ScienceDaily: STD News

New tool for identifying powerful HIV antibodies

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:20:20 EDT

Scientists have developed a new tool to identify broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of preventing infection by the majority of HIV strains found around the globe, an advance that could help speed HIV vaccine research.

Immune cells that suppress genital herpes infections identified

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Scientists have identified a class of immune cells that reside long-term in the genital skin and mucosa and are believed to be responsible for suppressing recurring outbreaks of genital herpes. These immune cells also play a role in suppressing symptoms of genital herpes, which is why most sufferers of the disease are asymptomatic when viral reactivations occur. The discovery of this subtype of immune cells, called CD8αα+ T cells, opens a new avenue of research to develop a vaccine to prevent and treat herpes simplex virus type 2, or HSV-2. Identifying these T cells’ specific molecular targets, called epitopes, is the next step in developing a vaccine.

Focus on STD, not cancer prevention, to promote HPV vaccine use

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:04:04 EDT

The HPV vaccine can prevent both cervical cancer and a nasty sexually transmitted disease in women. But emphasizing the STD prevention will persuade more young women to get the vaccine.

Scientists weaken HIV infection in immune cells using synthetic agents

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:20:20 EDT

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is notorious for hiding within certain types of cells, where it reproduces at a slowed rate and eventually gives rise to chronic inflammation, despite drug therapy. But researchers recently discovered that synthetic anti-inflammatory substances distantly related to the active ingredient of marijuana may be able to take the punch out of HIV while inside one of its major hideouts -- immune cells called macrophages.

Synthetic derivatives of THC may weaken HIV-1 infection to enhance antiviral therapies

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:15:15 EDT

A new research report shows that compounds that stimulate the cannabinoid type 2 receptor in white blood cells, specifically macrophages, appear to weaken HIV-1 infection.

Study compares effectiveness of two vs. Three doses of HPV vaccine for girls and young women

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:57 EDT

With the number of doses and cost of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines a barrier to global implementation, researchers have found that girls who received two doses of HPV vaccine had immune responses to HPV-16 and HPV-18 infection that were not worse than the responses for young women who received three doses, according to a new study.

Flu and bacteria: Better prognosis for this potentially fatal combination

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

Scientists have provided insights into how much harm bacteria can cause to the lung of people having the flu. The results could prompt the development of alternative treatments for flu-related bacterial infections, to improve patient outcome and prevent permanent lung damage.

Bacteria may contribute to premature births, STDs

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:24:24 EDT

New research points to a common species of bacteria as an important contributor to bacterial vaginosis, a condition linked to preterm birth and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Highly active antiretroviral therapies may be cardioprotective in HIV-infected children, teens

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:55:55 EDT

Long-term use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) does not appear to be associated with impaired heart function in children and adolescents in a study that sought to determine the cardiac effects of prolonged exposure to HAART on children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to a new report.

Genital wart rate in young women plummets thanks to HPV vaccine, claim researchers

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:40:40 EDT

The proportion of young women diagnosed with genital warts in Australia has seen a significant decline thanks to the HPV vaccine, suggests a new article.

Discovery may help prevent HIV: Insights into eliminating reservoirs of HIV-1

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:46:46 EDT

Researchers have discovered how the protein that blocks HIV-1 from multiplying in white blood cells is regulated. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS, and the discovery could lead to novel approaches for addressing HIV-1 “in hiding” – namely eliminating reservoirs of HIV-1 that persist in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

Women with HIV shown to have elevated resting energy expenditure

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:53:53 EDT

Studies have shown that about 10 percent of men infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an elevated resting energy expenditure (REE). Their bodies use more kilocalories for basic functions including circulation, body temperature, and breathing. Most studies have been conducted in men and those with solely women have had small sample sizes.

Mathematics provides a shortcut to timely, cost-effective interventions for HIV

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:59:59 EDT

Mathematical estimates of treatment outcomes can cut costs and provide faster delivery of preventative measures. South Africa is home to the largest HIV epidemic in the world with a total of 5.6 million people living with HIV. Large-scale clinical trials evaluating combination methods of prevention and treatment are often prohibitively expensive and take years to complete. In the absence of such trials, mathematical models can help assess the effectiveness of different HIV intervention combinations, as demonstrated in a new study.

Blocking immune response protein helps body clear chronic infection; Potential therapy for HIV, other viral infections?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 14:27:27 EDT

Scientists have shown that temporarily blocking a protein critical to immune response actually helps the body clear itself of chronic infection. The finding suggests new approaches to treating HIV and other persistent viral infections.

