 |
|
|
AREAS OF RESEARCH
The MCA Center conducts a broad range of clinical, epidemiological, behavioral and translational studies. MCA investigators have participated in several large national studies, industry-sponsored treatment trials, and international collaborations. In addition, MCA conducts a number of Investigator-initiated studies examining issues related to HIV among HIV-infected women, their children, and sexual partners. MCA researchers are constantly expanding collaborations with other investigators within the Keck School of Medicine and beyond with specific interests in maternal, child, and adolescent infectious diseases.
- Clinical Studies
Clinical research at MCA has included trials for new antiretroviral agents, treatment of opportunistic infections, vaccine studies, and perinatal prevention of HIV transmission studies. HIV/AIDS research has focused on understanding perinatal transmission and the pathogenesis of HIV disease and response to therapy, with special emphasis on the impact of co-infection. MCA clinical research also explores a range of infectious diseases beyond HIV. Our current clinical study areas include:
- Vaccine Trials, including therapeutic and preventative vaccines for Meningococcal meningitis, Hepatitis B, HPV, and HIV.
- Treatment trials exploring pharmacokinetic properties of antiretroviral therapies and prevention of maternal-fetal transmission
- Observational studies exploring disease transmission and co-infection, pediatric late outcomes, and medication adherence through therapeutic drug monitoring.
- Behavioral Studies
Behavioral research at MCA investigates behavioral, intervention, and prevention issues related to HIV infection and risk. Our research focuses on the development of effective therapies, treatment strategies, and prevention programs to be used as a model for care, and examines psychiatric co-morbidity and social support among HIV-infected and HIV-affected populations. Current behavioral research areas include:
- Prevention Program for HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals
- Family Dynamics
- Treatment Adherence and Readiness Studies
- Directly-Observed Therapy
- Psychiatric co-morbidity studies of children and adolescents
- Motivational enhancement for health promotion and risk reduction
- TALK LA: Support for families living with HIV
- Epidemiologic and Cohort Studies
MCA’s epidemiologic and cohort studies explore the long-term aspects of infectious disease exposure, treatment, and management. These studies aim to address outstanding questions relating to demographics, development, and quality of life of our patients through childhood and into their adult lives. Our current major studies in this area include:
- Longitudinal Epidemiological Study to Gain insight into HIV/AIDS in Children and Youth (LEGACY)
- Natural History Study: Health Status of HIV-infected Women, Children, Adolescents, and their families
- Pediatric Late Outcomes study, exploring long-term health outcomes of HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children
- Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS)examining the consequences of fetal and neonatal exposure to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-exposed, uninfected children
- Translational Studies
Translational research at MCA focuses on novel approaches to clinical treatment through explorations of pathophysiology, biomarkers for disease, and clinical outcomes. A combination of laboratory and clinical efforts has allowed MCA to take great strides in translational studies of infectious diseases. Current translational research areas include:
- HCV and Progression of HIV and HAART Response in Women
- Genetic Markers of HIV and HCV Infection: HLA and KIR
- Pathogenesis of Disease and Mechanisms of Transmission of HIV, HCV, CMV
|
|
|
|
