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HATIP #38, 22nd December 2004

Published: 22 December 2004

News headlines

Combination of antibiotics as effective and safe as co-trimoxazole at preventing infections, but too expensive to use where needed?

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/3806F479-2DCA-4701-8A30-32C79DEF1E46.asp?hp=1

A combination of the antibiotics atovaquone and azithromycin is at least as effective and just as safe as the antibiotic co-trimoxazole at preventing serious bacterial infections in HIV-positive children, according to a study published in the January 1st edition of Clinical Infectious Diseases. However, an editorial accompanying the article questions just how clinically significant these findings are given that HAART has largely replaced the need for prophylactic antibiotics in richer countries, and that cost is likely to preclude the use of atovaquone-azithromycin - which is 100 times more expensive of co-trimoxazole - in resource limited settings.

Pre-treatment HIV severity, not HAART associated with peripheral neuropathy

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/D3D98007-5C6D-45E9-9BF5-EF3D08A86137.asp?hp=1

The incidence of peripheral neuropathy amongst HIV-positive individuals has declined since the introduction of HAART, according to data from the US HOPS study published in the on-line version of the January 1st edition of the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

WHO guidelines for treatment of diarrhoea in HIV patients may need revising in some settings, says study

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/69027768-F5A2-4788-AE9C-13A1DF7E6136.asp?hp=1

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) 1991 guidelines for the management of persistent diarrhoea in HIV-positive patients in resource limited countries may need revising in some settings, according to a study conducted in Peru and published in the on-line version of the January 1st edition of the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Involvement of partner in VCT increases uptake of interventions to prevent vertical and sexual HIV transmission

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/CEA6AAB1-5523-407B-BF82-24242843BC2F.asp?hp=1

Partner participation in HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) of pregnant women receiving antenatal care in Nairobi was associated with an increased uptake of treatment to prevent mother-to-baby transmission of HIV and of condom use, according to a study published in the December 15th edition of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. The investigators believe that their study demonstrates the feasibility and need to involve male partners in VCT HIV prevention initiatives.

Drug-resistant virus acquired during HIV infection remains stable and persistent

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/74C536F1-8DBA-420F-90A9-C623E02B02B7.asp?hp=1

A three-year study from an HIV treatment centre in Brighton, East Sussex, has found that drug-resistant strains of HIV remain stable and can persist for "a considerable time" after infection. The study, published in the December 15th issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, highlights the implications for both onward transmission of resistant virus, and the importance of performing resistance testing at baseline.

High incidence of IRIS amongst HIV-positive TB patients starting HAART in India

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/7C9B68FD-EF56-4DE5-8E8B-4BB88BB2A0E5.asp?hp=1

A high incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) amongst HIV-positive patients with tuberculosis (TB) in India who commenced HAART shortly after TB treatment has been reported in the December 15th edition of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. The investigators believe that their findings underscore the need for clinical trials in resource limited settings to better understand when to initiate HAART in the context of active opportunistic infections.

HAART and adverse events during pregnancy explored in European study

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/F41E6016-3112-4C27-BE56-5ABE3CB91E32.asp?hp=1

Taking HAART during pregnancy is associated with premature delivery, according to European data published in the November 18th edition of AIDS. The investigators also found that the initiation of HAART before pregnancy was particularly associated with premature delivery and that infants born prematurely had a high mortality rate.

Injecting drug users more likely to die when taking HAART, but HIV not the reason

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/B0601FD3-424B-4B87-BA31-22BA9EAD5220.asp?hp=1

HIV-positive injecting drug users who are being treated with HAART are more likely to die than individuals from other HIV risk groups taking HIV therapy, according to data from the EuroSIDA study published in the November 19th edition of AIDS. However, the investigators found that non-HIV related causes accounted for the increased mortality amongst injecting drug users, and that injecting drug users were no more likely than other patients to experience a new AIDS-defining event or die of an HIV-related cause. The investigators believe that this implies that injecting drug users have a response to HAART comparable to other HIV risk groups.

Can HIV infection occur through the lining of the mouth?

http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/DCC789C1-22CD-4F07-89D6-29DD18105C37.asp?hp=1

HIV from semen or breast milk can bind to and infect the cells lining the mouth and the tonsils, according to two test tube studies published on 1st December in The Journal of Infectious Diseases and The Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. One study also shows that low concentrations of alcohol can enhance the ability of the virus to infect mouth cells.

HATIP #38, 22nd December 2004

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.
Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
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This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.