Cost-Effectiveness of PrEP
Computer-modeling data suggest that preexposure prophylaxis might be cost-effective when targeted toward young, high-risk populations.
By Raphael J. Landovitz, MD
March 16, 2009
Covering:
Paltiel AD et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Mar 15; 48:806
Report from the 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections
Our physician-editors weigh in on the most clinically relevant findings from the meeting.
Treatment Is Preventive, but Some Risk Remains
In two observational studies presented at CROI 2009, the likelihood of HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples was much lower when infected partners were receiving ART than when they were not.
First (Sort of) Positive Anti-HIV Microbicide Trial
Promising results from HPTN 035, a phase II trial of two microbicides, were reported at the 2009 Retrovirus Conference.
Accessing ART After Imprisonment
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
A shockingly small percentage of HIV-infected prisoners who are receiving therapy fill their prescriptions on time after being released.
More on Diagnosing Neurosyphilis in HIV-Infected Patients
A new analysis suggests that the present CDC-recommended protocol may underestimate the prevalence of asymptomatic neurosyphilis.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
February 23, 2009
Covering:
Ghanem KG et al., Clin Infect Dis 2009 Mar 15; 48:816
Chlamydia Treatment and Peripheral Artery Disease
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Eight weeks of rifalazil did not improve peak walking time on a treadmill.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
February 18, 2009
Covering:
Jaff MR et al., Circulation 2009 Jan 27; 119:452
Stem-Cell Transplantation Enables Long-Term HIV Control
HIV/AIDS Clinical Care Summary and Comment
Free
A leukemia patient lost his CCR5 receptors and achieved remission of both leukemia and HIV infection.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
February 13, 2009
Covering:
Hütter G et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Feb 12; 360:692
Levy JA., N Engl J Med 2009 Feb 12; 360:724
STIs in the U.S.
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Rates of reportable STIs rose markedly in 2007 and were particularly high among blacks.
By Anna Wald, MD, MPH
February 12, 2009
Covering:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2009 Jan
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2009 Jan
Survival of HIV-Infected ICU Patients Continues to Improve
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Sixty-nine percent of HIV-infected patients admitted to an ICU from 2000 through 2004 were discharged alive.
By Thomas Glück, MD
February 11, 2009
Covering:
Powell K et al., Chest 2009 Jan; 135:11
Rethinking Guidelines for HIV-Infected HCWs
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
No cases of HIV infection were found in patients who were operated on by an HIV-infected cardiothoracic surgeon.
By Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
February 11, 2009
Covering:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)., MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2009 Jan 9; 57:1413
HIV and Community-Acquired MRSA
Community-acquired MRSA infections are increasingly common in HIV-positive people. This article summarizes current knowledge regarding risk factors and management of these infections.
RNA Interference Prevents Genital Herpes in Mice
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Vaginally administered siRNAs protected mice against HSV challenges for as long as 1 week.
Selection of HIV Variants in Heterosexual Transmission
Heterosexually transmitted HIV subtype D and A variants were less diverse and more closely linked to ancestral virus than were strains circulating in the infecting partner.
By Keith Henry, MD
February 2, 2009
Covering:
Sagar M et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Feb 15; 199:580
Abstinence Pledges Five Years Later
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
The negative impact of a popular program
By Barbara Geller, MD
January 26, 2009
Covering:
Rosenbaum JE., Pediatrics 2009 Jan; 123:e110
HIV Transmission in the U.S.
Using the CDC’s recently revised numbers for HIV incidence, investigators estimate that the annual rate of HIV transmission has remained below 10% since the early 1990s.
By Paul E. Sax, MD
January 16, 2009
Covering:
Holtgrave DR et al., J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009 Jan 7
More About Circumcision and STI Prevention
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Prevention of HPV carriage was modest, but protection against HIV infection among heterosexual men with seropositive partners was dramatic.
By Abigail Zuger, MD
January 15, 2009
Covering:
Nielson CM et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jan 1; 199:7
Auvert B et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jan 1; 199:14
Warner L et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jan 1; 199:59
Gray RH et al., J Infect Dis 2009 Jan 1; 199:1
Hypersensitivity to Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Rates of allergic reactions were very low in an Australian school population that had received 380,000 doses of HPV vaccine.
By Anna Wald, MD, MPH
January 15, 2009
Covering:
Kang LW et al., BMJ 2008 Dec 2; 337:a2642
Lopinavir Dosing During Pregnancy
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
During the third trimester of pregnancy, the dose might need to be increased.
By Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD
January 14, 2009
Covering:
Mirochnick M et al., J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2008 Dec 15; 49:485
Delayed HCV Antibody Responses in HIV-Infected Patients
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
Because of the prolonged lag time in seroconversion, the diagnosis of acute HCV infection may be missed unless RNA testing is done.
Top HIV/AIDS Stories of 2008
Some perspective on the year’s greatest successes and disappointments
Crash and Burn of HIV Vaccine Candidates
The focus of HIV vaccine research was redefined in 2008.
No Good News Yet on Anti-HIV Microbicides
Two intravaginal microbicide gels were found to be safe but completely ineffective.
HIV Incidence in the U.S.: New Methods Result in a Higher Estimate
Overall, the number of new infections in the U.S. is holding steady but is higher than we originally thought.
Rapid HIV Testing Is Not Without Its Flaws
The low specificity of the oral swab tests remains a concern, as do poor follow-up rates among those testing positive.
