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
Risk Factors For Long-term Chronic Disease Events In HIV-positive Persons: The D:A:D Cohort Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,659.00
Summary
The D:A:D Study is a large, international study assessing risk factors for chronic disease events in HIV-positive patients. We know these events, such as heart attacks and cancers, increase with age. And we also know that these events are more common in HIV-positive people. Over the next five years, D:A:D will assess risk factors for chronic disease events in HIV-positive people as they age, and help optimise patient monitoring and management.
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.
People With HIV Still Die Young – Preventing Non-AIDS-associated Comorbidity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,768.00
Summary
There are over 36 million people in the world infected with HIV. While people with HIV can now live an almost normal life through the use of medication, they have a very high risk of heart problems, cancer and other common illnesses. It is important to find ways of reducing the cost of treating these common illnesses and to make sure that people with HIV can live a long, happy life. This project aims to find the best ways to stop people with HIV getting heart trouble or dying from liver cancer.
Evaluating The Burden And Aetiology Of Medical Comorbidities Among People With HIV In Australia: Towards The Optimal Management Of The Ageing HIV Positive Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$105,599.00
Summary
People with HIV are living longer due to better HIV medications. People with HIV also have more medical problems (like heart disease and cancer) than HIV negative persons. Therefore, treating these other medical conditions is becoming a larger part of caring for people with HIV. This research focuses on: 1) Understanding how common these medical conditions are among people with HIV; and 2) Identifying the reasons behind why people with HIV have more medical problems than HIV negative people.
Evaluating The Uptake And Impact Of The HIV/STI Prevention And Treatment Revolution
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$435,411.00
Summary
The aims of this ECF are to: a) assess the uptake and impact of new HIV prevention options; b) evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for bacterial STIs; and c) determine risk factors of ill health caused by STIs. State-of-the-art methods will be applied for the design and analysis of various types of studies. All research will inform HIV/STI policy, prevention programs, and clinical practice – in Australia and abroad. Findings will be disseminated widely e.g. to policy makers.
Prevention Of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) And Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) In Victoria's Vulnerable Populations: The Impact Of Early And Regular Testing.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$96,183.00
Summary
The primary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between early and regular testing of STIs and BBVs and transmission outcomes to inform effective strategies to prevent ongoing transmission of STIs and BBVs in at-risk populations. Specifically it will examine HIV, chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Victoria. This project will aim to identify prevention and health promotion strategies and methods of implementation to reduce the individual an ....The primary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between early and regular testing of STIs and BBVs and transmission outcomes to inform effective strategies to prevent ongoing transmission of STIs and BBVs in at-risk populations. Specifically it will examine HIV, chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Victoria. This project will aim to identify prevention and health promotion strategies and methods of implementation to reduce the individual and community cost associated with STIs and BBVs.Read moreRead less