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World AIDS Day 2012

Collection published: 30 November 2012

1st December every year marks World AIDS Day and it is an opportunity not only to raise awareness of the disease, but to highlight the progress made by scientists and clinicians around the world to understand and find ways to cure the disease. At present, no cure or vaccine exists to combat the disease, but there have been strong advancements in our understanding of HIV and AIDS and the development of potential therapeutics.

The articles below showcase the breadth and high calibre of the AIDS and HIV research published in our open access journals Retrovirology, BMC Infectious Diseases, AIDS Research and Therapy and Globalization and Health.

		Commentary Zeroing in on AIDS and global health Post-2015 Kent Buse, Ruth Blackshaw, Marie-Goretti Ndayisaba Globalization and Health 2012, 8:42 (30 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Vaginal microbicides for reducing the risk of sexual acquisition of HIV infection in women: systematic review and meta-analysis Jael Obiero, Peter G Mwethera, Gregory D Hussey, Charles S Wiysonge BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:289 (6 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the use of vaginal microbicides in HIV prevention does not provide sufficient evidence to recommend these treatments for the prevention of sexually acquired HIV in women.
		Research Impact of immune escape mutations on HIV-1 fitness in the context of the cognate transmitted/founder genome Hongshuo Song, Jeffrey W Pavlicek, Fangping Cai, Tanmoy Bhattacharya, Hui Li, Shilpa S Iyer, Katharine J Bar, Julie M Decker, Nilu Goonetilleke, Michael KP Liu, Anna Berg, Bhavna Hora, Mark S Drinker, Josh Eudailey, Joy Pickeral, M Moody, Guido Ferrari, Andrew McMichael, Alan S Perelson, George M Shaw, Beatrice H Hahn, Barton F Haynes, Feng Gao Retrovirology 2012, 9:89 (30 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper reveals a broad spectrum of fitness costs to CTL escape mutations in HIV-1l genomes, similar to recent findings reported for neutralizing antibody escape mutations. The findings highlight the extraordinary plasticity and adaptive potential of the HIV-1 genome.
		Research article Mortality in members of HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Africa and implications for antiretroviral therapy initiation: Results of analyses from a multicenter randomized trial Guy de Bruyn, Amalia Magaret, Jared M Baeten, Jairam R Lingappa, Patrick Ndase, Connie Celum, Anna Wald, for the Partners in Prevention HSV/HIV Transmission Study Team BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:277 (30 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A high rate of mortality is observed in the infected partner of African HIV-1 serodiscordant couples, even when CD4 cell counts are above levels that prompt ART treatment, indicating that earlier initiation will have significant clinical benefits.
		Research SAMHD1 restricts HIV-1 reverse transcription in quiescent CD4⁺ T-cells Benjamin Descours, Alexandra Cribier, Christine Chable-Bessia, Diana Ayinde, Gillian Rice, Yanick Crow, Ahmad Yatim, Olivier Schwartz, Nadine Laguette, Monsef Benkirane Retrovirology 2012, 9:87 (23 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Here, SAMHD1 is identified as the restriction factor preventing efficient viral DNA synthesis in non-cycling resting CD4+ T-cells. The finding highlights the crucial role of SAMHD1 in mediating restriction of HIV-1 infection in quiescent CD4+ T-cells.
		Research Treatment-associated polymorphisms in protease are significantly associated with higher viral load and lower CD4 count in newly diagnosed drug-naive HIV-1 infected patients Kristof Theys, Koen Deforche, Jurgen Vercauteren, Pieter Libin, David AMC van de Vijver, Jan Albert, Birgitta Åsjö, Claudia Balotta, Marie Bruckova, Ricardo J Camacho, Bonaventura Clotet, Suzie Coughlan, Zehava Grossman, Osamah Hamouda, Andrzei Horban, Klaus Korn, Leondios G Kostrikis, Claudia Kücherer, Claus Nielsen, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Mario Poljak, Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stockl, Chiara Riva, Lidia Ruiz, Kirsi Liitsola, Jean-Claude Schmit, Rob Schuurman, Anders Sönnerborg, Danica Stanekova, Maja Stanojevic, Daniel Struck, Kristel Van Laethem, Annemarie MJ Wensing, Charles AB Boucher, Anne-Mieke Vandamme, on behalf of the SPREAD-programme et al. Retrovirology 2012, 9:81 (3 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The evolutionary cost of drug resistance (TDR) in HIV should result in a 'less fit' virus in the absence of drugs, but in newly infected people, TDR strains have gained unexpected virulence with worrying implications on future therapy.
