Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Grandmothers Against Poverty and AIDS (GAPA) empowers grandmothers caring for HIV/AIDS-affected families with peer support, income-generating activities. Studies show GAPA members experience higher self-esteem and reduced poverty, stigma in their community.
A new study by Harvard School of Public Health researchers found that high-dose micronutrient supplementation has no effect on HIV disease progression in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. The study also showed that high doses of multivitamins increased the risk of liver problems and other serious conditions.
Renowned immunologist Dan R. Littman, MD, PhD, has been elected a member of the Institute of Medicine for his seminal contributions to immune recognition, HIV pathogenesis, and commensal bacteria in immune system development. His work has major impact in both immunology and virology.
The University of Michigan has been awarded a $21 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish the Center for HIV RNA Studies, which aims to better understand the HIV virus on a molecular level. Researchers hope that this breakthrough could lead to innovative treatment approaches for AIDS and other diseases.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Facebook-based STI prevention messages encouraged condom use among young adults, with 68% reporting condom use two months after the intervention. The effects decreased over time but remained significant compared to traditional HIV prevention programs.
A mathematical model suggests PrEP can be a cost-effective addition to existing HIV prevention strategies for MSM populations in Lima, Peru. However, significant funding would be required to generate substantial reductions in HIV incidence.
A new over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick, is unlikely to significantly impact the fight against HIV due to its high cost and limited accessibility. Physicians recommend counseling patients about the use and limitations of home testing to make informed decisions.
A team of scientists will enroll 250 people living with HIV/AIDS in a clinical study to compare an intervention with a Holistic Health Recovery Program adapted for Alcohol Use Disorders, aiming to enhance patients' awareness and modify behaviors that promote HIV disease progression.
A recent study found that overall HIV death rates declined between 1993 and 2007 for most men and women by race/ethnicity and educational levels. However, disparities in mortality rates persisted among non-Hispanic black individuals, particularly those with lower education levels.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a significant association between HIV infection and an increase in anal cancer risk among US males. The research suggests that measures to prevent anal cancer in HIV-infected males could reduce overall rates at the population level.
A study published in JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that HIV protease inhibitor Nelfinavir inhibits the growth of HER2-positive tumors in mice. The treatment uses a dosage regimen similar to that used for HIV patients, suggesting potential as an anticancer agent.
Researchers are investigating the mechanisms of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients, exploring whether HIV infection itself is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A study using transgenic mice could provide insight into how HIV causes lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and potentially lead to new trea...
A 15-year analysis shows that state-of-the-art HIV care improves health outcomes across all patient groups, including those most affected by the disease. Comprehensive care models with multiple levels of support lead to better clinical outcomes.
Researchers discovered that a protein called SAMHD1 protects resting T helper cells from HIV replication by degrading genetic information. The study provides new insights into the immunodeficiency syndrome AIDS and could lead to new treatments for HIV.
Same-sex contact and inconsistent condom use were major risk factors for HIV infection among US Navy and Marines personnel. The study highlights opportunities for targeted prevention efforts, particularly promoting condom use after the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' repeal.
Researchers at George Mason University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the HIV virus targets 'veteran' memory T-cells. By exploiting the cell's treadmilling process, the virus can infect and kill these cells, leaving the body vulnerable to disease.
Research reveals that preferentially transmitted HIV strains in heterosexuals are often similar to the strain initially infecting the partner, indicating an evolutionary advantage. This finding may help advance HIV prevention efforts and develop an effective vaccine.
The Scripps Research Institute has received a $20 million grant to research HIV drug resistance and develop new anti-HIV treatments. The HIVE Center will investigate the structure and function of HIV, including how it responds to drugs used in AIDS therapy.
Researchers discovered a HIV mutation that makes certain strains more susceptible to treatment. This knowledge will help doctors improve drug regimens for HIV-infected individuals by targeting the 172K polymorphism.
Jon Cohen, a contributing correspondent for Science magazine, has won the Victor Cohn Prize for his exceptional coverage of biomedical topics and chronicling of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. He will receive the prize at an awards ceremony on October 27 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a method to precisely track the life cycle of individual cells infected with HIV, targeting 'HIV latency'. This breakthrough could help advance the discovery of a cure for AIDS by understanding and interrupting the dormant virus.
