Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A meta-analysis of 12 studies involving over 39,500 women found a moderate increase in HIV risk associated with DMPA use, with no increased risk for oral contraceptive pills or other hormonal methods. The study highlights the need for further research on high-risk groups
Researchers discover that HIV's ability to mutate beyond recognition evades the immune system. A new study finds that training killer T cells to recognize unaltered viral protein segments can reawaken the natural killer instinct, killing 61% of HIV-infected cells.
A global study found that HIV-positive children in developing countries are six times more likely to die from pneumonia than their non-HIV positive peers. The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the need for improved early testing for HIV in infants, antiretroviral therapy and vaccination.
Byproducts from gum disease bacteria can reactivate dormant HIV in T-cells, leading to higher virus replication. This discovery highlights the significance of treating periodontal disease early for individuals with HIV infections.
Researchers have identified how PF74 and CPSF6 molecules bind to HIV-1's capsid, preventing its disassembly. This process can be targeted for therapeutic purposes in HIV-1 infections, potentially blocking viral replication.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine propose that cell-associated HIV transmission is an important element contributing to the HIV epidemic, challenging traditional views on virus transmission. Genetic evidence suggests that HIV-infected cells populate genital secretions and breast milk, providing a new target for HIV ...
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation will receive funding to improve early infant diagnosis of HIV, enabling a ten-fold increase in HIV treatment and universal access. The project aims to reach rural communities with limited access to testing and treatment services.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that home-based HIV testing and counseling services can achieve higher participation rates among rural Africans. The researchers compared two community approaches: home-based and mobile clinic-based services. They found that the home-based approach reached more first-time testers, particular...
A new study from UCLA found that combining social media with behavioral psychology increased HIV testing rates among men who have sex with men in Peru. The Harnessing Online Peer Education intervention was more effective than traditional care through social media, suggesting a valuable tool in the fight against HIV.
A new fMRI test can detect neural dysfunction in HIV-positive individuals before they exhibit cognitive decline, according to a Georgetown University Medical Center study. The researchers found that the neural specificity in brain regions associated with face processing is reduced in HIV-positive participants.
A UCLA study suggests targeting 'hot zones' in sub-Saharan Africa could significantly reduce the spread of HIV. The research found that focusing on areas with higher risk of infection would prevent 40% more new infections than traditional strategies, making it a cost-effective approach.
A Penn Medicine study found that people with mental illness are more likely to have been tested for HIV than those without. The study also found that those with schizophrenia and bipolar disease had the highest rate of HIV testing.
Research suggests that HIV's rapid evolution is slowing its ability to cause AIDS, while access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables infected individuals to progress more slowly. The study found that HIV adaptation to the immune system comes at a cost, making the virus less virulent.
Research shows that starting HIV therapy soon after infection significantly reduces the risk of developing AIDS and improves immune function, particularly when treatment is initiated within 12 months of seroconversion. A normal CD4+ T-cell count above 800 cells per cubic millimeter is crucial for reconstituting immune-fighting cells.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 12 months of estimated dates of seroconversion (EDS) improves the likelihood of restoring CD4+ T-cell counts. Patients who initiated ART after 12 months had lower CD4 normalization rates and increased risk of AIDS.
A study published in Science reports that HIV/AIDS drugs, such as NRTIs, can prevent retinal degeneration in a mouse model of dry AMD by blocking the innate immune pathway called inflammasome. This discovery offers hope for repurposing these inexpensive and safe drugs to treat untreatable conditions.
UC Davis researchers use new techniques in electron microscopy to study HIV and other viruses. They find that the gp120 trimer associates with gp41 to form a structure that allows HIV to enter host cells. The study also reveals how viruses hijack cellular processes to enter cells, shedding light on potential vaccine targets.
Researchers at KU Leuven discovered that HIV's integration site determines disease progression. The team found that manipulating the integration site can lead to faster disease progression in some cases, but also opens up possibilities for developing new therapies by targeting safer regions of host DNA.
A recent survey of symptomatic HIV-positive people in rural Mozambique found that those who initially consulted traditional healers had a 2.4 times longer delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of HIV. The study highlights the need to engage traditional healers in HIV care and provide incentives for referrals.
Researchers found HIV-infected adults diagnosed with kidney failure six months younger than the general population, while heart attack and cancer diagnoses were similar. The study suggests successful treatments are helping HIV-infected persons achieve similar longevity.