		Research HIV-1 subtype C superinfected individuals mount low autologous neutralizing antibody responses prior to intrasubtype superinfection Debby Basu, Colleen S Kraft, Megan K Murphy, Patricia J Campbell, Tianwei Yu, Peter T Hraber, Carmela Irene, Abraham Pinter, Elwyn Chomba, Joseph Mulenga, William Kilembe, Susan A Allen, Cynthia A Derdeyn, Eric Hunter Retrovirology 2012, 9:76 (20 September 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This work suggests that the lack of development of IgG antibodies, as reflected in autologous NAbs as well as gp120 and V1V2 binding antibodies to the primary infection virus, combined with potentially competing, non-protective IgA antibodies, may increase susceptibility to superinfection in the context of settings where a single HIV-1 subtype predominates.
		Research A study of the prevalence and risk factors leading to HIV infection among a sample of street children and youth of Kathmandu Dibesh Karmacharya, Dongmei Yu, Sameer Dixit, Rajesh Rajbhandari, Bhawana Subedi, Sonu Shrestha, Sulochana Manandhar, Susan L Santangelo AIDS Research and Therapy 2012, 9:25 (28 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| 1 comment
		Review Genome-wide association studies on HIV susceptibility, pathogenesis and pharmacogenomics Daniëlle van Manen, Angélique B van ‘t Wout, Hanneke Schuitemaker Retrovirology 2012, 9:70 (24 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were utilized for unbiased searches at a genome-wide level to discover novel genetic factors and pathways involved in HIV-1 infection. This review gives an overview of findings from the GWAS performed on HIV infection, within different cohorts, with variable patient and phenotype selection.
		Research Clinical, virological and biochemical evidence supporting the association of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase polymorphism R284K and thymidine analogue resistance mutations M41L, L210W and T215Y in patients failing tenofovir/emtricitabine therapy Gilberto Betancor, César Garriga, Maria C Puertas, María Nevot, Lourdes Anta, José L Blanco, M Pérez-Elías, Carmen de Mendoza, Miguel A Martínez, Javier Martinez-Picado, Luis Menéndez-Arias, for the Resistance Platform of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (ResRIS) Retrovirology 2012, 9:68 (13 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study shows an association of R284K and TAM1 mutations in individuals failing therapy with tenofovir/emtricitabine, and unveils a novel mechanism by which secondary mutations are selected in the context of drug-resistance mutations.
		Research article Field comparison of OraQuick® ADVANCE Rapid HIV-1/2 antibody test and two blood-based rapid HIV antibody tests in Zambia Dalila Zachary, Lawrence Mwenge, Monde Muyoyeta, Kwame Shanaube, Albertus Schaap, Virginia Bond, Barry Kosloff, Petra de Haas, Helen Ayles BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:183 (8 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Review Dual role of autophagy in HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis M Killian AIDS Research and Therapy 2012, 9:16 (20 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research Timing and source of subtype-C HIV-1 superinfection in the newly infected partner of Zambian couples with disparate viruses Colleen S Kraft, Debby Basu, Paulina A Hawkins, Peter T Hraber, Elwyn Chomba, Joseph Mulenga, William Kilembe, Naw H Khu, Cynthia A Derdeyn, Susan A Allen, Olivier Manigart, Eric Hunter Retrovirology 2012, 9:22 (20 March 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary In this subtype-C discordant couple cohort, superinfection, during the first year after HIV-1 infection of the previously negative partner, occurred at a rate similar to primary infection (13.6% [95% CI 5.2-34.8] vs 7.8% [7.1-8.6]). While limited intra-couple superinfection may in part reflect continued condom usage within couples, this and our lack of detecting newly superinfected individuals after one year of primary infection raises the possibility that immunological resistance to intra-subtype superinfection may develop over time in subtype C infected individuals.
