Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients living in southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, leading to blindness in more than one third of cases, according to a paper in the December issue of PLoS Medicine. Reuters Health Information
In dually infected patients, suppression of herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) with acyclovir also has an impact on HIV levels, according to US and Peruvian investigators. Reuters Health Information
Many HIV vaccine efficacy trial volunteers report negative social consequences due to participation in the study, according to a report in the November 1st issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Reuters Health Information
The updated DHHS and IAS guidelines on initial HIV treatment are reviewed. The new CDC recommendations for HIV testing and an individualized approach to HIV therapy in practice are also described. Medscape HIV/AIDS
In this review and commentary: 2 international clinical trials, DUET-1 and DUET-2, evaluate this new NNRTI in highly treatment experienced patients. Medscape HIV/AIDS
Summaries this month include topics such as childhood obesity, retaining nurse faculty, HIV in African American men, injuries in toddlers, and antimicrobial prescribing by NPs. Medscape Nurses
A high index of clinical suspicion by healthcare providers and routine pooled PCR testing may be most useful in detecting patients in acute HIV infection. Medscape Medical News
Serum levels of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) and hyaluronic acid appear useful in assessing the degree of hepatic fibrosis in patients with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection, according to Spanish researchers. Reuters Health Information
Monitoring syringe exchange activity is key to assessing HIV prevention measures in the US. What were the syringe exchange program activities in the US in 2005? Any changes compared to previous years? Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report
Clinics with fatalistic attitudes were less likely to counsel patients about prevention, but white gay men were less likely to receive such counseling than African-American gay men. Medscape Medical News
