Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Critics argue that male circumcision campaigns in Africa are not based on robust science but on racist assumptions about culture, health, and sexuality. The campaigns have been carried out without sufficient contextual research and with underrepresentation of African voices.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to combat HIV using an antibiotic molecule called concanamycin A. The compound inhibits the Nef protein, allowing cytotoxic T lymphocytes to recognize and destroy HIV-infected cells. This breakthrough offers new hope for a potential cure for HIV by combining with existing treatments.
A 2018 survey found that 28% of organizations stopped or reduced at least one service in response to the policy, including reproductive health services. The current policy may negatively affect PEPFAR beneficiaries, particularly youth and pregnant women.
A new study finds that states with HIV criminalization laws have lower PrEP uptake rates, while those with nondiscrimination laws for sexual minorities have higher rates. The researchers call for state governments to repeal criminalization laws and improve access to HIV treatment and prevention.
The BEAT-HIV Collaboratory recommends prioritizing viral measurements to accurately measure persistent HIV reservoirs in cure-directed clinical studies. These guidelines aim to standardize measurement approaches and aid researchers in their quest to find a cure for HIV.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have received a five-year, $14.6 million grant to advance gene therapy for HIV control without daily medicines. The approach is inspired by three cases of HIV cure and aims to prepare patients for stem cell transplants with little toxicity.
A study found that approximately one-third of HIV patients in Malawi's Zomba Hospital had significant levels of HIV in their blood, with over 80% resistant to multiple antiretroviral drugs. Patients with multidrug-resistant HIV were 70% more likely to die within two months.
A study found that rapid testing for HIV and HCV at drug detoxification centers led to a higher number of positive test results compared to laboratory-based testing. This approach has the potential to improve healthcare access for individuals with substance use disorders, reducing the risk of transmission and improving treatment outcomes.
Research reveals that HIV studies are often designed with an unrepresentative population, leading to a lack of effective solutions for diverse groups. The study's findings highlight the need for more inclusive research methods to address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that elite HIV controllers have viral reservoirs located in inactive regions of the genome, known as gene deserts, which are incapable of reactivating. This unique characteristic may hold the key to achieving a functional cure for HIV by targeting active viral reservoirs.
A Commentary in AIDS Patient Care and STDs finds COVID-19 and HIV diagnoses decreasing as white population increases in US counties. Systemic racism is a key factor contributing to disparities in health outcomes among communities of color.
Researchers found that fingolimod inhibits multiple stages of the HIV lifecycle, blocking infection and transmission in CD4+ T cells. The study suggests that targeting Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors could be a novel strategy to inhibit HIV replication.
Researchers found that fingolimod inhibits HIV replication by targeting S1P receptors, reducing viral binding and fusion. The compound also activates antiviral restriction factor SAMHD1, leading to a decrease in total and integrated HIV levels.
A new study found that short-term use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication can effectively prevent HIV transmission in men who have sex with men. During a vacation, 94% of participants had blood concentrations protective against HIV, while no transmissions occurred during the trip itself.
A single protein, MARCH8, uses multiple strategies to defend cells against viral infection, including tagging the vesicular stomatitis virus for destruction and holding HIV hostage. This discovery could improve understanding of how HIV overcomes human immune defense.
Physicist John Barton at UC Riverside has received a $1.86 million NIH grant to develop methods for understanding how pathogens like HIV evolve and escape the immune system. His research could lead to the design of new and better treatments to fight disease.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute identified a cell-surface glycomic signature associated with persistent HIV transcription in T cells. This signature, characterized by the presence of fucose and Sialyl-LewisX, may help target hidden HIV reservoirs during antiretroviral therapy.
A new study found that HIV screening every three months compared to annually improves clinical outcomes and is cost-effective among high-risk YMSM in the US. The study also suggests that more frequent screening could lead to improved life expectancy and reduced HIV transmission among these men.
A new study finds that providers participating in an intervention with education and resources are more likely to adhere to national chronic opioid therapy guidelines compared to those who do not take part. The intervention includes access to a nurse care manager, addiction specialists, and monitoring of prescription usage.
A study by Radboud University Medical Center found that a single pill of dolutegravir per day is equally effective as a combination therapy in children, reducing dosage complexity and increasing treatment accessibility. This simplified dosing regimen has been integrated into World Health Organization guidelines and FDA approval.
