Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
The new tuberculosis vaccine candidate VPM1002 shows its safety and efficacy in a study of HIV-exposed and non-HIV-exposed newborns. The vaccine has fewer side effects compared to the existing BCG vaccine, and elicits a similar immune response.
A national PrEP program is proposed to improve access to the highly effective yet underutilized preventive treatment, which could greatly reduce HIV rates. The special issue supports increased access, affordability, especially among Black and Latino populations.
A new study found that HIV-1 Tat expression accelerates age-related diseases in male mice by disrupting neuroendocrine function. Researchers discovered that Tat alters steroid hormone levels, leading to anxiety-like behavior, cognitive errors, and reduced grip strength.
A study published in eLife suggests that combining broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) based on viral genetics can help prevent viral escape and rebound in HIV treatment. The researchers identified a combination of three bNAbs, PG9, PGT151, and VRC01, which reduces the chance of viral rebound to less than 1%.
A new study finds that large-scale HIV screening and peer support successfully reduced uncontrolled HIV in people who inject drugs by 40% in Haiphong, Vietnam. The intervention improved HIV identification and care among this at-risk population.
Researchers have found that treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) in people with HIV significantly decreases the progression to anal cancer. The ANCHOR trial enrolled over 4,000 participants and showed a 57% reduction in anal cancer cases.
A longitudinal cohort study found significant reductions in liver disease and mortality among people with HCV infection who received treatment. The study's findings suggest that continued testing, treatment, and community-based interventions could lead to the elimination of HCV infection within the next decade.
Researchers aim to develop a gene therapy that could suppress HIV replication and eliminate the need for life-long antiretroviral therapy. The study uses an AAV vector to produce leronlimab, a monoclonal antibody blocking HIV entry into immune cells.
Researchers found that HIV prefers to infect memory CD4 T cells with large amounts of specific sugars, including fucose and sialic acid. The study also reveals that HIV boosts the production of these sugars in infected cells, highlighting a new target for potential treatments.
Researchers developed a nomogram to predict anal cancer risk in persons with HIV infection, highlighting increased risk among those living with the virus. The model estimates quantitative risk based on patient characteristics, informing screening decisions.
A large clinical trial found treating anal precancerous lesions reduces the risk of developing anal cancer in people with HIV by 57%. The study highlights the need for screening and treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) as the standard of care for older HIV+ individuals.
A study found that despite PrEP's effectiveness in reducing HIV risk by 99%, many male couples underestimate its benefits and experience high levels of stigma. Joint education for male couples may improve PrEP adoption rates, and providing information to both partners can facilitate open discussions and concerns about the medication.
A large clinical trial found that treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) reduces the risk of anal cancer in people with HIV. The study showed a 57% reduction in anal cancer cases after treatment, highlighting the importance of screening and treatment for HSIL in this population.
Researchers aim to understand how HIV affects cardiovascular health and the impact of substance use on this relationship. They plan to develop a human bone marrow chip model to study HIV pathogenesis and explore potential strategies for caring people with HIV who face cardiovascular disease.
A new study from Tel Aviv University developed a unique treatment for AIDS that may be developed into a vaccine or a one time treatment. The treatment involves engineering type B white blood cells to secrete anti-HIV antibodies in response to the virus.
Researchers found that combination broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies (bNAbs) can effectively suppress HIV in individuals without daily antiretroviral therapy (ART), with median duration of time off ART being 39.6 weeks.
A new grant will help Missouri parents make informed decisions about vaccinating their children against various diseases. The grant aims to provide factual, evidence-based information to address common concerns and promote public health outcomes.
The program aims to increase trained cancer researchers in Tanzania and prepare them for HIV-associated cancer diagnostics, genomics, and therapy. It will focus on molecular detection, epidemiology, and biology of common HIV-associated malignancies.
New research suggests that ADCC responses and strain susceptibility influence HIV-1 mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding. Enhancing ADCC through a vaccine may not be sufficient to prevent transmission due to chronically infected individuals' ADCC-resistant strains.
