Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A genetic mutation in the CCR5 gene does not offer protection against HIV infection, according to new research by Scripps scientist Donald Mosier. The study tested the hypothesis that the mutation, which appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages, protected against both HIV and plague.
A multinational trial found that the combination of Pegasys and Copegus significantly increased sustained virological response rates in patients co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C. The study reported 40% overall efficacy, including 62% efficacy for genotype 2 and 3 patients.
A study found that cities with predominantly black tar heroin use had lower HIV infection rates among injection drug users compared to those using powder heroin. This is due to the properties of black tar heroin, which makes it difficult to transmit HIV through needle sharing.
Researchers found that HIV uses Nef to activate Rac activity in DOCK2ELMO1 complex, disrupting T cell migration and interaction with other lymphocytes. This study provides biochemical evidence for Nef's role in subverting immune response pathways controlled by receptors on T cells.
A study by UCLA researchers found that individuals with shy personalities tend to have higher viral loads and faster disease progression, even on antiretroviral therapy. This suggests that high-stress individuals may be more susceptible to HIV replication due to their heightened nervous system response.
A study found that HIV-positive women are more likely to engage in unprotected sex due to a lack of empowerment or low self-esteem. Ongoing risk-reduction counseling and substance abuse treatment are crucial to curb high-risk behavior, experts say.
The Lancet editorial proposes a serostatus-based approach for universal voluntary knowledge of HIV status, simplified clinical testing, and prevention of discrimination. Two viewpoints discuss the necessity of testing before prophylaxis with single-dose nevirapine in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
The GSK Drug Discovery and Development Research Grant Program awarded $125,000 grants to Paul Bieniasz for genetic screening of cyclic peptides and Michael Farzan for tyrosine-sulfated peptides. Additionally, Michael H. Malim received a grant for his research on the Vif gene, which plays a critical role in HIV infection.
A UCSD study of 1,049 HIV-infected children found that specific genetic mutations can affect disease progression and immune system response to the virus. Children with certain polymorphisms, such as CCR5-delta32, showed slower disease progression, while others were more susceptible to worsening symptoms.
Researchers discovered subtle brain damage in HIV patients taking antiretroviral drugs, despite no apparent symptoms or viral suppression. The study used brainwave recordings, neuropsychological testing, and MRI scans to compare 39 HIV-positive individuals with 35 control subjects.
Researchers found that total lymphocyte count and albumin independently predicted the risk of death in HIV-1-infected children. Using these low-cost measures could establish when to initiate antiretroviral therapy in settings where CD4 and RNA assays are not available.
The new program combines counseling and education efforts with medical therapy to reduce HIV levels in patients. The initiative aims to assess the impact of integrating prevention services into primary care on HIV risk behaviors and outcomes.
A study published in AIDS found that placental malaria significantly increases the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission. The study, which followed 746 HIV-positive mothers and their infants in Rakai, Uganda, suggests that preventing and treating malaria during pregnancy could reduce transmission rates.
A recent study published by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that children with HIV are more likely to visit healthcare providers and receive outpatient care compared to adults. The study found that 90% of HIV-infected children receive antiretroviral medications, highlighting the need for improved access to services.
Patients who view their HIV as an opportunity for personal growth tend to cope better with their disease. Researchers found that more than 73 percent of low-income HIV patients were clinically depressed, highlighting the need for supportive therapy.
A new study found a clear association between genital ulcer symptoms during and after HIV acquisition. Higher rates of genital ulcer disease were observed among HIV-positive participants, particularly those with HSV-2 antibodies.
The European Parliament calls on Eastern European countries to share knowledge and resources to combat HIV resistance. FUZEON, a new treatment, has been shown to reduce HIV levels and increase CD4 cell counts in patients with drug-resistant strains.
Researchers identified a new link in the chain allowing HIV to overcome cellular resistant factor and infect human cells. Disruption of Cul5-SCF function reduces HIV infectiousness by 90%, paving the way for new therapies.
The Emory research team, led by Dr. Frances Priddy and Dr. Mark Feinberg, aims to develop simpler and cheaper monitoring tools for HIV-infected individuals in resource-poor countries. The goal is to enable these individuals to benefit from antiretroviral therapies, which have saved lives in developed countries.
A new study found that forgiving others and feeling forgiven were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, life stressors, and improved quality of life. Expressing forgiveness in the context of HIV infection also decreased the likelihood of placing others at risk.
