Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A new study found differences in doctor-patient dialogue about HIV drug adherence depending on patients' race and ethnicity. Black patients experienced significant provider dominance, while Hispanic patients had more extensive dialogues about adherence.
A study in PLOS Genetics found that HIV drug resistance mutations can spread rapidly within a patient, leading to a homogeneous or heterogeneous viral population. The researchers estimate the effective population size of HIV to be around 150,000, which may help inform treatment strategies and predict resistance evolution.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania conducted a large-scale HIV intervention project in South Africa, involving nearly 1,200 individuals. The program showed significant improvements in condom use and reductions in unprotected sex among men, with participants reporting increased discussions about safe sex and condom use.
A study found that pro-inflammatory molecules were strongly associated with increased mortality in alcohol-abusing HIV patients. IL-6 was identified as the molecule most closely linked to mortality, regardless of antiretroviral therapy use. This research may inform strategies to improve mortality rates among this vulnerable population.
Researchers at Duke University have determined the structure of a key part of the HIV envelope protein, gp41 membrane proximal external region (MPER), which previously eluded detailed structural description. This discovery will help focus HIV vaccine development efforts.
A team led by The Wistar Institute will conduct a 4-year, randomized clinical trial to test an immunotherapy strategy that has shown promise in reducing the amount of persistent HIV-1 virus residing in cells. The trial aims to establish the effectiveness of this approach in advancing an HIV cure.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine deploy a combination therapy targeting persistent HIV-infected cells that standard therapies cannot kill. The study uses mouse models and finds that an antibody combined with a bacterial toxin can penetrate infected cells and kill them, resulting in a six-fold drop in the number of infected cells.
The Population Council is developing a non-antiretroviral HIV microbicide to prevent HIV and other STIs, particularly for women in sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to create safe, effective, and acceptable products with the potential to deliver an additional prevention option globally.
The proportion of opioid treatment programs offering on-site testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) decreased substantially between 2000 and 2011, despite guidelines recommending routine opt-out HIV testing. For-profit opioid treatment programs were more likely to experience this decline.
University of Minnesota researchers have discovered a series of compounds with anti-HIV activity that block HIV DNA synthesis or induce lethal mutagenesis. The compounds, known as ribonucleoside analogs, stop the replication and spread of HIV by preventing it from reproducing.
The Microbicide Trials Network, led by the University of Pittsburgh, has received a seven-year, $70 million grant to continue developing and testing HIV prevention products. The network aims to address unmet needs for new products targeting young women and men who have sex with men.
Research presented at EuroEcho-Imaging 2013 found that HIV patients with a positive blood viral load have a significantly higher incidence of structural heart disease. The study suggests that HIV itself might be an independent causal agent, and having a detectable blood viral load nearly doubles the prevalence of heart disease.
A new study found that antiretroviral therapy has saved 2.8 million years of life in South Africa since 2004, with projections of an additional 15.1 million years saved by 2030. Aggressive HIV testing and treatment strategies could further increase these benefits.
Researchers found a protein, Sprouty-2, that causes loss of function in immune cells combatting HIV, but disabling it restored their ability to fight the virus. Disabling both Sprouty-2 and PD-1 in exhausted T cells reversed exhaustion completely.
A novel, multipurpose pod-intravaginal ring (pod-IVR) delivers up to five different antiretroviral drugs and two hormonal contraceptives, showing promise in preventing HIV and unintended pregnancy. This innovative device could empower women in resource-poor areas to protect themselves from infections.
A new aggressive HIV strain, A3/02, has been identified in West Africa and is associated with a shorter period of five years from infection to AIDS development. The study also highlights the increasing global spread of recombinant HIV forms, which can be more vigorous and aggressive than traditional strains.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that only 1.45% of new inmates in North Carolina prisons tested positive for HIV, with most having previously been diagnosed. The findings suggest that screening incoming prisoners may not be an effective strategy for detecting new undiagnosed cases.
A University of Missouri researcher found that photovoice empowered women living with HIV to realize their strengths despite struggles. The project allowed them to reflect on their experiences and appreciate the present, giving them hope and motivation.
Supplementation with multivitamins plus selenium reduced HIV disease progression, immune decline, and illness risk in antiretroviral therapy-naive adults in Botswana. The supplement delayed time to HIV disease progression and improved markers of immune function.