A new series of expert reviews explores less common causes of bone loss, including pregnancy-associated osteoporosis and anorexia nervosa-related osteoporosis. The reviews provide comprehensive information on these unusual conditions and their impact on bone health.
A phase I clinical trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a novel adeno-associated viral vector-based treatment for HIV, producing measurable amounts of a broadly neutralizing antibody. The treatment showed wide-ranging clinical implications for potentially preventing or treating HIV and other infections.
PrEP users in Germany experienced infrequent testing, with 26.3% not following recommended frequencies for HIV, STI, and renal function testing. Regular testing is crucial to prevent missed diagnoses and manage asymptomatic STIs, particularly in MSM populations.
A clinical trial reveals that lamivudine, a widely used HIV treatment, halted disease progression in 28% of patients with fourth-line metastatic colorectal cancer. The study suggests an unexpected promising direction for cancer treatment and encourages the exploration of pairing reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy with immunotherapy.
Researchers have discovered that UV-LED lights can inactivate coronaviruses and HIV within seconds, making them a promising tool for disinfecting public spaces. The study found that repeated exposure to UV light is key to catching virus particles, and the lights are easy to retrofit into existing fixtures.
Researchers found that a monkey variant of HIV uses different amino acids to counteract human tetherin than it does in monkeys, suggesting a potential route for SIV to infect humans.
A study in Botswana found that HIV transmission occurs primarily within and between same-age communities, rather than between distant communities. Community-based HIV testing and treatment can effectively curb the spread of the disease if targeted at high-risk populations.
A UCI-led study found that using peer-led online communities increased HIV self-testing and reduced alcohol consumption among Latinx and African American MSM. The HOPE intervention program was successful in reaching diverse audiences, particularly those with high rates of HIV cases and new diagnoses.
Researchers have discovered new details about HIV's structure, including the position of envelope spike proteins and glycan shields. The findings may help in designing a vaccine that can protect against AIDS.
Researchers at UC San Diego found a steep rise in HIV incidence among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, driven by undiminished drug tourism. The rate of infection is 11 times higher than in San Diego residents who do not cross the border.
A meta-analysis of 33 interventions targeting STI/HIV risk reduction found that including pleasure can improve knowledge and attitudes around sex, as well as condom use. The review suggests revisiting sexual education approaches that acknowledge the pleasurable aspects of human experience.
A new study by CUNY SPH researchers estimates that nearly 40% of children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa are undiagnosed, highlighting the urgent need for improved pediatric testing coverage. The study found that only 55% of children on ART had suppressed viral loads, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A study of continuous monthly mortality data found that excess deaths associated with COVID-19 reached greater peaks than most other periods of excess deaths since 1918. The relative excess of deaths in 2020 was 12.5% in Switzerland, 8.5% in Sweden, and 17.3% in Spain.
A Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by University of Minnesota researchers demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy drug in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants showed a significant decrease in HIV-infected cells in their blood for up to six months following treatment.
Researchers found that cancer immunotherapy pembrolizumab can reverse HIV latency, allowing killer T cells to regain function and kill infected cells. The treatment, which blocks exhaustion markers, also perturbs the HIV reservoir, showing promise for a cure.
A recent survey by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that about 22% of young sexual minority males and transgender females engage in transactional sex. The practice is associated with HIV exposure, substance use disorder, and unstable housing. Researchers plan to develop interventions to address economic and social vulnerabilities.
A meta-analysis of 87 surveys from 35 African countries found that nearly one in ten sexually active men have paid for sex and are 50% more likely to be living with HIV. Men who pay for sex should be recognized as a priority population for HIV prevention efforts.
Researchers at FAU are developing an affordable, disposable self-testing HIV-1 chip that can detect HIV from whole blood samples and measure viral load without refrigeration or skilled technicians. The technology aims to increase access to HIV testing and improve treatment outcomes in any setting.
A UCLA-led team has improved a method to kill HIV-infected cells, using natural killer cells to target and eliminate them. The approach could lead to reducing or eliminating the virus from infected individuals who rely on medication.
Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.
Research reveals that HIV-positive individuals with cocaine addiction struggle to withhold behavioral responses due to distinct brain activity patterns. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address dual diagnosis in recovery programs.