A study found that administering nevirapine and zidovudine to babies after birth reduced mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission by around 15% compared to nevirapine alone. This combination therapy resulted in a protective efficacy of 36%.
A study published in The Lancet found that administering nevirapine and zidovudine to babies after birth can significantly reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission. The regimen resulted in a 7% protection rate for infants who received the full course, compared to 12% for those who only received nevirapine.
Researchers at OHSU discovered that HIV-encoded protein Vif neutralizes human protein APOBEC3G, which would inactivate HIV if present. This finding could lead to the development of targeted anti-HIV drugs and provide insights into the body's innate protection system.
Four research organizations will receive funding to develop promising HIV vaccine candidates using DNA vaccines, virus vector vaccines, subunit vaccines, and virus-like particle vaccines. Researchers aim to induce strong cellular and antibody immune responses in animal models.
Researchers found that Peptide T significantly reduced HIV levels in cellular reservoirs, with some participants experiencing undetectable virus and increased CD4 counts. The therapy showed promise as a complement or alternative to existing treatments for HIV/AIDS.
Pharmacokinetic data suggest that 908 can be co-administered with Maalox TC or Zantac without dose adjustments. Co-administration with Lipitor increased ATO exposure but did not affect 908 PK.
An interim analysis of a study comparing TDF to EFV in combination with 3TC + ABC found that the TDF arm had a higher rate of virologic non-response. The study included 194 patients and showed that VL <400 copies/mL was achieved in 49% of TDF subjects, compared to 90% of EFV subjects.
The study found that the three-drug combination of abacavir, lamivudine, and efavirenz provided a potent antiretroviral response over 48 weeks. Subjects in the ABC/3TC/EFV group had a significantly better immunologic response compared to those in the ZDV/3TC/EFV group.
A study suggests that new HIV treatments can lead to a decrease in people's concerns about the disease, resulting in increased transmission rates. Researchers believe that health professionals should address this issue by revamping prevention messages and programs.
A recent study published in Johns Hopkins Medicine found that giving one dose of nevirapine to HIV-positive mothers during labor and their newborns reduced transmission by 41 percent. The simple regimen has the potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of new infections every year.
A long-term study found that nevirapine sustained a 41% reduction in HIV infection risk compared to azidothymidine (AZT) in infants born to breastfeeding mothers. The regimen showed significant cost savings, approximately 70 times less than AZT treatment.
Researchers found that total lymphocyte count and hemoglobin concentration decline rapidly in individuals who develop AIDS, with over 77% of study participants exhibiting these declines. This finding offers an alternative to current HIV diagnosis methods, which require expensive technology and equipment.
A genetically engineered strain of lactobacillus could significantly inhibit HIV infection in humans, offering a safe and long-lasting way to protect women. The research uses naturally colonizing bacteria to block and inactivate viruses before they reach host cells.
Researchers have found that a one-step HIV test is the least expensive option, costing nearly $82 per person compared to two-step methods. The new method provides same-day results for both HIV-positive and negative clients, reducing waste and costs associated with return clinic visits.
Researchers at University at Buffalo's Laboratory for Antiviral Research are conducting a comprehensive study to measure concentrations of drugs and analyze their pharmacogenetic basis. The goal is to understand the net effect of antiretroviral drugs on other pharmaceuticals taken by HIV patients.
Researchers found that structured treatment interruption in people with multidrug-resistant HIV led to more HIV-related complications and poorer immune response. The study suggests that continuing therapy guided by HIV drug resistance testing is a better approach for this group of HIV-infected individuals.
Researchers suggest that heightening immune response against human proteins in viral envelope could prevent HIV infection, offering a potential solution for reducing transmission rates. This approach, called alloimmunization, has the advantage of working against all strains of HIV and other retroviruses.
Dale J. Kempf, Daniel W. Norbeck, and Hing L. Sham receive award for developing Kaletra, the first HIV protease inhibitor approved for use in children as young as six months old.
A randomized, controlled study involving medical marijuana found no harmful changes in HIV virus levels or immune system function in patients with HIV. Participants experienced weight gain, but no change in their undetectable status.
A new computer-based system, ACASI, was tested with Zimbabwean women, yielding more accurate data on key HIV risks. The tool helped overcome cultural issues and social desirability bias in face-to-face interviews.
