• Question: Do you think that scientists are any closer to worker out how to properly cure HIV/AIDs??

    Asked by u26durberk to Andrew, Emma, Marianne on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 22 Jun 2010:

      Hi durberk,

      Tough call. The treatments we have are so effective that they have almost removed this question from most people’s minds (in the western world anyway). You are right to say they aren’t ‘cures’ though. They do prevent folk infected with HIV developing AIDS

      I know there’s been a lot of excitement about harnessing a subset of the white blood cell called T-lymphocyte to fight HIV in a vaccine-type approach.

      The virus itself is so worryingly smart that I think it is difficult to see (at the moment) how you could eradicate it entirely with a drug.

      There is an argument that the important thing at the moment is to prevent spread by education and safe-sex practices as well as diagnosis and treatment of cases. Africa is an important battleground for this kind of work. It is terrifying to think of apprx. 28 million folk dealing with this virus and its consequences. Even more terrifying when you hear some of the things the South African president has said about the disease.

      The other major worry is the associated spread of multi-drug resistant TB which is a major killer.

    • Photo: Emma Pilgrim

      Emma Pilgrim answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      Hello

      This isn’t my area of research as I am a biologist not a medic. The only thing I can say is I hope so!

    • Photo: Andrew Maynard

      Andrew Maynard answered on 23 Jun 2010:

      Hi u26durberk,

      I don’t know actually – it’s a while since I’ve checked up on how scientists are doing here. Interesting to see what the other scientists say.

    • Photo: Marianne Baker

      Marianne Baker answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Hey u26durberk,

      So currently we have the anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs); HIV is called a ‘retrovirus’ because its genes are made of RNA instead of DNA; a simpler molecule.

      These drugs prevent the infection from growing out of control in the individual and causing AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; the immune system is ‘broken’ due to the sheer amount of virus in the person – then they get many other diseases because their natural immunity is so badly damaged and this is what ultimately kills people).

      As for completely removing the virus, this is so tough. Some people have claimed it is not possible but that has not stopped people continuing research to see if we can do something.

      The problem with HIV is that it is constantly changing. Viruses ‘hide’ from the immune system by changing their protein cover – if you imagine a fly in your room that’s like a chameleon; wherever it goes,changing colour,and you can’t see it to kill it!

      It evolves SO fast. Every possible change that can occur in its genes *does* occur *millions* of times every single day, in each individual. So it seems any attack against the virus itself just won’t work; that’s why people are looking more at adapting *our* cells instead.

      It’s a huge challenge and one that isn’t helped by corrupt governments in the developing world, religious initiatives discouraging people from having safe sex and many other cultural barriers. But I think we have to remain optimistic.

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