http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/std/ Sexually transmitted diseases. Read the latest medical research on STDs including prevention and new treatments. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/std/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm Antibodies that help to stop the HIV virus have been found in breast milk. Researchers have isolated the antibodies from immune cells called B cells in the breast milk of infected mothers in Malawi, and showed that the B cells in breast milk can generate neutralizing antibodies that may inhibit the virus that causes AIDS. Tue, 22 May 2012 15:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120522152653.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174238.htm In the United States, where blacks bear a disproportionate burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, black religious institutions could help turn the tide. In a new study based on dozens of interviews and focus groups with 38 of Philadelphia's most influential black religious leaders, physicians and public health researchers find that traditional barriers to preaching about HIV prevention could give way to faith-friendly messages about getting tested and staying on treatment. Wed, 16 May 2012 17:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516174238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm A long-term follow-up analysis of participants in the Step Study, an international HIV-vaccine trial, has confirmed that certain subgroups of male study participants were at higher risk of becoming infected after receiving the experimental vaccine compared to those who received a placebo. The vaccine used in the study did not contain the HIV virus, but it did contain HIV genes which were delivered to cells using a vector that employed a type of cold virus known as adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). Mon, 07 May 2012 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120507131953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172103.htm The proportion of insured girls and young women completing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among those who initiated the series has dropped significantly -- as much as 63 percent -- since the vaccine was approved in 2006, according to new research. Fri, 04 May 2012 17:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120504172103.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm Researchers are a step closer to launching human clinical trials involving the use of an innovative stem cell therapy to fight the virus that causes AIDS. Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502092042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135404.htm Researchers have discovered small molecules that kill cancer cells caused by infection with human papillomavirus. Their results, in both cell and mouse models, demonstrate that the small molecule inhibitors protect a tumor-suppressing protein targeted by viral proteins, thus killing the infected tumor cells. The researchers believe that, with further testing and refinement, their inhibitors could provide a therapeutic for HPV-caused tumors, such as those seen in cervical cancer. Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120426135404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm Scientists are reporting that the mucus lining the stomachs of pigs could be a long-sought, abundant source of "mucins" being considered for use as broad-spectrum anti-viral agents to supplement baby formula and for use in personal hygiene and other consumer products to protect against a range of viral infections. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm Preliminary data hint at how extracts from the tree, abundant in tropical and subtropical areas, may stop the virus from multiplying. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm Expanding on previous research providing proof-of-principle that human stem cells can be genetically engineered into HIV-fighting cells, a team of researchers have now demonstrated that these cells can actually attack HIV-infected cells in a living organism. Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120412182253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm Up until now the causes of the development of chronic lymphatic leukemia, the most common form of cancer of the blood in Europe, have been unknown. At present a cure is not possible. Medical researchers have now however discovered a lead on the origin of this disease. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120411084040.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210013.htm Researchers have gained important clues about immune system responses that could play a role in protecting people from HIV infection in follow-up studies from the world's largest HIV vaccine trial to date. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm Insights into how the first vaccine ever reported to modestly prevent HIV infection in people might have worked were recently published. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404210003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403140034.htm Younger girls are more likely than adult women to report side effects after receiving Gardasil, the human papillomavirus vaccine. The side effects are non-serious and similar to those associated with other vaccines, according to a new study. Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120403140034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120328090822.htm The vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) reduces the risk of a renewed HPV-associated illness in patients who have already had diseases as a consequence of an HPV infection new research suggests. It had previously been the view that the HPV vaccination had a purely preventative effect and was also only effective in young women and men. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120328090822.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133554.htm New biological research reveals how an invading virus hijacks a cell's workings by imitating a signaling marker to defeat the body's defenses. By manipulating cell signals, the virus destroys a defensive protein designed to inhibit it. This finding, from studies in human cell cultures, may represent a broader targeting strategy used by other viruses, and may lay the scientific groundwork for developing more effective treatments for infectious diseases. Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120326133554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195252.htm Marijuana-like chemicals trigger receptors on human immune cells that can directly inhibit a type of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) found in late-stage AIDS, research suggests. Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120320195252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314183348.htm A coalition of three health groups has released new guidelines for the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. The guidelines generally advise a reduction in the number of tests women get over their lifetime to better ensure that they receive the benefits of testing while minimizing the harms. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314183348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174710.htm Researchers have successfully flushed latent HIV infection from hiding, with a drug used to treat certain types of lymphoma. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308174710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308132510.htm Using human immune system cells in the lab, AIDS experts have figured out a way to kill off latent forms of HIV that hide in infected T cells long after antiretroviral therapy has successfully stalled viral replication to undetectable levels in blood tests. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 13:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308132510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213134142.htm Scientists have tested a new 'therapeutic vaccine' against HIV on volunteers. The participants were 'so to say' vaccinated with their own cells. The immune system of the testees was better than before in attacking and suppressing the virus, the scientists have reported. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213134142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133704.htm One of the frustrations for scientists working on HIV/AIDS treatments has been the human immunodeficiency virus' ability to evade the body's immune system. Now a researcher has discovered a compound that could help put the immune system back in the hunt. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213133704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192737.htm A protein that protects some of our immune cells from the most common and virulent form of HIV works by starving the virus of the molecular building blocks that it needs to replicate. While researchers hope the work will one day lead to a way to make anti-HIV drugs more effective by increasing their potency against the virus, they're also excited about its implications for our knowledge of other pathogens, such as herpes viruses. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192555.htm A novel discovery reveals a mechanism by which the immune system tries to halt the spread of HIV. Harnessing this mechanism may open up new paths for therapeutic research aimed at slowing the virus’ progression to AIDS. Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120212192555.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180903.htm Newly divorced middle aged women are more vulnerable to contract HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, according to new research, because they tend to let their guard down with new sexual partners and avoid using protection since they are not afraid of getting pregnant. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180903.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155725.htm Researchers have developed a new way to identify the genes of harmful microbes, particularly those that have been difficult to study in the laboratory. Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109155725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106135846.htm For children with HIV infection, the FDA approval of the use of raltegravir, an antiretroviral drug that slows the spread of HIV infection, offers a new weapon to treat HIV infection in children. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106135846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174816.htm New research points investigators toward finding a genital herpes vaccine that works on both viruses that cause disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174808.htm New guidelines will help physicians better choose seizure drugs for people on HIV/AIDS medication, avoiding deadly drug interactions and preventing critical anti-HIV drugs from becoming less effective, possibly leading to a more virulent strain of the disease. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104174808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134802.htm New vaccine research in monkeys suggests that scientists are homing in on the critical ingredients of a protective HIV vaccine and identifies new HIV vaccine candidates to test in human clinical trials. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104134802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135333.htm A woman's ovarian cycle plays a role in susceptibility to infection, according to new research. Specifically, researchers found women are most susceptible to infection, such as Candida albicans or other sexually transmitted diseases, during ovulation than at any other time during the reproductive cycle. This natural "dip" in immunity may be to allow spermatozoa to survive the threat of an immune response so it may fertilize an egg successfully. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103135333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223114126.htm The journal Science has chosen the HPTN 052 clinical trial, an international HIV prevention trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, as the 2011 Breakthrough of the Year. The study found that if HIV-infected heterosexual individuals begin taking antiretroviral medicines when their immune systems are relatively healthy as opposed to delaying therapy until the disease has advanced, they are 96 percent less likely to transmit the virus to their uninfected partners. Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111223114126.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140351.htm Scientists have identified how HIV -- the virus that causes AIDS -- hijacks the body's own defenses to promote infection. This discovery could one day help curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140349.htm In perhaps the most comprehensive survey of the inner workings of HIV, an international team of scientists led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco has mapped every apparent physical interaction the virus makes with components of the human cells it infects -- work that may reveal new ways to design future HIV/AIDS drugs. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220134144.htm Skeletal evidence that reputedly showed signs of syphilis in Europe and other parts of the Old World before Christopher Columbus made his voyage in 1492 does not hold up when subjected to standardized analyses for diagnosis and dating, according to a new appraisal. This is the first time that all 54 previously published cases have been evaluated systematically, and bolsters the case that syphilis came from the New World. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:41:41 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111220134144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125850.htm Scientists have discovered new protein fragments in semen that enhance the ability of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, to infect new cells -- a discovery that one day could help curb the global spread of this deadly pathogen. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111214125850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173639.htm Scientists have found the 'key' that HIV uses to enter our cells' nuclei, allowing it to disable the immune system and cause AIDS. The finding provides a potential new target for anti-AIDS drugs that could be more effective against drug-resistant strains of the virus. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152406.htm A new weapon to prevent HIV infection, called pre-exposure prophylaxis, Because PrEP is based on the same drugs used to treat HIV-infected individuals, the big public health scare is that the dual use of these drugs will lead to skyrocketing levels of drug resistance. In fact, say researchers in a new study, that is not the case and indeed, the exact opposite is likely to happen. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207152406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131938.htm Mayo Clinic in Florida is now offering kidney and pancreas transplants to HIV positive patients with advanced kidney disease and diabetes. Evidence is now solid that HIV-positive patients have the same favorable outcome in terms of patient and allograft survival as non-HIV positive organ transplant recipients, say experts. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112643.htm People in Malawi who are uncertain about their HIV status are more eager to start families than those who are certain of their HIV status, according to researchers. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 11:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201112643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105405.htm Less than one-quarter (23 percent) of children with HIV/AIDS who need treatment are getting it, according to a new report. Although treatment coverage for adults has been steadily climbing and has now reached approximately half of those in need, coverage for children is lagging far behind. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105357.htm Researchers who have been following Danish HIV patients for more than fifteen years now see that the patients may live as long as other Danes if they take their medicine. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201105357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100526.htm Researchers have identified the first gene associated with frequent herpes-related cold sores. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130100526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175629.htm In sub-Saharan Africa, couples in long-term relationships where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative could benefit from anti-AIDS drugs given either as treatment or as a prevention measure to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175629.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107033929.htm Scientists have moved a step closer to understanding how one of our body’s own proteins helps stop the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in its tracks. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 03:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111107033929.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082704.htm Researchers have identified a human chromosome containing a specific gene associated with susceptibility to herpes simplex labialis, the common cold sore. The study looks at how several genes may affect the severity of symptoms and frequency of this common infection. The findings, if confirmed, could have implications for the development of new drugs to treat outbreaks. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026175334.htm A large, international clinical trial indicates that a vaccine to prevent anal cancer is safe and effective, according to a new study. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026175334.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091627.htm An innovative delivery method for human immunodeficiency virus medications has been developed through use of a transdermal patch, the first of its kind to treat HIV. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091627.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164717.htm Non-targeted HIV rapid test screening among emergency department patients in metropolitan Paris resulted in identifying only a few new HIV diagnoses, often at late stages and mostly among patients who are in a high-risk group, according to a new study. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164704.htm Women with cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke even when no conventional risk factors for CVD are present. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024164704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024449.htm How best to treat 700,000 tuberculosis patients globally who are HIV positive is the subject of a new study whose authors had previously shown that integrating antiretroviral therapy (ART) concurrently with tuberculosis treatment is preferable to treating the diseases sequentially. The new study finds that the best timing for introducing treatment depends on the patient's immune status. Patients with very low T-cell counts appear to do better with an earlier integration of treatment for HIV. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018121845.htm Researchers have demonstrated a practical strategy for regularly screening HIV-infected patients for acute hepatitis C virus infection, a "silent epidemic" that is rising undetected in this population and can lead to serious health complications. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018121845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018121840.htm A new study uses a mathematical model to predict the potential impact of expanding treatment to discordant couples on controlling the global HIV epidemic -- in these couples one partner has HIV infection. The research is among the first to predict the effect of the expansion of such treatment in couples on the HIV epidemic in certain African countries. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018121840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012131411.htm A breakthrough in the study of chlamydia genetics could open the way to new treatments and the development of a vaccine for this sexually transmitted disease. For decades research progress has been hampered because scientists have been prevented from fully understanding these bacteria as they have been unable to manipulate the genome of Chlamydia trachomatis. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012131411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113550.htm In an advance toward eliminating pockets of infection in the brain that help make HIV disease incurable, scientists report the development of new substances that first plug the biological vacuum cleaner that prevents anti-HIV drugs from reaching the brain and then revert to an active drug to treat HIV. The advance promises to allow medications to cross the so-called "blood-brain barrier" and treat brain diseases. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010092746.htm An attenuated, or weakened, strain of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria can be used as a vaccine to prevent or reduce the severity of trachoma, the world's leading cause of infectious blindness, suggest new findings from a study in monkeys. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010092746.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006173445.htm A researcher has identified a gene that controls the process by which antibodies gain their ability to combat retroviruses. He has shown that the gene TLR7 allows the antibody generating B cells to detect the presence of a retrovirus and promotes a process by which antibodies gain strength and potency, called a germinal center reaction. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006173445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006133022.htm Earlier circumcision of males in South Africa may be a positive step in slowing the spread of both HIV and the human papillomavirus. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006133022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006132952.htm Measurable changes in brain function and communication between brain regions may be a consequence of virus-induced injury during the early stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These abnormalities and their implications in disease prognosis are detailed in a new article. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006132952.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004162318.htm Infectious disease experts say the medical benefits for male circumcision are clear and that efforts in an increasing number of states (currently 18) to not provide U.S. Medicaid insurance coverage for male circumcision, as well as an attempted ballot initiative in San Francisco earlier this year to ban male circumcision in newborns and young boys, are unwarranted. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004162318.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195253.htm Researchers have found that women using hormonal contraception -- such as a birth control pill or a shot like Depo-Provera -- are at double the risk of acquiring HIV, and HIV-infected women who use hormonal contraception have twice the risk of transmitting the virus to their HIV-uninfected male partners, according to a new study. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195253.htm