Montagnier pursues the mycoplasma-AIDS link

Article Abstract:

Luc Montagnier, co-discoverer of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) thought to cause AIDS, has recently published scientific data to support his contention that mycoplasmas (organisms similar to bacteria) are involved in an important way in this disease. His research group has shown that antibodies against mycoplasma components also block HIV replication. These results, interpreted by Montagnier as evidence that mycoplasmas could be cofactors in HIV infection, are hailed more enthusiastically by mycoplasma researchers than AIDS investigators. Newer research has shown that antibodies against one part of the mycoplasma protein also inhibit AIDS virus replication in uninfected blood cells and in cells with excess CD4, the T cell molecule to which HIV 'homes' when it invades the body. If true, these findings support a joint action by mycoplasma and HIV against T cells. Other AIDS investigators doubt the need to posit a cofactor for HIV infection; one objection to the hypothesis is based on the lack of epidemiologic association between the organism and the virus. Montagnier claims evidence for the existence of mycoplasma in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative (though at low levels) subjects: new work concerning this topic has yet to be accepted for publication. Ultimately, virologists and mycoplasmologists will need to cooperate to better evaluate the date. Although Montagnier's ideas are not currently accepted by the research community, his track record where HIV infection is concerned has encouraged people to listen to his views with an open mind. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections, Mycoplasma infections

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Montagnier to head New York center

Article Abstract:

Montagnier will start an AIDS research center at Queens College, Flushing, NY, to be partially funded by US entrepreneur Bernard Salick. The Paris- based codiscoverer of HIV will keep his laboratory at the Pasteur Institute, but may step down as head of its AIDS and retrovirus research department.

Planning, Research institutes

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Has French AIDS research stumbled?

Article Abstract:

France has made few important discoveries about AIDS in the 1990s and is losing its position as a leader in AIDS research. The country's highly centralized research system is blamed for the decline.

France, Levy, Jean-Paul

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