A case study published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses suggests that HIV transmission via shared manicure instruments is possible. Genetic analysis indicates a common viral ancestor between two patients, supporting the theory of transmission through infected equipment.
Researchers at Harvard University have used CRISPR technology to edit out the CCR5 receptor in human blood stem cells, which could provide a new approach to treating HIV/AIDS. The edited cells showed no unwanted mutations and retained their functionality.
Scientists have developed a topical microbicide loaded with hyaluronic acid nanofibers that could potentially prevent HIV transmission. The delivery system is triggered by semen fluid and provides prolonged retention at the target site, reducing discomfort.
Scientists have obtained the first high-resolution structure of HIV's immature form, revealing a surprising arrangement of its building blocks. This breakthrough enables researchers to probe further into potential drug targets and understand how mutations influence virus assembly.
A new study by NYU researchers finds that tourism areas in the Dominican Republic create opportunities for drug use, which fuels local economies and increases HIV risk behaviors. The study highlights the need for targeted research and intervention efforts to address local drug use within the context of tourism areas.
Researcher Sean Young suggests that social media can be used to monitor and predict HIV transmission by analyzing psychological and health-related data from users. This approach has shown promising results in identifying individuals at risk of HIV transmission and increasing awareness of the disease.
Researchers will explore biological tools to enhance the immune system's ability to attack HIV infection, which persists in brain cells despite antiviral treatments. The goal is to enable the immune system to eliminate HIV infection through innovative therapies.
South African epidemiologist Quarraisha Abdool Karim wins TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for her groundbreaking work on HIV prevention in women. Her discovery of a topical anti-HIV gel has the potential to save millions of lives, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where women are disproportionately affected by the epidemic.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a new protein, Ssu72, that plays a critical role in HIV replication. The team found that Ssu72 binds to the Tat protein, revving up the engine of viral replication and potentially making it a target for drug therapy.
A Rutgers study found that positive family relationships and open communication lead to an increase in safe sex practices among gay and bisexual youth. The study also highlights the importance of parental acceptance and support in reducing high-risk sexual behaviors.
Scientists develop technology to visualize HIV protein motion in real-time, revealing key insights into the virus's ability to infect human immune cells. The study reveals three different conformations of the envelope trimer and provides a basis for developing effective therapies.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark have developed a new method that enables the fast and accurate identification of potential HIV drugs. By screening half a million compounds, they found 14 promising compounds that inhibit the virus's ability to reproduce. This breakthrough could significantly shorten the time it takes to...
The first article suggests that physicians can steer eligible defendants into treatment programs instead of correctional facilities, while the second article advocates for fair hiring practices in hospitals to improve the health and wellbeing of former inmates. Both articles emphasize the importance of addressing social issues such as ...
A new clinical trial found that drug combinations not including efavirenz are effective as first-line antiretroviral therapy for HIV patients who cannot tolerate efavirenz. The study showed high rates of HIV control and immune system restoration with these regimens, but noted differences in tolerability.
The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center will conduct proof-of-concept studies in monkeys and launch Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials to test broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. The goal is to suppress or eradicate HIV in humans, providing an alternative to antiretroviral therapies.
A team of researchers reports a case of a baby born with HIV who appeared to be cured after early antiretroviral treatment, but later exhibited detectable HIV infection. The child's immune system showed signs of responding to HIV even after the virus was undetectable.
A new study reconstructs the genetic history of HIV-1 group M and concludes that it originated in Kinshasa around 1920. The team's analysis suggests a 'perfect storm' of factors, including urban growth, transport links, and social changes, contributed to the emergence of HIV from Kinshasa and its spread across Africa and the world.
The UCSF Clinician Consultation Center has been funded by the CDC to provide a telephone consultation service for healthcare providers prescribing PrEP. The service will guide clinicians on identifying patients at risk, evaluating their ability to take PrEP regularly and ensuring safe prescribing practices.
Researchers have discovered a surprisingly diverse family of antibodies that can broadly neutralize different strains of HIV, providing new options for vaccine design. The findings offer clues on how to elicit high levels of these antibodies in people.
Researchers found that certain individuals with HIV are more tolerant of the virus than others, with factors including age and HLA-B gene variants playing a role. The study suggests that tolerance-based treatments could be an alternative to traditional resistance-based strategies.
A new point-of-care CD4 test can quickly provide HIV diagnosis results, allowing more patients to receive treatment sooner. In resource-limited settings, this can lead to almost a full year of additional life expectancy, making it a cost-effective solution.
Researchers found that tolerance to HIV varies substantially between individuals, influenced by inherited genes, and is distinct from resistance. The study also discovered a gene linked to both resistance and tolerance, suggesting a unique mechanism for coping with the virus.
The study aims to test a collaborative care intervention to improve chronic opioid therapy management and reduce prescription opioid misuse among HIV-infected patients. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine hope to develop an effective model that can be adopted nationwide.
Researchers find Puerto Rican people who inject drugs have higher HIV risk and prevalence than other Latino groups, with lower availability of prevention tools and treatment programs. The study recommends a coordinated, multi-region effort to address the disparity and bring an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Research published in The Lancet HIV reveals that polydrug use is common among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK, and is strongly linked to condomless sex. Condom use was markedly lower with increasing polydrug use.
A new study in Russia highlights the challenges of reducing HIV transmission among heavy drinkers. The study shows that a behavioral intervention did not lead to a reduction in STIs and HIV risk behaviors, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions. Researchers recommend exploring alternative approaches to stem the growing epidemic.
Researchers have identified a new vulnerability in the HIV armor that a vaccine could exploit, with an antibody called 35O22 preventing 62% of known strains from infecting cells. The discovery suggests it may be easier to elicit this antibody through vaccination compared to other broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers developed a semi-soft vaginal suppository made from carrageenan to deliver the antiviral drug Tenofovir, reducing the spread of HIV and AIDS. The study found that women prefer this drug-delivery system due to its plant-based material, stability, and ease of use.
In a laboratory study led by NIH scientists, broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies (bNAbs) were found to effectively block HIV from entering immune cells. The researchers also demonstrated that these antibodies could completely block HIV replication in infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.
A new study found that desire for intimacy is a strong predictor of whether gay and bisexual men will adopt PrEP. Men in steady same-sex relationships with HIV-negative partners who value intimacy are more likely to take antiretroviral medications to prevent HIV.
Researchers have successfully mutated the powerful anti-HIV bNAb called VRC01 to make it last longer in blood and collect in rectal mucosal tissue, potentially blocking HIV transmission. A low-dose infusion of mutated VRC01 also protected monkeys against SHIV infection more effectively than unmutated VRC01.
Scientists have discovered novel properties of special HIV antibodies that can neutralize multiple strains of HIV. The study found that these 'broadly neutralizing antibodies' are more prevalent in HIV-infected individuals than previously thought, suggesting a possible vaccine strategy to elicit them.
A study of 191 couples found that social and economic marginalization takes a psychological toll on both individuals and their relationships. The research highlights the need for couples-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of transgender women and their male partners.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have trapped the part of a virus responsible for inserting its DNA into human cells, a crucial step in understanding how HIV infects people. By capturing integrase with x-ray crystallography, scientists aim to develop new treatments and better understand how existing drugs work.
Over 90% of gay and bisexual men in the US have used lubricants for anal intercourse and other activities, minimizing skin tears and potential HIV transmission. Public health practitioners can use these findings to promote routine lubricant use as a key aspect of sexual health interventions.
A new study reveals how a drug called KP1212 induces rapid mutation in HIV, which could help combat the residual virus in patients. The researchers believe that over time, this treatment could lead to the destruction of latent viruses, potentially curing HIV patients.
Research by Weizmann Institute scientists found that suppressing interferon activity can have devastating consequences in fighting HIV infection. The study revealed that a short period of blocked interferon activity can lead to permanent damage and disease progression.
A new licensing agreement between Medicines Patent Pool and Gilead Sciences could improve treatment options for children living with HIV. The deal will allow generic versions of the medication tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) to be developed in India and China for countries with over 92% of people living with HIV.
Researchers investigated how HIV infection affects semen bacteria and immune response, finding a link between higher viral loads and increased bacterial and cytokine levels. This discovery could lead to new ways to control the spread of HIV by targeting semen bacteria.
A study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that combination antiretroviral therapy can reduce HCV viral loads and liver injury in HIV patients co-infected with HCV. This approach supports the concept of early and uninterrupted HIV therapy to prevent liver disease in individuals with HCV/HIV infection.