Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A Phase III trial found that conditional cash transfers for school attendance had no effect on reducing HIV incidence among high-school aged women in South Africa. However, these women reported fewer risk behaviors, such as fewer sex partners and less unprotected sex.
New research finds that HIV treatment for illicit drug users promotes improved health, socio-economic stability, and quality of life. Consistent ART treatment reduces homelessness and involvement in activities like sex work or street-based income generation.
A clinical study found that young, single black women in South Africa and men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in the US and Thailand adhered to a daily pill regimen for HIV prevention. The study suggests that daily PrEP dosing is an effective strategy for this population.
Dr. Fauci emphasizes the need for targeted deployment of proven prevention methods to high-transmission areas, while also reviewing effective interventions such as ART, PrEP, and treatments that prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Researchers discovered HIV exploits regulatory process between BST2 and ILT7 to limit antiviral response, allowing virus to spread and persist in long-lasting reservoirs. Blocking Vpu's action could prevent early viral expansion and dissemination, enabling pDCs to trigger effective antiviral responses.
A sociologist has revealed significant traces of HIV in Montreal's urban landscape, including public spaces like Park of Hope and the Chapel of Hope. These urban vestiges reflect the history and presence of the gay community and the fight against AIDS.
Researchers at the University of Missouri captured detailed images of the capsid protein in its natural state, revealing ordered water molecules that help stabilize the complex scaffold. This discovery aims to inform the development of new and more effective antiviral drugs.
The ASPIRE Phase III trial tested the safety and effectiveness of a vaginal ring containing dapivirine for preventing HIV in women. The study found that women who used the ring experienced reduced risk of HIV infection, paving the way for potential long-acting protection against the disease.
A study in Botswana found that each additional year of secondary school lowers the risk of HIV infection by 8 percentage points, particularly for women. The research suggests that secondary schooling could be a cost-effective way to reduce HIV transmission and has large benefits beyond HIV prevention.
The report highlights the urgent need to scale up AIDS efforts, get serious about HIV prevention, and continue expanding access to treatment in countries most affected by HIV. The Commission recommends increasing resources for HIV prevention, treatment, and research, as well as robust governance and accountability.
In a commentary published in The New England Journal of Medicine, two experts argue that lifting federal funding bans for needle exchange programs is crucial to protect the health of injection drug users. Needle exchanges can significantly reduce HIV transmission by providing clean needles and promoting opioid replacement therapies.
A study found that dendritic cells in elite HIV controllers can detect early signs of HIV infection and trigger a powerful immune response. This ability helps to control the virus, suggesting new avenues for preventative or therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found that elite HIV controllers' dendritic cells are better able to detect and respond to HIV, producing higher levels of immune-boosting proteins. This unique ability allows them to generate powerful T-cell responses against the virus, which may help others control or even cure HIV without treatment.
Research suggests that gay and bisexual men in homophobic countries are less likely to know about HIV, use condoms, but face a higher potential risk of infection as technology increases access to sexual contact
A new study published in AIDS found that homophobia reduces the use of HIV prevention services and compromises health service quality among gay and bisexual men. Men living in homophobic countries are also at a heightened risk of disease, despite limited access to prevention services.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified an antibody response that confers protection against HIV transmission from infected mothers. The study found a strong antibody response to the HIV envelope third variable loop, which was previously considered inadequate for protection.
Virologists discovered that a small section of the envelope protein, located on its 'tail', is required for it to be sorted into viral particles. This finding could help researchers design more effective vaccines and target HIV with antiviral drugs.
A new study at the University of Maryland found that online hookup sites like Craigslist increase HIV infection rates in Florida, with African Americans accounting for 63% of new cases. The study also found that wealthier individuals and women were more susceptible to HIV transmission through online platforms.
Scientists discovered the switch that turns on the immune cell's abundant sugar and nutrient pipeline, then blocked it with an experimental compound, starving HIV to death. The approach also slows the proliferation of abnormal immune cells, reducing inflammation and potentially reducing organ damage.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have redesigned an antibody using a computer program, increasing its potency and ability to neutralize multiple strains of HIV. The study suggests that computer-redesigned antibodies may speed the search for an effective therapy or vaccine against HIV.