Some lung cancers linked to common virus

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:27:27 EDT

A common virus known to cause cervical and head and neck cancers may also trigger some cases of lung cancer, according to new research.

Some types of papilloma virus might prevent cervical cancer

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:24:24 EDT

Certain types of papilloma virus might actually prevent cervical cancer, according to a new study.

Shingles vaccine is associated with reduction in both postherpetic neuralgia and herpes zoster

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:35:35 EDT

A vaccine to prevent shingles may reduce by half the occurrence of this painful skin and nerve infection in older people (aged over 65 years) and may also reduce the rate of a painful complication of shingles, post-herpetic neuralgia, but has a very low uptake (only 4 percent) in older adults in the United States, according to a new study.

Current HPV vaccine may not help some women with immune problems

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 13:32:32 EDT

Women with HIV acquire cancer-causing forms of the human papillomavirus that are not included in the current HPV vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix, according to new research.

Antibody evolution could guide HIV vaccine development

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:45:45 EDT

Observing the evolution of a particular type of antibody in an infected HIV-1 patient, a new study has provided insights that will enable vaccination strategies that mimic the actual antibody development within the body.

New light shed on common sexually transmitted infection

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:46:46 EDT

Medical researchers have found that a common sexually transmitted infection-causing parasite "cultivates" bacteria beneficial to it, changing thinking about which comes first -- infection or bacteria. The researchers also discovered a previously unknown species of these bacteria.

New promise for an HIV vaccine as researchers overcome crucial obstacle

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:08:08 EDT

For the first time, researchers were able to stimulate immune cells to produce broadly neutralizing antibodies: a critical step that has eluded researchers for decades but that provides promise for a successful HIV vaccine.

Research deciphers HIV attack plan: How AIDS virus grooms its assault team

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:20:20 EDT

A new study defines previously unknown properties of transmitted HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS. The viruses that successfully pass from a chronically infected person to a new individual are both remarkably resistant to a powerful initial human immune-response mechanism, and they are blanketed in a greater amount of envelope protein that helps them access and enter host cells.

Innate immune system can kill HIV when a viral gene is deactivated

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:59:59 EDT

Research suggests a new target for treatment and the eventual cure of HIV/AIDS.

HIV antibodies that are worth the wait

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:50:50 EDT

A new study reveals surprising mutations in these antibodies that are crucial for strong protection against HIV-1. The findings could guide efforts to design better HIV-1 vaccines.

Could that cold sore increase your risk of memory problems?

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:38:38 EDT

The virus that causes cold sores, along with other viral or bacterial infections, may be associated with cognitive problems, according to a new study.

New approach for stopping herpes infections

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:02:02 EDT

Researchers have discovered a novel strategy for preventing infections due to the highly common herpes simplex viruses, the microbes responsible for causing genital herpes (herpes simplex virus 2) and cold sores (herpes simplex virus 1). The finding could lead to new drugs for treating or suppressing herpes virus infections.

Harnessing immune cells' adaptability to design an effective HIV vaccine

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:31:31 EDT

In infected individuals, HIV mutates rapidly to escape recognition by immune cells. This process of evolution is the main obstacle to natural immunity and the development of an effective vaccine. A new study reveals that the immune system has the capacity to adapt such that it can recognize mutations in HIV.

'Brazilians' and other types of pubic hair removal may boost viral infection risk

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:34:34 EDT

"Brazilians" and other types of fashionable pubic hair removal may boost the risk of a viral infection called Molluscum contagiousum, suggests a small study.

Map of 'shortcuts' between all human genes

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:16:16 EDT

Researchers have generated the full set of distances, routes and degrees of separation between any two human genes, creating a map of gene "shortcuts" that aims to simplify the hunt for disease-causing genes in monogenic diseases.

Widespread 'test-and-treat' HIV policies could increase dangerous drug resistance

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:16:16 EDT

One of the most widely advocated strategies for dealing with HIV/AIDS could double the number of multi-drug-resistant HIV cases in the population of men who have sex with men in LA County over the next 10 years, cautions a new study.

More parents say they won't vaccinate daughters against HPV

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 10:47:47 EDT

Parents are increasingly concerned about potential side effects, a new study shows.

Implementing HPV vaccinations at a young age is significant for vaccine effectiveness

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 18:21:21 EDT

Initial vaccinations for human papillomavirus (HPV) at a young age is important for maximizing quadrivalent HPV vaccine effectiveness according to a Swedish study.

Evidence supports blocking immune response to enhance viral therapy against solid tumors

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:35:35 EDT

Following several years of study, investigators have found more evidence that viral therapy to treat solid tumors can be enhanced by blocking the body's natural immune response.

Current HIV screening guidelines are too conservative

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:04:04 EDT

Researchers report that the CDC's current HIV screening guidelines are too conservative and that more frequent testing would be cost-effective in the long run for both high- and low-risk groups. The researchers performed a mathematical modeling study to assess "optimal testing frequencies" for HIV screening in different risk groups. They concluded screening should be done up to every three months for the highest-risk individuals and low-risk groups should be tested every three years.

No increase in risk of death for patients with well-controlled HIV

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:09:09 EDT

For HIV-infected patients whose disease is well-controlled by modern treatment, the risk of death is not significantly higher than in the general population, according to a new study.

Nanoparticles loaded with bee venom kill HIV

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:03:03 EST

Nanoparticles carrying a toxin found in bee venom can destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) while leaving surrounding cells unharmed, researchers have shown. The finding is an important step toward developing a vaginal gel that may prevent the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Use of certain therapies for inflammatory diseases does not appear to increase risk of shingles

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:40:40 EST

Although patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a disproportionately higher incidence of herpes zoster (shingles), an analysis that included nearly 60,000 patients with RA and other inflammatory diseases found that those who initiated anti-tumor necrosis factor therapies were not at higher risk of herpes zoster compared with patients who initiated nonbiologic treatment regimens, according to a new study.

Early antiretroviral treatment reduces viral reservoirs in HIV-infected teens

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:16:16 EST

A new study highlights the long-term benefits of early antiretroviral therapy initiated in infants.

Toddler 'functionally cured' of HIV infection: Clues for potentially eliminating HIV infection in other children

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:35:35 EST

A two-year-old child born with HIV infection and treated with antiretroviral drugs beginning in the first days of life no longer has detectable levels of virus using conventional testing despite not taking HIV medication for 10 months, according to findings presented at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Atlanta.

AIDS journal publishes findings of two important studies in March 2013 issue

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:32:32 EST

The results of two important studies have been published in the March issue of AIDS, the official journal of the International AIDS Society. One study notes that screening for HIV should be performed more frequently—up to every three months for the highest-risk patients, while low-risk groups to be tested every three years. A second study demonstrates a link between heavy drinking and risky behaviors for men who have sex with men (MSM).

Studies advance knowledge of HIV impact on hepatitis C infection and genes that may thwart hepatitis C infection

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:32:32 EST

Infectious disease experts have found that among people infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), co-infection with HIV, speeds damage and scarring of liver tissue by almost a decade.

Sexually transmitted infections: Researchers find a protein link to STI susceptibility

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:56:56 EST

Scientists have found a protein in the female reproductive tract that protects against sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and herpes simplex virus.

Rapid, point-of-care tests for syphilis: The future of diagnosis

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 18:35:35 EST

Scientists have demonstrated that rapid and point-of-care tests (POC) for syphilis are as accurate as conventional laboratory tests. The findings call for a major change in approach to syphilis testing and recommend replacing first line laboratory tests with POC tests globally, especially in resource-limited settings.

Seeing through HIV's disguises

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:20:20 EST

Studying HIV-1, the most common and infectious HIV subtype, scientists have identified 25 human proteins "stolen" by the virus that may be critical to its ability to infect new cells. The researchers believe these 25 proteins may be particularly important because they are found in HIV-1 viruses coming from two very different types of infected cells.

Ability to recognize emotions in others impaired by AIDS

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:38:38 EST

People with HIV are less able to recognise facial emotion than non-infected people finds a new study. Reduction in their ability to recognize fear in others is linked to a similar loss in immediate recall, while those with a lower general neurocognitive performance also had a reduced ability to recognize happiness.

Factoring in the deadly math of cancer

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:11:11 EST

Researchers are building complex mathematical models to understand cancer's evolution and how to treat it.

HIV exploits a human cytokine in semen to promote its own transmission

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:20:20 EST

A new report suggests that the concentration of one human cytokine, interleukin 7 (IL-7), in the semen of HIV-1-infected men may be a key determinant of the efficiency of HIV-1 transmission to an uninfected female partner. Scientists report that the increased IL-7 concentration in semen facilitates HIV transmission to cervical tissue ex vivo.

