Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
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.
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.
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.
A study proposes a framework for complementary prevention by targeting specific subgroups with tailored interventions. The research finds that 'treatment as prevention' needs to consider the full range of HIV-risk behaviors.
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a grant to develop a vaccine against HIV and the disease it causes, AIDS. The Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology & Immunogen Discovery (CHAVI-ID) will conduct multidisciplinary research into immune responses that prevent infection or control the virus in infected individuals.
A study found that liver stiffness measured by transient elastography is an independent predictor of liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality in cirrhotic patients coinfected with HIV/HCV. The measurement also predicts potential recovery and survival in patients with cirrhosis.
A collection of articles investigates the impact of antiretroviral treatment on new HIV infections, exploring its potential epidemiological impact and affordability. The studies assess the utility of mathematical models and evaluate their consistency with real-world data.
Lauren Sciences LLC has received a grant from The Campbell Foundation to develop a V-Smart therapeutic for neuro-HIV. The treatment aims to deliver tenofovir across the blood brain barrier to treat viral reservoirs in the central nervous system.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that PEPFAR-funded HIV programs are associated with more deliveries at health facilities, suggesting a positive impact on maternal health services. This is likely due to the expansion of HIV treatment and infrastructure investments supporting other health services.
Researchers have developed a new monitoring approach to track HIV-positive ex-offenders' access to community-based HIV care after release. The system uses encrypted data from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and corrections release data to identify barriers to care and guide future strategies.
A study by San Francisco State University suggests that gay dads' lifestyles may change in ways that protect them from risky sexual behavior after becoming parents. Many couples reported a decrease in sex frequency but found this acceptable, while others remained committed to their monogamous relationships.
A study by UCSF found that bacterial vaginosis increases female-to-male HIV transmission risk threefold. Women with the condition are more likely to transmit HIV to their male partners, highlighting the need for better understanding and treatment of the disorder.
A recent NIH study found that HIV-positive young men are more likely to experience low bone mass than their peers. Regular monitoring, exercise, and sufficient vitamin D intake can help prevent future fracture risk. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing bone health in this vulnerable population.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute developed a new chemical-screening method to find anti-HIV compounds targeting the nucleocapsid protein. The method yielded two effective and safe inhibitors with demonstrated anti-HIV activity in cell culture tests, offering hope for the development of new HIV treatments.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that a nevirapine-based treatment regimen was as effective as lopinavir/ritonavir in suppressing the HIV virus, but had a higher stop-treatment rate due to adverse health effects. The researchers emphasize the need for better-tolerated regimes and improved access to effective treatments.
A study of 700 people living with HIV in Russia found that approximately half reported not disclosing their status to all partners. The findings suggest that risky alcohol use is common, but does not contribute to nondisclosure, emphasizing the importance of counseling and encouraging disclosure to prevent further HIV spread
A new study suggests that HIV superinfection rates are equivalent to primary HIV infections among a general heterosexual population. Researchers used ultra-deep sequencing to detect even the lowest levels of circulating HIV strains and found 7 cases of superinfection out of 149 tested individuals.
A new study in Uganda found that HIV superinfection may be more common than previously thought, occurring at a rate comparable to the annual incidence of new HIV infections. The research suggests that post-test counseling should emphasize the risk of superinfection and its implications for public health strategies.
A UBC-developed oral drug delivery system of Amphotericin B shows promise in 'flushing' HIV from reservoirs and boosting effectiveness of existing therapies. The $1.1-million funding supports its clinical development as a treatment for HIV patients, offering new hope for the quest to find a cure.
Scientists have discovered the detailed structure of the shell surrounding genetic material in retroviruses like HIV at a crucial stage. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-retroviral therapies by targeting the immature virus shell.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a biochip-based device that can rapidly screen cells for leukemia or HIV. The device uses microfluidic drifting technology to focus particles or cells in a single stream, eliminating the need for bulky lenses and mirrors, and potentially reducing costs to $1,000 from current prices of $100,000.
A new study found significant decreases in hospital mortality rates among severely ill HIV-positive patients nationwide, primarily due to a decrease in opportunistic infections. However, the study also revealed an increase in chronic diseases and bloodstream infections among this population.
Researchers from Microbicide Trials Network reformulated tenofovir gel to reduce glycerin content, making it safer and more effective for rectal use. The new formulation is three times less likely to cause cells to release water and equally effective against HIV as the original vaginal formulation.
A new paper by Brown University researchers finds that African-American clergy are willing to join the fight against HIV by promoting testing, treatment, and social justice. The study highlights the importance of engaging clergy in HIV prevention efforts, particularly in addressing racial disparities in infection rates.
A study found that African countries with more intense PEPFAR assistance experienced lower all-cause adult mortality rates, with an estimated 740,914 deaths averted. The initiative also showed significant reductions in HIV-specific deaths.
Researchers conducted a 10-year retrospective study on HIV patients in San Francisco, finding that they suffered sudden cardiac death at a rate four times higher than the general population. The study suggests that HIV changes the electrophysiology of the heart, increasing the risk of conduction abnormalities and sudden death.
Funding for non-custodial alternatives, community service, and legal representation are essential to reduce overcrowding and HIV/TB transmission. African governments have a responsibility to address life-threatening prison conditions contrary to international law.
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health found that flash-heating breastmilk can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to infants in sub-Saharan Africa. The technique involves heating breastmilk to a high temperature without destroying its nutritional properties, making it safe for babies beyond six months.
A University of Michigan study found African-Americans with HIV have lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy compared to other patients. Untreated depression also hinders adherence in low-income HIV-infected patients regardless of race, but antidepressant treatment nearly doubles optimal ART adherence.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania report that genetically modified T cells remain healthy up to 11 years after initial therapy in a decade-long study of HIV patients. The approach provides a framework for gene therapy as a powerful weapon in treating HIV, cancer, and other diseases.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System demonstrated the safety and efficacy of transplanting anti-HIV stem cells into mice, replicating a functioning human immune system. The technique protects and expands HIV-resistant immune cells, maintaining normal CD4 levels.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that addressing subsistence needs is crucial for improving the health of HIV-infected individuals living in poverty. The research, conducted by UCSF scientists, revealed that unmet basic needs like housing and food significantly undermine the benefits of HIV medication delivery.
A groundbreaking study found that effective HIV treatment and transmission reduction are thwarted by patients' unmet basic living needs such as housing, food, and hygiene. The research suggests that addressing these subsistence needs is crucial to improving public health outcomes.
A large-scale randomized study found that daily antiretroviral drugs given to HIV-infected mothers or their breastfeeding babies for 28 weeks significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk. However, early weaning was found to be of little protective value against HIV transmission and may even increase infant mortality.
Preliminary data suggests that neem compounds target the HIV protease, a protein essential for virus replication. Researchers hope that further studies will validate these findings and lead to new HIV-AIDS therapies.