HIV reservoirs are persistent cells that harbor the virus, making it difficult to achieve a cure; current therapeutic strategies focus on eliminating or controlling the virus without daily ART.
Research finds that socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity are key drivers of HIV seroconversion among young men who have sex with men. Younger age at sexual debut is also associated with a greater likelihood of HIV seroconversion.
A microclinic intervention significantly reduced disengagement from care by half and decreased stigma by 25% among rural Kenyan HIV patients. By mobilizing social networks, these clinics provided crucial support to patients, ultimately improving retention in care.
A study found that microclinics significantly reduced the rate of HIV patient disengagement from care by half and decreased perceived stigma within communities. Microclinics mobilized rural Kenyan patients' informal social networks to support their staying in care.
A study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that there are nearly 400 HIV-positive potential organ donors in the US who could provide life-saving organs for HIV-positive patients. The study estimates that these donors could reduce the waiting time for transplants, but the quality of their organs is a concern.
A new study suggests a diabetes drug may prevent cardiovascular problems in HIV-positive adults by reducing inflammation linked to heart disease and stroke. The drug, sitagliptin, improved metabolism and reduced inflammation in HIV patients taking antiretroviral therapy.
A study explores the quality of organs from HIV-positive donors for potential transplant use in the US, finding that donor kidneys may be of reduced quality. The study suggests nearly 400 potential organ donors might be available annually, but long-term viability and hepatitis C virus infection could impact organ health.
Research from the University of Southampton reveals that male HIV patients in rural South Africa reach low immunity levels required for antiretroviral treatment in less than a year, while women take up to three years. The study suggests that nutritional status and use of supplements may contribute to faster disease progression.
Scholars at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health explore the implications of fear-based campaigns in public health, highlighting successes and failures. While fear-based campaigns have been effective in reducing smoking rates, they may be counterproductive for HIV prevention, stigmatizing affected populations.
Research from the University of Southampton found that South African women under 26 years old with more equitable gender views were more likely to have used a condom. This suggests that communication between partners and addressing gender norms are crucial for safer sex, particularly among HIV-positive young women.
A new study has identified a temporary, but potentially troublesome unintended consequence of male circumcision: an increased risk of infecting female sexual partners while the wound heals. The study found that nearly 30% of HIV-positive men were shedding the virus two weeks after surgery, compared to less than 10% before circumcision.
A study found that wound healing and lower plasma viral loads are associated with less HIV shedding from male circumcision wounds. The likelihood of viral shedding increases initially but decreases as wounds heal.
A vaccine targeting the viral protein Tat shows promise in boosting an HIV-infected patient's immune system, increasing CD4+ T cell count and reducing latent virus DNA load. The results suggest a new treatment scenario to investigate intensified antiretroviral therapy with a vaccine.
Researchers from Oak Crest Institute of Science have developed a matchstick-sized subdermal implant that delivers potent antiretroviral drugs for up to 40 days, showing promise in stopping the spread of HIV. The implant eliminates adherence issues, a critical factor in HIV prevention.
Researchers found that people tend to seek information on HIV-related topics at the beginning of the week and engage in risky behaviors on weekends. Implementing interventions based on these patterns could lead to better outcomes, including improved ART adherence and increased testing.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR) will provide significant pilot award funding opportunities and mentorship through its Developmental Core, promoting scientific research in DC on HIV cure and prevention. With this grant, the DC CFAR joins ranks of leading research institutions as a full CFAR.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research brings together six institutions to combat the HIV epidemic in Washington D.C. Georgetown University Medical Center plays a key role, with its Women's Interagency HIV Study and clinical and population sciences core providing critical services.
A new study at The International Liver Congress 2015 reveals that sofosbuvir-based regimens are effective and well-tolerated in hepatitis C and HIV co-infected, cirrhotic patients. Sustained virologic response was observed in 98% of patients at 4 weeks and 95% at 12 weeks.
The daclatasvir-sofosbuvir combination was highly effective and well-tolerated in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with HIV co-infection. Across genotypes 1-4, the treatment resulted in a sustained virologic response rate of 97% at 12 weeks post-treatment.
Researchers at Yale University found that men with HIV infection are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than uninfected men. On average, HIV-infected individuals get a buzz from imbibing just a quarter less of a drink than others.