A new study shows that integrating on-site rapid HIV testing into drug treatment programs is cost-effective, with a beneficial cost-effectiveness ratio of $60,300 per QALY. This approach provides better value than off-site referral and can help identify more people infected with HIV.
A vaginal ring releasing an anti-HIV drug has been shown to prevent the transmission of SHIV in macaques, providing strong potential for its success in women. The study found that the rings provided highly significant protection when inserted 2 weeks or 24 hours before virus exposure.
Between 2000-2008, the proportion of HIV-infected patients in the US receiving effective treatment increased from 54% to 83%, leading to reduced infectiousness and healthier immune systems. This trend was observed across all age groups, regardless of treatment adherence.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has awarded 14 grants totaling $7.8 million to focus on basic research for designing a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Recent discoveries about HIV biology are guiding the development of new vaccine strategies.
A recent study published in the journal AIDS and Behavior found that HIV home testing kits are a cost-effective and acceptable tool for preventing HIV transmission among men who have sex with men. The kits were found to be particularly effective in encouraging individuals to disclose their HIV status, leading to reduced risk of transmi...
Researchers discovered that catechins, found in green tea and cocoa, can protect neurons from damage and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. This could lead to new hope for patients with HIV-associated cognitive impairment.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that nurse-centred care of HIV patients can be just as safe and effective as care delivered by doctors. The research found significant improvements in detection of tuberculosis, white blood cell count, weight, and treatment adherence.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that black gay men are 15 times more likely to have HIV than their counterparts. Social inequalities play a major role, with stigma, poverty, and inadequate healthcare access contributing to the disparities.
Researchers discovered HIV exploits immune system by using infected T cells to travel and infect other CD4 T cells. The study used a humanized mouse model and found that infected cells carry virus to remote locations, supporting the development of new treatment strategies.
African American couples affected by HIV will benefit from a new intervention program, Eban, which aims to reduce HIV transmission and promote healthier living. The program's effectiveness was previously tested in a four-city study with 535 serodiscordant couples.
Researchers from UNC Chapel Hill found that adults with mild HIV infections can work longer hours per week and have their children enroll in school at higher rates. The study suggests that early treatment could lead to greater earning potential for those affected by HIV.
A study in Swaziland found the national rate of new HIV infections to be 2.38%, comparable to the 2009 estimate of 2.66%. The country's high HIV prevalence may have begun to level off, with prevention and treatment programs taking effect.
A computer program calibrated to model accurately HIV spread in NYC predicts significant reduction in infection rate with comprehensive intervention strategies. The model simulates individual behavior and transmission networks, providing detailed examination of how interventions affect the epidemic.
A new study found that many heterosexual men with HIV in Canada feel existing programs and services don't meet their needs, due to stigma and lack of support. The study emphasizes the need for more inclusive health care and service initiatives specifically tailored to these men's unique experiences.
Two men with longstanding HIV infections have no detectable traces of HIV after bone marrow transplants, suggesting protection under anti-retroviral therapy. Researchers plan to study additional HIV-positive patients and explore tracing HIV in tissues.
The HPTN 052 study found that early antiretroviral therapy significantly delayed the time to both AIDS and non-AIDS primary events and reduced the overall incidence of clinical events. Immediate ART also decreased the incidence of clinical events likely due to reversal of immune suppression.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to directly attack and eradicate latent HIV infection using the deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat. The study showed that vorinostat was able to unmask hidden virus in patients receiving treatment for HIV, increasing active HIV levels by an average of 4.5-fold.
A rural Ugandan parish experienced a substantial decrease in HIV virus levels within one year following two community health campaigns that provided free counseling, testing, and treatment. The SEARCH study found that 55% of HIV-positive individuals had undetectable viral loads, compared to an estimated 20-30% in the US.
Researchers have discovered a human peptide that effectively blocks HIV entry into cells by targeting specific targets on both the virus and the cells. The peptide, human neutrophil peptide 1, prevents early and late stages of HIV-cell fusion and inhibits viral uptake without compromising cell function.
A community health campaign in Uganda tested 4,343 people for HIV and offered testing, treatment, and prevention services for malaria, tuberculosis, diabetes, and hypertension. The campaign demonstrated the feasibility of rapid testing and linkage to care in resource-poor settings.