A study analyzing 23,373 inmates entering a state prison system in North Carolina found that only 0.09% were HIV seropositive and not previously known to be infected. This suggests that incarceration may not be a high-risk environment for new cases of undiagnosed HIV infection.
A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests that even those with low viral loads are at risk of treatment failure. Patients with persistent viral loads between 50-999 copies/mL have a significantly higher risk of virologic failure, which can lead to disease progression.
A collaborative team, led by Prof. Mark Williams, reveals how the APOBEC3G protein forms a roadblock to prevent HIV replication, offering new avenues for HIV therapy and drug development.
Research found strong partner communication about HIV and being in a committed relationship are key predictors of HIV testing among teens. High HIV knowledge was not associated with increased testing rates.
A new study investigated the needs of young people with HIV who want to become parents, revealing concerns over transmission and relationship impacts. The research found that these individuals face unique challenges in communicating their HIV status to partners and navigating parenting responsibilities.
Research by Case Western Reserve University found that younger individuals with HIV are more likely to experience social isolation and stress due to stigma and limited support networks. In contrast, older adults with HIV were found to have developed social connections and coping mechanisms that helped mitigate these effects.
The Los Alamos National Laboratory team has developed a novel approach to estimating epidemic dynamics, capturing the full infection history and social network interactions. The model allows for realistic simulation of epidemics with known parameters of human interactions.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that youth prefer rapid point-of-care HIV testing due to its speed and non-invasiveness. The test provides results within minutes, making it ideal for transient or homeless youth who may not return for follow-up appointments.
Scientists at Caltech created a lab-on-a-chip device using SlipChip technology that can accurately measure the concentration of HIV RNA molecules in a sample. The digital approach uses amplification chemistry to produce a fluorescent signal, allowing for precise quantification despite changes in environmental conditions.
The updated HIV care guidelines recommend focusing on preventive care, including screening for high cholesterol, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Primary care physicians should also be familiar with HIV care recommendations to provide comprehensive care to patients with HIV infection.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a new protein fusion that combines HIV and MLV replication proteins to create a safer viral vector for gene therapy. This fusion protein reduces the risk of cancer-causing mutations when integrated into human cells, paving the way for more effective treatments for blood diseases.
A new intravaginal ring has been developed to deliver tenofovir and levonorgestrel, providing dual protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy. The ring shows promising results in preclinical trials, with local levels of tenofovir similar to those achieved with a gel.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has launched a new open access journal, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, which will publish clinical, translational, and basic research findings in infectious diseases. The journal will be fully peer-reviewed and accessible online at no cost.
A U.S.-based analysis by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that bisexual men may not be responsible for significant HIV transmission to their female partners. The study found that bisexually behaving men were only 40% as likely to be infected with HIV as homosexually behaving men, primarily due to lower rates of unprotected...
Researchers have identified a molecular invisibility cloak that enables HIV to hide in cells, but exposing it triggers an immune response. This discovery could lead to new treatments and improve existing therapies for HIV infection.
Key findings include the potential for affordable bridge therapy, a potential solution for those on ART developing aging-related diseases, and a possible clearing of the latent reservoir that could contribute to a cure. A vaccine is also being explored, with promising avenues including monoclonal broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Danish researchers have discovered how the body's immune system responds to HIV infection, identifying key proteins and mechanisms that can be targeted for improved treatments. The study's findings aim to enhance the immune system's ability to defend against uncontrolled virus growth.
Two studies report rapid and sustained reduction of SHIV viral load in monkeys infused with anti-HIV antibodies, suggesting potential for treatment. Researchers propose testing antibody-based immunotherapy in HIV-infected people.
Researchers have developed a detailed picture of the HIV envelope trimer, critical for understanding how HIV enters cells and creating potential vaccines. Atomic-resolution imaging revealed the structure of the Env trimer, its assembly, and interaction with broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered molecular signals that activate latent HIV, offering a potential strategy to purge viral infections and develop a cure. The study suggests using calcineurin, prostratin, and NF-κB proteins to activate the dormant virus.
Researchers have discovered that monoclonal antibodies can effectively treat HIV by directly targeting free virus and virally infected cells. The treatment resulted in rapid decline of virus levels in monkeys and boosted their immune responses against the virus, offering a potential new therapy option for humans.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute discovered that the pool of inactive HIV viruses in a patient's body is larger than expected, with some retaining the ability to become active even after treatment. This finding suggests that targeting the inactive viruses, known as proviruses, is crucial for achieving a complete cure.