Social media may be useful in prevention of HIV, STDs

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 09:30:30 EST

Facebook and other social networking technologies be effective tools for preventing HIV infection among at-risk groups. African American and Latino men who have sex with men voluntarily used health-related Facebook groups to discuss such things as HIV prevention and to request HIV testing kits.

Digital games contribute to HIV education in Uganda

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:38:38 EST

Computer games, virtual classroom with a discussion forum and video drama can be integrated in a common learning environment for teaching teenage children. This pedagogical approach has demonstrated the significance of using a variety of learning objects to achieve a common educational goal.

Engineered oncolytic herpes virus inhibits ovarian and breast cancer metastases

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:08:08 EST

A genetically reprogrammed Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cure metastatic diffusion of human cancer cells in the abdomen of laboratory mice, according to a new study.

Gum disease found to worsen infection in animal model of AIDS

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:06:06 EST

Scientists have found that moderate gum disease in an animal model exposed to an AIDS- like virus had more viral variants causing infection and greater inflammation. Both of these features have potential negative implications in long term disease progression, including other kinds of infections, the researchers say in a new report.

'Neurosteroid' found to prevent brain injury caused by HIV/AIDS

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:59:59 EST

Scientists found that DHEA-S may prevent neurocognitive impairment affecting a significant percentage of AIDS patients. A new report describes how a network of steroid molecules in the brain, termed "neurosteroids," is disrupted during HIV infection leading to brain damage.

Government mistrust deters older adults from HIV testing

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:13:13 EST

One of four people with HIV/AIDS is 50 or older, yet they are far more likely to be diagnosed when they are in the later stages of infection. Government mistrust and conspiracy fears are deeply ingrained in them and these concerns often deter these vulnerable individuals from getting tested for HIV.

Two-fold higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers for HIV patients

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:15:15 EST

HIV-positive patients have a higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancers, according to a new study. Specifically, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas occur more than twice as often among HIV-positive individuals compared to those who are HIV-negative.

Penicillin, not the pill, may have launched the sexual revolution

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:29:29 EST

The rise in risky, non-traditional sexual relations that marked the swinging '60s and advent of readily available contraception actually began as much as a decade earlier, during the conformist '50s, suggests a new analysis. The analysis strongly indicates that the widespread use of penicillin, leading to a rapid decline in syphilis during the 1950s, is what launched the modern sexual era.

HIV-like viruses in non-human primates have existed much longer than previously thought

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:36:36 EST

Viruses similar to those that cause AIDS in humans were present in non-human primates in Africa at least five million years ago and perhaps up to 12 million years ago, according to new study. Until now, researchers have hypothesized that such viruses originated much more recently.

'Achilles heel' of key HIV replication protein found: Could potentially stop HIV from progressing to full-blown AIDS

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:34:34 EST

Researchers may have found an "Achilles heel" in a key HIV protein. They showed that targeting this vulnerable spot could stop the virus from replicating, potentially thwarting HIV infection from progressing to full-blown AIDS.

Immune cells engineered in lab to resist HIV infection, study shows

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:19:19 EST

Researchers have found a novel way to engineer key cells of the immune system so they remain resistant to infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The new approach, a form of tailored gene therapy, could ultimately replace drug treatment, in which patients have to take multiple medications daily to keep the virus in check and prevent the potentially fatal infections wrought by AIDS.

Stopping smoking reduces risk of bacterial pneumonia in people with HIV

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:20:20 EST

Bacterial pneumonia is one of the commonest and most serious infections occurring in people infected with HIV. A metanalysis of cohort and case control studies finds that current smokers with HIV were at double the risk of bacterial pneumonia than non-smoking counterparts, but that when people stopped smoking their risk was reduced.

Three questions about HPV vaccination

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:59:59 EST

In 2009, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. learned they had cancer linked to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This virus is best known for causing cervical cancer, but it’s also the culprit behind many cancers of the mouth, throat, anus, and genitals. Unlike many forms of cancer, for which we lack the knowledge and tools to prevent, scientists have figured out how to dodge HPV-triggered cancers — by HPV vaccination. Vaccination against HPV thwarts the viruses’ spread, wrecking its ability to jump between people. Wiping out HPV could mean shutting down a big source of cancer cases — more than 3 percent of all diagnoses in the U.S.