Growing HIV Epidemic in China Among MSM
Results from surveys conducted in 2006 and 2007 in Chongqing show worrisome increases in HIV prevalence among MSM who frequent bathhouses or saunas, those younger than 25, and those who are married.
ART for HIV/TB-Coinfected Patients Taking Rifampicin: Efavirenz or Nevirapine?
A study conducted in Thailand suggests that an efavirenz-based regimen might be preferable to a nevirapine-based one in HIV/TB-coinfected patients taking rifampicin.
By Salim S. Abdool Karim, MD, PhD , and Tanuja Gengiah, M Clin Pharm, MS(Epi)
June 8, 2009
Covering:
Manosuthi W et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 15; 48:1752
Lalloo UG., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 15; 48:1760
The Puzzle of CD4-Cell Depletion Despite Good Viral Suppression
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
In some patients, CD4-cell counts fail to rise as expected. Could extensive lymph node fibrosis be responsible?
By Abigail Zuger, MD
June 1, 2009
Covering:
Nies-Kraske E et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jun 1; 199:1648
ART and HCV Activity
ART may decrease hepatic necroinflammatory activity in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with CD4 counts >350 cells/mm3 .
No Harm, No Benefit from Maraviroc in Patients with Non-R5 HIV
The addition of maraviroc to optimized background therapy was well tolerated but conferred no virologic benefit in treatment-experienced patients with dual- or mixed-tropic virus.
By Keith Henry, MD
June 1, 2009
Covering:
Saag M et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jun 1; 199:1638
HIV Testing — Targeting High-Risk Populations
In an innovative program of bathhouse-based HIV testing, 4% of participants were found to be HIV-infected.
By Charles B. Hicks, MD
June 1, 2009
Covering:
Daskalakis D et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Jun 1; 48:1609
Relating Physical and Sexual Violence to STI Incidence
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Recent abuse was associated with excess risk for STIs.
Does More HIV Testing Identify More New HIV Cases?
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
Retrospective analysis of New York City registry data demonstrated that the proportion of newly identified HIV cases varied significantly across testing sites during a period of increased Western blot testing.
NPEP and High-Risk Behavior
In an Australian cohort, use of nonoccupational postexposure prophylaxis did not increase high-risk behavior, but men who received such prophylaxis remained at high risk for HIV seroconversion.
By Raphael J. Landovitz, MD
May 22, 2009
Covering:
Poynten IM et al., AIDS 2009 Jun 1; 23:1119
Gonococcal and Chlamydial Pharyngitis in MSM
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Among MSM with positive pharyngeal cultures for either <$EMPH_O>N. gonorrhoeae<$EMPH_C> or <$EMPH_O>C. trachomatis,<$EMPH_C> cultures from other sites were negative in many.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
May 20, 2009
Covering:
Ota KV et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 May 1; 48:1237
PEP in a High-Prevalence Setting
A program in western Kenya demonstrates the many challenges of successfully implementing PEP.
HIV, Inflammation, and Atherosclerosis
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
HIV elite controllers are at higher risk for atherosclerosis than HIV-negative individuals, perhaps because of chronic inflammation.
Early Antiretroviral Treatment Is Associated with Fewer Deaths
General Medicine Summary and Comment
New cohort studies imply that earlier is better . . . but many variables are unexamined.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
May 7, 2009
Covering:
Kitahata MM et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 30; 360:1815
Sax PE and Baden LR., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 30; 360:1897
A Better Vaginal Microbicide Against HIV?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
An inexpensive, vaginally administered compound prevented SIV infection in female monkeys.
We Must Do Better at Screening Young Women for Chlamydia
Women's Health Summary and Comment
2007 U.S. screening rates in sexually active young women were only 41.6%.
By Ann J. Davis, MD
May 7, 2009
Covering:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2009 Apr 17; 58:362
Developing an HIV Vaccine: We Bait, the Virus Switches
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
One study demonstrates a promising technique for identifying neutralizing antibodies against HIV; a second highlights the challenge of HIV evolution to avoid T-cell responses.
By Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
April 22, 2009
Covering:
Scheid JF et al., Nature 2009 Apr 2; 458:636
Burton DR and Poignard P., Nature 2009 Apr 2; 458:584
Kawashima Y et al., Nature 2009 Apr 2; 458:641
When to Start ART: Two Major Cohort Studies Published
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
One study suggests that treatment should be started before the CD4 count falls below 350 cells/mm3 ; the other suggests before 500 cells/mm3 .
By Paul E. Sax, MD
April 17, 2009
Covering:
Kitahata MM et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 1
Sax PE and Baden LR., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 1
When To Start Consortium., Lancet 2009 Apr 9
Wood R and Lawn SD., Lancet 2009 Apr 9
HPV Infection in HIV-Positive MSM
Infections with human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which confer high risk for anal cancer, are acquired at high rates among MSM and are slow to clear.
Can HIV Tests Be as Routine as RPRs?
Yes, if the experience at one large STD clinic is any indication.
By Carlos del Rio, MD
April 6, 2009
Covering:
Brooks L et al., Sex Transm Dis 2009 Mar; 36:127
CSF Pressure in HIV-Infected Patients with Cryptococcal Meningitis
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
CSF pressure was elevated in 63% of such patients.
Technique for Enhancing Immune Containment of Retroviruses
General Medicine Summary and Comment
A specific antibody enhances immune responses to SIV infection in monkeys.
Too Few HIV-Infected Patients Are Receiving Care
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
Only 35% of HIV-infected adults in South Carolina received consistent HIV care from 2004 through 2006.
By Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH
March 30, 2009
Covering:
Olatosi BA et al., AIDS 2009 Mar 27; 23:725
High Prevalence of HIV Infection in Washington, D.C.
At least 3% of Washington, D.C., residents were living with HIV/AIDS in 2008, according to a new report from the city’s HIV/AIDS administration. Prevalence was . . .
March 30, 2009
Covering:
District of Columbia Department of Health.,
Male Circumcision and STI Prevention: More Good News
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Free
Add protection against HSV-2 and HPV infections to the list of circumcision’s benefits.
By Larry M. Baddour, MD
March 25, 2009
Covering:
Tobian AAR et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Mar 26; 360:1298
Paracoccidioidomycosis: Altered Course in HIV-Infected Patients
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
HIV-infected patients with paracoccidioidomycosis have more-rapid disease progression, more extrapulmonary disease, and more relapses than HIV-negative patients.
By Mary E. Wilson, MD
March 25, 2009
Covering:
Morejón KML et al., Am J Trop Med Hyg 2009 Mar; 80:359
