A cross-section of articles we've read this week about HIV/AIDS, STIs and a wide cross-section of structural and systemic factors impacting HIV/AIDS in Black communities.
Science
Annual CD4 Count Monitoring May be Sufficient for People Doing Well on HIV Treatment
Annual CD4 count monitoring may be sufficient for people taking antiretroviral treatment who have a suppressed viral load and a CD4 count above 250 cells/mm3, investigators report in the online edition of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Their study showed that people in this situation had a very low risk of experiencing a drop in their CD4 count below 200 cells/mm3 or of developing a serious HIV-related illness.
First Human Study of New HIV Antibody Therapy Shows Promise
A study trialing a new generation of broadly neutralizing antibodies in humans for the first time has shown promise as a treatment for HIV according to researchers.
Six Questions about HIV/AIDS That Deserve More Attention
As HIV investigators work to control and eradicate the virus worldwide, certain myths or misconceptions about the disease have been embraced, whereas other concepts with merit have been left relatively unexplored, argues American HIV/AIDS researcher Jay Levy, MD, in a commentary publishing April 14 in the journal Trends in Molecular Medicine. He calls on fellow researchers to continue questioning and not to lose sight of alternative strategies that could ultimately lead to a sustainable, long-term solution to HIV infection.
Treatment
Women in PrEP Trial Feared They Would Have to Leave Study if They Reported Low Adherence
Post-study interviews and computer questionnaires conducted with former participants in a trial of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that reported zero effectiveness show that participants concealed their low adherence to the study pills because, despite reassurances from researchers, they feared they would be asked to leave the study.
Miscellaneous
Ex-Plainfield Cop Who Had Sex with Women, Didn't Reveal His HIV Sentenced to 364 Days
SOMERVILLE - The retired Plainfield police captain who had sex with two women without telling them he was HIV-positive was sentenced Friday to 364 days in the Somerset County Jail.
HIV Outbreak in Indiana Tops 100 Cases
More than 100 people in southeastern Indiana have tested positive for HIV in an outbreak linked to the sharing of intravenous needles, and officials said Friday they're trying to combat unfounded fears among drug users that they could be arrested if they take part in a needle-exchange program created to stem the spread of the virus.
Lawsuit Claims AIDS Foundation Bilked Medicare, Medicaid For $20 Million
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - One of the nation's largest suppliers of HIV and AIDS medical care is accused of bilking Medicare and Medicaid in an elaborate $20 million dollar scam that spanned 12 states, according to a lawsuit filed in South Florida federal court.
New Black Gay Group Joins AIDS Lobby Day on Hill
A new national organization called CNAC: Advocates for Black Gay Men says it expected to increase the visibility of black gay men on Capitol Hill this week during the nation's largest annual constituent-based HIV/AIDS advocacy event.
Senate Approves a Bill on Changes to Medicare
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved sweeping changes in the way Medicare pays doctors, clearing the bill for President Obama and resolving an issue that has bedeviled Congress and the Medicare program for more than a decade.
