Human immunodeficiency viruses and the pathogenesis of AIDS
Article Abstract:
Information on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a member of the lentivirus family that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), has been collected since the virus was first identified and is summarized. The genetic structures of two types of the virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2, are described, as are the life cycles of the two viruses. The functions of viral gene products of HIV-1 are also summarized. The HIV may be transmitted through sexual contact, from contaminated blood or blood products, or from a mother to her infant before birth. Various transmission rates were analyzed. The development of the viral disease (pathogenesis) is discussed, including the neurological, gastrointestinal and immunological manifestations of AIDS in HIV-infected patients. Research continues regarding control of an HIV infection, the virus itself, effective antiviral therapy and the development of a vaccine against the viruses.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1989
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Surrogate markers in AIDS research: is there truth in numbers?
Article Abstract:
The use of surrogate markers in testing drugs against HIV could be very misleading. These markers include blood levels of the virus and the number of CD4 cells. But many viral assays only measure free virus in the blood, not the virus sequestered inside cells. These infected cells could be a focus of new virus production. And changes in CD4 cells might simply be a redistribution of cells rather than an increase or decrease in their absolute numbers. HIV can quickly become resistant to many drugs. The best treatment may be drugs that suppress the virus for many years combined with drugs that boost the immune response.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Importance of surrogate markers in evaluation of antiviral therapy for HIV infection
Article Abstract:
Surrogate markers allow the rapid identification of drugs that could be effective in the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS. Surrogate markers are physiological events that can be measured after a short period of therapy instead of waiting for the onset of AIDS or death. They include such things as viral p24 antigen, viral RNA, and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. The use of surrogate markers has speeded up the development and testing of antiviral drugs such as nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors of reverse transcriptase, and protease inhibitors.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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