Researchers found a 60-fold increase in dormant HIV proviruses, potentially making it harder to find a cure. The latent reservoir is thought to contain functional proviruses that can reactivate and resume infection if antiretroviral therapy is stopped or interrupted.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that individuals with low recorded CD4 cell counts have a higher risk of heart attacks compared to HIV-negative subjects. However, those with high CD4 cell counts had the same risk as the general population.
A national study led by the University of Miami's Miller School found that brief patient-centered counseling before rapid HIV testing has no significant impact on subsequent STD acquisition. Instead, resources should be devoted to universal testing that can detect more HIV cases earlier and link newly infected individuals to treatment.
Researchers found no difference in STI incidence between those receiving risk-reduction counseling and those with information only. The study suggests that post-test counseling for those testing positive remains essential for addressing psychological needs and ensuring medical care, while a more focused approach to providing informatio...
The McGill/MUHC research team developed an innovative oral self-test screening strategy and interactive website/app called HIVSmart to address the stigma associated with HIV testing. The award-winning strategy aims to improve access to care by allowing individuals to be tested in the privacy of their own homes.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that South Africa's current antiretroviral treatment policy could lead to HIV elimination within the next 24-34 years. The research also found that a universal test and treat approach could achieve elimination 10 years earlier, according to more comprehensive mathematical models.
A team of scientists has created an artificial protein that mimics a key site on the HIV outer coat where antibodies can bind, providing a potential new strategy in vaccine development to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. The new protein was designed to facilitate the production of desired antibodies while preventing undesired re...
A study found that brief risk-reduction counseling at the time of HIV testing did not reduce new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) over a 6-month period. The counseling, which focused on specific risk behaviors and achievable steps, had no significant impact on STI rates among participants.
The V-SmartTM therapeutic delivered tenofovir at levels considerably above therapeutic concentrations, overcoming the challenge of delivering HIV drugs through the BBB. The successful outcome confirms the strong potential of the delivery system to treat neuro-HIV and improve lives of AIDS patients.
Scientists have discovered a critical clue about why some people can control HIV without taking antiviral drugs. These 'controllers' have an extra helping of the immune protein APOBEC3G, which blocks HIV from spreading within the body.
A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that HIV-negative partners who know they are protected from HIV transmission do not engage in significantly more risky sexual behavior. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 participants and found no increase in unprotected sex, despite knowledge of protection.
Patients who received care at multiple HIV clinics had lower ART adherence, higher viral loads, and increased healthcare costs compared to those receiving care at a single clinic. The study emphasizes the importance of continuous care with one provider for optimal outcomes and reducing transmissions.
Researchers used viral sequence data to estimate HIV transmission rates, death rates, and susceptible population sizes within clusters, gaining insight into rapid spread and slowdowns. The model can predict future changes in infected and susceptible individuals, guiding public health strategies.
Researchers using Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR systems highlighted the technology's potential to transform clinical applications. Studies demonstrated increased precision, accuracy, and sensitivity compared to real-time PCR methods, particularly in detecting rare cancer mutations and genomic alterations.
Hospitalized HIV patients are more likely to experience medication errors when cared for by hospital providers unfamiliar with HIV therapy complexities. Involing an infectious diseases specialist can significantly reduce these errors, correcting them in 68% of cases versus 32% without
Researchers estimate that Avahan prevented more than half of the infections that would have occurred without the intervention. The initiative targeted high-risk groups with behavioral interventions and adequate provision of prevention commodities.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that an antibody binding to HIV likely targets the body's own proteins, complicating its development as a vaccine. The finding raises concerns about potential autoimmune diseases and self-reactivity in 4E10 antibodies.
A team of Drexel University researchers has created a molecule called DAVEI that can trick HIV into destroying itself by hijacking the virus's fusion machinery. The microbicide was designed to mimic the forces it feels when attached to a healthy cell, causing the virus to release its genetic payload harmlessly and die.
Researchers at King's College London have discovered a new gene called MX2 that may prevent HIV from spreading after it enters the body. The study found that expressing the MX2 gene can inhibit HIV replication and replication.