HIV and AIDS
Leading comprehensive research in HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), attacks the body鈥檚 immune systems and continues to be a public health challenge. While infections have decreased worldwide, the total number of people living with HIV has increased. Additionally, despite global decreases in new infections and deaths, in some parts of the world, like southern Africa, HIV is still the leading cause of death [1]. In the United States there are still over 30,000 new HIV infections each year and the majority of these new HIV infections are in the Southern US [2]. In addition, many infections and malignancies are associated with HIV infection such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections, lymphoma and cervical and anal cancer. Community specific differences are major factors affecting differences in HIV infection and care, and they continue to contribute to the persistence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic [1].
Additionally, the world is now facing an aging population of people with HIV; this includes both individuals who have lived with HIV for a longer time and those newly infected [3]. Therefore, new questions arise relative to the care for these individuals associated with long-term effects of inflammation and immune activation associated with HIV, co-infection with CMV, the impact of antiretroviral therapy and the accompanying comorbidities associated with aging.
The CRA鈥檚 involvement with the ACTG network works to address the treatment of HIV, associated comorbidities, and care management of HIV patients.
References
- Mody A, Sohn AH, Iwuji C, Tan RKJ, Venter F, Geng EH. HIV epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and implementation strategies for public health. Lancet 2024;403(10425):471-92 doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01381-8 [published Online First: 20231130].
- Prevention USCfDCa. Fast Facts: HIV in the United States. Secondary Fast Facts: HIV in the United States April 22, 2024. .
- The Lancet Healthy L. Ageing with HIV. The Lancet Healthy Longevity 2022;3(3):e119 doi: 10.1016/S2666-7568(22)00041-1.
CRA-Supported HIV/AIDS Research
Through our partnerships provided by the NIAID-funded Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally for HIV/AIDS and Other Infections (ACTG), led by Joseph Eron, MD, 黑料网 SOM Professor of Medicine, our community extends throughout the state of NC and beyond, setting standards of care and improving the lives of people with HIV. Research from this network has led to treatments and management of HIV and its comorbidities (ie, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and emerging infections) that improve and extend lives. Voices for those affected by HIV, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases (including COVID-19 and mpox) are represented at the state, national, international, and local levels through ACTG community advisory boards, which supports community outreach, education, and participation in research, and represents community concerns directly to ACTG leadership and researchers. Working together, researchers, staff, and the community pursue the goal of advancing science to promote healthy lives and find a cure.