Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
Researchers have identified two powerful new antibodies to HIV that reveal a potential Achilles heel on the virus. The discovery offers new avenues for designing an effective AIDS vaccine and may lead to the identification of additional vulnerabilities in the virus.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that HIV subtype D is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia. The study found that nearly all (89%) patients infected with subtype D developed dementia, whereas only about 24% of those infected with subtype A showed signs of the condition.
Despite notable achievements in disease management, South Africa faces a severe HIV and tuberculosis crisis, with 17% of the global burden. The country needs to escalate its public health response to tackle rising drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
The updated guidelines stress the importance of routine screening for common health problems in HIV patients, such as heart disease and cancer. Comprehensive care models that emphasize a medical home approach are also recommended to ensure holistic care for those living with HIV.
Researchers at the University of Utah created a vaginal gel that turns semisolid in response to semen, trapping AIDS virus particles. The gel, designed to protect women from HIV infection, works by forming a microscopic mesh that blocks the virus from infecting vaginal cells.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have decoded the entire structure of an HIV genome, revealing intricate patterns and structures that play a previously unappreciated role in the virus's lifecycle. This breakthrough opens doors for further research and potential antiviral drug development.
A €1 million grant from the European Commission will support LSTM in developing a national HIV strategy and programme of support for Libya. The project aims to address Libya's priority issues for HIV prevention and care by analyzing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
A randomized controlled trial found that raltegravir-based combination treatment is effective and well-tolerated in treatment-naive patients, with faster action and fewer adverse events than efavirenz. The study included 281 patients given raltegravir and 282 given efavirenz.
Researchers have discovered that HIV hijacks the autophagy process to facilitate viral replication and survival. By leveraging this cellular pathway, the virus can evade degradation and complete its maturation process.
A study found that HIV infection and chronic alcoholism have a synergistic damaging effect on the brain, particularly impairing immediate episodic memory while preserving working memory. Individuals with both conditions are at risk of trouble learning new information, affecting daily activities and work-related tasks.
A study led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill investigators found that giving daily antiretroviral syrup to breastfeeding infants or treating their HIV-infected mothers with highly active antiretroviral drugs is safe and effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission through breast milk.
Researchers identified three cases of likely HIV transmission to infants via pre-chewed food, suggesting caution for HIV-positive caregivers. The study highlights the need for more data and education on culturally sensitive issues related to infant feeding practices.
A study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found no racial disparities in the risk of AIDS and death among HIV-infected patients, with Hispanics experiencing better outcomes. Despite lower adherence rates, Hispanics had a statistically significant survival benefit compared to whites and blacks.
In sub-Saharan Africa, MSM are a high-risk group for HIV infection, with prevalence rates often 10 times higher than in the general population. The lack of access to vital services, including condoms and education, exacerbates the issue.
A randomized trial in Uganda found that circumcision of HIV-infected men did not reduce HIV transmission to female partners. The study enrolled 922 uncircumcised men and their female partners, with a higher proportion of women infected in the intervention group.
A study by UC San Diego researchers found that over half of male clients had unprotected sex and a high prevalence of drug use. Targeted interventions are necessary to prevent HIV transmission and are crucial for addressing the shared responsibility of sexual health.
Researchers discovered that HIV reduces the ability of lung cells to combat TB by increasing levels of IL-10, which elevates BCL-3 and impairs their response. This finding is crucial for developing new treatments to help people with HIV prevent or recover from TB infection.
Black gay men are more likely to have tightly interconnected sexual networks, increasing the rapid spread of HIV. Social barriers and racism contribute to these networks, perpetuating health disparities among Black gay men.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have found a key factor controlling HIV latency, which could lead to new strategies for clearing the virus. The discovery involves DNA methylation and a host protein called MBD2, and offers hope for future therapies to reactivate latent HIV.
Researchers discovered that microRNA miR29 suppresses HIV replication by transporting mRNA to processing-bodies where it is stored or destroyed, reducing viral infectivity. Inhibition of miR29 enhances viral replication and infectivity.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health developed +CLICK, a game designed to educate HIV-positive youth on safe behaviors and reduce secondary transmission. The game received high credibiilty ratings from participants and showed promise in reducing risky sexual behaviors.
