Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
Researchers examined how vaginal gel formulation affects user experience, finding specific sensations and experiences reported by women. This information can help develop better microbicides that women will use consistently, reducing the impact of HIV on vulnerable populations.
The Clinical Research Forum announced Top 10 Clinical Research Achievement Awards for outstanding projects tackling difficult health problems, including disease prevention, cystic fibrosis, leukemia, and cardiovascular disease. The top prize was awarded for HIV transmission prevention through early treatment.
A recent study in Brazil found that severe food insecurity is associated with increased symptoms of sexually transmitted infection and decreased condom use among women. The authors argue that addressing food insecurity could have beneficial implications for HIV prevention by reducing risk avoidance behaviors.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have received a $2.7 million funding boost to enhance the effectiveness of their DNA-based HIV/AIDS vaccine. The team aims to strengthen a vaccine targeting the MPER region, a highly prized site for antibody production.
Researchers found that HIV in semen persists among sexually active HIV-infected MSM on HAART, posing a transmission risk. Detection of HIV in semen was strongly associated with high-risk behavior and genital inflammation.
A cost-utility analysis shows the DC Female Condom program prevented significant HIV infections and saved over $8 million in future medical care costs. The program's success suggests promoting female condoms as an effective HIV prevention intervention for women at high risk.
Research from UCSF and Harvard Medical School finds that trauma significantly contributes to the HIV epidemic among women. Women with HIV are exposed to trauma at higher rates than the general population, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and poor treatment outcomes.
A new study suggests that even with a small initial virus population, HIV rapidly evolves to evade immune defenses and treatments due to mutation, recombination, and random genetic changes. This findings sheds light on the difficulty in developing an HIV cure and highlights the need for novel strategies to control the virus.
A two-year Duke University study found that over half of patients had experienced sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime, leading to worse medical outcomes and poorer health-related behaviors. Childhood trauma was also associated with instances of unprotected sex, missing antiretroviral medications, and recent emergency room visits.
A meta-analysis of 102 studies found that female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries have an overall HIV prevalence of 12%, with a 14 times increased risk of infection compared to the general female population. The region with the highest risk was Asia, where the risk was 29 times increased.
A new study by ICAP at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that HIV infection rates among black women in US hot spots are 5 times higher than the national estimate. The study highlights the need for tailored prevention efforts in these communities.
A recent study using advanced gene-sequencing technologies tracked viral evolution in HIV-infected patients. The research found that early mutations can evade the host's immune response, making it challenging to control the infection. This understanding may lead to the development of vaccines targeting specific regions of the virus.
A recent study has successfully flushed latent HIV infection from hiding using a drug used to treat certain types of lymphoma. The results show that targeting the biological mechanism that keeps the HIV virus hidden can be effective in providing a cure.
A new study reveals that HIV incidence rate for US black women is five times higher than the overall estimated rate for black adolescent and adult women. The study found an HIV incidence of 0.24% among 2,099 women, comparable to rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey found that HIV prevalence has stabilized over the past five years, with current prevalence peaking at 54% for women ages 30-34 and 48% for men ages 35-39. The survey also indicates declines in HIV prevalence among young adults, which may suggest a reduction in new HIV infections.
A clinical trial shows that interferon-alpha can control HIV replication in patients who stop antiretroviral therapy, reducing integrated HIV DNA levels and decreasing reservoirs. The study provides hope for a functional cure and opens the way to further research on HIV eradication.
A recent US study found that only about 75% of HIV/AIDS patients in the United States remain in consistent care, with long gaps between appointments common. Patients with certain characteristics, such as women, white patients, and those with low CD4 counts, are more likely to stay in care.
The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care published new evidence-based guidelines to overcome barriers to optimal HIV care. The guidelines address key areas such as entry into care, monitoring adherence, and education, with a focus on special populations like children and adolescents.
A study has revealed that eight new diseases, including herpes zoster and certain forms of cancer, can serve as indicators for undiagnosed HIV. The findings highlight the importance of earlier testing and diagnosis to improve survival rates and quality of life among infected individuals.
A study of patients infected with both HIV and hepatitis shows how interferon boosts the human body's natural immunity to fight the virus. The drug, once used to alleviate symptoms, works by mediating the action of restriction factors that combat HIV.
Researchers at SFU have discovered a benign bacterium, Rhizobium radiobacter, with sugar molecules resembling those on the surface of HIV. This resemblance could trigger an immediate immune response against the virus, potentially leading to the development of a preventative vaccine.
A Scripps Florida team has been awarded nearly $1.5 million to identify and develop novel potent inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The research targets the capsid protein, a critical component of HIV, with the goal of creating new treatments for HIV-infected patients.
Researchers have identified a promising strategy for HIV vaccine design using mathematical techniques also used in quantum physics and stock market analyses. They found high-order evolutionary constraints in the Gag region of HIV, which could be targeted by vaccines.
The discovery highlights a mechanism for regulatory T-cell accumulation in lymphoid tissue, which could lead to a treatment strategy that slows the production of this type of T cell. Regulatory T cells normally tamp down immune-system attacks, but high numbers might prevent an immune response against HIV.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a molecule that can bind to DNA for up to 16 days, making it a promising step towards creating drugs that can target rogue DNA. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for genetic diseases, cancer, and retroviruses like HIV.
The authors argue that HAART roll-out's cost-effectiveness has been significantly understated, as economic analyses fail to account for its role in preventing HIV transmission. This oversight highlights the need for expanded 'Seek, Test, Treat and Retain' programs to control HIV and AIDS-related morbidity, mortality, and transmission.
Researchers have developed a new therapeutic vaccine that uses a person's own dendritic cells to stimulate an improved immune response against HIV. The vaccine showed virtually no side effects and significantly enhanced the body's ability to suppress the virus, but did not eliminate it entirely.
Research published in Neurology finds that people with HIV who have a larger waistline are more likely to experience impaired mental functions such as poor memory and concentration. The study also notes that certain anti-HIV drugs can cause weight gain in the center of the body, which may contribute to these issues.
A researcher at Indiana University has discovered a compound that could counteract HIV's ability to hijack the immune system's protection mechanism. The compound, which binds to the CD59 protein, enables antibodies and complement proteins to attack infected cells instead of just viral particles.
A team of researchers has discovered how the protein SAMHD1 protects immune cells from HIV by starving the virus of necessary building blocks. This finding could lead to more effective anti-HIV drugs and new insights into other viral infections.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt HIV's spread, focusing on a protein called SAMHD1 that protects cells from viral hijacking. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may find new ways to stop or slow the virus' ability to infect.
Research suggests that men in sub-Saharan Africa receive fewer HIV services, leading to worse health outcomes. Efforts to engage men in HIV prevention and care are crucial to addressing these disparities and ensuring a more balanced approach to gender in the fight against AIDS.
Researchers analyzed data from an observational study to examine the relationship between HIV illness severity and psychiatric disorders. The study found limited evidence of associations between specific antiretroviral therapy and psychiatric symptoms, but noted associations with quality of life and cognitive functioning.
A Wayne State University researcher is working to promote HIV testing among African-Americans by expanding testing in county jails. Her team provides comprehensive HIV prevention services, including counseling and referrals for those who test positive.
A saliva test used to diagnose HIV has been found to be comparable in accuracy to the traditional blood test, according to a new study. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity rates of 99% and 97%, respectively, making it a promising tool for HIV diagnosis, particularly in high-risk populations.
A study by Brown University researchers found that tens of thousands of people in the US contract hepatitis B every year due to missed vaccination opportunities. Despite high-risk adults having access to healthcare providers, thousands went unvaccinated, particularly among those with limited health insurance and older adults.
A new approach to HIV prevention is being developed by Michigan State University's Institute of International Health, focusing on cultural competency to address the epidemic in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The plan involves training and mentoring local health care professionals to strengthen HIV prevention, particularly among youth.
A simulation model suggests that implementing latest WHO guidelines requires improving access to care and medications, increasing retention of women in care, and supporting adherence to drugs to eliminate pediatric HIV in Zimbabwe.
Researchers found that individuals with high numbers of Ad5-reactive T cells generated a weaker immune response to HIV vaccines. This finding may impact the efficacy of future vaccines using adenoviruses other than Ad5.
A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that antiretroviral drugs can provide both treatment and prevention for HIV, reducing transmission rates by up to 96%. The study found that treated individuals are significantly less likely to infect their partners.
A comprehensive survey of HIV's interactions with human cells has identified hundreds of connections between viral and human proteins. This research may lead to the development of new drugs to treat HIV/AIDS by disrupting these connections.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal article argues that routine HIV disclosure prosecutions are unnecessary and harmful. With highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the transmission of HIV from treated individuals is now extremely low, making criminal prosecution ineffective in preventing infection.
A recent meta-analysis found that behavioral interventions can effectively promote condom use and reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, for up to four years. The studies included in the analysis assessed behavior changes and biological outcomes worldwide, with a focus on at-risk populations.
A new study published in Addiction journal found that alcohol consumption directly impacts a person's intention to have unsafe sex. The study analyzed 12 experiments and found a significant increase in the likelihood of unprotected sex with rising blood alcohol levels.
Experts emphasize the need to treat multiple diseases simultaneously, as common in sub-Saharan Africa, for better outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Studies show that addressing co-infections can significantly reduce HIV transmission risk and viral load.
A team of scientists has identified the 'key' that HIV uses to enter cells' nuclei, allowing it to disable the immune system and cause AIDS. By targeting proteins in the host rather than the virus itself, researchers hope to develop more effective anti-AIDS drugs against drug-resistant strains.
Dr. Martin Were's mobile health solutions have improved patient care and reduced substandard care in Kenya's AMPATH initiative. The innovations use smartphone technology to provide real-time access to patient data and enforce compliance with care guidelines.
In Malawi, people with uncertain HIV status are more eager to start families than those who know their status. Researchers found that uncertainty about HIV accelerates childbearing in the country due to cultural factors and the desire for a longer life. The study used an innovative method to measure personal uncertainty, where particip...
A study published in PLOS ONE found that Danish HIV patients with optimal treatment can live as long as the general population. The study, which has been tracking HIV patients for over 15 years, shows that patients are not as ill on diagnosis and have higher CD4 cell counts. This suggests that early treatment and better care may be con...
A Scripps Florida scientist has received a $3.4 million grant to study a new compound that blocks HIV replication by targeting the viral protein Tat. The goal is to evaluate its therapeutic potential in animal models and optimize it for human clinical trials, potentially leading to a novel class of anti-viral drugs.
Researchers at Caltech have successfully delivered neutralizing antibodies to mice using Vectored ImmunoProphylaxis (VIP), a novel approach to HIV prevention. The treatment effectively protected the mice from HIV infection and produced high concentrations of broadly neutralizing antibodies that may translate to human protection.
The VOICE trial has stopped using tenofovir gel due to its lack of effectiveness in preventing HIV. Women enrolled in the study will still participate in the daily use of Truvada, which was found to be effective.
A rare type of HIV-infection, group N, has been diagnosed in a man in France who recently travelled to Togo, marking the first detection outside Cameroon. The patient exhibited severe clinical manifestations and early decline in CD4 cell count, but responded well to antiretroviral treatment.
Researchers reveal how a broadly neutralizing HIV antibody called PG9 disarms the virus by grabbing hold of a sugar at residue 160, along with part of a second sugar and a string of amino acid residues in the V1/V2 region. This discovery may help scientists develop more effective HIV vaccines.
Researchers found that providing prophylaxis to the uninfected partner could be cost-effective, at least as effective as initiating antiretroviral therapy earlier. This strategy may become a valuable addition to existing HIV prevention approaches.
Mayo Clinic has been awarded a $1.25 million grant by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop online medical education in Ethiopia.
A new vaginal ring combining dapivirine and maraviroc is being evaluated for its safety and effectiveness as an HIV microbicide. The study, MTN-013/IPM 026, aims to assess the ring's ability to prevent HIV infection in women through vaginal sex.
A recent HIV study has identified SAMHD1, a protein that prevents the virus from replicating in certain cells. The research provides a blueprint for designing new drugs to treat HIV infection.
A Wayne State University researcher is conducting studies to understand the differences in marijuana use among three subgroups of HIV-positive patients. The goal is to address knowledge gaps and inform decision-making at a state level, potentially guiding treatment and policy.
A large-scale community-randomized trial found that community counseling reduced TB prevalence and child infections by half, with costs under $1 per person per year. The ZAMSTAR project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, improved TB testing and service integration in communities.