Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
A study of 30,000 adults living with HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean found significant increases in life expectancy since ART became widely available. The study reveals that life expectancy for people with HIV on ART is now close to that of the general population, mirroring trends seen in higher-income countries.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop novel molecules that mimic CD4 proteins, preventing HIV particles from entering immune cells. These compounds show promise in reducing side effects while increasing effectiveness in stopping viral proliferation.
Researchers developed a new test to measure inactive HIV viruses in patients' genes, providing more accurate information on drug effectiveness. This test could help track the size of the HIV reservoir and predict how long it takes to eliminate the virus from the body.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people with or at risk for HIV by interfering with treatment and prevention services, and threatening individual health. Accelerated research on interactions between HIV and SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed to mitigate the dual pandemics.
A new study finds that people with HIV who experienced intimate partner violence are more likely to engage in riskier behaviors and have poor adherence to HIV treatment. IPV is associated with increased depression, anxiety, and poor clinical outcomes, highlighting the need for screening and supportive services.
A new study found that certain high blood pressure medications prescribed to people with HIV may alter their heart risk, particularly those taking beta-blockers. Researchers suggest ACEi/ARBs and diuretics as safer alternatives.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discover that widely used diabetes drug metformin suppresses HIV replication in immune cells by inhibiting a key process in their production of chemical energy. This finding suggests that metformin and other drugs reducing T cell metabolism might be useful as adjunct therapies for treating HIV.
A national research project is launching a bundled approach to address socio-cultural health determinants and improve health outcomes for Black women with HIV. The initiative, led by UMass Lowell, will evaluate and disseminate evidence-informed and trauma-informed interventions across 12 sites.
A pilot study published in EBioMedicine found that metformin can improve immune function and reduce viral reservoir size in people living with HIV. The drug, commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes, was well-tolerated by patients and showed beneficial biological effects on colon biopsies.
The AMP trials tested a broadly neutralizing antibody called VRC01, which was effective at preventing the acquisition of HIV strains in sensitive populations. However, results showed that more than one single bnAb is needed to prevent HIV acquisition, highlighting the need for combination monoclonal antibody cocktails.
A large multicenter cohort study found that individuals switching to TAF therapy gained significantly more weight (1.7 kg) compared to those staying on TDF therapy (0.7 kg). The study also noted a negative development in lipid metabolism with an overall increase in blood lipid levels.
A cohort study found that switching from TDF to TAF-containing ART was associated with significant weight increases, obesity, and rising blood lipid levels in people living with HIV. The study suggests individualized preference for TAF over TDF should be accompanied by repeated assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors.
Scientists have identified a promising antibody that can effectively fight HIV-1 by tracing new pathways for vaccine development. The study found that the binding strength of the antibody is directly correlated to its ability to neutralize HIV-1, and researchers discovered genetic mutations that enhance the antibody's potency against d...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified novel transcription factors that influence HIV expression and provided insight into cellular networks controlling activation and repression. Understanding these mechanisms may help target the latent reservoir of virus, allowing for potential treatment advancements.
A UMass Amherst study found a positive linear relationship between tobacco smoking intensity and duration with inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. The researchers suggest that people living with HIV would benefit from quitting or reducing smoking to lower inflammation levels, which are linked to increased disease risk.
A recent MHRP study demonstrated that an experimental combination of a TLR7 agonist and broadly neutralizing antibodies delayed viral rebound after ART interruption by 2-fold. This approach may represent a potential strategy to target the HIV reservoir in infected individuals.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that HIV's Nef protein activates protein kinases, leading to chronic immune activation and disease progression. The study suggests repurposing kinase inhibitors as a new treatment option for patients whose immunodeficiency is not reversed by current therapies.
Scaling up opioid agonist treatment (OAT) to 40% of people who inject drugs could avert between 12-24% of all drug-related deaths, including 13-19% of overdose deaths. Longer treatment durations and prison-based OAT are predicted to have significant additional impact.
Researchers found reduced functional connectivity between brain regions in people with HIV and APOE4, leading to poorer memory function. Severe immunosuppression further exacerbated the impact of APOE4 on memory performance.
The opioid and HIV epidemics in West Virginia are deeply interconnected, requiring a comprehensive approach to address both issues simultaneously. Stigma is a significant barrier to combating these epidemics, particularly in rural areas with limited resources.
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work research center has received $5 million in funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to continue its work combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South. Led by Assistant Professor Samira Ali, the SUSTAIN Center focuses on improving frontline care and access for marginalized communities.
A new study examines the effects of COVID-19 on low-income Black and Latino individuals with HIV, revealing successful indigenous coping strategies and gaps in healthcare access. Despite initial disruptions to care, overall engagement in HIV treatment remained relatively stable, highlighting the need for improved telehealth services an...
The HIV epidemic continues to disproportionately affect marginalized groups, particularly in the US South. Experts recommend allocating resources to areas and populations hardest hit by the epidemic to implement targeted interventions and promote HIV prevention and treatment adherence.
The US is failing to address HIV disparities, with racial and sexual minorities disproportionately affected. The epidemic has shifted from coastal areas to the South and rural regions, where women and minorities are more likely to be infected.
Researchers found that older gay men living with HIV reported having supportive relationships with family, friends, or informal partners, whereas those without HIV relied mainly on primary romantic partnerships. The study highlights the importance of social support in managing chronic illness, including HIV.
A new study published in Lancet HIV found that life-long antiviral treatment can prevent viral transmission from mother to baby, offering a promising contribution to the WHO's work on HIV prevention. The results showed up to 90% of women under study had suppressed viral levels for four years after starting Option B+ care.
Researchers found that delirium in critically ill patients is associated with higher mortality and disability rates at six months after discharge. The study evaluated 711 patients in Zambia and found that delirium occurred in 48.5% of cases, predicting higher odds of mortality and disability.
A new study finds that self-testing increased HIV testing rates by over 93% amongst trans participants, but highlights the need for inclusive and welcoming sexual health services. The study's findings suggest that most existing services do not meet the unique needs of this community.
A study in rural Kenya and Uganda found that offering universal access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) significantly reduced HIV incidence, particularly among women. The study suggests that providing broad access to PrEP alongside HIV testing and treatment could reduce new HIV infections in generalized epidemic settings.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that perceived racism, sexual orientation discrimination, and HIV-status discrimination are associated with increased risk for criminal justice involvement. The research highlights the compounding effect of intersecting forms of social inequality on health outcomes.
A new study published in The Lancet HIV found that integrating opioid use disorder treatment with HIV care in Vietnam can be effective. The study suggests that countries aiming to expand treatment should consider interventions supporting retention on treatment through family networks, peers, and community health workers.
A new study in South Africa found that male clients of female sex workers contribute significantly to HIV transmission, with a rate of 6.9% over a decade. Increasing treatment among these individuals could reduce transmission by up to five times, making them a key focus for HIV prevention and treatment efforts.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a potential way to eradicate latent HIV infection by triggering a natural alarm system in human immune cells. The strategy targets the activity of a specific HIV protein, rather than its appearance, and has shown promise with certain drugs that force the protein to become active.
A study in New York State found COVID-19 hospitalization rates were higher among those living with diagnosed HIV compared to those without. The results highlight the increased risk of severe illness in individuals with HIV during the pandemic.
Researchers found that MB66, a vaginal film product containing monoclonal antibodies, is safe and effective in preventing HIV-1 and HSV-2. The product provided excellent antiviral protection for up to 24 hours after use, with high acceptability among women.
A recent study found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant increase in the identification of undiagnosed HIV infections and the use of HIV prevention services. The research reveals a 13.9% rise in new HIV diagnoses, mostly concentrated among injection drug users in low-income and rural counties.
A study of people living with HIV in Ethiopia found that poverty and labor mobility are associated with high viral loads, indicating treatment failure. The researchers highlight the importance of considering socioeconomic conditions in low-income countries to ensure effective HIV treatment.
Researchers analyzed MRI data from 1203 HIV-positive individuals across 5 continents, finding smaller brain volumes associated with lower white blood cell counts. The study highlights the importance of understanding how HIV infection affects the brain, particularly in the context of aging and treatment.
MIT researchers have created a new computational model that can predict which sections of viral surface proteins are more likely to mutate in a way that enables viral escape. The model identifies potential targets for vaccines against influenza and HIV, offering hope for developing effective treatments.
A recent study published in the Chinese Medical Journal found a high proportion of recent HIV infections among Chinese MSM college students, particularly those under 25 years old. The study suggests that regular HIV testing and TDR testing are crucial to prevent the spread of the disease. The findings highlight the need for early educa...
A mathematical model developed by researchers predicts that autologous gene-edited stem cell transplants could achieve viral control after antiretroviral therapy withdrawal. The conditions required for this include a sufficient dose of edited stem cells and allowing them to repopulate the blood before ART is stopped.
Researchers will develop a low-tech virtual village platform to connect people living with HIV, providing resources and social support. The study aims to reduce depression, anxiety, and isolation among seniors aging with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A recent study investigated attitudes towards long-acting injectable (LAI) HIV therapies among women with a history of injection, including medical purposes and substance use. The research found that LAIs may improve adherence by reducing treatment fatigue and reminders associated with daily pill-taking.
New research reveals that people with HIV are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease, with impaired blood vessel function playing a significant role. The study also found that kidney function had a stronger connection to blood vessel health in those with HIV.
A new study from Drexel University demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with syringe exchange services for women who inject drugs. The pilot program resulted in high PrEP adoption rates and improved HIV prevention outcomes, highlighting the potential for co-located services to address health dis...
Researchers at Texas Biomed will study the effects of cannabinoids on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), with a focus on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). The goal is to develop better therapeutic options for HIV patients suffering from HAND.
Researchers are developing a novel 'food as medicine' intervention to address high rates of food insecurity and insulin resistance in Oklahoma's HIV community. The five-year project will test the impact of diet on insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, with a focus on identifying community-based solutions.
New research from Lehigh University explores the link between drought, food insecurity, and HIV among women in less-developed countries. The study finds that drought escalates food insecurity, leading to reduced access to education, healthcare, and autonomy, ultimately increasing the percentage of HIV cases among women.
A new statistical physics method reveals patterns of selection in HIV evolution, distinguishing adaptive mutations from random variations. This approach could inform HIV vaccine design and develop better treatments against the virus.
Researchers have developed a new method to identify adaptive mutations in complex evolving populations, shedding light on how HIV mutates to escape the immune system. The approach enables the analysis of selection in complex evolutionary systems, which could inform HIV vaccine design and treatment strategies.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging increased HIV testing in Europe to combat late diagnoses. More than 136,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2019, with 53% of those diagnosed at a late stage of the infection.
Researchers at Scripps Research successfully generated antibodies against multiple strains of HIV in mice using genetically engineered immune cells. The approach shows promise for preventing new HIV infections and potentially offering a functional cure for those with HIV/AIDS.
Researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of Nef-CD4 and AP-2, providing a basis for developing anti-HIV therapies. This finding highlights Nef's crucial role in subverting human cells' defense mechanisms, enabling HIV replication and disease progression.
Integrating HIV self-testing into Canada's health system could lead to better HIV detection and management, especially for underdiagnosed populations. The authors propose four factors for successful introduction, including rapid approval of WHO-approved tests and cost-effectiveness studies.
A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers identified the inability to control HIV RNA production from existing HIV DNA as a potential key driver of chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. This finding highlights the need for novel treatments targeting persistent inflammation to improve outcomes.
Researchers developed a new imaging method that maps HIV's sugary shield in unprecedented detail, shedding light on its structure and dynamic nature. The technique has the potential to improve vaccine design by targeting vulnerable sites on HIV and other glycan-shielded viruses.
Penn State researchers are creating a new method to monitor HIV treatment effectiveness at home. The device will enable patients to use a finger prick test and reduce hospital visits to check their viral loads, reducing mortality and morbidity rates.
A research team at George Washington University is exploring the role of sex hormones in HIV latency and its impact on treatment efficacy. The study aims to develop more effective approaches to a cure for HIV, particularly for women and transgender patients who are disproportionately affected by the virus.
Researchers found that supplementing people with HIV with GlyNAC, a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine, improves multiple deficits associated with premature aging. The supplement boosts glutathione levels, a natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps maintain cellular function.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has updated its guidance for healthcare personnel living with HIV or hepatitis, citing low transmission rates and advances in treatments. The new recommendations aim to protect both patients and healthcare workers while ensuring privacy and health.