New Drug Raises Immune System Response to HIV

If only there was a way to raise the body's immune system's response to HIV, giving it the ability to fight off the virus. That wish may become reality - a group of scientists believe a drug they have tested on monkeys could help humans fight HIV and halt the illness's progression in carriers.  

When infected monkeys were given one treatment of the new drug they lived twice as long. The drug triggered their immune system's response to the virus. The problem with current antiretroviral drugs is that they must be taken over and over, which results in drug resistance from the body. The new drug works so well that just a few treatments could result in the body fighting of the virus completely. 

This new HIV drug is a long way from entering the market, but scientist agree their research is promising. 

Originally reported by the BBC. Picture from SPL.   

Super Immune Cells Fight AIDS

Researchers have found a new way to fight AIDS: genetically engineered immune cells. Scientists have created genetically engineered immune cells that can identify the AIDS virus, even when it disguices itself in the body. 

The new killer T-cells, or "assassin" cells, could form a new treatment for AIDS. The modified cells were able to recognize other cells infected by HIV and kill the cells, slowing the spread of the virus. If the process can be used in human it means a revolution for fighting AIDS. 

Originally reported by Reuters. 

HIV Patients Live Longer

HIV patients who use antiretroviral therapy are living more 13 years longer than they did in 1996. The death rate has dropped by 40 percent. A meta study done by the British Colombia Center for Excellence found that the sooner someone starts treatment the more likely they are to live longer. Generally, women with HIV have longer life expectancies than men. The study also found that mortality decreased from 16.3 deaths per 1,000 person-years in 1996 to 1999 to 10 deaths per 1,000 person-years in 2003 to 2005.

Many doctors feel that the advances in antiretroviral treatment have made HIV a chronic illness rather than a death sentence.

(Originally reported by The Washington Post.)

AIDS Infections and Deaths on the Decline

According to a UN report, the number of AIDS infections and deaths are declining. There hasn't been a decline in the infection or death rate since AIDS was identified in the 1980's. Although there are an estimated 32.2 million people living with HIV, the annual rate of infection is decreasing. The decrease may be a result of better education programs throughout the world.   

For more details give this article from eFluxMedia a read.