		Research Sexual behavior of HIV-positive adults not accessing HIV treatment in Mombasa, Kenya: Defining their prevention needs Avina Sarna, Stanley Luchters, Melissa Pickett, Matthew Chersich, Jerry Okal, Scott Geibel, Nzioki Kingola, Marleen Temmerman AIDS Research and Therapy 2012, 9:9 (19 March 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Prospective evaluation of bone markers, parathormone and 1,25-(OH)₂vitamin D in HIV-positive patients after the initiation of tenofovir/emtricitabine with atazanavir/ritonavir or efavirenz Emanuele Focà, Davide Motta, Marco Borderi, Daria Gotti, Laura Albini, Alessandra Calabresi, Ilaria Izzo, Rita Bellagamba, Pasquale Narciso, Laura Sighinolfi, Alberto Clò, Davide Gibellini, Eugenia Quiros-Roldan, Nigritella Brianese, Bruno Cesana, Maria Re, Carlo Torti BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:38 (14 February 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Bone markers C-terminal cross-laps (CTx) and osteocalcin (OC) indicate that antiretroviral drugs could affect bone health, necessitating stricter monitoring in patients who are older, have higher HIV load, or are prescribed certain drugs.
		Research Relationships of PBMC microRNA expression, plasma viral load, and CD4+ T-cell count in HIV-1-infected elite suppressors and viremic patients Kenneth W Witwer, Andria K Watson, Joel N Blankson, Janice E Clements Retrovirology 2012, 9:5 (12 January 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary miRNA profiles, obtained using multiple acquisition, data processing, and analysis methods, distinguished ES and uninfected controls from viremic HIV-1-infected patients. For several miRNAs, however, ES and viremic patients shared similar expression patterns. Differentially expressed miRNAs included those with reported roles in HIV-1 latency (miR-29 family members, miRs -125b and -150). Others, such as miR-31 and miR-31*, had no previously reported connection with HIV-1 infection but were found here to differ significantly with uncontrolled HIV-1 replication.
		Research The role of G protein gene GNB3 C825T Polymorphism in HIV-1 acquisition, progression and immune activation Jennifer Juno, Jeffrey Tuff, Robert Choi, Catherine Card, Joshua Kimani, Charles Wachihi, Sandra Koesters-Kiazyk, T Blake Ball, Carey Farquhar, Francis A Plummer, Grace John-Stewart, Ma Luo, Keith R Fowke Retrovirology 2012, 9:1 (3 January 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary In contrast to previous reports, this study was unable to provide evidence to suggest that the GNB3 C825T polymorphism affects HIV-1 acquisition or disease progression within African populations. Ex vivo immune activation and plasma chemokine levels were similarly unaffected by GNB3 genotype in both HIV-1-negative and HIV-1-positive individuals.

		Commentary Zeroing in on AIDS and global health Post-2015 Kent Buse, Ruth Blackshaw, Marie-Goretti Ndayisaba Globalization and Health 2012, 8:42 (30 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Vaginal microbicides for reducing the risk of sexual acquisition of HIV infection in women: systematic review and meta-analysis Jael Obiero, Peter G Mwethera, Gregory D Hussey, Charles S Wiysonge BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:289 (6 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials on the use of vaginal microbicides in HIV prevention does not provide sufficient evidence to recommend these treatments for the prevention of sexually acquired HIV in women.
		Research Impact of immune escape mutations on HIV-1 fitness in the context of the cognate transmitted/founder genome Hongshuo Song, Jeffrey W Pavlicek, Fangping Cai, Tanmoy Bhattacharya, Hui Li, Shilpa S Iyer, Katharine J Bar, Julie M Decker, Nilu Goonetilleke, Michael KP Liu, Anna Berg, Bhavna Hora, Mark S Drinker, Josh Eudailey, Joy Pickeral, M Moody, Guido Ferrari, Andrew McMichael, Alan S Perelson, George M Shaw, Beatrice H Hahn, Barton F Haynes, Feng Gao Retrovirology 2012, 9:89 (30 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper reveals a broad spectrum of fitness costs to CTL escape mutations in HIV-1l genomes, similar to recent findings reported for neutralizing antibody escape mutations. The findings highlight the extraordinary plasticity and adaptive potential of the HIV-1 genome.
		Research article Mortality in members of HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Africa and implications for antiretroviral therapy initiation: Results of analyses from a multicenter randomized trial Guy de Bruyn, Amalia Magaret, Jared M Baeten, Jairam R Lingappa, Patrick Ndase, Connie Celum, Anna Wald, for the Partners in Prevention HSV/HIV Transmission Study Team BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:277 (30 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A high rate of mortality is observed in the infected partner of African HIV-1 serodiscordant couples, even when CD4 cell counts are above levels that prompt ART treatment, indicating that earlier initiation will have significant clinical benefits.
