The Interaction Between Sexually Transmissible Infections And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection In Homosexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,931.00
Summary
This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increase ....This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increased in homosexual men. Currently, HIV rates are increasing in Australia and in many developed countries. We are in need of new and effective methods of HIV prevention. Data in heterosexuals suggest that where STIs are common, the early detection and treatment of these infections may help reduce HIV incidence. There are few data on this relationship in homosexual men. We propose to utilise an existing Sydney cohort of homosexual men to collect data on biologic tests for STIs, history of recent diagnosis of STIs, and symptoms, to allow a comprehensive description of the epidemiology of STIs and their overlap with HIV. The quality of data on the interaction between HIV and STIs in this cohort will be superior to any previously collected in homosexual men, as it will include data on self-reported doctor diagnosed illness, state of the art biologic testing, and symptom data, for the full spectrum of important STIs. The results of this study will be helpful in determining strategies for HIV and STI screening, education and control in the population which comprises the great majority of cases of HIV infection in Australia, and one of the largest risk groups for HIV infection in the developed world. Screening coupled with treatment of asymptomatic STIs may be an effective new approach to HIV prevention in this population.Read moreRead less
Developing And Implenting An Ethical Framework For HIV Phylogenetic Analysis In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$537,855.00
Summary
Overseas, many countries are using genetic analysis to detect clusters of HIV transmission. This is an important part of reducing the number of new HIV infections, and making sure that all people with HIV receive timely medical care. In partnership with HIV community organisations and public health policy makers, we will provide the first evidence-base for the public health utility of real-time HIV genetic analysis in the Australian setting.
Determinants Of The Clearance Of HIV Infected Cells By Successful AIDS Vaccines
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$188,500.00
Summary
A vaccine is urgently needed to halt the global AIDS epidemic caused by HIV infection. We have previously demonstrated that new generation vaccine technology can prevent HIV infection. DNA and fowlpoxviruses vaccines are designed to carry in parts of HIV and induce very vigorous immune defences to be mounted against HIV. The proposal seeks to understand why these vaccines work, their limitations, and to help guide further improvements to these vaccines. In particular, we will look at how these v ....A vaccine is urgently needed to halt the global AIDS epidemic caused by HIV infection. We have previously demonstrated that new generation vaccine technology can prevent HIV infection. DNA and fowlpoxviruses vaccines are designed to carry in parts of HIV and induce very vigorous immune defences to be mounted against HIV. The proposal seeks to understand why these vaccines work, their limitations, and to help guide further improvements to these vaccines. In particular, we will look at how these vaccines clear cells that become infected with the virus and which are the most important cells that do this. We will also look at whether HIV can hide away in latent forms despite seemingly successful vaccination. Importantly, we will address whether these vaccines should limit the spread of HIV between people, an important public health goal of successful vaccines.Read moreRead less
Research Fellowship In Preventing HIV And HIV-related Cancer
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,490.00
Summary
This fellowship concerns HIV prevention and HIV-related cancer. In HIV prevention, Grulich will evaluate the success of elements of the new biomedical prevention approach to HIV, and highlight areas in which policy action can be taken to substantially reduce HIV transmission. In HIV related cancer, Grulich will determine whether HIV-associated cancers continue to occur at increased rates in the new era of prolonged survival of people with HIV, and investigate preventive approaches.
Biomedical methods to prevent HIV include vaccines, gels used vaginally or rectally, oral medicines taken before or after potential exposure to HIV, and male and female condoms. We aim to investigate the impact of several such prevention methods, both on HIV transmission in Australia and on the behaviour of people using these technologies. Potential users' knowledge and attitudes towards such products will be explored. Results will contribute to the design of future HIV prevention studies.
HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis In Men Who Have Sex With Men: Investigating Impacts On HIV Incidence And Novel Methods Of Engagement
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$318,768.00
Summary
HIV infections are increasing in gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia and Indonesia. A promising new HIV prevention strategy is HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which involves HIV-negative individuals taking one pill containing HIV treatments per day to prevent infection. PrEP is highly effective when taken correctly. Access to PrEP is currently very limited. Studies to investigate the best ways to implement PrEP services are required in Australia and Indonesia.
HIV Treatment As Prevention: A Longitudinal Assessment Of Population Effectiveness
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$783,160.00
Summary
This project is a large-scale evaluation of an HIV strategy known as ‘treatment as prevention’ (TasP). Through routine and repeat HIV testing for gay men and early treatment initiation following diagnosis, TasP aims to reduce HIV community infection rates. Through the establishment of a large cohort of gay men in NSW and Victoria, this study will track HIV testing, treatment and management to assess the real-world efficacy of TasP for reducing HIV infections among this at-risk population.
Enhancing Behavioural Surveillance To Address Gaps And Disparities In Australia's HIV Response In A Changing HIV Epidemic
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,268,159.00
Summary
This project will test and evaluate changes to Australia's HIV behavioural surveillance system, increasing recruitment and data collection from overseas-born, bisexual and heterosexual men who have sex with men (MSM). This is necessary because Australia's HIV epidemic is changing, with falling infections among Australian-born gay men, but rising infections in other groups, such as Asian-born MSM. The project will use technological advancements in recruitment, survey research and interviews.