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N-803 Combined with Natural Killer Cells Showed Potential to Reduce HIV Viral Load in HIV Positive Subjects; Part of HIV Cure Study All participants in the Phase 1 pilot study experienced a marked decrease in the burden of infection, and the procedures were found to be safe and well tolerated N-803 is being studied in three other HIV cure-related clinical trials CULVER CITY, Calif., March 5, 2024 — ImmunityBio (NASDAQ: IBRX), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company, today announced data from a Phase 1 pilot study showed N-803 combined with natural killer cells could have the potential to reduce viral load in people living with HIV. Published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School gave six HIV-positive individuals infusions of healthy NK cells from close relatives, along with N-803 to boost NK cell activity. All participants in this Phase 1 study experienced significant reduction in infection levels following treatment with N-803. The approach was well tolerated with no unexpected adverse events. Tim Schacker, MD, senior author of this paper, and colleagues at the University of Minnesota Medical School are planning a follow-on study in additional participants to further investigate these immunotherapies in HIV infected individuals. https://lnkd.in/gzSDxZxf

📃Scientific paper: Late diagnosis of HIV : An updated consensus definition Abstract: International audience; Introduction: In recent years, HIV testing frequency has increased, resulting in more people being diagnosed during seroconversion with a temporarily low CD4 count. Using the current consensus definition of late HIV presentation ('presenting for care with a CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or an AIDS-defining event, regardless of CD4 count') these individuals would be incorrectly assigned as being diagnosed late.Methods: In spring 2022, a European expert group convened to revise the current late HIV presentation consensus definition. A survey on data availability to apply this revised definition was sent to nominated European focal points responsible for HIV surveillance (n = 53). Results: Experts agreed that the updated definition should refer to late HIV diagnosis rather than presentation and include the following addition: People with evidence of recent infection should be reclassified as 'not late', with evidence of recent infection considered hierarchically. The individual must have: (i) laboratory evidence of recent infection; (ii) a last negative HIV test within 12 months of diagnosis; or (iii) clinical evidence of acute infection. People with evidence of being previously diagnosed abroad should be excluded. A total of 18 countries responded to the survey; 83% reported capturing CD4 count and/or AIDS at diagnosis through national surveillance, 67% captured last negative test and/or previous HIV diagnosis, 61% captured seroconversio... Continued on ES/IODE ➡️ https://etcse.fr/pTW5 ------- If you find this interesting, feel free to follow, comment and share. We need your help to enhance our visibility, so that our platform continues to serve you.

https://lnkd.in/gF_ee37Z In late 2022 BHIVA established a working group to develop a rapid guidance statement on the model of consent for opt-out testing for blood-borne viruses (BBVs; HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus) in emergency departments (EDs) and other acute medical settings. Routine opt-out HIV (with hepatitis B virus and syphilis) testing has been the standard of care in antenatal services since 2000 and a similar approach (testing for HIV with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses) has been successfully piloted in EDs in extremely high-prevalence areas across the UK over the past decade. The success of opt-out testing in EDs in finding new cases of HIV/BBVs and people who had been previously diagnosed but were no longer in care led to a commitment from the UK government to expand opt-out HIV/BBV testing to all EDs in the highest HIV prevalence areas, as part of the national HIV Action Plan. A further expansion of the scheme to over 40 other EDs in high-prevalence areas is currently planned. The rapid expansion of opt-out HIV testing in EDs has led to a pressing need for further guidance on opt-out testing to supplement the existing BHIVA/BASHH/BIA HIV testing guidelines. This interim guidance is intended to assist EDs in high-prevalence (>2/1000) and extremely high- prevalence (>5/1000) areas, and other facilities managing people who present for urgent care (e.g. urgent treatment centres and same day emergency care), in developing processes for routine opt-out testing for BBVs including HIV and in reaching high coverage. It could also be used as a model for other healthcare settings. The guidance has been endorsed by the RCEM Quality in Emergency Care Committee. It is expected that an interim update to the BHIVA/BASHH/BIA HIV testing guidelines in 2024 will incorporate this guidance. Given the successful experience of many EDs in using opt-out BBV testing, we propose a set of best practice recommendations for sites setting up similar testing processes. This guidance has been developed with a working group including ED consultants, HIV and Infectious Disease consultants and community representatives. Read the rapid guidance on opt out testing now! ⬆️⬆️

