Everything listed under: HIV

  • HIV and Hepatitis B Coinfection Study: CATIE

     

     

    CATIE has posted some great information on a recently released study looking at the effects of being coinfected with HIV and HBV (Hepaititis B Virus). While, of course, more study is needed it does provide some interesting data that should help inform researchers and treating physicians. The study results show that it is more important than we thought to both prevent HBV infection and treat it effectively and as soon as possible in those who are coinfected.

    Fri, December 16, 2011 (No comments)

  • Xtra!: Out, Poz, and Proud (with Michael Burtch)

     

    Xtra! has an  interview with Michael Burtch about walking 'the tightrope between advocacy and privacy'. He discusses his HIV status and how the criminalization of non-disclosure has affected him. Be sure and check it out!

    Mon, September 19, 2011 (No comments)

  • New Study on Lubricants: Reasons for Concern

     
     
    A forthcoming research report suggests a number of personal lubricants can damage anal tissue cells and increase HIV replication, potentially heightening the risk of contracting HIV, notably if condoms aren’t used. 
     
    We have known for a while now that the research on personal lubricants has been severely lacking. Very little safety data has been required before personal lubricants have been put on the market. We don't know how these lubricants interact with the sensitive skin of the vagina/rectum/mouth. Are some better than others? Do some increase the risk of HIV or other STI transmission? 
     
    A study was just released by the HIV/AIDS Division of the Population Council (New York) compared 41 over-the- counter lubricants to two substances (Carraguard, which does not harm the mucous membranes; and Gynol a-substance that contains non-oxynol-9, a substance known to harm mucous membranes). This is a very preliminary study and it remains unclear whether any lubricant might increase the risk of HIV transmission. They found:
     
    *all of the lubes, compared with Carraguard, damaged the mucous membrane cells in test-tube tissue samples
     
    *Only one of the lubes (Probe Personal) had a similar profile to Carraguard -- all of the others either dried out the cells or caused them to swell with fluid (causing them to burst)
     
    *none of the lubricants had HIV-inhibiting qualities that approached that of Carraguard. Four Astroglide brand lubricants actually appeared to increase HIV replication in cell cultures. Subsequent testing of lube ingredients led the researchers to suspect that polyquaternium-15 might be the cause.
     
    Conclusions: These are very preliminary results and much more research is needed looking at both the vagina and the rectum. "Ultimately, the use of condoms is the best way to prevent transmission, but using a lubricant will help prevent condom breakage. So, if you are using a latex condom using a lubricant is still the best option --- but be sure you store and use the condom properly to make sure the condom doesn't break....and don't use oil/cream based lubricants...just water based. (learn more here). If you are using lubricant and no condom, understand the risks.......there may be some lubes that are better than others but we don't know which yet....and some lubes probably increase the risk of transmission in the absence of condoms.
     
    A more indepth article on the study @ (aidsmeds.com)
     

    To read more on the safety of personal lubricants for rectal use, read IRMA’s Q&A for HIV educators and advocates.

     

     

     
     
    Thu, February 17, 2011 (No comments)

  • HIV:The Musical

    Check out this satirical video about some ridiculous attitudes towards HIV.  From the video description:

    A series of video blogs posted by a young playwright, James McKenzie (played by Martin Freeman from The Office), whose artistic integrity is being challenged by the ignorance of a production company determined to hijack his script, represented by a producer played by Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh).

    The main aim of Patrick and Woodall's film is to expose the ridiculous attitudes towards HIV.

    And they do a great job. (There are a few swear words....and a few of those British words that I just know are cuss words, lol). In whole or in part....priceless. And can I just say...when they get to the "staging" of the musical, my mouth hit the floor...and then I couldn't stop laughing). An excellent and accessible way to bring awareness. I think the internet has saved satire for the masses.

    And, without further ado....


    HIV the Musical
    Uploaded by CtrlAltShift. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.
    Wed, May 26, 2010 (No comments)

  • Uzbekistan jails AIDS advocate over work

    According to AFP:

    An AIDS activist in Uzbekistan has been sentenced to seven years in prison for writing a brochure that authorities said would promote antisocial behaviour, activists said Thursday.

    Maxim Popov was convicted last September, his colleagues told AFP, but his case only came to light this week after US-based watchdog Human Rights Watch asked local activists to investigate his situation.

    "Maxim Popov was convicted for writing a brochure which was funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS and UNICEF as an effort by international donor organisations to raise awareness about the disease in the country," said an AIDS activist who worked with Popov.

    Prosecutors argued that the brochure, which called for the use of condoms during sex and sterile needles when injecting drugs, was promoting immoral behaviour, the activist said.

    Tue, March 16, 2010 (No comments)