ADMIN
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Posts by ADMIN
New HIV Strain Shown to Be More Aggressive Than Previously Known Types
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
New HIV Strain Leads to Faster Disease Progression
Newfound information has been found that certain forms of HIV is showing to be more aggressive than older, previously known strains. HIV has been around for quite some time, but new forms of the disease are coming to light. Currently there are about 60 known strains of the virus, with specific virus strains prevalent throughout certain regions. Each geographical location hosts about two strains of HIV. However, it is possible for a person infected with one strain to be infected with a different type as well. When this happens, a recombined form can appear.
These recombinant forms have the medical world on high alert. After recent studies, scientists have noticed a growing trend of more aggressive forms of HIV taking place. Globalization in the form of immigration has also played a role in taking strains of the virus out of one area and moving into other areas, introducing new strains to each other. The recombinant forms of these viruses have been the focus of current research.
The strain recombinant A3/02 is the combined strain of two forms of HIV common in West Africa. However, when closely observed and studied, the mutant virus proved itself more destructive than its predecessors. Researchers noticed a faster progression towards the development of AIDS as well, taking only five years for the disease to manifest. This is much faster than previously seen with older strains. Scientists fear that with the passage of time, and more recombinant forms coming into existence, the more we will see a change in the way HIV functions and reacts. This is especially the case when it comes to treatment, since these new types are more resistant to certain therapies.
More follow up is needed to completely understand the dynamic nature of these new HIV strains. Further study will help researchers discover what types of recombinant forms already exist and how to deal with these changes.
HIV Returns In Men Thought to Have Been Cured
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
HIV Back for Two “Cured” Men
One of the brightest hopes for a cure to HIV has been dampened: Two men who had received a stem cell treatment thought to have cured them of the virus have seen it returning, the case dashing expectations that the stem cell treatment was a success.
While a stem cell transplant may not be a cure for the disease, it has been useful for experts who are considering the case. Hopeful researchers held their breath while both men received the experimental treatment in Boston and the disease seemed to disappear. The two men were also both afflicted with lymphoma, which is why they received the transplant. No sign of the disease remained after 8 months; many remained skeptical, and the men continued to be monitored to see what would happen. The first blow to the treatment came in August, when one of the two saw a reemergence of the disease. The other shoe then dropped just last November.
This cuts the number of cured HIV patients from four people down to just two. There was a man cured back in 2007 after receiving treatment for leukemia, followed by a baby cured in 2010, who was cured via strong antiretroviral treatments received just after birth. They are now the only two individuals to have the disease seemingly eradicated, with no resurgence after an extended period of time.
While many who receive treatment cease to have pathogens in their blood, the disease is well known for returning once therapy is stopped. Both of the men from Boston ceased treatments after the transplants; the first man had the disease return 12 weeks after stopping treatment, and the second man saw the condition return 32 weeks after discontinuing his.
As disappointing as the results are, this offers up more information on how HIV works. Research continues in order to find the reservoir that the disease hides in during treatment.
HIV and Parenting
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
With advances in modern medicine and therapies, babies who have had HIV passed on to them from their parents are surviving into young adulthood. This is a big step forward, indeed; not too long ago, HIV would have claimed their lives well before they reached their teens.
While this is good news and shows definite progress in the battle against the virus, there are several social implications. Researchers interviewed young adults aged 18-23 who had perinatally-acquired HIV (or PAH). What they found was a natural desire to have a family and raise children of their own. Certain issues regarding such choices, however, make these types of decisions difficult. Therefore, these young people are looking for answers as to how to go about planning their futures.
Each person interviewed expressed the desire to have children. While this was what they wanted, concerns over how to tell their partners about HIV, and eventually their children, posed a dilemma. They wanted families of their own but were unsure as to how to go about it. Especially weighing on them was the risk of transmitting HIV to their children. Most were worried about the long-term effects on their relationships, both with potential partners and their children.
Another area of consideration researchers took into account was cultural background. For example, certain African cultures place importance on having children, and those with PAH naturally want their own families and are also pressured socially to do so. In light of this, researchers see an urgent need for education, emphasizing information on communication and making filial and relationship decisions.
The medical advances against HIV have given many people a chance at a normal life and bright future. Along with this, though, comes a new set of issues. Finding a way to impart important information on making good life decisions is what researchers and physicians are hoping to look into.
HPV and Increased HIV Risk Linked
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Vaccination
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, has been linked to several genital cancers. These infections are particularly troublesome in countries where poverty and HIV are also rampant. Vaccines that protect against HPV infection have proven effective but certain threats still exist.
Moreover, this type of infection has been studied extensively in women, but limited attention has been given to its effects in men. A five-year study of HPV links this disease to an increased risk for HIV in men.
The tragic fact is that in certain places, like Kenya, the leading cause of death is HIV and AIDS. A study of over 2,500 Kenyan men was conducted to see if there was a connection between an infection caused by HPV and the risk of HIV infection. 61 of the men observed in the study had acquired HIV at some point during the trial. Unfortunately, there was a link: It was found that those who had HPV were at greater risk for acquiring HIV, and this proved true whether or not the male was circumcised. This comes as sad news: Each year, HIV claims nearly 2 million lives worldwide. The information gathered in this study showed that greater attention to the prevention of these diseases still has to be made.
One glimmer of hope is inoculation. As mentioned, there is a single-dose vaccine available for HPV, and it is useful in preventing HPV-borne cancers. Extensive research still has to be done to determine if this alone is enough to prevent HIV as well. The effects of the HPV vaccine and the results of administering it to men still have to be studied. However, it is still highly recommended for women to receive the vaccine.
New Light on Cardiovascular Disease in HIV Patients
11 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
Atherosclerosis has been noted in HIV patients. For a while it had been thought that certain therapies like antiretroviral therapies (ART) may have been contributing factors; other factors included smoking. New research is showing that this may not necessarily be the cause of cardiovascular disease in each case.
Studies have been conducted on HIV-positive patients in regard to smoking, ART and cardiovascular disease. However, the results were muddled, and understanding the exact nature of the relationships between each factor remained unclear. In a newer, recently-concluded study, some of these relationships were cleared up.
A group of participants were followed for 2 years consisting of HIV-positive patients, some who had never had ART, and others who were currently on the therapy. Neither group contained smokers—actually, no participant had ever smoked. There was also a control group of 50 individuals with no history of HIV infection. Each person was tested as to their cardiovascular health by measuring the thickness of their carotid intima-media. This precursor to arteriosclerosis would give insight as to which individuals were most at risk. What researchers found was that those most at risk for cardiovascular disease were patients who had been infected with HIV for over 8 years. This included those who had never been on antiretroviral therapy.
Those with a long history of HIV infection had more inflammation and were less receptive to anti-inflammatory drugs. This is significant because this weakened response is common in those at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers still need more information, and this was only a small study. They have found, however, that longer infection time increases a person’s risk for atherosclerosis. While this is true, they are not saying that HIV is the cause. More research is needed to determine the other risk factors involved.