		Research SAMHD1 restricts HIV-1 reverse transcription in quiescent CD4⁺ T-cells Benjamin Descours, Alexandra Cribier, Christine Chable-Bessia, Diana Ayinde, Gillian Rice, Yanick Crow, Ahmad Yatim, Olivier Schwartz, Nadine Laguette, Monsef Benkirane Retrovirology 2012, 9:87 (23 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Here, SAMHD1 is identified as the restriction factor preventing efficient viral DNA synthesis in non-cycling resting CD4+ T-cells. The finding highlights the crucial role of SAMHD1 in mediating restriction of HIV-1 infection in quiescent CD4+ T-cells.
		Research Treatment-associated polymorphisms in protease are significantly associated with higher viral load and lower CD4 count in newly diagnosed drug-naive HIV-1 infected patients Kristof Theys, Koen Deforche, Jurgen Vercauteren, Pieter Libin, David AMC van de Vijver, Jan Albert, Birgitta Åsjö, Claudia Balotta, Marie Bruckova, Ricardo J Camacho, Bonaventura Clotet, Suzie Coughlan, Zehava Grossman, Osamah Hamouda, Andrzei Horban, Klaus Korn, Leondios G Kostrikis, Claudia Kücherer, Claus Nielsen, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Mario Poljak, Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stockl, Chiara Riva, Lidia Ruiz, Kirsi Liitsola, Jean-Claude Schmit, Rob Schuurman, Anders Sönnerborg, Danica Stanekova, Maja Stanojevic, Daniel Struck, Kristel Van Laethem, Annemarie MJ Wensing, Charles AB Boucher, Anne-Mieke Vandamme, on behalf of the SPREAD-programme et al. Retrovirology 2012, 9:81 (3 October 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The evolutionary cost of drug resistance (TDR) in HIV should result in a 'less fit' virus in the absence of drugs, but in newly infected people, TDR strains have gained unexpected virulence with worrying implications on future therapy.
		Research HIV-1 subtype C superinfected individuals mount low autologous neutralizing antibody responses prior to intrasubtype superinfection Debby Basu, Colleen S Kraft, Megan K Murphy, Patricia J Campbell, Tianwei Yu, Peter T Hraber, Carmela Irene, Abraham Pinter, Elwyn Chomba, Joseph Mulenga, William Kilembe, Susan A Allen, Cynthia A Derdeyn, Eric Hunter Retrovirology 2012, 9:76 (20 September 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This work suggests that the lack of development of IgG antibodies, as reflected in autologous NAbs as well as gp120 and V1V2 binding antibodies to the primary infection virus, combined with potentially competing, non-protective IgA antibodies, may increase susceptibility to superinfection in the context of settings where a single HIV-1 subtype predominates.
		Research A study of the prevalence and risk factors leading to HIV infection among a sample of street children and youth of Kathmandu Dibesh Karmacharya, Dongmei Yu, Sameer Dixit, Rajesh Rajbhandari, Bhawana Subedi, Sonu Shrestha, Sulochana Manandhar, Susan L Santangelo AIDS Research and Therapy 2012, 9:25 (28 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| 1 comment
		Review Genome-wide association studies on HIV susceptibility, pathogenesis and pharmacogenomics Daniëlle van Manen, Angélique B van ‘t Wout, Hanneke Schuitemaker Retrovirology 2012, 9:70 (24 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were utilized for unbiased searches at a genome-wide level to discover novel genetic factors and pathways involved in HIV-1 infection. This review gives an overview of findings from the GWAS performed on HIV infection, within different cohorts, with variable patient and phenotype selection.
		Research Clinical, virological and biochemical evidence supporting the association of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase polymorphism R284K and thymidine analogue resistance mutations M41L, L210W and T215Y in patients failing tenofovir/emtricitabine therapy Gilberto Betancor, César Garriga, Maria C Puertas, María Nevot, Lourdes Anta, José L Blanco, M Pérez-Elías, Carmen de Mendoza, Miguel A Martínez, Javier Martinez-Picado, Luis Menéndez-Arias, for the Resistance Platform of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (ResRIS) Retrovirology 2012, 9:68 (13 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study shows an association of R284K and TAM1 mutations in individuals failing therapy with tenofovir/emtricitabine, and unveils a novel mechanism by which secondary mutations are selected in the context of drug-resistance mutations.
