Unstructured treatment interruptions in children and adolescents with HIV infection are associated with rapid increases in HIV RNA and precipitous declines in CD4+ cell counts, often resulting in infectious complications requiring hospitalization. Reuters Health Information
In HIV-infected adults, concurrent tuberculosis is associated with significant weight loss, anemia and hypoalbuminemia, according to the results of a study from India. Reuters Health Information
For monitoring CD4 counts in HIV-infected patients, a novel low-cost assay, the CD4 Select, is a practical alternative to the complicated and costly flow cytometry approach, according to Thai researchers. Reuters Health Information
Syringe dispensing machines and mobile vans are promising modalities of needle syringe programs. Their anonymous and confidential approaches make services attractive, accessible and acceptable. Harm Reduction Journal
The best time to start highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients appears to be before their CD4 count falls below 350 cells per microliter, according to Spanish researchers. Reuters Health Information
The tickborne parasitic illness babesiosis generally resolves without complications following appropriate treatment in healthy patients. However, that is not the case in those who are immunocompromised, researchers report in the February 1st issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases. Reuters Health Information
The 3 year of studies of fixed-dose TDF/FTC suggest that this combination + EFV demonstrates superior durability of VL suppression and improved safety/morphologic profiles compared with ZDV/3TC + EFV. JAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
B cell counts return to nearly normal after only 3 months of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection, although there is variability in the rebound among B cell subpopulations. Reuters Health Information
Treatment with acyclovir as suppressive therapy for herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection does not reduce the risk of HIV infection, according to a study of young women in northwestern Tanzania. Reuters Health Information
Will the interruption of ART have negative health consequences in patients who have low CD4-cell counts and limited treatment options? AIDS Clinical Care
