HIV infections

Researchers decode viral process that prepares cells for HIV infection

harminka — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:02:01 -0500

With the publication of a study led by Yuntao Wu, assistant professor in George Mason University's Department of Molecular and Microbiology, the medical community is one step closer to understanding how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks cells in the immune system.

Higher HIV infection estimate shows need for routine screening

harminka — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 05:53:06 -0500

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected soon to increase the estimate of new HIV infections in the United States by 40 percent. This highlights the need to make HIV testing a routine part of medical care and provide better funding to care for those who test positive, according to the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA).

Speed at which HIV escapes the immune response

harminka — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 11:26:42 -0500

Researchers from Utrecht University, The Netherlands, have developed a model that illustrates how HIV evades the immune system. The study, published July 18th in the open-access journal PLoS Computational Biology, incorporates detailed interactions between a mutating virus and the immune system.

Since Introduction of antiretroviral therapy, HIV death rate has decreased

harminka — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:36:27 -0500

In industrialized countries, persons infected sexually with HIV now appear to experience mortality rates similar to those of the general population in the first 5 years following infection, though a higher risk of death remains as the duration of HIV infection lengthens, according to a study in the July 2 issue of JAMA.

Circumcision safe in both HIV-infected and HIV–uninfected men

harminka — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:40:41 -0500

Adult circumcision is safe in HIV-infected men without advanced HIV disease, according to research published in PLoS Medicine.

Molecular changes in brain fluid give insight into brain-damaging disease

harminka — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:39:21 -0500

Soon after an individual becomes infected with HIV the virus infects cells in the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system [CNS]). Although this causes no immediate problems, during the late-stages of disease it can cause dementia and encephalitis (acute inflammation of the brain that can cause death).

Do antidepressants enhance immune function?

harminka — Fri, 09 May 2008 05:08:07 -0500

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), is an epidemic of global concern. According to the most recent estimates, released in November 2007, by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 33.2 million worldwide are living with HIV infection currently.

Spit tests may soon replace many blood tests

harminka — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:23:48 -0500

One day soon patients may spit in a cup, instead of bracing for a needle prick, when being tested for cancer, heart disease or diabetes. A major step in that direction is the cataloguing of the “complete” salivary proteome, a set of proteins in human ductal saliva, identified by a consortium of three research teams, according to an article published today in the Journal of Proteome Research.

”Free” HIV Medicine Sold in Sweden

seher — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:01:49 -0600

Swedish Radio news reports claim that many people here are being forced to pay for their AIDS and HIV medicines - which are supposed to be handed over without any cost.

Predicting new wave of drug-resistant HIV infections in San Francisco

harminka — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:49:39 -0600

A mathematical model shows that a new wave of drug-resistant HIV is rising among among men in San Francisco who have sex with men and that this trend will continue over the next few years, according to a new study from the UCLA AIDS Institute.

February 7th proclaimed National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

seher — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 12:22:54 -0600

February 7th was proclaimed National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Making this step the Florida Department of Health highlights the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on the black community and encourages people to learn more about HIV/AIDS.

Guinea Faces Serious Challenges in Fight Against HIV/AIDS

seher — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:22:47 -0600

Health and aid workers in the west African country, Guinea, say they face many challenges to help victims of HIV / AIDS, mostly because of a lack of funding and inadequate information campaigns. Nico Colombant reports from Nzerekore, Guinea, near the border with Sierra Leone.