The special collection highlights RWHAP's strategies for improving HIV care, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), data analysis, and collaborative efforts. HRSA's program serves over half a million people in the US annually, achieving high viral suppression rates.
A six-week course of a PCSK9 inhibitor improved coronary artery function in people living with HIV or high cholesterol, increasing area and blood flow. The study suggests a potential way to limit cardiovascular disease risk in these populations by improving blood vessel function.
A new NIH study demonstrates that kidney transplantation between people with HIV can be done safely and effectively. The study found excellent graft survival rates, comparable to those of recipients receiving kidneys from HIV-negative donors, without significant differences in infection or adverse events rates.
A new study found the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Mexican Americans has doubled in recent years, while stabilizing for other racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Researchers also developed a gene therapy that can alleviate obstructive sleep apnea by stimulating the nerve that contracts muscles in the tongue.
A new assay detects intact HIV latent proviruses at higher frequencies than previous methods, revealing a significant amount of intact virus in infected individuals; this finding is crucial for developing an HIV cure. The study provides a benchmark for assessing persistent proviral DNA and its composition.
A GW-led research team is investigating HIV-1 resistance to antibody treatments, aiming to develop effective combination therapies for treatment, prevention, and potential cure. The project, funded through April 2025, aims to identify effective combination antibody cocktails that limit the virus's ability to escape from antibody pressure.
Physicists at University of Utah pioneered a method to image virus-like particles in real time, revealing the lattice's dynamic nature. The discovery opens up potential new therapies by understanding how Gag and GagPol proteins rearrange, leading to viral maturation.
A national quality improvement collaborative found that making primary care practices more inclusive improves STD and HIV screening rates among LGBT individuals. The program increased estimated HIV screening from 14.8% to 30.5% at participating sites.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that 19% of participants had their first sexual experience before age 13, with same-sex encounters happening on average at 14.5 years.
A large study found increased risk of heart disease, chronic liver and kidney disease, and physical function impairment in people with HIV. The study aims to develop effective prevention strategies and guidelines for cardiovascular risk management in this population.
A new study identifies key steps toward establishing nurse- and midwife-led HIV services in eastern and southern Africa, including improved training, supportive supervision, and formal mentorship programs. The region has shown remarkable progress toward eliminating HIV, but challenges remain in providing effective antiretroviral therapy.
A new long-acting injectable form of PrEP containing cabotegravir outperformed a daily oral Truvada regimen in preventing HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men and transgender women. The study found that the injectable PrEP had a superior protective effect, with a 66% lower incidence rate compared to the daily pill.
The HPTN 083 clinical trial showed that a long-acting cabotegravir injection was superior to daily oral tenofovir/emtricitabine for HIV prevention among cisgender men and transgender women. The study found a 66% reduction in incident HIV infections in participants given cabotegravir compared to TDF/FTC.
A Rutgers-led study finds that incarceration and police discrimination contribute to higher rates of psychological distress, HIV risk, and lower willingness to take PrEP among Black gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men. The research highlights the need for anti-racist and anti-heterosexist advocacy and interventions to address ...
Researchers found that HIV-positive adults' brains process speech cues differently, with disrupted responses even when hearing tests are normal. This non-invasive test holds promise for understanding brain dysfunction in HIV and other disorders.
Researchers report a lower incidence of COVID-19 among HIV-positive patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) therapy. Further investigation is warranted to understand the findings' implications for HIV preexposure prophylaxis and randomized trials.
Yale researchers identified four approved drugs that can suppress HIV reactivation and reduce damaging immune responses. These drugs, including ruxolitinib and mycophenolic acid, show promise as a complement to antiretroviral therapy in treating HIV infection.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a new drug called Ciapavir that effectively reactivates dormant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) without overactivating the immune system. This approach, called 'shock and kill,' aims to create a functional HIV cure by eliminating all pockets of dormant HIV.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has selected 10 postdoctoral fellows from seven Latin American countries to conduct research in the US. The fellows will explore various biomedical topics, including leukemia stem cells and HIV hiding inside host cells.
Researchers found that astrocytes in the brain can harbor HIV and spread it to immune cells that travel to other organs, even when treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. The study suggests that HIV reservoirs in the brain must be targeted for effective cure strategies.