Human immunodeficiency virus also known as HIV, is a virus that attacks the immune system of one’s body. If HIV is not treated timely it may turn into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. First HIV estimation in India was done in 1998 while the last round was done in 2020. The Annual New Infection (ANI) of HIV/AIDS are estimated at 62.97 thousand in 2021 in India. Although a declining trend is being noted in most States. Historically HIV infections are traced to an infection found in chimpanzees native to Central Africa, it is anticipated that it was probably passed to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came in contact with their infected blood. Over decades, HIV slowly spread across Africa and later into other parts of the world. HIV has a range of symptoms from being flu-like, to swollen lymph nodes to no symptoms at all. HIV has three stages; First is acute HIV infection where the infection cells are at a high level in the blood and claim to be very contagious. Second is chronic HIV infection where the infection cells continue to reproduce at a high rate although the symptoms slow down, if treatment is not done in this stage then the person may move up to AIDS. Third stage is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS, this is the most severe stage of HIV infection.and without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years. HIV/AIDS is majorly spread through sex, although it can also be spread through sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. Prevention regarding HIV/AIDS in case of sex can be promoted through using condoms, getting regular STD tests in case frequently changing partners or practicing abstinence. In case of needles, make sure to use new syringes every time and check your drug equipment frequently. National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India periodically undertakes HIV estimation process to provide the updated information on the status of HIV epidemic in India. 1st of December is coined as world AIDS day and in India special measures to raise awareness regarding HIV and AIDS are felicitated. This year I am proud to say that I am working closely with Ladli Foundation and Directorate of Education, Delhi to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and be a part of a mass awareness drive.

HIV/AIDS HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are crucial for the body's defense against infections and diseases. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can't fight off infections and diseases effectively. When the immune system becomes severely compromised, the person is said to have AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV is primarily transmitted through: Unprotected sexual intercourse: Particularly anal or vaginal sex without a condom with an infected person. Sharing needles: HIV can be transmitted through the sharing of needles and syringes contaminated with the blood of an infected person. Mother to child: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Blood transfusions and organ transplants: Although this is rare in countries with stringent screening procedures, it was a significant mode of transmission in the early years of the epidemic. The symptoms of HIV can vary widely. Some people may not have any symptoms for many years, while others may experience flu-like symptoms shortly after infection. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, characterized by the development of severe opportunistic infections or certain cancers. However, with proper medical care, HIV can be managed effectively. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary treatment for HIV infection. ART works by slowing down the replication of the virus, allowing the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage. When taken consistently and correctly, ART can dramatically prolong the lives of people living with HIV and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Prevention is also key in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This includes practicing safe sex, using clean needles and syringes, getting tested and knowing your partner's HIV status, and, for pregnant women, seeking early prenatal care and HIV testing to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Efforts to combat HIV/AIDS have made significant progress over the years, but the disease remains a global health challenge, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare and resources. Ongoing research, education, and access to treatment and prevention measures are crucial in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In 2019, TB accounted for an estimated 30% of the 690 000 AIDS-related deaths in the world. These 208 000 deaths represented approximately 15% of the 1.4 million TB deaths that year. According to the 2020 Global TB Report, PLHIV are 18 (15–21) times more likely to develop active TB disease than people without HIV. In 2019, of the estimated 10 million (range, 8.9–11.0 million) people who developed TB worldwide, 8.2% were PLHIV. Even when on antiretroviral therapy (ART), PLHIV are 3 times more likely to die during TB treatment, and continue to suffer disproportionately from this preventable and curable disease. In addition to early access to ART, high quality TB screening and expanded use of TB preventive treatment are critical interventions to ensure that people with HIV receive timely treatment for TB disease or TB infection. The new WHO guidelines on systematic TB screening provide TB and HIV programmes with a range of new TB screening tools to enhance the early detection of TB among people with HIV. TB preventive treatment and ART have been proven to reduce TB incidence and mortality. However, only 50% of PLHIV initiating ART received TB preventive treatment in 2019 (from the subset of countries that reported) and only 41% of PLHIV estimated to have TB are receiving ART. HIV programmes must take measures to address these TB, diagnosis, prevention and treatment gaps among PLHIV, in order to reduce preventable TB incidence and mortality.

📃Scientific paper: HIV matters when diagnosing TB in young children: an ancillary analysis in children enrolled in the INPUT stepped wedge cluster randomized study Abstract: Background Children under age five years, particularly those living with HIV (CLHIV), are at risk for rapid progression of tuberculosis (TB). We aimed to describe TB clinical presentations, diagnostic pathways and treatment outcomes in CLHIV compared to children without HIV in Cameroon and Kenya. Methods This sub-analysis of a cluster-randomized trial evaluating the integration of pediatric TB services from May 2019 to March 2021 enrolled children age < 5 years with TB. We estimated the HIV infection rate with 95% confidence interval (CI). We compared TB clinical presentations, diagnostic pathways and treatment outcomes in CLHIV and children without HIV. Finally, we investigated whether HIV infection was associated with a shorter time to TB diagnosis (≤ 3 months from symptoms onset) after adjusting for covariates. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) presented as measures of the association of covariates with HIV status and with shorter time to TB diagnosis. Results We enrolled 157 children with TB (mean age was 1.5 years) and 22/157 (14.0% [9.0-20.4%]) were co-infected with HIV. CLHIV were more likely to initially present with acute malnutrition (AOR 3.16 [1.14–8.71], p = 0.027). Most TB diagnoses (140/157, 89%) were made clinically with pulmonary TB being the most common presentation; however, there was weak evidence of more frequent bacteriologic confirmation of TB in CLHIV, 18% vs. 9% (p = 0.... Discover the rest of the scientific article on es/iode ➡️https://etcse.fr/VFf