Researchers have been focusing on long-term solutions, but Levy argues that new approaches are needed to prevent infection and disease. He highlights six questions that deserve more attention, including the role of innate immune response, CD8+ T cells, and strategies for an HIV vaccine and cure.
Researchers found that the human immune system can control re-awakened HIV with a vaccine-based approach, reducing virus levels to 50 copies per ml within six weeks. This study demonstrates the potential of a 'kick and kill' strategy, which could lead to an effective cure for HIV.
A single infusion of the experimental 3BNC117 antibody significantly reduced HIV levels in infected individuals, with some remaining sensitive to the antibody for up to 28 days. The study's findings suggest that 3BNC117 is safe and potentially effective in controlling HIV levels.
A new study simulates Cabo Verde's public health using a computer model to predict the spread of disease and the efficacy of interventions. The results suggest that accelerating four efforts already underway across the country could reduce annual new HIV cases below 10 per 10,000 residents.
Researchers found a potent antibody, 3BNC117, can dramatically reduce viral loads in HIV-infected individuals by catching the virus off guard. The treatment was well-tolerated and effective, with some individuals experiencing sustained reductions in viral loads.
Researchers found a small group of mutations account for most cases of transmission-related resistance to HIV drugs. The study suggests levels of transmission of drug-resistant strains have not increased globally as much as feared, but adherence challenges persist in lower-income countries.
A national survey of US healthcare providers found that fewer than half were 'very likely' to prescribe PrEP to high-risk patients. Concerns included daily pill regimen, regular follow-up care, effectiveness, and side effects. Despite strong evidence supporting PrEP use, cost remains a significant issue.
A new model for HIV progression finds that it spreads in a similar way to some computer worms, predicting early treatment is key to preventing AIDS. The model shows that cell-to-cell transfer is an important part of HIV spread and that completely blocking this mechanism could prevent progression to AIDS.
A new study from NYU researchers dramatically improves ART adherence among minority individuals with HIV, reducing hospitalizations and mortality rates. The 'Heart to Heart' intervention targets emotional, social, and attitudinal barriers to ART initiation.
Researchers have identified two mechanisms by which a blood thinning agent interacts with a protein that acts as a natural HIV barrier, shedding light on the degradation of the virus. The study aims to develop drugs that inhibit HIV infection without harming langerin's protective function.
Researchers found that most people with HIV exercise at home, but not intensely enough. The study suggests designing a flexible plan to maximize health benefits of exercising.
Researchers have identified a compound that blocks HIV entry by targeting both CCR5 and CXCR4, reducing the risk of resistance and making treatment more effective. This finding has significant implications for the development of new HIV treatments and could potentially keep treatment affordable for millions in the developing world.
Researchers in Tanzania and Zambia found that a low-cost intervention combining community support and screening for cryptococcal meningitis reduced HIV-related deaths by 28%. The trial suggests that this approach could close the gap in HIV deaths between Africa and wealthier regions.
Researchers created a CRISPR system that recognizes and cuts the HIV virus, effectively inactivating it. The technology has shown success in both treating active infections and removing dormant copies of the virus from cells.
Researchers found that both low-intensity and high-intensity workouts are effective for weight loss, with higher intensity associated with improved glucose levels. Participants in the high-intensity exercise group experienced significant reductions in waist circumference and two-hour glucose levels.
Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes found that HIV remains active as infected cells transition to rest, controlled by the virus's Tat protein. This independent control allows the virus to survive even if host cells are inactive, making it harder to cure the infection.
Researchers from Gladstone Institutes challenge conventional theory on HIV latency, proposing it's an evolutionarily advantageous survival tactic. The study reveals the virus controls its own on/off switch through protein Tat, enabling it to evade eradication by antiretroviral therapies.
A new report finds that sub-Saharan Africans perceive their own health care systems as low-rated, but prioritize jobs and economic growth over healthcare. The research suggests that HIV/AIDS aid may have improved perceptions of health care in some countries, despite chronic poverty and unemployment.
Patients with HIV prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) have low postoperative mortality rates, comparable to those without the infection. Factors associated with increased mortality include poor nutritional status and age.
Scientists have found a tool that could help fight bacterial infections, including strep throat and flesh-eating disease. A drug approved to treat HIV has been shown to inhibit the production of a deadly toxin in lab tests, offering new hope for developing therapies against these deadly pathogens.