New studies from Flinders University highlight key areas for improvement in HIV management in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan regions. Nutritional programs should address underlying challenges like poverty and food insecurity, while prisons often struggle with optimal HIV care due to stigma and resource limitations.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a molecular explanation for how HIV hides in immune system cells, allowing it to remain dormant and re-emerge. By understanding this process, scientists may develop new ways to control HIV infection.
A new type of vaccination has been shown to substantially enhance and sustain protection from HIV in monkeys, with a two-armed approach stimulating both serum and cellular immunity. The findings have broad implications for immunologists pursuing vaccines for other diseases, particularly those caused by coronaviruses.
Researchers found that L-thyroxine therapy did not improve symptoms, quality of life, or handgrip strength in older adults with subclinical hypothyroidism and high symptom burden. This study's results do not support routine use of L-thyroxine for this population.
Researchers have identified a new potential reservoir of latent HIV, specifically CD127 cells in tissues, which harbor the virus's genetic material but silence its expression. These cells may be targeted for an HIV cure, offering hope for developing an effective treatment.
New research on the structure of HIV has revealed a promising novel drug target that can prevent further infection by targeting the genetic code. This discovery offers hope for more effective treatments and potentially fewer side effects for HIV patients.
A qualitative study found that women living with HIV prefer long-acting injectable (LAI) antiretroviral therapy due to its convenience, privacy, and perceived effectiveness. However, they also raised concerns about access, mistrust, and medical burden.
Research highlights increased cardiovascular disease risk among people with HIV worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study explores how geographic location and income level influence the distribution of cardiovascular risk factors, shedding light on potential differences between lower- and higher-income countries.
Researchers identified a key HIV mechanism for viral adaptation to immune milieus. Lower Rev-RRE activity has been linked to slower disease progression and immune evasion, highlighting the potential for therapeutic targets.
Researchers have successfully developed a new, efficient method to create water-soluble fullerene compounds with high anti-HIV activity. This breakthrough could pave the way for new-generation drugs based on these compounds, offering hope for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
A multinational study of over 640 pregnant women with HIV found that regimens containing dolutegravir were more effective in suppressing HIV than a commonly used regimen containing efavirenz. Nearly 98% of women who received either of the DTG-containing regimens were virally suppressed at delivery, while only 91% of those receiving EFV...
A study of a second HIV patient to undergo successful stem cell transplantation from donors with a HIV-resistant gene finds that there was no active viral infection in the patient's blood 30 months after they stopped anti-retroviral therapy. The patient had a healthy CD4 cell count, suggesting they have recovered well from the transplant.
A new approach using harmless viruses to deliver antibody genes has led to sustained production of HIV antibodies for over a year in a NIH clinical trial. The technology shows promise for preventing and treating various infectious diseases with further development.
Researchers found that a community-based intervention using mobile vans significantly increased viral suppression, with 74% of participants achieving suppression compared to 63% in traditional clinics. The convenience of the vans made it easier for people living with HIV to access treatment.
Researchers found that starting ART immediately after HIV infection significantly reduces viral reservoirs, making them 100 times smaller. This discovery provides new hope for eradicating the virus.
People living with HIV in Ontario have a 34% higher incidence rate of COPD, diagnosed at 50 years old vs. 62 for HIV-negative individuals, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital researchers. The study also found that women with HIV have a 54% higher risk of COPD.
A recent study published in the journal AIDS found that vitamin E improves liver function and reduces fat in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and HIV. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed more significant improvements than reported in the general population.
A new study finds that fewer than one in four gay, bisexual and questioning teenage boys have ever received an HIV test, despite high risk of transmission. The study identified factors that increase the likelihood of testing, including frank conversations with doctors about sexual health and testing.
A digital intervention program called Run4Love, tested on the popular Chinese social media app WeChat, significantly reduced depressive symptoms and stress among people living with HIV. The study found a promising approach to addressing mental health gaps in resource-limited settings.
A new study called DELIVER will enroll 750 healthy, HIV-negative pregnant women to test the safety of two HIV prevention methods: a monthly dapivirine vaginal ring and daily Truvada. The study aims to provide much-needed information about these products' safety in pregnant women, an area currently lacking in data.