Research on HIV epidemiology and control. Covers prevention policy, HIV-substance use links, TB co-treatment, and clearing infection in newborns.
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 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 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 study of over 1,000 youth found that only 12% achieved viral suppression, compared to 32-63% in adult studies. The study highlights the need for tailored HIV intervention services and frequent contact with trained peer counselors to ensure enrollment and retention in care.
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.
A study from George Washington University found that apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) inhibits HIV-1 replication by targeting lipid rafts and reducing virus-cell fusion. This innate immunity factor provides a novel target for developing new therapeutic approaches to inhibit HIV infection.
A Phase 2b/3 study in South Africa found that an investigational prime-boost vaccine regimen did not prevent HIV, but participants were safe. Researchers are continuing to explore other approaches to a safe and effective HIV vaccine.
Researchers have found that combining two anti-HIV antibodies with ART can suppress the virus and boost T cell responses, offering new hope for HIV treatment. The study suggests a potential interaction between humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity, which could lead to improved control of the virus.
Researchers calculated average initial HIV ART regimen costs from 2012 to 2018, finding a significant decrease in some regions and a steady increase in others. The study highlights the impact of high ART costs on HIV treatment outcomes in the US.
Patients living with HIV who attend religious services regularly experience higher emotional and physical well-being, while privately religious individuals face mental health challenges. Researchers suggest integrating spiritual beliefs into holistic treatment programs to improve health outcomes.
A novel HIV antibody, 1-18, has been identified as a highly potent and effective treatment option. Unlike other antibodies, it prevents the development of viral resistance, maintaining suppressed viral loads for extended periods.
Researchers discovered the structure of HIV intasomes while they were blocked by key drugs, revealing how these medications inhibit viral infection. The study provides valuable information to design and improve future treatments.
A new study suggests that state-purchased insurance plans are improving HIV outcomes for people living with the disease. The research found that increased enrollment in these programs is associated with better viral suppression rates, which can lead to a reduction in new HIV transmissions and healthcare costs.
Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill and Emory University successfully reversed HIV latency in animal models using compound AZD5582. The study, published in Nature, demonstrated the ability to activate latently infected CD4+ T cells without toxicity, paving the way for further research towards a cure.
Scientists reactivated resting immune cells infected with HIV or SIV, allowing viruses to be neutralized by anti-HIV drugs and the immune system. The study uses a compound called AZD5582, which activates latent cells without causing toxicity.
A new study found HIV hides in every organ site, including the brain and liver, causing inflammation-related diseases. The study used serial blood samples from terminally ill participants with HIV to identify where HIV hides, shedding light on potential new therapies.
Researchers found that hotspots are not sources of infection but rather sinks for the virus, with more infections originating from outside communities. Inland communities with lower HIV prevalence drove more new infections in hotspot areas.
Experts argue against switching from Truvada to Tenofovir Alafenamide for PrEP, citing limited data on the newer drug's effectiveness in diverse populations. The current medication, Truvada, has been shown to be safe and effective with ample evidence of its safety and effectiveness.
The Otago Global Health Institute is investing in new research initiatives with the Fiji National University and the National University of East Timor. The collaborations aim to lay the foundation for long-term research collaborations and tackle health issues such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, non-communicable diseases, and HIV.
Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found a previously unknown way for the immune system to detect and respond to HIV infection. This discovery may hold the key to allowing the 'shock-and-kill' approach to work, where the virus is activated to be visible to the immune system and then killed.
A study co-led by Queen Mary University of London found that routine HIV screening in general practice increases testing rates and improves detection of earlier diagnosis. The analysis showed outcomes comparable to those achieved in a previous trial, with higher CD4 scores among newly diagnosed patients.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that New Yorkers are being treated sooner after HIV infection, with a median time of 0.2 years (~2.4 months) for those diagnosed in 2015. This reduction coincides with expanded testing and treatment efforts in the city.
A recent study published in E-Clinical Medicine found that about 75% of infants with HIV attained viral suppression on ART, but only 52% sustained it. Early treatment within the first two weeks of life led to similar outcomes as starting within the first two days of life.
A single dose of antibody-based treatment can prevent HIV transmission from mother to baby, according to new research. The study found that administering a combination of two antibodies 30 hours after viral exposure prevented SHIV infection in rhesus macaque newborns.
A multidisciplinary inpatient team improved viral suppression rates by 30% and increased engagement in care after discharge by 30% for hospitalized HIV patients. The intervention addressed social and medical barriers, reducing future infection rates.
