![Beats_global_0](https://www.hivplusmag.com/media-library/beats-global-0.jpg?id=32666364&width=1200&height=1200)
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
New research suggests that many of the drug-resistant strains of HIV that have evolved over the past decade in San Francisco are more transmissible than had been thought. And experts predict that within the next five years these strains are likely to cause a new wave of virus that's highly resistant to medications, potentially proving disastrous by hindering control of the pandemic. In a study published January 14 on the website of the journal Science, researchers from the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, San Francisco's HIV AIDS Program at San Francisco General Hospital developed a mathematical model that tracks the transmission of multiple strains of HIV. The model can be used to predict drug resistance in any setting where individuals are treated for HIV infection. While in this case it was applied to San Francisco, the researchers found that the drug-resistant strains emerging in that city are also very likely to emerge in many African countries where treatment is just beginning. "This isn't just about San Francisco," says senior author Sally Blower, director of UCLA's Center for Biomedical Modeling and a member of the UCLA AIDS Institute. "It's basically about many other communities in resource-rich countries and has significant implications for global health. San Francisco is like the canary in the mine. In fact, the most significant implications of our work are for countries where treatment is just being rolled out." "What is very unsettling," Blower continues, "is that our modeling shows that the current strategy for HIV elimination that is being proposed by the World Health Organization could inadvertently make things worse and significantly increase levels of drug resistance in many African countries." The researchers studied the evolution of drug-resistant strains over the past 20 years and predicted their spread over the next five years, according to Robert Smith, who was a postdoctoral fellow in Blower's lab when the research was conducted. Surprisingly, he says, their analysis showed that HIV was becoming more than simply stronger in its resistance to medications. "What was very disturbing was we found that some of the drug-resistant strains were increasing," says Smith, now an assistant professor in the department of mathematics and statistics at the University of Ottawa. The model was able to explain this increase, according to Justin T. Okano, also a research associate in Blower's group. "What is going on in San Francisco is very complicated, but in a nutshell," he elaborates, "it is due to the bug, the drugs, and sex."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM