Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
Researchers found that patients treated with antiretroviral drugs, particularly NRTIs, develop damaged mitochondria similar to those of aged individuals. This damage accelerates the accumulation of errors in mitochondrial DNA, leading to premature aging. The study highlights the need to repair or stall this damage and explores the pote...
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that measuring carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) biomarker was a poor method for detecting unhealthy drinking among HIV-infected adults. The study suggests that CDT is not sufficiently sensitive for use in screening for unhealthy alcohol use in people with HIV infection.
New HIV incidence assays have the potential to revolutionize AIDS prevention efforts by offering accurate and efficient methods for tracking recent HIV infections. These innovative tests could help target high-risk populations more effectively, ultimately reducing the spread of HIV.
Kinsley French receives NSF Research Fellowship to study protein aggregates and HIV transmission. Her research aims to understand how aggregates form, laying the groundwork for developing a new therapeutic against HIV transmission.
Researchers have found that people with HIV can be safely treated with cancer therapies without adverse interactions. The study, conducted by the AIDS Malignancy Consortium, explores potential interactions between highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) and newer targeted cancer drugs.
A new HIV investment model is proposed to achieve a more targeted and strategic approach to HIV/AIDS funding. The model would require 30% more funding, estimated at $22 billion annually by 2015, to avoid 12.2 million new infections and 7.4 million deaths between 2011 and 2020.
A new study from North Carolina State University explores the complexities of discussing safer sex with transgender individuals, revealing high HIV prevalence rates and difficulties in communication. The research aims to provide more effective safer sex outreach tools for the community.
Researchers found that college students were more likely to talk about sexual health issues with their partners after watching a Sex and the City episode featuring Samantha and Miranda. The study showed that viewers modeled their behavior after the TV characters, having these conversations in their own lives. Almost half of participant...
New Northwestern University research finds that gay young men in serious relationships are six times more likely to engage in unprotected sex than their casual counterparts. The study highlights the need for targeted HIV prevention efforts towards this population, who account for nearly 70% of all new diagnoses.
Drs. Fauci and Dieffenbach emphasize the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in controlling HIV transmission, with early treatment preventing 96% of transmission in a clinical trial. They also highlight the need for a cure and new biomedical prevention therapies to ultimately end the epidemic.
Researchers estimate 500 HIV-infected, but otherwise healthy deceased donors per year could donate organs due to federal ban. Reversing the ban could improve survival rates and reduce wait times for HIV-infected patients with kidney or liver failure.
China's nationwide HIV treatment coverage has increased to 63.4%, while mortality among eligible patients has fallen by 60%. However, targeting injecting drug users, those infected sexually, and men remains crucial for further improvement.
Humanized BLT mice, created with human bone marrow, liver, and thymus tissues, have been shown to reproduce the design of a recent clinical study on topical microbicide tenofovir. The results demonstrate 88% protection against vaginal HIV transmission, warranting consideration for future testing in people.
Researchers developed CD4 aptamer-siRNA chimeras that inhibit HIV infection in primary cells and humanized mice. These agents protect against vaginal transmission of HIV when applied vaginally to humanized mice.
Researchers have developed a novel, topically-applied molecular microbicide that uses RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent HIV transmission. The microbicide was tested in mice and found to provide long-lasting protection against HIV infection, opening the door to developing an intravaginal microbicide for women's protection.
A UNC-led study found that early initiation of antiretroviral treatment in people infected with HIV can prevent them from transmitting the virus to their partners. The study showed a 96% reduction in HIV transmission to partners among those treated promptly, highlighting the critical impact of early treatment on preventing the spread o...
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a vaccine candidate that programs the immune system to respond swiftly to HIV, with over half of monkeys showing control over virus replication. The vaccine candidate has been shown to maintain control for over a year, outperforming antiretroviral therapy in clearing the ...
Researchers at the Ragon Institute identified variations in peptide stability that alter targeting of infected cells by CD8 T cells. The study found that specific mutations can reduce peptide stability, impairing immune response and increasing HIV resistance.
A new study from the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center suggests that teens who are offered free or low-cost rapid HIV testing are often willing to accept the test. The study found that 53% of teens in the age group accepted the test, with African-American teens more likely to agree.
Researchers found that HIV evolves to evade ADCC antibodies, but these antibodies can force the virus to become weaker. This study suggests that inducing ADCC responses through a vaccine could help prevent HIV infection.
