 |
|
Has HIV Become More Virulent?
April 08, 2009Damage to patients' immune systems is happening sooner now than it did at the beginning of the HIV epidemic, suggesting the virus has become more virulent, according to a new study in the May 1, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.
Conventional wisdom says several years will pass between HIV infection and the need for antiretroviral therapy. However, clinicians have observed that patients are entering HIV care with lower initial CD4 cell counts than in previous years and now often require antiretroviral therapy soon after entering care, raising the question of whether HIV has become more virulent.
Researchers studied data from more than 2,000 HIV-positive active-duty military personnel, retirees, and dependents between 1985 and 2007 who had tested HIV-negative within the previous four years. When they looked at patients' first CD4 count after HIV diagnosis, they found that it decreased from an average of 632 cells/mm³ in 1985-1990 to 514 cells/mm³ in 2002-2007. Additionally, 25 percent of patients diagnosed with HIV in recent years already had fewer than 350 CD4 cells/mm3, the threshold for when antiretroviral therapy should begin, compared to only 12 percent of patients in the late 1980s.
The authors note that the trend seems to have stabilized, perhaps due to the widespread introduction of highly active combination antiretroviral therapy.
This is the first study from the United States which shows that the immune cells among recently diagnosed HIV patients has dramatically fallen during the HIV epidemic. These findings are similar to those found in the study from Europe, which suggests that these trends may be widespread.
"Unfortunately, it may no longer be true that there is a time period of several years between diagnosis and the need for treatment - instead this time-span is shortening" said study author Nancy Crum-Cianflone MD, of the San Diego Naval Medical Center. "Early diagnosis is important for several reasons including that patients can enter into medical care and begin treatment before the immune system becomes weak and opportunistic infections develop."
Infectious Diseases Society of America
The authors note that the trend seems to have stabilized, perhaps due to the widespread introduction of highly active combination antiretroviral therapy.
This is the first study from the United States which shows that the immune cells among recently diagnosed HIV patients has dramatically fallen during the HIV epidemic. These findings are similar to those found in the study from Europe, which suggests that these trends may be widespread.
"Unfortunately, it may no longer be true that there is a time period of several years between diagnosis and the need for treatment - instead this time-span is shortening" said study author Nancy Crum-Cianflone MD, of the San Diego Naval Medical Center. "Early diagnosis is important for several reasons including that patients can enter into medical care and begin treatment before the immune system becomes weak and opportunistic infections develop."
Infectious Diseases Society of America
HIV Current Events and HIV News RSSMany pregnant women avoid HIV screening in Africa
'Prevention is the best cure' is a common expression, but what happens if preventative measures are not used? A large proportion of pregnant Ugandan women are going out of their way not to be HIV tested, increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice
Since the discovery in 2007 that a component of human semen called SEVI boosts infectivity of the virus that causes AIDS, researchers have been trying to learn more about SEVI and how it works, in hopes of thwarting its infection-promoting activity.
New findings suggest strategy to help generate HIV-neutralizing antibodies
New discoveries about anti-HIV antibodies may bring researchers a step closer to creating an effective HIV vaccine, according to a new paper co-authored by scientists at the Vaccine Research Center of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health.
Research calls for better assessment of tests for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria
A rapid and accurate diagnosis is the first step towards treatment in the fight against infectious disease.
No-entry zones for AIDS virus
The AIDS virus inserts its genetic material into the genome of the infected cell. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center have now shown for the first time that the virus almost entirely spares particular sites in the human genetic material in this process. This finding may be useful for developing new, specific AIDS drugs.
Hoping for a fluorescent basket case
Although recent advances have raised hopes that a protective vaccine can be developed, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a major public health problem.
Scientists explain binding action of 2 key HIV antibodies; could lead to new vaccine design
A very close and detailed study of how the most robust antibodies work to block the HIV virus as it seeks entry into healthy cells has revealed a new direction for researchers hoping to design an effective vaccine.
U.S. and European Experts Applaud Creation of New Transatlantic Task Force on Global Antibiotic Resistance Threat
Experts on both sides of the Atlantic applaud President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union (EU) Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide.
1930s drug slows tumor growth
Drugs sometimes have beneficial side effects. A glaucoma treatment causes luscious eyelashes. A blood pressure drug also aids those with a rare genetic disease.
Indiana U. at APHA: Studies about why men and women use lubricants during sex
An Indiana University study involving 2,453 women ages 18 to 68 found that lubricant use during sexual activity alone or with a partner contributed to higher ratings of pleasurable and satisfying sex.
