Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Researchers have found that an anti-cancer drug can activate hidden HIV in the body, increasing viral load and potentially allowing killer T-cells to destroy infected cells. The discovery could be a step towards developing a treatment for HIV by combining activation of the virus with a vaccine.
A major new Series on HIV and sex workers published in The Lancet concludes that decriminalizing sex work is crucial for controlling the HIV pandemic. Decriminalization could avert at least a third of HIV infections among sex workers and their clients, while reducing sexual violence and improving access to healthcare.
The number of deaths from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria has decreased significantly worldwide since 2000. In sub-Saharan Africa, child deaths from malaria have dropped by 31.5% in the past decade. Researchers attribute the decline to improved access to antiretroviral therapy and treatment.
The study shows accelerated progress in reducing the global burden of HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) since governments adopted MDG 6. The number of people living with HIV has risen to around 29 million, while TB prevalence rates have decreased in many regions.
Hospital performance measures must be adjusted to consider patient sociodemographic status factors or disparities in outcomes and access. Long-term remission of HIV returns after patients stop antiretroviral treatment through allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but virus rebounds when therapy is restarted.
A study of over 3,000 Kenyan men found that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV without leading to increased promiscuity or decreased condom use. Despite an initial increase in sexual activity, all other risky behaviors declined and condom use increased across both circumcised and uncircumcised groups.
A study found that offering food vouchers worth $9 or $15 resulted in a modest increase in circumcision rates among uncircumcised men in Kenya. The interventions also increased circumcision uptake among married and older participants, as well as those at higher risk of HIV acquisition.
A study funded by the Wellcome Trust found that offering adults in Malawi optional home initiation of HIV care following self-testing increased ART uptake. The results show a significant increase in population-level ART initiations, highlighting the potential of home-based care to improve HIV prevention and treatment.
A cluster randomized trial in Malawi found that adults who received home HIV self-testing were more likely to report positive results and initiate antiretroviral therapy. The study's main finding is that population-level ART initiations increased significantly with the availability of home initiation of care.
The guidelines, developed by an expert volunteer panel, integrate cutting-edge biomedical advances with evidence-based behavioral interventions for the care of people living with HIV or at high risk for infection. The recommendations include a call for antiretroviral therapy and pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV transmission.
The annual HIV diagnosis rate in the US decreased by 33.2% from 2002 to 2011, driven by declines in several key populations, including women and persons aged 35-44 years. Despite increases among young men who have sex with men, overall diagnoses attributed to injection drug use or heterosexual contact decreased.
A new study by NYU researchers found that African Americans and Latinos with HIV/AIDS face significant barriers to care, including fear of stigma and distrust of the medical system. Peer-recruitment was found to be nearly twice as effective as in-clinic recruitment for locating and engaging this vulnerable population.
A potential biomarker associated with participants who experienced a more profound viral load reduction after receiving the vaccine has been identified. The biomarker, anti-C5/gp41732-744 antibody levels above 4μg/ml, may be able to predict which patients will benefit most from the therapeutic HIV vaccine candidate Vacc-4x.
A study published in JAMA reveals that physicians have difficulty recognizing the presence or absence of early HIV infection through clinical exam alone. Routine HIV testing is crucial for early detection and treatment, which can greatly reduce mortality and transmission.
A new study found that over 80% of oral health patients are willing to receive rapid HIV-testing in dental settings. The test can be done with a simple finger prick or saliva swab and results available within 20 minutes. This could help inform people who aren't aware they're HIV-positive and reduce the spread of the virus.
An expressive therapy group intervention, conducted by The Medea Project, assists women living with HIV in disclosing their health status and improving social support, self-efficacy, and relationship safety. The study reveals five core themes: sisterhood, catharsis, self-acceptance, safer relationships, and gaining a voice.
A study by BU researchers found that people arrested by police were more likely to share needles and overdose, increasing HIV transmission and mortality. The study suggests that policing practices contribute to the HIV risk environment and recommends prevention programs and policy changes to address this issue.
A study found that African American women with HIV struggle to manage age-related diseases, social responsibilities, and work-related changes. Researchers suggest increased prevalence of HIV among women of color is a growing concern by 2015.
Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully produced a drug compound featuring the 5P12-Rantes molecule, which could prevent HIV from attaching to human cells. The facility has delivered its first batch of the compound to Mintaka Foundation for formulation as a vaginal cream for clinical trials in South America.
