Research

Division faculty, Drs. Gaur, Malhotra, Whitley-Williams, and Ms. Roseann Marone are actively involved in research projects in Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Disease. The majority of the division's research efforts are geared to finding new and effective treatment for pediatric HIV infections.

Faculty are assisted in their research efforts each year by undergraduate and graduate research assistants. In 2005-2006, Charlene Flash, Tanushree Dutta, and Manuel Jimenez have been instrumental to the division's research efforts. As a result of this collaboration, our physicians have presented abstracts and have published articles pertaining to Pediatric Infectious Disease nationally and internationally.

Our current research projects include:

Title: Protease inhibitor associated mutations compromise the efficacy of therapy in human immunodeficiency virus - 1 (HIV-1) infected pediatric patients: a cross-sectional study. Published July 2007 in AIDS Research and Therapy 2007, 4:15doi:10.1186/1742-6405-4-15. View article

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of HIV-1 mutagenesis on the clinical, virological and immunological presentation of HIV disease that is fundamental to optimizing the treatment regimens for these patients.

Investigators: Amisha Malhotra, MD, Sunanda Gaur, MD, Patricia Whitley-Williams, MD, Caitlin Loomis, BA, and Anna Petrova, MD, MPH

Title: The Influence of Family Variables and Psychiatric Co-Morbidities Upon Treatment Adherence in Children and Adolescents with Perinatal HIV Infection. Presented at the Reducing Perinatal HIV Transmission Conference, March 23, 2007. View poster

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to describe the incidence and type of psychiatric problems seen in a cohort of children/adolescents with perinatal HIV infection. The study also investigated the relationship between psychiatric co-morbidities and family variables, and treatment adherence in HIV-infected youth.

Investigators: Gail Burack, Ph.D., ,Sunanda Gaur, MD, Roseann Marone, RN, BSN, MPH, and Anna Petrova, MD, MPH

Title: Rapid HIV test utilization for women who present in labor with unknown HIV serostatus: The impact of the implementation of a hospital policy. Perinatal Collaborative Project poster presented at the AIDS International Society Conference, Brazil, July 2005 and at the 2nd International Conference on HIV Treatment Adherence in Jersey City, New Jersey, March 28-30, 2007. View poster

Objective: This study seeks to identify the proportion of pregnant women who present in labor with unknown HIV status and to identify their demographic characteristics. This study also seeks to assess compliance with the new policy and identify any factors that may have affected compliance.

Investigators: Sunanda Gaur, M.D., Anna Petrova, M.D., PhD, MPH, Roseann Marone, RN, MPH, Amisha Malhotra, M.D., Patricia Whitley-Williams, M.D., Denise Neta, M.D., Manuel Jimenez, BA, Charlene Flash, MPH, Tanushree Dutta, BA, Sonal Shah, M.D.

Title: Obstetrician and Gynecologist HIV Testing Practices. Presented by Charlene Flash, MPH at the UMDNJ School of Public Health Research Day, Piscataway, NJ on April 11, 2006 View poster

Objective: This study seeks to identify the proportion of obstetricians that universally offer HIV counseling and testing services to pregnant women and the factors that influence their decision whether or not to test their patients. This study further seeks to assess obstetricianÿs knowledge, beliefs, and practices with regard to HIV testing.

Title: The Relationship of Streptococcal Antibody Titers To Clinical Manifestations of Children with Post-streptococcal Reactive Arthritis View poster

Objective: Examine the relationship between streptococcal serology and clinical features in children with PSRA over time.

Investigators: L. Nandini Moorthy, Yanetsi Flores, Margaret G. E. Peterson, Karen B. Onel, Sunanda Gaur, Maria Baratelli, Charmi Patel, Gail Charetta, T. Lehman