Analyzing 198 kidney transplants, the study found no significant differences in survival rates or organ rejection between the two donor groups.

Advancements in HIV treatment have contributed to lower rejection rates, supporting the expansion of kidney transplants involving HIV-positive donors.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates that kidney transplants from HIV-positive donors are as safe and effective as those from HIV-negative donors.

Despite advancements, stigma and outdated laws have historically discouraged HIV-positive individuals from becoming organ donors, as noted by Carrie Foote, a sociology professor.

The study tracked recipients for up to four years, revealing high overall survival rates and low organ rejection rates in both groups, despite some patients experiencing temporary increases in HIV levels.

The research involved HIV-positive participants suffering from kidney failure, who consented to receive organs from either HIV-positive or negative deceased donors.

In light of these findings, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed rule changes to allow kidney and liver transplants from HIV-positive donors outside of research settings, potentially effective next year.

These proposed changes aim to make HIV-to-HIV transplantation a standard practice, following the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act, which legalized such transplants in 2013 but initially restricted them to research.

Currently, over 90,000 people are on waiting lists for kidney transplants in the U.S., with HIV-positive patients facing a significantly higher mortality risk while waiting.

The practice of using organs from HIV-positive donors began in South Africa in 2010, but was not permitted in the U.S. until 2013, following advocacy for research studies.

Experts believe that the study's findings could promote greater fairness and equality for people living with HIV in organ transplantation.

Overall, the findings support the formal adoption of HIV-to-HIV organ transplants as standard practice, reflecting a significant shift in transplantation policies.