Joslin researchers found that microRNAs play a major role in fat cell development and whole body metabolism. They also discovered that low levels of Dicer expression in fat tissue may contribute to the development of HIV-related lipodystrophy, a complication limiting therapy in some patients.
A novel intravaginal ring demonstrated controlled drug release and safety in pig-tailed macaque monkeys, showing potential for HIV prevention. The ring's topical delivery reduces adherence issues, boosting effectiveness and minimizing side effects.
A new study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and UNAIDS found that scaling up HIV services can achieve substantially lower unit-costs per patient. Integrating these services with other healthcare services, such as tuberculosis treatment, can lead to better value for money.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) co-infection significantly contributes to the spread of HIV among non-injecting drug users in New York City. The research found a notable increase in HIV infection rates among this demographic, with over half of participants infected with HSV-2.
The ASPIRE trial is testing a vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine for HIV prevention in women. The study has completed enrollment with 2,629 participants and is expected to conclude by late 2015 or early 2016.
As people with HIV age, they face stigma, social isolation, and increased health risks due to the virus and its treatment. A growing number of individuals are living into their 60s and 70s, highlighting the need for adapted policies and support systems.
A computer simulation analysis found that lowering the toxicity of new HIV drugs can increase patient quality-adjusted life expectancy by up to 11%, or more than 3 years. This reduction in side effects can lead to increased patient survival and improved treatment outcomes.
A study by Maricopa Integrated Health System found that nearly one-quarter of ER patients with confirmed HIV diagnosis have acute infections and over one-quarter have advanced to AIDS. The results emphasize the importance of early detection and interventions to extend life and minimize transmission risk.
The global HIV epidemic has seen significant reductions in new infections and AIDS-related deaths thanks to advancements in prevention strategies such as clean needles and condom use, and effective treatment that reduces infectiousness.
A new study reveals that bisexual men have unmet public health needs, leaving them vulnerable to STIs and other health problems. The study highlights the importance of addressing social and behavioral factors that affect their sexual health, such as biphobia, masculinity norms, and attitudes towards pregnancy. Researchers recommend int...
Men who have sex with men (MSM) tend to underestimate their HIV risk due to a lack of knowledge about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Effective options like PrEP can prevent HIV infection, but MSM often miss out on this treatment. Adhering to daily PrEP and using condoms can slow the transmission of HIV.
A study suggests that eHealth interventions, such as interactive websites and video games, can reduce high-risk sexual behaviors and increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men. Digital outreach efforts on social networks and chat rooms also showed promising results in increasing HIV testing and reducing shame felt by young men.
Substantial levels of HIV transmission are emerging among people who inject drugs in the Middle East and North Africa, with an estimated 626,000 individuals infected. High rates of HIV infection and hepatitis C virus among this population highlight the need for expanded harm-reduction programs and surveillance systems.
Researchers at MGH and Ragon Institute identified how p21, a tumor suppressor protein, blocks HIV reverse transcription in CD4 T cells. This mechanism contributes to the natural control of HIV infection in elite controllers without drug treatment.
A study published in PLOS ONE maps the transmission network of HIV in San Diego, predicting new transmissions and identifying high-risk individuals. Targeted treatment interventions based on this analysis can significantly reduce new infections.
A team of scientists at the Gladstone Institutes has identified a new way to make latent HIV reveal itself by increasing its gene expression noise. This approach, known as the 'shock and kill' method, holds great promise for treating latent HIV infection.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a nucleic acid-based test to detect signs of HIV and track viral loads in patients in low-resource settings. The new test, called qRPA, uses recombinase polymerase amplification and can be performed at the site of care, eliminating the need for complex lab equipment.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from nearly 100 HIV-infected volunteers and found that B cells, which produce antibodies, are more activated, unstable, and unresponsive to HIV. In contrast, antiretroviral therapy improves B-cell response to HIV, with normal cells dominating.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln team has developed a promising new approach for HIV vaccine development using an attenuated and genetically modified virus. The approach involves manipulating the virus' codons to rely on an unnatural amino acid, preventing the virus from replicating in the human body.
A new study suggests that testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when testing for HIV can improve HIV prevention efforts in South Africa and the broader region. The study found that patients with HIV were more likely to contract STIs before starting treatment, highlighting the importance of simultaneous STI detection and tr...
A new study from Zimbabwe found that providers are hesitant to test children for HIV due to concerns about guardianship and privacy. The research highlights the need for improved guidelines, training, and organizational adjustments to increase HIV testing and counseling among this vulnerable population.
University of Utah researchers developed a way to observe HIV budding without interfering with the process, showing ALIX's involvement in the late stages of virus replication. The study used digital camera and microscope technology to make movies and photos of the budding process.
A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh Center for Vaccine Research has provided direct evidence of a major culprit behind poor outcomes for some HIV-infected individuals. The research suggests that blocking bacterial translocation can significantly slow HIV progression and reduce comorbidities such as heart disease.
Daily nutritional supplementation improves HIV patient condition with significant weight gain from muscle mass and improved grip strength. The study highlights the importance of nutrition in conjunction with HIV treatment to prevent malnutrition-related deaths.
Researchers found high prevalence of hypertension and elevated cholesterol among HIV patients, with low rates of control. The study recommends greater emphasis on cardiology in HIV treatment and research to optimize heart disease risk factor management.
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have discovered that a single site on the surface protein of HIV can be targeted by an AIDS vaccine, potentially neutralizing nearly all strains of the virus. The study suggests that this approach could lead to a highly effective vaccine that targets a specific site on the Env protein.
Patients with immunosuppressive conditions are at high risk of shingles but lack access to vaccination due to safety concerns. Alternative strategies must be developed to reduce shingles risk among these patient groups.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that male circumcision is associated with a low rate of adverse events. The study suggests that male circumcision carries minimal risk and can be performed safely without compromising the child's long-term health outcomes.
Yuntao Wu's lab has won a $3.3 million NIH grant to develop an HIV cure using a Trojan Horse approach. The strategy aims to eliminate the virus by targeting its hiding places in T-cells. If successful, it could offer a cure for people struggling with HIV.
Researchers found EFdA, a soy sauce molecule, is up to 70 times more potent than Tenofovir, a first-line HIV drug, offering new hope for patients developing resistance. The compound works by hijacking the HIV replicating process, preventing virus spread.
Scientists at KU Leuven developed a new technique to study HIV proteins at the level of a single viral particle. This allows for quicker screening of anti-HIV drugs and potential to study other diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new class of proteins called cnidarins that can block HIV virus penetration into T-cells, providing a potent barrier against infection. The proteins were found in a feathery coral collected off Australia's northern coast and show a unique mechanism of action.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is launching a three-year training program for nurse midwife technicians in rural Malawi to address the critical shortage of health care workers. The program aims to provide quality HIV and health services to rural communities, with support from the US CDC through PEPFAR.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have found that HIV is slowly adapting to its human hosts in North America, a development with potential implications for vaccine design. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that the virus's adaptation rate may be too slow to pose a significant threat.
Researchers have discovered a new vulnerable site on the HIV virus that can be attacked by human antibodies, neutralizing its infectivity across various strains. This finding is crucial in developing an effective vaccine against HIV.
Researchers traced HIV's adaptation to its human host over time in North America, finding gradual changes that are unlikely to impact vaccine design. The study suggests that HIV's slow adaptation rate could have implications for host immunity and treatment efficacy.
A new microbicide gel has been found to prevent the transmission of HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), and human papillomavirus (HPV) in animal studies. The gel, MZC, contains two potent antiviral agents that are effective against multiple strains of HIV and have a window of efficacy of at least eight hours prior to exposure.
New York University researchers found that computerized intervention may aid antiretroviral therapy, improving ART adherence and reducing sexual transmission risk behaviors. The study, published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, showed a promising intervention for increased ART adherence and safer sex.
A community-based HIV prevention effort boosted testing rates by 45% and reduced new infections by 14% in Africa and Thailand. The intervention also led to increased social acceptance of testing and lower rates of sexual partners among infected individuals.
A new paper highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV on communities of color and poor neighborhoods, emphasizing the need for geographically targeted prevention and treatment efforts. The authors call for increased investment in vulnerable communities to combat the epidemic.
A new strategy in the fight against HIV and AIDS emerges from a study that found immunosuppressant therapy can reduce inflammation and control viral persistence. Researchers discovered that patients taking certain immunosuppressive drugs, such as sirolimus, had fewer infected cells over time.