1ST DOCUMENTED HUMAN IMMUNITY TO HIV-1 INFECTION My name is Olisambu Ugochukwu Uche, PhD. I was diagnosed with HIV on September 3rd, 2013. I immediately got on antiretroviral anti-HIV medications and started taking this medication daily as prescribed. By October, 2nd 2013, I achieved the HIV Undetectable = Untransmittable = Uninfectious status (U=U=U). I have checked my HIV viral load by quantitative Real-time PCR approximately once every 3 months. I have maintained my HIV Undetectable status over 40 times I have checked my HIV viral load since October 2nd, 2013. I last checked it on 08/11/2023. I'm very thankful to groundbreaking pharmaceutical companies like Gilead Sciences who have manufactured the life saving anti-HIV antiretroviral medications which give hundreds of millions of people all over the world who have been affected by HIV infection a second chance. Bravo! I have learned that I might not have even received any antiretroviral anti-HIV therapy at all since my HIV diagnosis. I might have received blank pills which offered no anti-HIV therapy. This suggests that I have natural immunological ability to clear the HIV infection documented with a HIV-1 viral load of about 12,000,000 copies/ml - blood drawn on 09/03/2013 at Callen Lorde - Chelsea, New York, NY with a second blood draw and HIV-1 positive viral load result confirmed at Chelsea Sexual Health Clinic, New York, NY. I have the immunological ability to clear this documented HIV-1 infection up to the point of having a HIV Undetectable viral load. I have been most likely the been reexposed to HIV infection since October 2013 but I have remained HIV Undetectable still. Hence, it seems like I am the first human being that has been documented as having the natural ability to clear HIV infection completely up to the point of being HIV Undetectable with the natural ability to be immune to reinfection after subsequent potential sexual exposures to HIV. Some of these potential exposures to HIV have been conducted with drug resistant HIV virus strains which kill a patient within 10-15 years. I gather that about 10 such potential re-expoures to drug resistant HIV happened to me since October, 2013. Still I have maintained my HIV Undetectable (HIV Viral Load Negative, albeit HIV antibody positive status). By Olisambu Ugochukwu Uche, PhD Mailing Address: 1501 S Cherrybell Stravenue Tucson, Arizona 85726 United States of America Cellphone: 1-520-861-4490 Cellphone: 1-646-801-1689 11/18/2023 God dey. Data dey. Ómú n'ekwu!] Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S23 5G Smartphone.

Briefing Session on EMRO Mission for review on National Programs on HIV/Hepatitis/STI in I.R. Iran, 30 July to 2 August with participation of Dr. Joumana Hermez the Regional Advisor for HIV, Hepatitis and STIs, and Dr. Mohammad Shahid Jamil the technical officer for HIV and Hepatitis from EMRO, WCO Communicable Diseases unit, focal points from UNAIDS, UNFPA, and colleagues from Iranian Center for Communicable Diseases Control, WHO Collaborating Center for HIV surveillance and other academia. During the four days of the mission, multiple meetings were held and MoHME Iran Introduced the 5th National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan, and Hepatitis Elimination Plan participants discussed HIV Testing, Treatment, and Care cascade to jointly identify recommendations to reach 95-95-95 targets by 2025. The mission team also had meetings for discussions on Hepatitis case finding, testing, linkage, and Iran’s Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, to overview Prevention / Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission, and to discuss the research and surveillance studies conducted in the country. The mission team had some visits to facilities that provide HIV services including a comprehensive health center, a maternal delivery hospital, and an HIV triangular clinic in Shahriar District to understand what the processes, challenges, and achievements in the field are. Furthermore, the current situation of the STI surveillance system in the country was discussed and the work done on the feasibility and acceptability of HIV Self Testing was reviewed and recommendations were provided by the mission team to CCDC and partners for enhancing surveillance, integrating, and scaling up the effective interventions and optimizing the country response to HIV, STIs and viral hepatitis and further knowledge exchange with courtiers in the region and beyond.

An injection, lenacapavir, was recently approved by the FDA for multi-drug resistant HIV. Onyema Ogbuagu, MD, of the Section of Infectious Diseases is the principal investigator. He is pleased that, throughout his career, he has seen HIV go from a “deadly disease” to a “very easy, manageable disease.” HIV is not curable yet, but it can be treated successfully throughout someone’s lifespan. “And so, in the field, we want to ensure that the treatments we have—which for now are for a lifetime—become easier, simpler to use, and safer, and remain highly effective for our patients,” said Ogbuagu. Through collective pursuit in the research world, a new class of HIV treatment was born: long-acting HIV medications that target the capsid of HIV-1, which is a conical structure that harbors its genome.   “Lenacapavir is one of those agents, and it is currently the longest-acting agent approved [by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)] for HIV treatment,” Ogbuagu said. Lenacapavir got FDA approval based on the data in Ogbuagu’s study, which has now been published in The Lancet HIV. Lenacapavir joined a new class of antiretroviral therapy (ART) that “had never existed before,” Ogbuagu said. Because of its novelty, the drug has a high chance of success since people have not been exposed to it before. It tackles one of the biggest issues when it comes to medication for treatment of HIV: drug resistance. More in story below. https://lnkd.in/eaF3jipz