men's Study aims to improve HIV care and prevention among Black, Latino, and multiracial gay and bisexual young men. The 5-year study will investigate the use of new technologies and biomedical interventions to prevent new HIV infections in highly impacted communities.
Researchers Ivona Pandrea and Cristian Apetrei are investigating the relation between accelerated aging characteristics linked to HIV infection and non-AIDS comorbidities. They aim to develop treatments tackling these processes, aiming to improve quality of life for people on HIV medications.
Researchers at Yale University have created a new process for synthesizing an organic compound that inhibits HIV. The approach uses aromatic nitrogen heterocycles to streamline the synthesis, reducing time and increasing efficiency.
Researchers find PCMH costs per physician FTE were $7,691 in Utah and $9,658 in Colorado. Family physicians with high HIV experience are more likely to adhere to antiretroviral therapy protocols. Adequate compensation is critical for practices to sustain medical home services.
Researchers at Caltech have identified a broadly neutralizing antibody that can recognize HIV's envelope spike in different conformations, making it easier to detect and neutralize the virus. This discovery could lead to the development of combination therapies to fight HIV, which is currently evolving rapidly.
Researchers have found a new strategy to eliminate HIV by reactivating latent infected cells using a class of drugs called Smac mimetics. The approach, which has shown promising results in clinical trials for cancer, may lead to a safe and effective treatment to cure the virus.
A community-based prospective study in Blantyre, Malawi found that HIV self-testing (HIVST) was widely accepted and accurate, with 94.6% of participants reporting high satisfaction. The study also showed that HIVST led to a low incidence of partner violence and suicides, and agreed with repeat HTC results in 99.4% of cases.
A simplified 'Test and Treat' intervention was associated with increased engagement in HIV/AIDS care and a 62% reduction in mortality among participants. The program improved diagnosis, linkage to care, and treatment outcomes, with a significant increase in pre-ART CD4 testing and ART initiation.
A study published in AIDS and Behavior found that the D.C. needle exchange program prevented 70% of newly diagnosed HIV cases and saved an estimated $44 million over two years by reducing the need for costly treatment. The program also provided access to health services, including HIV testing and addiction treatment.
A study found that RWHAP-funded facilities provided more comprehensive services, including case management and mental health support, compared to non-funded facilities. Despite this, nearly 75% of patients at RWHAP-funded facilities achieved viral suppression, while some subgroups benefited from these services.