Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
A new study by the HIV Prevention Trials Network found that financial incentives had no significant overall impact on achieving viral suppression among HIV-positive patients. However, specific clinical settings such as hospital-based clinics and those with lower patient engagement saw enhanced viral suppression rates. The study also sh...
A study estimates that undiagnosed HIV individuals and those diagnosed but not in medical care accounted for over 90% of the estimated 45,000 HIV transmissions in 2009. These individuals were 19-94% less likely to transmit HIV than those with viral suppression.
A new molecule called eCD4-Ig has shown promise in controlling HIV without daily antiretroviral drugs. The molecule, developed by NIH-funded scientists, safely protected monkeys from infection with an HIV-like virus during a 40-week study period.
Researchers confirm how viral reservoirs form in patients living with HIV and prove effective in animal trials at blocking pathways to those reservoirs in the brain and gut. Natalizumab, a humanized antibody, effectively blocks monocyte traffic, reversing lesions on the central nervous system.
Researchers from Scripps Florida have developed an anti-HIV agent that blocks all strains of HIV-1, HIV-2, and SIV, offering potential protection for at least eight months after injection. The new compound binds to the virus's envelope, preventing entry into host cells.
Researchers at KU Leuven's Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology have identified a recombinant form of HIV that targets the anchor point CXCR4 early after infection, shortening the healthy phase and triggering rapid progression to AIDS. The study found abnormally high doses of the virus and defensive molecule RANTES in i...
The NIH's 2015 Avant-Garde Awards highlight five groundbreaking projects tackling prevention, immune system dysfunction, and drug use disorders. Researchers aim to develop novel therapies and strategies to combat HIV/AIDS in substance users.
Researchers will investigate gut leakage in HIV patients, leading to systemic inflammation and organ damage. They aim to determine if gut repair improves overall health.
New research reveals that established HIV epidemics conserve 'founder effects', slowing the spread of secondary strains. This means the dominant strains may not be the most transmissible, but rather lucky to have been picked up early in the pandemic.
The VOICE trial found that women who used tenofovir gel had a lower risk of HIV, despite overall product non-adherence being high. Tenofovir gel reduced HIV risk by 14.7% for those who used it, but the study as a whole showed products were not effective in preventing HIV.
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders affect 10-50% of aging patients, causing cognitive impairment and daily challenges. Researchers found that the tat protein disrupts autophagy, a critical disposal process, in neurons.
A new study found that HIV penetrates the blood-brain barrier by relying on proteins expressed by mature monocytes. These proteins could serve as a target for preventing HIV from reaching brain cells. The research aims to shed light on novel mechanisms for improving drug delivery to the brain.
Research from the University of Minnesota found a significant connection between Craigslist's personals section and a 16 percent increase in reported HIV cases. The study suggests that online platforms can facilitate new social routes of HIV transmission, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to reduce disease spread.
A study published in The Lancet HIV reports that an HIV testing campaign in Kenya's Bunyala subcounty yielded over 1,300 new diagnoses, with only 15% of newly diagnosed individuals seeking care. Home-based counseling and testing provided a diagnosis to nearly 40% of people living with HIV who otherwise would not have sought testing.
Researchers at Caltech develop antibody-based molecules that bind to and neutralize HIV more effectively than natural antibodies, offering a potential approach to engineer more effective HIV-fighting drugs. The breakthrough uses DNA as a molecular ruler to design novel molecules.
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that some health insurers are using drug coverage decisions to discourage people with HIV from selecting their plans, resulting in higher costs for those enrolled in these plans. This practice could undermine a central feature of the Affordable Care Act.
The global AIDS community must adopt more specific and focused approaches to meet the 90-90-90 targets, which aim to eliminate AIDS by 2020. This involves identifying at-risk subpopulations, tailoring prevention tools to each population's risk profile, and developing innovative solutions.
Research reveals that HIV/AIDS patients in the southern US have significantly lower survival rates compared to other regions. The study found that 15% of people diagnosed with HIV and 27% of those diagnosed with AIDS died within five years of diagnosis.
Researchers have developed an alternative method to isolate CD4+ T cells, enabling HIV monitoring at a lower cost. The use of glass microbubbles, which are readily available and affordable, allows for the separation of target cells from unwanted cells.
Researchers are exploring innovative approaches to combat HIV latency, including shock-and-kill strategies and monoclonal antibody-based drugs. These novel therapies aim to eradicate latent viral reservoirs, a key challenge in achieving an HIV cure.
The Women of Color HIV Initiative found that urban women faced more barriers to care, substance abuse, and sexual risk behaviors. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes were associated with activity limitation among study participants.