A new study found that adding community mobilization activities and post-test psychosocial support services to easily accessible HIV counseling and testing programs improved initial and repeat testing rates significantly. The project detected almost four times as many HIV cases in community-based areas than clinic-only programs.
Young black gay men are more likely to contract HIV due to their preference for masculine partners and misconceptions about HIV risk. Researchers found that these men perceive masculine men as lower risk, leading to increased unprotected sex with partners whose HIV status they often miscalculate.
A study found that young black males with male partners have twice the number of new HIV infections as other demographics, likely due to cultural beliefs about masculinity influencing condom use and HIV risk assessment. These cultural norms may lead to increased risk behavior with perceived 'masculine' partners.
A new study in South Africa found that HIV-positive individuals take almost as much risk in their sexual behavior when they know their partner is HIV-negative or don't know their status, as when they know their partner is already infected. Couples-based HIV counseling is recommended to address this issue and reduce transmission.
Researchers tested an intervention targeting multiple health-related behaviors in African American couples where one partner is HIV-positive. The study found that the intervention led to increased fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and cancer screenings among participants.
Researchers have discovered TRIM5's mechanism of preventing HIV multiplication, which opens up new prospects for fighting the virus in humans. The protein triggers an immune response and stimulates the production of signal molecules to eliminate infected cells.
A University of Minnesota scientist has been awarded a five-year, $10 million grant to study the human antiviral protein APOBEC3G and its potential to treat HIV and other viral diseases. By producing atomic resolution images of the protein, researchers hope to develop novel methods to alter it for therapeutic use.
Researchers found that higher levels of HIV-1 in genital secretions are associated with a greater risk of transmission between opposite-sex couples, independent of blood levels. The study's findings offer insight into the biology of infection spread and suggest new strategies for prevention.
Researchers discovered that HIV envelope protein complex can be exposed to raise more broadly cross-reactive antibodies against HIV. This finding could lead to the development of effective vaccines against HIV and AIDS.
Researchers estimate that lifting the ban on HIV-infected organ donation could provide transplants to 500 patients annually. The study suggests that this change would not only benefit HIV-positive patients but also reduce waiting times for non-HIV infected patients.
A telemedicine program called Hospital VIHrtual has been shown to provide comprehensive control over HIV-infected patients in medical, pharmaceutical, psychological, and quality of life aspects. The virtual hospital allows for efficient management of stable HIV patients, reducing costs and time spent on travel and waiting for visits.
Elevated p21 protein levels in natural HIV controllers effectively suppress key viral life cycle steps. This ability is associated with increased p21 expression and may be linked to shared mechanisms of immune defense against cancer and HIV.
The American Thoracic Society's report highlights the evolving landscape of HIV-associated pulmonary disease, including increased chronic lung diseases and new syndromes associated with antiretroviral therapy. Clinicians face a wider range of HIV-associated diseases, emphasizing the need for continued research and treatment modalities.
A 6-month daily dose of the antiretroviral drug nevirapine significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk to infants of HIV-infected mothers. The extended regimen achieved a 54% reduction in HIV transmission risk compared to six-week treatment, while preserving health benefits of extended breastfeeding.
Researchers have discovered that adding one or two drugs to the standard ZDV treatment can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to infant. The study found that treatment with two and three drug regimens reduced HIV transmission by more than 50%.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that intensive adherence counseling significantly reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure in patients with HIV. Patients receiving counseling were 29% less likely to experience poor adherence, and those receiving early counseling had a 59% lower risk of viral failure.
A randomized controlled trial found that intensive adherence counseling reduces poor adherence and virologic treatment failure by up to 59%. Counseling also had no significant effect on mortality or CD4 counts. The study suggests that adherence counseling should be implemented in HIV clinics caring for large numbers of patients.
Researchers investigated the risks of starting antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients with TB, finding that early ART may not reduce AIDS risk for those with fewer than 250 CD4+ T cells. Microbicide studies showed promise with rectally applied tenofovir gel reducing HIV infection risk in men and women.
A modeling analysis suggests that a combination of methadone substitution therapy and anti-retroviral treatment would have the greatest effect on reducing new infections and improving quality of life. Providing drug-substitution to just 25% of intravenous drug users today could lower HIV prevalence considerably.
A University of Missouri project empowers women living with HIV to make changes by taking pictures and documenting their lives. The photos help identify social, mental, and physical challenges and possible solutions, enabling the women to resolve issues such as difficult housing situations.