A recent study found that one in three children affected by the outbreak are yet to receive treatment, highlighting the need for urgent government intervention. The average age of children affected is just 3 years old, and most cases were transmitted through reused needles and contaminated blood products.
A new MSU study found that HIV significantly affects children's neuropsychological development, even with early antiretroviral therapy. Children living with HIV showed significant deficits in reasoning and planning abilities compared to their HIV-negative peers.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that 30% of pregnant women with HIV were prescribed medications with insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy. The study, led by Kathleen M. Powis, suggests that physicians may be prescribing ahead of recommended guidelines.
Researchers found that children with HIV performed poorly on neuropsychological tests, particularly in planning and reasoning abilities, compared to their HIV-negative peers. The disparity worsened over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of these cognitive challenges.
A commentary published in the American Journal of Public Health argues that existing metrics are insufficient to track the public health response to HIV in the US. Newer metrics are needed to inform and evaluate efforts aimed at reducing new HIV infections by 75% and 90% over the next five and ten years, respectively.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered that rectal microbes can impact HIV vaccine efficacy, with Lactobacillus supplements boosting antibody production and Prevotella bacteria hindering immune responses. The study suggests targeting specific gut bacteria may improve vaccine performance.
A new study found that nearly one-quarter of people living with HIV are willing to participate in clinical trials that carry significant risks, including near-certain death, in exchange for the potential of an HIV cure. The study highlights the need for additional ethical safeguards when enrolling individuals in such high-risk research.
Researchers highlight the need to address comorbidities such as heart disease, kidney disease, and certain cancers associated with HIV. Effective treatment strategies and clinical trials are crucial to reducing the burden of these conditions on individuals and the healthcare system.
A large NIH-supported study found increasing acceptance of the U=U message among gay, bisexual men, with 84% of participants with HIV correctly identifying it as accurate. However, most still overestimate the risk of HIV transmission from an undetectable partner.
A study found that cancer treatments in HIV patients were linked to decreased immune system health (lower CD4 counts) and higher mortality rates. Nearly 200 patients with both conditions were analyzed, providing valuable insights into the effects of cancer treatment on individuals with HIV.
A new study found that expansion of HIV treatment eligibility to include those under 15 led to significant increases in antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among 10-14 year-olds. The 'Treat All' policies improved access to ART, with large increases seen in seven countries.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many high-risk individuals eligible for HIV preventive medication face knowledge gaps, attitudinal roadblocks, and placement of responsibility on patients, leading to low access rates. The researchers recommend increased primary care access and educational initiat...
Women account for one-third of new HIV diagnoses in the Region, with 54% of cases among them being diagnosed late. Early diagnosis is crucial to start treatment and reduce transmission risk, but current systems are failing women and older adults, according to health experts.
A study of newborns in Botswana found that initiating antiretroviral therapy immediately after birth reduces the frequency of reservoir cells and improves immune responses. The Early Infant Treatment Study showed measurable benefits from early treatment, suggesting strategies to test and treat infants at birth may improve outcomes.
The experimental HIV vaccine developed by Scripps Research and IAVI successfully elicited broadly neutralizing antibodies to at least two vulnerable sites on HIV. The test results suggest that researchers are one step closer to developing an effective HIV vaccine, a major goal of medical science.
Research reveals that activated T helper cells can hinder HIV vaccine efficacy, as they migrate to mucosal tissues and express coreceptors that facilitate viral entry. This discovery highlights the need for careful consideration of T cell responses in vaccine development.
A new cascade of care model for Rhode Island aims to improve treatment for opioid use disorder by defining five stages of care and estimating gaps in care. The model highlights a significant gap between diagnosis and linkage to treatment, with only half of diagnosed individuals initiating medication-based treatment.
A recent study led by the University of California, Berkeley found that South African teen girls who experience depression are more likely to contract HIV. The study suggests addressing mental health needs among adolescent girls may help reduce the spread of the disease.
A UC Davis study found that Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria can rapidly repair a damaged gut lining, known as leaky gut, within five hours of exposure. The bacteria activated PPARα signaling and revived mitochondrial flow, repairing the gut barrier and providing hope for effective treatment of HIV-related damage.
A recent NIH-funded study found that children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing the drug efavirenz were 2-2.5 times more likely to have microcephaly and experience developmental delays compared to those on other antiretroviral drugs.
A randomized clinical trial found that providing HIV self-tests increased HIV testing and diagnosis among men who have sex with men. The study also improved rates of viral suppression and reduced stigma around HIV testing.