Researchers discovered that HIV chooses its viral RNA genome based on a two-nucleotide difference, which could be targeted by new drugs. This finding has implications for future HIV treatments and is an important scientific step towards understanding the virus's replication process.
A new study by Kaiser Permanente researchers has found that people with HIV are at higher risk of developing heart failure than those without the condition. The study identified significant differences in heart failure risk among various demographics, including age, sex, and ethnicity.
Researchers will test four interventions to determine which combinations are most effective at helping people who inject drugs and who are HIV positive to suppress their viral load. Strategies include patient navigators, psychological therapy, methadone treatment, and educational sessions.
A novel mRNA-based HIV vaccine has been shown to be safe and elicit desired immune responses in mice and non-human primates. The vaccine prompted a 79% lower per-exposure risk of infection by simian-human immunodeficiency virus compared to unvaccinated animals.
A new study links the composition of gut microbiome before infection to HIV susceptibility and progression. Men who contracted HIV in the early days of the pandemic had a greater relative abundance of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory gut microbes, which contributed to their increased risk of developing AIDS.
A digital pill system has been found to be a feasible and accurate intervention for tracking HIV prevention pill adherence, with 98% accuracy. The system uses radiofrequency transmitters and wearable reader devices to track pill ingestion, providing a novel solution for individuals with low compliance.
A recent study published in lambda nordica suggests that recognizing the psychological, social, and physical effects of shame on HIV patients is crucial for enhancing their medical treatment. The research argues that healthcare workers should be more aware of how shame contributes to poor health outcomes, particularly in individuals wi...
A study of HIV-positive black and Latino men found that methamphetamine use combined with intimate partner violence boosts inflammatory and antiviral genes, leading to immune system exhaustion. This combination may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other disorders.
Scientists have identified transcription factor RORC2 as a key player in HIV infection, allowing the virus to persist in immune cells. Inhibiting RORC2 using small molecules can limit viral expansion and prevent replication in healthy individuals and those with HIV.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of training nurses to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with depression and uncontrolled HIV adhere to their medication regimen. Patients who completed CBT-AD sessions were more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve undetectable viral loads.
An international study has revealed that COVID-19 vaccination rates among people living with HIV are similar to those in the general population, but vary significantly across geographic regions. The overall vaccination rate was found to be 55%, with higher rates in high-income countries and lower rates in Sub-Saharan Africa.
A recent study found that 19.9% of trans feminine individuals and 2.56% of trans masculine individuals were HIV positive, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts. The researchers called for increased focus on this population's unique needs.
The US HIV treatment population is projected to increase by 36% by 2030, with older adults making up nearly a quarter of users. The population is expected to shift towards more older age groups, with nearly one in four people with HIV aged 65 or older by 2030.
A large observational cohort study of 134,672 people with HIV found significant disparities in the uptake of dolutegravir, a preferred HIV medication, among women of reproductive age. Only 29% of female patients aged 16-49 years had initiated dolutegravir, compared to 58% of male patients.
Researchers found that video-based, telehealth-delivered exercise and weight loss programs improved pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The intervention with dietary component led to substantial weight loss and additional benefits.
According to a new study funded by NIH, adults with HIV are making progress toward the global target of 95% viral suppression, but children and adolescents are not. The researchers estimated that among adults, 79% were virally suppressed after one year of treatment, while among children and adolescents, only 64% reached this milestone.
A systematic literature review found HIV seroprevalence in five key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. The review identified significant gaps in data, particularly for transgender individuals.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health has mapped the distance to HIV care services in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting that 7 million people live more than 10 minutes away and 3 million people live more than 30 minutes away. The research aims to develop cost-effective policies for HIV interventions in underserved areas.
Early antiretroviral therapy reduces skin and mucosal cancers in HIV patients by preserving tissue-resident memory T cells. Prompt treatment also improves the immune response, reducing the risk of HPV-associated cancers.
A University of California, Riverside-led study found that deafness is a significant barrier to accessing health care and resources for deaf individuals living with HIV. The research highlights the need for improved communication, cultural competency, and accessibility in healthcare services to support aging deaf people with HIV.