Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Black patients enrolled in an LA Medical Care Coordination program were less likely to achieve viral suppression than HIV-positive people of other races.

Though HIV diagnoses have declined overall, new infections still disproportionately occur in certain racial, ethic, gender, and geographic populations.

Investigators found a couple of different factors for this phenomenon.

In a global cohort, more than 1 in 3 people living with HIV reported functional impairments. Functional impairment was more common among HIV-positive people who were older, Black, or female.

In a study of people living with HIV in Taiwan, COVID-19 vaccination was highly effective when implemented alongside non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Investigators looked to see if this population might be candidates for this form of HIV prevention.

One study presented at CROI 2022 found that HIV PrEP awareness increased among Latinx/Hispanic men who have sex with men, but usage has remained relatively stable for several years.

Boston’s Fenway Health looked at testing and prevention trends during 3 phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Investigators modeled what a long-acting injectable HIV prevention medication would have to cost in order for it to be justified when compared to generic, oral PrEP for HIV patients and transmission prevention.

The VB variant likely originated in the late 1990s, and if left untreated, is more transmissible and deadly than prior HIV strains.

The first study to estimate rates of undiagnosed HIV in children across sub-Saharan Africa found significant gaps in HIV testing.

States that required ongoing medical doctor supervision of nurse practitioners and physician assistants had fewer HIV PrEP prescriptions.

Researchers could be one step closer to an HIV vaccine. This one uses mRNA technology.

The study authors focused on eastern Europe and central Asia in their model, which included 4 scenarios for decriminalizing drug use and investing the savings into HIV transmission-reduction strategies.

Providers of patients with HIV should have greater sensitivity to symptoms of heart failure, the study authors suggested.

The study authors observed reductions in three types of orphanhood, including paternal-only, maternal-only, and double orphanhood.

In utilizing a modeling study, investigators estimated reductions in HIV incidence rates as well as PrEP usage rates and viral suppression across US cities over 10 years.

There is a high level of engagement in HIV care observed among pregnant women, which displays a commitment to their health and wellbeing during their pregnancy, the study authors wrote.

By 2030, the US is targeting reducing the number of new HIV infections by 90 percent.

Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy proved more effective than standard treatments for HIV-positive children, reducing treatment failure by 40%.

Investigators compared pre- and post-intervention data points at 4 clinics in Kenya.

Stigma, and a lack of communication and awareness all inhibit HIV PrEP uptake, but digital health and new forms of PrEP are aiming to increase users.

The therapy becomes the first injectable approved in the United States for this indication.

The proposed funding will include a number of measures of spending towards HIV and prevention, including community centers for PrEP education.

A personal history of cervical cancer or cervical biopsy did not make mothers more likely to vaccinate their children against HPV.

A novel digital pill was 98% effective in tracking daily HIV PrEP adherence.

HPV vaccination decreases cervical cancer incidence and mortality, but it is most effective in young women and girls.

Community-based models of antiretroviral therapy were as effective as facility-based care in terms of viral suppression, the study authors wrote.

The CDC updated its HIV PrEP guidelines, including a recommendation that doctors talk to all sexually active adults about HIV prevention and prescribe PrEP to anyone who asks for it.

Merck announced an enrollment pause in 2 of their stage 3 clinical trials for once-monthly oral islatravir for HIV PrEP. Enrolled participants will continue receiving study medicine.