Researchers at EMBL have produced a three-dimensional reconstruction of immature HIV, showing its protein coat assembly in unprecedented detail. The study suggests a simple model of HIV formation, involving multiple Gag proteins interacting to form a hexameric lattice.
Researchers have identified a possible method for eradicating HIV infection by targeting two subsets of memory T-cells where the virus persists. The approach involves combining medications that prevent viral replication with drugs that stop infected cells from dividing.
A team of Canadian and American researchers have identified a way to treat HIV-AIDS by targeting both viruses in the body and those hiding in immune system cells. This breakthrough opens the door for innovative therapies that differ from current approaches.
Researchers suggest a promising approach to create an antibody-based HIV vaccine by leveraging naturally occurring broadly neutralizing antibodies. By understanding how these antibodies evolve and persist, scientists aim to develop a vaccine that can prime the body to make protective antibodies before exposure to HIV.
Top HIV/AIDS researchers at NIAID outline a test-and-treat strategy that could reduce HIV incidence by 90% within 10 years. The proposal also involves pre-exposure prophylaxis, latent virus control, and improved prevention strategies.
Researchers have developed a 'shock and kill' technique to target and eliminate latent HIV-1 cells in the body. By combining histone deacetylase inhibitors with oxidative stress, infected cells can be induced to produce toxic compounds leading to their death.
Scientists have created a new protein-based microbicide that can kill HIV when used as a preventative measure. The innovation involves combining two existing proteins into a single molecule, which is then produced in large quantities using plant cells.
The UK's HIV strategy is being heavily criticized due to its inadequate approach to testing and diagnosis. An estimated 77,000 people are living with HIV in the UK, with 21,000 unaware of their positive status. A third of those diagnosed late could have benefited from treatment if identified earlier.
A research team led by Andrew Barron at Rice University identified specific molecules that can block the spread of HIV-1 PR by attaching themselves to its binding pocket. They used computer simulations to narrow down a collection of fullerenes and found two promising candidates.
A recent study has mapped the spread of HIV-1 subtype B across Europe, revealing that popular tourist destinations like Greece, Portugal, and Spain are major sources of infection. The research found that viruses can be transmitted through travelers, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts beyond national borders.
Research reveals that HIV-positive individuals are more susceptible to lung-related problems and experience a swifter decline in lung function compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. The study also found that HIV-positive smokers are at risk of developing early emphysema.
A recent clinical trial found that acyclovir, a widely used herpes treatment, did not reduce the risk of HIV transmission when taken by individuals with both HIV and HSV-2. However, the study did show a significant reduction in genital ulcers and modest decrease in HIV levels.
Pediatric experts from Children's National Medical Center presented innovative research on urban health issues, HIV, and childhood obesity. The studies highlighted the importance of universal rapid HIV screening for teens in pediatric EDs and the impact of second-hand tobacco smoke on children.
Researchers estimated virus evolution using genetic sequences and found that SIV lineages giving rise to HIV-1 and HIV-2 date back to the 18th century. This finding challenges previous estimates of millions of years of coevolution between SIVs and their primate hosts.
Scientists at the University of Central Florida have revived a dormant gene found in humans, which produces retrocyclin, a protein that resists HIV. The study found that restoring the production of retrocyclins prevents HIV entry and transmission.
Two studies show that adult circumcision reduces the risk of contracting HIV and coital injuries, but does not affect sexual function. Circumcision removes skin surface susceptible to HIV infection, reducing the risk of transmission.
The UCSF Visiting Professor Program has provided training and mentoring to 40 visiting professors from minority universities, resulting in over $50 million in research funding and 425 scientific publications. The program accelerates careers and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention research.
Researchers found that HIV antibodies face obstacles in blocking infection, with a narrow window of opportunity for effective binding due to the virus's low spike density. This finding highlights potential challenges for developing an effective vaccine against HIV.
Researchers discover HIV counteracts human cell protection by marking proteins for rapid destruction, but not in rats. Disrupting this interaction could be a promising strategy for therapy to increase cells' protective mechanisms.