A Phase II trial found that tenofovir gel achieved a more than 100-times higher concentration of active drug in vaginal tissue compared to the oral tablet. Most US women preferred the oral tablet, while African women favored the gel and tablet equally. The study's findings will be better understood in the context of VOICE results.
Researchers have reformedulated tenofovir gel to make it safe and effective for rectal use, with laboratory tests showing reduced harm to the lining of the rectum and comparable HIV protection. The reformulated gel is now being tested in clinical trials to address concerns about comfort and side effects.
Elite suppressors have lower levels of integrated HIV DNA and more effective killer T cells, making them resistant to antiretroviral therapy. Researchers speculate that therapeutic vaccinations targeting elite suppressor-like immune responses may be effective against the treatment-resistant latent reservoir.
Researchers have discovered a genetic feature of early-transmitting HIV that enables it to bind tightly to CD4+ T cells through integrin alpha-4 beta-7. This binding enhances the ability of HIV to complete sexual transmission and establish infection in an individual.
Scientists have designed a new type of nanoparticle that can deliver synthetic versions of proteins normally produced by viruses, eliciting a strong immune response comparable to live virus vaccines. The nanoparticles consist of concentric fatty spheres that can be used to develop vaccines against cancer and infectious diseases.
A Michigan State University researcher is conducting a cohort study to analyze seizures in HIV-positive patients and examine the effects of antiepileptic drugs on antiretroviral medicines. The study aims to determine whether dual treatment increases the risk of drug failure, AIDS, or death.
A vaccine that induces antibodies in vaginal tissue is sufficient to protect monkeys from HIV exposure, challenging traditional blood-based immunity approaches. The study found mucosal antibodies can block viral entry without neutralizing effects in the bloodstream.
Researchers at Princeton University used mathematical concepts to discover new drugs for HIV and other diseases by calculating physical properties of biological molecules. The technique identified several potential new drugs that were effective against strains of HIV, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that 36 patients out of 1,800 HIV-infected men were diagnosed with hepatitis C, with 25% having a history of injection drug use. The study emphasizes the need for continued screening and awareness of risk behaviors among HIV-infected individuals.
A new study found that protease inhibitors (PIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are equally effective as initial treatment for children with HIV, delaying switch to second-line drugs does not impact long-term outcomes. Regular monitoring of viral load is crucial to prevent resistance.
Scientists have discovered that HIV uses the molecule rNTP to replicate inside macrophages, allowing it to evade the immune system. By targeting this molecule, researchers may be able to develop new drugs to stop the virus in its hiding spot within the human immune system.
Research suggests that people with HIV are up to three times more likely to experience a stroke than those without the condition. The study found a 67% increase in stroke hospitalizations among people with HIV, despite a decline in overall stroke rates.
Researchers found a significant rise in stroke diagnoses among HIV-infected patients between 1997 and 2006, with ischemic strokes being the primary cause. The study suggests that HAART therapy may be linked to an increased risk of stroke due to metabolic complications, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at Scripps Research and UVa determine the structure of HIV's protein package, also known as the capsid. The detailed description provides a roadmap for developing drugs that can disrupt its formation and prevent infection. The study uses X-ray crystallography to reveal the flexibility and mobility of the capsid's components.
A simple, standardized TB screening rule has been developed for resource-constrained settings to identify people living with HIV who need further investigation for TB disease. The absence of common symptoms such as cough, fever, and night sweats can be used to identify individuals with a low probability of having TB disease.
The Scripps Research Institute team created a library of 50 synthetic compounds from natural Japanese-plant compounds, including one that shows great promise in inhibiting HIV replication and fighting inflammation. The compound has been identified as a promising lead for potential use as an HIV-fighting drug.
Researchers studied TB detection methods in western Kenya and found that passive case finding is inadequate due to the high prevalence of HIV. Intensive methods like sputum culture are needed to diagnose TB earlier and more accurately, especially among men and those with prior TB treatment.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered how HIV binds to and destroys APOBEC3F, a specific human antiviral protein. By converting this protein to a more effective antiviral agent, they found that shielding of a common feature shared by related proteins may yield similar outcomes.
Researchers found that patients who developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting HIV therapy had specific biomarker patterns in their blood. The study suggests that prediction of IRIS or death may be possible with measurement of pre-antiretroviral therapy serum biomarkers.
The study found that earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy increased 5-year survival from 80 to 87% and showed substantially improved early clinical outcomes. In settings where ART initiation at 350/μl is already available, switching stavudine to tenofovir offers clinical benefit and is less costly than adding second-line regimens.