		Research article Field comparison of OraQuick® ADVANCE Rapid HIV-1/2 antibody test and two blood-based rapid HIV antibody tests in Zambia Dalila Zachary, Lawrence Mwenge, Monde Muyoyeta, Kwame Shanaube, Albertus Schaap, Virginia Bond, Barry Kosloff, Petra de Haas, Helen Ayles BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:183 (8 August 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Review Dual role of autophagy in HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis M Killian AIDS Research and Therapy 2012, 9:16 (20 May 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research Timing and source of subtype-C HIV-1 superinfection in the newly infected partner of Zambian couples with disparate viruses Colleen S Kraft, Debby Basu, Paulina A Hawkins, Peter T Hraber, Elwyn Chomba, Joseph Mulenga, William Kilembe, Naw H Khu, Cynthia A Derdeyn, Susan A Allen, Olivier Manigart, Eric Hunter Retrovirology 2012, 9:22 (20 March 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary In this subtype-C discordant couple cohort, superinfection, during the first year after HIV-1 infection of the previously negative partner, occurred at a rate similar to primary infection (13.6% [95% CI 5.2-34.8] vs 7.8% [7.1-8.6]). While limited intra-couple superinfection may in part reflect continued condom usage within couples, this and our lack of detecting newly superinfected individuals after one year of primary infection raises the possibility that immunological resistance to intra-subtype superinfection may develop over time in subtype C infected individuals.
		Research Sexual behavior of HIV-positive adults not accessing HIV treatment in Mombasa, Kenya: Defining their prevention needs Avina Sarna, Stanley Luchters, Melissa Pickett, Matthew Chersich, Jerry Okal, Scott Geibel, Nzioki Kingola, Marleen Temmerman AIDS Research and Therapy 2012, 9:9 (19 March 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed
		Research article Prospective evaluation of bone markers, parathormone and 1,25-(OH)₂vitamin D in HIV-positive patients after the initiation of tenofovir/emtricitabine with atazanavir/ritonavir or efavirenz Emanuele Focà, Davide Motta, Marco Borderi, Daria Gotti, Laura Albini, Alessandra Calabresi, Ilaria Izzo, Rita Bellagamba, Pasquale Narciso, Laura Sighinolfi, Alberto Clò, Davide Gibellini, Eugenia Quiros-Roldan, Nigritella Brianese, Bruno Cesana, Maria Re, Carlo Torti BMC Infectious Diseases 2012, 12:38 (14 February 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Bone markers C-terminal cross-laps (CTx) and osteocalcin (OC) indicate that antiretroviral drugs could affect bone health, necessitating stricter monitoring in patients who are older, have higher HIV load, or are prescribed certain drugs.
		Research Relationships of PBMC microRNA expression, plasma viral load, and CD4+ T-cell count in HIV-1-infected elite suppressors and viremic patients Kenneth W Witwer, Andria K Watson, Joel N Blankson, Janice E Clements Retrovirology 2012, 9:5 (12 January 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary miRNA profiles, obtained using multiple acquisition, data processing, and analysis methods, distinguished ES and uninfected controls from viremic HIV-1-infected patients. For several miRNAs, however, ES and viremic patients shared similar expression patterns. Differentially expressed miRNAs included those with reported roles in HIV-1 latency (miR-29 family members, miRs -125b and -150). Others, such as miR-31 and miR-31*, had no previously reported connection with HIV-1 infection but were found here to differ significantly with uncontrolled HIV-1 replication.
		Research The role of G protein gene GNB3 C825T Polymorphism in HIV-1 acquisition, progression and immune activation Jennifer Juno, Jeffrey Tuff, Robert Choi, Catherine Card, Joshua Kimani, Charles Wachihi, Sandra Koesters-Kiazyk, T Blake Ball, Carey Farquhar, Francis A Plummer, Grace John-Stewart, Ma Luo, Keith R Fowke Retrovirology 2012, 9:1 (3 January 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary In contrast to previous reports, this study was unable to provide evidence to suggest that the GNB3 C825T polymorphism affects HIV-1 acquisition or disease progression within African populations. Ex vivo immune activation and plasma chemokine levels were similarly unaffected by GNB3 genotype in both HIV-1-negative and HIV-1-positive individuals.