More HIV Current Events and HIV News Articles
 |
100 Questions and Answers About HIV and AIDS by Joel Gallant (Author) |
 |
Absolutely Positive Directed By: Peter Adair Also With: Janet Cole (Cinematographer), Peter Adair (Cinematographer), Peter Adair (Writer) Ten years following its ground-breaking debut at Sundance, the landmark film that first humanized the face of AIDS is now available in this special 10th Anniversary Edition. Simultaneously heart-wrenching and life affirming, ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE is an hon |
 |
The First Year: HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed (First Year, The) by Brett Grodeck (Author), M.D. Daniel S. Berger (Foreword) This supportive resource explores the next generation of HIV/AIDS drugs and also includes new research on HIV and crystal meth, as well as new insights for the hardest hit population — African Americans. |
 |
HIV Essentials 2010 by Paul E. Sax (Author), Calvin J. Cohen (Author), Daniel R. Kuritzkes (Author) HIV Essentials 2010 incorporates the latest clinical guidelines into a step-by-step guide to the diagnosis, evaluation, management and prevention of HIV infection and its complications. Topics include: HIV diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and prevention; Opportunistic infections and other HIV Complications; Treatment of HIV and pregnancy; Antiretroviral drug summaries; Post-exposure Prophylaxis; New section to each drug summary called "How Supplied" describes the commercially available dosage forms for all the ARV's |
 |
Living with HIV: A Patient's Guide by Mark Cichocki (Author) This helpful guide offers a wealth of information for individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV and for people caring for HIV positive friends and loved ones. It covers the entire HIV lifespan, from prevention to diagnosis and beyond. Valuable tips help the reader make the best decision when choosing a doctor, finding and adhering to the right medication regimen, and, if necessary, making end-of-life plans. All aspects of HIV/AIDS are discussed, including opportunistic and associated infections, dental care, exercise and nutrition, substance use and abuse, and emotional treatment. |
 |
Life Support Starring: Queen Latifah, Anna Deavere Smith, Wendell Pierce, Rachel Nicks, Evan Ross (III) Directed By: Nelson George HBO Films presents Academy Award® nominee Queen Latifah (Chicago) in a heartbreaking story of one woman's journey to the brink of self-destruction and despair, and her inspirational fight to gain back her dignity and her family. Ana is an HIV-positive former drug addict from Brooklyn, desperately struggling with her past and passionately trying to make things right with her involvement in an AIDS outreach group, Life Support. Inspired by a true story, Life Support is a touching, poignant tale of loving, losing and letting go. DVD Features: |
 |
HIV and the Pathogenesis of AIDS, 3rd Edition by Jay A. Levy (Author) The new edition of HIV and the Pathogenesis of AIDS provides a state-of-the-art review of the current research, explains the history of the disease, and examines how scientists, clinicians, and public health workers have responded to the challenges presented by HIV/AIDS in the 25 years since its recognition. Many exciting developments in the field have deepened scientific understanding of HIV/AIDS and have provided novel approaches for prevention and treatment. The book explores potential approaches for therapy and a vaccine for the prevention of HIV infection and AIDS is discussed. Thoroughly updated and revised, the third edition continues to provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject that is unmatched in the field. Figures and tables illustrate and emphasize key points and... |
 |
The Naked Truth: Young, Beautiful, and (HIV) Positive by Marvelyn Brown (Author), Courtney Martin (Author) The surprisingly hopeful story of how a straight, nonpromiscuous, everyday girl contracted HIV and how she manages to stay upbeat, inspired, and more positive about life than ever before At nineteen years of age, Marvelyn Brown was lying in a stark white hospital bed at Tennessee Christian Medical Center, feeling hopeless. A former top track and basketball athlete, she was in the best shape of her life, but she was battling a sudden illness in the intensive care unit. Doctors had no idea what was going on. It never occurred to Brown that she might be HIV positive. Having unprotected sex with her Prince Charming had set into swift motion a set of circumstances that not only landed her in the fight of her life, but also alienated her from her community. Rather than give... |
 |
HIV/AIDS: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Alan Whiteside (Author) HIV/AIDS is without doubt the worst epidemic to hit humankind since the Black Death. As of 2004 an estimated 40 million people were living with the disease, and about 20 million had died. Despite rapid scientific advances there is still no cure and the drugs are expensive and toxic. In the developing world, especially in parts of Africa, life expectancy has plummeted to below 35 years, causing a serious decline in economic growth, a sharp increase in orphans, and the imminent collapse of health care systems. The news is not all bleak though. There have been unprecedented breakthroughs in understanding diseases and developing drugs. Because the disease is so closely linked to sexual activity and drug use, the need to understand and change behavior has caused us to reassess what it means... |
 |
Frontline: The Age of AIDS Starring: Will Lyman, Peter Haydu, Judy Woodruff, Martin Smith, Jim Gilmore Directed By: Brent E. Huffman, Katerina Monemvassitis Also With: Emmett Wilson III (Cinematographer), Katerina Monemvassitis (Producer), Marsha Bemko (Producer) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |