Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study by St. Michael's Hospital finds that milder forms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist despite the decline in severe cases with combination antiretroviral therapy. Effective screening tests for mild HAND are lacking, affecting up to 50-60% of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Researchers will examine alcohol marketing and its role in early alcohol use among African youth acquiring HIV in Uganda. The project aims to develop communication messages and materials for a counter marketing campaign to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution structure of CCR5, one of two co-receptors used by HIV to enter human cells. The study provides insights into how HIV fuses with cells and may aid in developing new drugs targeting this receptor.
A recent study by La Jolla Institute scientist Shane Crotty found that follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a key role in generating broad neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The research showed a correlation between Tfh cell levels and antibody response, suggesting these cells may serve as an indicator for vaccine development.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution atomic structure of a cell-surface receptor used by most strains of HIV to infect human immune cells. The study provides detailed insights into how HIV attaches to cells and blocks its entry, guiding the development of next-generation drugs.
Researchers discovered that levels of certain fats in cerebral spinal fluid can predict cognitive decline in HIV patients. The findings suggest that these fat markers reflect changes in brain metabolism, disrupting the 'garbage disposals' and leading to cognitive declines.
A substudy within the Partners PrEP Study shows that high adherence to antiretroviral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples. With over 99% adherence rate, only 14 participants became HIV-positive during an average follow-up period.
A UCLA study demonstrates that combining behavioral science with social media and online communities can lead to increased HIV testing and encouraged significant behavioral change among high-risk groups. The approach proved to be one of the best HIV-prevention methods on the Internet, with high retention rates and successful engagement.
Researchers created a synthetic polymer that mimics the binding of HIV to immune system cells, effectively blocking the virus from entering the body. The study suggests this polymer could be used in condoms or vaginal gels to prevent the spread of HIV by sexual contact.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that community voluntary male circumcision services in Orange Farm, South Africa significantly reduced HIV infection levels. The study estimated that without circumcision procedures, the HIV rate among men living in this community would have been 15% in 2011.
A Facebook intervention led to increased HIV testing among high-risk men, with a peer-led group showing significant results. The study found that more participants requested an HIV testing kit after 12 weeks compared to the control group.
Current HIV elimination agenda focuses on mother-to-child transmission prevention, but neglects pediatric treatment, resulting in high morbidity and mortality among children. The paper argues for an expanded agenda to ensure all children receive antiretroviral therapy and care.
A culturally tailored HIV prevention program has been shown to significantly reduce unprotected sex among bisexual black men. The innovative approach, MAALES, takes a holistic approach to minimizing behaviors that could put men at risk for HIV.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine and Brazilian experts found that preventive antibiotic therapy for people with HIV lowers their chances of developing TB or dying. Isoniazid therapy reduced deaths and new cases of active TB disease by 31 percent among men and women already infected with HIV.
A new study by Michigan State University found that improved caregiver training can significantly enhance the development of HIV-infected children. The program also reduces depression in caregivers, who are often the children's mothers and must work long hours to provide food.
Scientists have successfully transmitted HIV in a mouse model of heterosexual intercourse, shedding light on the complexities of viral transmission and potential prevention methods. The study's findings suggest that hormonal factors in the female reproductive tract can impact host susceptibility to HIV infection.
Regular exercise regimen helps mitigate neurocognitive impairments in patients living with HIV, reducing risk factors like high blood pressure and lipids. Exercise also improves working memory and processing speed.
Researchers found that community-based pharmacies can be effective locations for offering rapid HIV testing and connecting those who test positive with medical care quickly. The study used five community-based pharmacies in the Bronx and Manhattan to test hard-to-reach individuals, resulting in six positive cases and improved access to...
The new guidelines recommend immediate use of a combination of three or more antiretroviral drugs after any occupational exposure to HIV, eliminating the previous recommendation to assess individual exposure risk. Exposed healthcare personnel should complete a full four-week regimen and undergo follow-up testing and monitoring.
A randomized trial found that universal HIV screening in emergency departments detected nearly as many cases as targeted screening, despite requiring fewer tests. The study suggests that broad criteria and sufficient resources can detect most cases with reduced testing numbers.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Dentistry has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to educate dental students about caring for HIV/AIDS patients and provide dental services to this population. Over 2,000 patients received dental care last year alone, with thousands more provided since the program's inception.
Experts warn that widespread use of Truvada for HIV prevention may lead to unintended consequences, including increased transmission of other STIs. Daily dosing, safer sex counseling, and regular testing are crucial for successful PrEP implementation.
Researchers at George Mason University have discovered that genistein, found in soybeans, can inhibit HIV infection by blocking cellular signals. The study's early findings suggest that genistein may be used as a complement treatment for HIV infection, potentially addressing drug toxicity issues.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identifies a genetic mutation in Africans with HIV that increases their risk of tuberculosis. The research found that low expression of immune response gene MIF confers almost a two-and-a-half fold increased risk for severe TB.
A peer-led intervention developed by a nursing researcher at the University of Missouri helps individuals with HIV adhere to their treatment plans. The program improves patients' quality of life and reduces the risk of spreading the virus.
Researchers found community pharmacists want a more active role in HIV treatment, aiming to build relationships with customers during test sales. Pharmacists believe their role can help strengthen healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where stigmatized feelings hinder testing and care.
Researchers will assess the effectiveness of palliative care home health visits in treating people with HIV and other chronic illnesses. The four-year study aims to improve quality of life and outcomes for patients with HIV, focusing on symptom management, coping, and advance care planning.
Researchers have discovered that a reduced daily dose of the antiretroviral medication efavirenz is both safe and effective in suppressing HIV. The findings could lead to lower treatment costs and increased access to life-saving therapy for millions worldwide.
A study published in Menopause found that women with HIV suffer from moderate to severe hot flashes, which significantly impact their daily functioning and overall well-being. The study also highlighted the potential risks of hot flashes on their health, HIV treatment, and ability to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
The World Health Organization's new guidelines call for immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-infected children under five years of age. DNDi and Cipla are expediting the development of urgently needed 4-in-1 ARVs adapted for babies and toddlers with HIV, to be delivered by 2015.
AIDSVu, a detailed publicly available view of HIV prevalence in the US, has released updated maps displaying 2010 data and recent national HIV prevalence data. The new maps highlight urban cores with higher HIV rates and show disparities among black and Hispanic/Latino Americans.
Researchers found that work provides emotional support and extra financial resources for women with HIV, enabling them to better self-manage daily tasks. The study also highlights the importance of job training programs and microenterprises in improving the lives of these women.