A study of 181 sexually active Zimbabwean women found that diaphragms can be used without a partner's knowledge to prevent HIV transmission. The researchers suggest that this method could provide an additional tool for HIV prevention, particularly for women who do not have access to condoms or other forms of protection.
A new UCLA study suggests that coronary heart disease may be accelerated in younger HIV-infected people. The research found that the rate of coronary heart disease in young HIV-positive men and women was significantly higher than in their HIV-negative counterparts.
A study found that HIV treatment costs increased significantly between 1995 and 2001, driven by the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Despite this, overall medical care costs remained relatively stable during the same period.
The FDA has approved a safety trial for the second component of a three-part HIV vaccine developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The vaccine aims to overcome viral diversity with a multi-envelope approach, and includes three components: DNA, genetically modified vaccinia virus, and purified HIV envelope protein.
NC State statisticians Drs. Anastasios Tsiatis, Marie Davidian and Marc Genton have won a $1.125 million NIH MERIT Award for their work on statistical methodology in designing complex HIV clinical trials. Their research aims to develop sophisticated designs that can handle the variability of patients' responses to treatment.
Researchers found that rare variations of HLA-A and HLA-B genes can protect against HIV. The study, which analyzed data from 996 HIV-infected men in Chicago, suggests that these genetic variants may be used to develop targeted AIDS vaccines.
A research team led by Nathaniel Landau identified the interaction between HIV's Vif protein and APOBEC3G. The study found that mice have a similar antiviral protein that can block HIV replication due to its inability to recognize human proteins.
Risk experts address communication challenges in public health and policy contexts, discussing factors like perception, information quality, and industry influence. Effective risk communication is crucial for public health decisions and policy-making.
Scientists have determined the structure of the 2G12 antibody, which neutralizes HIV by binding to sugars on its surface. The antibody's unique structure could provide a template for designing an antigen that triggers the body to produce it, potentially leading to an HIV vaccine.
Researchers at TSRI describe an unusual antibody configuration that effectively neutralizes HIV by binding to sugars on its surface. This breakthrough could lead to designing an effective AIDS vaccine by stimulating the human immune system to produce similar broadly neutralizing antibodies.
Researchers have identified a molecular fingerprint unique to individuals with HIV-associated dementia (HAD), suggesting the potential development of a simple blood test for its diagnosis. The study used proteomics to analyze protein patterns in patients and found correlations between certain proteins and HAD.
India's HIV prevalence rate is less than 1 percent, but a looming pandemic on the horizon due to shifting demographics and changing cultural values. The researchers recommend targeted prevention programs for high-risk groups, such as prostitutes and men who have sex with men, and offer circumcision as an additional avenue of prevention.
Researchers analyzed lipid levels of HIV patients before and during HAART and found that average total and LDL cholesterol levels remained stable over three years. After initiation, cholesterol levels rose but returned to pre-infection levels after a year. However, triglyceride and HDL levels were higher than in similar-aged men.
A study found that HIV-positive individuals are more likely to engage in undisclosed, unprotected sex, particularly with gay or bisexual men. The lack of disclosure is attributed to high prevalence and awareness of HIV in the gay community, as well as stigma surrounding HIV positivity.
Researchers found that CEM15 renders HIV dead by altering DNA, causing mutations and preventing replication. The virus can subvert this system, enabling it to make numerous mutations and evade the host's defense.
Researchers challenge assumption that poverty is a risk factor for non-adherence to HIV medication regimens, citing high treatment adherence rates in South African studies. The editorial argues that delivery systems may compromise confidentiality and risk stigmatization if not based on clear evidence.
A study by Northwestern University found that juvenile detainees aged 10-18 engage in significantly higher rates of HIV-risk behaviors, with 95% exhibiting multiple sexual and drug risks. Boys were more likely to engage in riskier behaviors, while girls aged 16+ were more active sexually.
The study found that many HIV-infected gay and bisexual men tailor their sexual activity to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to casual partners they do not disclose to. Barriers to disclosure include stigma and fears of rejection, suggesting that public health efforts must address these concerns.
Designing molecules to block HIV receptors could lead to more effective and safer treatments. The approach has the potential to be orders of magnitude more effective than existing treatments, with fewer side effects.
Researchers identify a helpful gene mutation in the Vpr gene of long-term nonprogressive HIV patients, which impairs the HIV virus' cell-killing machinery. The presence or absence of this mutation may play a central role in determining which patients develop fatal AIDS.