Researchers found that HIV's invisibility comes at a cost: reduced replication, and only in certain individuals with specific HLA proteins
A new study analyzing over 45,000 people with HIV in Europe and North America found that starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) at a minimum CD4-cell count of 350 cells per µL reduces AIDS-related events and death rates. The findings challenge current guidelines recommending cART initiation at a lower threshold.
A recent study found that HIV-positive patients are entering care with lower initial CD4 cell counts and often require antiretroviral therapy soon after diagnosis. The trend suggests the virus has become more virulent, with a significant increase in patients requiring treatment before reaching the threshold of 350 CD4 cells/mm³.
Researchers from University College London have developed a new device to enable people living with HIV to monitor their own health and treatment effectiveness. The device uses nano-cantilever arrays to measure HIV markers, providing patients with clear, immediate advice on their condition.
A Stanford study found that the US AIDS Relief program reduced HIV/AIDS death tolls by over 10% in targeted African countries, saving an estimated 1 million lives. However, there was no significant impact on disease prevalence rates.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that starting antiretroviral treatment earlier can significantly increase survival rates among asymptomatic HIV patients. The research, led by Dr. Mari Kitahata at the University of Washington, analyzed data from over 17,500 patients and showed that delaying treatment u...
A potential new HIV drug, D-1mT, shows promise in reducing viral loads in monkeys with simian immunodeficiency virus when used alongside Anti-Retroviral Therapy. The researchers hope this finding could lead to a new treatment for patients not responding to current treatments.
Researchers found drug-resistant viruses can circulate between individuals who haven
Researchers have developed a new type of DNA with 12 chemical letters, enabling highly parallel amplification of DNA and diagnosis of human diseases. This breakthrough may shed light on the origins of life and personalization of medicine for millions of patients with HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases.
Researchers find suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) activates latent HIV in cells and blood samples, potentially improving upon HAART treatment. This breakthrough offers new hope for eradicating the virus.
A new study found that intermittent IL-7 therapy, combined with conventional antiretroviral therapy (c-ART), boosts the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HIV-infected patients with low T cell counts. This effect was observed for 48 weeks, suggesting a potential treatment option for these individuals.
Researchers at Rutgers University have made significant progress in developing an HIV vaccine by identifying a crucial part of the virus that is common to most varieties. They created a method to immunize animals with this target, resulting in antibodies that can stop a diverse set of HIV isolates.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry have been awarded a five-year grant to investigate the cooperative interactions between HIV viruses that aid in replication and disease persistence. The team aims to understand how these interactions speed up virus evolution, which could lead to new ways of slowing or stopping HIV replication.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have compiled a list of 93 common HIV mutations associated with drug resistance to track the spread of the virus. The updated list is based on data from over 15,000 patients and will be used globally to gauge the effectiveness of HIV medication programs.
Leading scientists issue a challenge to find a way to purge latent HIV infection and eliminate the need for chronic therapy. A drug-free remission goal requires understanding of persistent infection reservoirs and combination approaches.
Researchers have successfully infected pig-tailed macaques with a human version of HIV, creating an animal model for studying prevention methods. The new strain, simian-tropic HIV-1 (stHIV-1), can spread almost as quickly as in humans and persists for several months.
A new study compares cholesterol treatment in HIV patients and those without HIV, finding that lipid-lowering therapies are effective but not as effective as in non-HIV patients. The study suggests using fibrates with NNRTIs to manage triglyceride levels in HIV patients.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 2,800 HIV-infected patients to identify 14 'escape mutations' that help the virus survive. These mutations allow the virus to evade the immune system's destruction, making it challenging to develop effective AIDS vaccines.
Research in Cameroon reveals that 88.3% of women are willing to accept HIV testing during labor, leading to a higher rate of detected infections compared to previously estimated rates. The study recommends an opt-out approach for HIV testing during labor to increase the number of mother-infant pairs receiving appropriate treatment.
Dr. Sara Sawyer will use a $120,000 grant to study how HIV and its host cells have evolved together over time. By analyzing the genomes of primates, she aims to identify critical genes and proteins that could lead to new antiviral drug targets.