Russia reports a breakthrough in HIV screening: a test capable of detecting infection at its earliest stages in as little as eight minutes. This development was highlighted by Izvestia, which cited biotechnologists from the Russian company Rapid Bio as the source for the claim.
According to Candidate of Medical Sciences Dmitry Bulanov, the global pattern of HIV risk mirrors what is observed in Russia: individuals who are socially active and engage in unprotected sex with multiple partners are most vulnerable to infection. He notes that, despite advances, there is still no cure for HIV that can completely remove the virus from an infected person.
“HIV therapies fall into two major categories. The first is antiretroviral treatment, which blocks the replication of viral particles inside immune cells. The second category focuses on immediate post-exposure measures to prevent disease onset after possible contact or exposure”, Bulanov explained.
Galina Kozhevnikova, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at RUDN University, added that at present a person may learn of an infection only 3–5 years after acquiring it. During this asymptomatic window, a person can unknowingly spread the virus, underscoring the need for faster testing and greater awareness to curb transmission.
Experts believe that the new testing approach could dramatically shorten the discovery timeline and reduce the spread of HIV by enabling quicker action and treatment initiation. Public health campaigns aimed at increasing awareness are also seen as a crucial component of reducing transmission rates.
In a local context, Sverdlovsk residents have been participating in initiatives that encourage HIV testing paired with culturally meaningful gestures, such as giving flowers after testing—an approach designed to reduce stigma and promote engagement with health services.
Separately, the United States Organization for Cancer Research and Treatment has reported on the management of blood cancers and HIV in cases involving older adults, highlighting evolving treatment landscapes and the importance of early diagnosis in improving outcomes.