10 April 2015
This week we have articles on the results of a new clinical trial, pieces on the debate on HIV positive immigrants, plus articles on condoms, HIV and dating, MSM and prevention, hepatitis and LGBT rights.
HIV
HPSC - Weekly HIV & STI Report - Week 13, 2015
Latest data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre for week 13 – 2015 show 15 new cases of HIV, bringing the total to 88 HIV new notifications for 2015 to date.
"I am one of those foreigners": living with HIV in the UK
Open Democracy, 8 April 2015
"HIV is easily treatable with pills. But there are no pills for stigma. Stigma grows on the ignorance behind the statement by Ukip's leader Nigel Farage. There is no substance behind his words."
Related article:
We Talked to the UK's Foreign-Born HIV Patients About Being Labeled as 'Health Tourists'
Vice, 7 April 2015
Can a few thousand foreign-born HIV patients be held responsible for the NHS's "financial black hole"? Interview to some of these HIV positive "health tourists.”
Second Parliamentary Candidate Reveals He Is HIV+ And Accuses Farage Of Scaremongering
Buzzfeed, 7 April 2015
Paul Childs had already been considering speaking out about his HIV status, but finally decided to do so following the UKIP leader’s controversial comments during the recent leaders’ debate about HIV-positive immigrants.
How to have sex in a police state: one approach
April 2015
An anonymous Canada-based collective of people living with HIV has produced this resource document about privacy, disclosure and criminal laws.
When Gay Men Have Less-Than-Perfect Condom Use, How Much Is Enough?
The Body, 7 April 2015
HIV and STIs prevention for MSM: Is part time condom use worthwhile?
We should have a better condom by now. Here’s why we don’t.
Slate, 2 April 2015
Extensive article about the research for new types of condoms and new materials - including lambskin, reconstituted collagen, polyurethane, and polyisoprene. The author also examines the FDA policies and sanctions in regard of condoms manufacturing, and the condoms use in the MSM community.
Still refusing to date HIV+ guys? Here’s why you could be putting your health at risk
Gay Star News, 8 April 2015
Opinion piece by Matthew Hodson, of UK-based gay men’s health charity, GMFA, who explains why arguments for not having sex with gay men who are HIV positive make little sense.
HIV breakthrough: New treatment shows extraordinary trial results leading to hopes for more efficient vaccines
UK Independent, 9 April 2015
A new type of HIV treatment involving the transfusion of a synthetic antibody designed to prevent the virus from attacking human cells has shown startling trial results.
See also:
First HIV Immunotherapy Treatment in Humans Proves Successful
Forbes, 9 April 2015
The first study to test a therapy using powerful antibodies in HIV patients reduced the presence of the virus by up to 300 times,
US health care providers reluctant to prescribe HIV prevention plan
News Medical, 7 April 2015
Many health care providers across the United States are reluctant to prescribe PrEP to some of their patients who are at substantial ongoing risk for HIV. A newly published survey examines the reasons and the concerns behind this attitude.
Human rights advocates up in arms over proposal to make HIV testing compulsory for high-risk groups
Radio Prague, 7 April 2015
HIV testing in the Czech Republic has been so far conducted anonymously and free of charge. The Health Ministry now wants to force people who are considered to be at high risk to undergo testing or face a tall fine.
UCLA research links HIV to age-accelerating cellular changes
Medical News Today, 8 April 2015
A study suggests that adults infected with the virus can develop age-related diseases a decade earlier than their uninfected peers. But is it because of the virus that causes AIDS or the treatment?
Study finds limited mutations involved in transmission of drug-resistant HIV
Medical Xpress, 7 April
HIV can mutate in the presence of antiviral drugs, and these mutations can be transmitted from one person to the next. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that only a limited number of mutations worldwide are responsible for most cases of transmission of drug-resistant HIV.
Six in ten US HIV infections are transmitted by people who know they have HIV but are not in care
Aidsmap, 7 April 2015
Results of two studies show that being virally suppressed equated to a 94% reduction in the likelihood of transmission compared to people who were undiagnosed.
These Printable Tests For HIV And E.Coli Will Bring Diagnosis Anywhere In The World
Fast Company, 7 April 2015
A new promising technology: paper and plastic strips that allow people to test for bacteria and viruses like HIV without the need for specialist assistance. These cheap and simple diagnostic kits have the potential to revolutionize health care in the developing world.
Gilead's low-dose, high-impact HIV drug heads to the FDA
SF Business Times, 7 April 2015
A new low-dose version of the HIV drug Truvada, which could be more effective while less toxic to the bones and kidneys, will go to the FDA for approval. The tablet, which will receive a new name, is intended for use in combination with other ARVs for adults and young people over 12 year of age.
End-stage liver disease is a concern for people with HIV and hepatitis B or C co-infection
Aidsmap, 7 April 2015
According to study findings presented at the recent CROI 2015 conference, people with HIV and hepatitis B or C co-infection are more likely to progress to end-stage liver disease or liver failure, than those with HIV alone, and individuals triply infected with all three viruses face the greatest risk.
Hepatitis
Drugs
LGBT
Barack Obama calls for end to 'conversion therapies' for LGBT youth
The Guardian, 9 April 2015
US president urges an end to psychiatric therapies that seek to change the sexual orientation of gay, lesbian and transgender people.