A new analysis by UCSF/SFGH researchers suggests the recommended dose adjustment of efavirenz may not be necessary, especially in non-Caucasian populations. The study found no significant difference in efavirenz levels between patients weighing more than 50 kg and those weighing less than 50 kg.
A recent HPTN study found significantly higher rates of new HIV infections among young black gay and bisexual men in the US compared to white MSM. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent action to stem the spread of HIV among this population.
A study conducted in India found that non-disclosure of HIV serostatus to sex partners is a significant issue among female sex workers and their clients, with rates ranging from 17-86%. The study suggests that improving basic HIV knowledge, reducing alcohol consumption, and increasing awareness about partner status can help increase di...
A new study reveals disturbingly high HIV infection rates among young black gay and bisexual men in the US, with a 2.8% annual rate of new infections nearly 50% higher than among white MSM. The study also found that poverty and untreated sexually transmitted infections were associated with HIV infection in this population.
A clinical study in rural Uganda found that nearly all patients with high CD4+ T cell counts were eager to take antiretroviral drugs, citing health, work, and family reasons. The results suggest a significant demand for early HIV treatment among African patients.
A study by Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania found that HIV suppression rates are lower than previously thought, with younger adults, blacks, injection drug users, and uninsured individuals more likely to have uncontrolled disease. The study reviewed over 100,000 individual blood test results from 32,483 infected adults.
The new guidelines recommend that all adults with HIV infection be treated, with no CD4 cell count threshold for initiating therapy. Initial regimens include a combination of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
A new study assessing HIV drug resistance shows rising rates in some areas of Africa since antiretroviral therapy roll-out. The prevalence of drug resistance has increased significantly, mainly driven by non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) resistance in East and Southern Africa.
The FDA Antiviral Advisory Committee discusses the pros and cons of Truvada approval for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Dr. Judith Feinberg votes in favor of approval, citing good outcomes and tolerability, while Dr. Lauren V. Wood expresses concerns about inconsistent evidence, adherence issues, and safety concerns. Primary care phy...
A study of HIV-positive persons born outside the US finds they are more likely to be Hispanic or Asian and have higher rates of heterosexual contact. The researchers also found that these individuals face challenges accessing medical care due to language and cultural barriers.
A recent study published in JAMA found that HIV patients taking antiretroviral drugs experienced improved viral suppression rates, with a 60% increase over the past decade. However, the percentage of patients in tightly controlled HIV infection remains lower than previously estimated.
Black gay couples tend to practice safe sex and discuss their safety habits, while white gay couples are more likely to discuss risks but less likely to use condoms. The study suggests that being in a relationship isn't a risk factor for black men, but rather other factors need to be explored.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that HIV-infected individuals have comparable levels of arterial inflammation as those with established cardiovascular disease, despite being at lower risk. The researchers suggest that targeting monocyte activation may be a unique strategy to reduce arterial inflammation in these patients.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a natural compound, Cortistatin A, that effectively reduces HIV replication by 99.7 percent in infected cells. The compound works by inhibiting the viral protein Tat, making it a promising potential treatment for the ongoing pandemic.
Researchers created a model by transplanting human immune elements into an immunodeficient mouse, allowing it to mount human-like immune responses against HIV. The study successfully replicates critical host-pathogen interactions and provides a promising tool for accelerating HIV vaccine development.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a collection of compounds called bryologs that can activate latent HIV reservoirs with equal or greater potency than the original substance. The discovery holds promise as a practical way to flush out dormant viruses, offering hope for a cure for AIDS patients.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that non-inferiority trials, which involve switching HIV patients to a new antiretroviral therapy, may not be beneficial to participants. The authors argue that these trials often enroll patients who cannot benefit from the switch and do not capture or report all potential risks.
A novel approach using a gift card incentive is being tested in a new HIV study. Patients who adhere to HIV treatment regularly can receive rewards and motivation through the program, which aims to improve patient engagement and viral suppression.
Duke University has been awarded a seven-year, $186 million grant to develop an HIV vaccine by inducing precise immune factors. The program will focus on designing immunogens capable of preventing HIV transmission and protecting people worldwide.