Can't find one AIDS vaccine? Try for a few

Article Abstract:

Three years ago, researchers were consistently gloomy about the prospects for developing a successful vaccine to protect against AIDS. The virus changes so rapidly that vaccines prepared from one strain of virus might not be effective against another. However, at the Seventh International Conference on AIDS, held in Italy, researchers showed signs of cautious optimism. The focus on vaccine research has shifted to vaccines against particular proteins, which are part of the viral structure. These proteins may be grown within bacteria in large quantities using the techniques of genetic engineering. One viral protein, gp120, has already proved effective in preventing AIDS in chimpanzees. Another protein prepared by genetic engineering, gp160, has also proved effective in these primates. The optimism stemming from these discoveries is tempered, however, by the discovery that the protection against the virus may depend upon the particular cells in the body in which the virus is reproducing. Furthermore, there is some indication that some vaccines may successfully protect against viral infection administered intravenously, as in laboratory experiments, but not against infection acquired through the mucosal linings of the body, the apparent route of sexually transmitted infection. However, there is also some good news concerning vaccinating human subjects. Some human volunteers, uninfected by the AIDS virus, have demonstrated that a strong immune response to the gp160 protein is possible in humans as well as chimpanzees. Furthermore, an evaluation of a gp160 vaccine in 30 volunteers infected with the AIDS virus has shown that, not only are HIV-infected people capable of mounting an immune response to this protein antigen, but that the progression of the disease may be slowed by the vaccine. Ultimately, researchers may develop three distinct vaccines with three distinct purposes. One vaccine will be intended to prevent uninfected people from becoming infected. Another will be to slow or halt disease progression in infected patients. The third vaccine may be developed specifically for pregnant women infected with HIV to protect their babies from contracting the infection in the womb. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, AIDS vaccines

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Target: sexually transmitted diseases

Article Abstract:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in response to the rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the relationship between STDs and HIV infection, is reorienting its prevention and treatment programs in order to reach those who have been outside the reach of traditional education programs. Community demonstration projects have been organized to teach people how to avoid infection with the AIDS virus. At the same time, if this program is successful, it will significantly lower the incidence of other STDs, because the safe sex will reduce transmission of all STDs. There are five major groups who fall outside the usual education efforts: gay men who do not identify themselves as such, intravenous drug users who are not in treatment, female sexual partners of these two groups, prostitutes, and adolescent run-aways or ''throw-aways'' who use drugs or engage in prostitution. Community volunteers will be given educational materials, and be able to provide personalized information. Another project will attempt to reach the 60 to 80 percent of hemophiliacs who were infected with HIV because of initial lack of screening of blood products. Many couples will try to have children in spite of HIV infection in the husband. Also, adolescents were tested for HIV but were not told the results, although their parents were, and many of them remain unaware that they are infected. The CDC study will try to reduce risky behavior among hemophiliacs, and then evaluate the program. Other programs will attempt to prevent unintended pregnancy in infected women and women at risk. Clinical approaches are especially valuable when dealing with often asymptomatic STDs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. The increasing range of infections, including HIV, has exhausted resources that could have been used for less exotic infections. Clinics can now do more, but for fewer people. It is necessary to reorganize approaches in order to deal with STDs and HIV. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Management, Complications and side effects, Demographic aspects, Hemophilia, Sexually transmitted disease prevention, United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, editorial

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This month brings new information about AIDS to profession, public

Article Abstract:

New information about AIDS and HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS) will be transmitted to physicians and the general public in several ways, beginning in July 1990. The initiatives grew out of the second annual American Medical Association's (AMA) HIV Conference, and were introduced by Gary Noble, of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). They are part of CDC's public education campaign called 'America Responds to AIDS: Phase V', and this section is titled 'Preventing HIV Infection and AIDS: Taking the Next Steps'. Three new television vignettes have been developed to encourage people who are at-risk for HIV infection to be tested, to promote understanding of what HIV is, and to encourage a supportive attitude toward those who are infected. The 'America Responds to AIDS' effort has received more than $50 million in free air time since 1987. Each message ends by advising individuals to call the national hot line (800-342-AIDS). For physicians who may see patients with asymptomatic HIV infection, 'HIV Early Care: AMA Physician Guidelines' has been prepared by the AMA, given the certainty that every physician in the United States will see patients with AIDS during the next 10 years. Questions physicians may have regarding drug use, sexuality, laboratory tests, symptoms, and treatment, are answered, and references are provided. No physician should refuse to attend a patient with AIDS, and the guidelines should reduce the chances that a physician would refuse out of fear or his own ignorance of the disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Mass media, Communication in medicine, Medical communication, Mass media in health education

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