Global AIDS into the 1990s

Article Abstract:

There were 157,191 reported cases of AIDS worldwide, as of June 1, 1989. However, reporting is incomplete and it is estimated that nearly three times as many cases exist, with nearly half a million cases of AIDS existing in the world. The epidemic of HIV infection continues to spread over the globe in three basic ways. First of all, HIV infection is increasing in areas already infected, sometimes dramatically. Second, HIV infections are also seen in areas that were previously unaffected and in areas that were only minimally affected. Finally, the infection is spreading in very diverse patterns, which reflect social, economic and cultural variations in the world. The social, cultural, economic and political reaction and response to AIDS is something of an epidemic itself. Myths, primarily about catching AIDS with casual contact, continue to exist. Individuals who are infected with HIV and those who have AIDS are discriminated against, although the rights and dignity of infected people seem to be improving. Information about the disease and how to prevent it and to care for the sick is getting better. The Global AIDS Strategy is an international program designed to provide the basis for national efforts for AIDS prevention. Other organizations also provide money and support at the international, national, and community levels. The importance of community-based organizations to reach the people is being realized. In many countries, there is evidence that changes are occurring in the people's behavior, due to the education of the people on ways to prevent HIV infection. The educational programs are linked with health and social services that are needed to support and encourage change. AIDS programs at the national levels must be coordinated. Specific areas deserving greater attention and strengthening must be identified. Programs must continue to be innovative, meeting new challenges. Individuals should not accept the epidemic but must be committed to the control and prevention of AIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social policy, World Health Organization. Global Program on AIDS

---

Model-based optimization of infectivity parameters: a study of the early epidemic in San Francisco

Article Abstract:

The modes of transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexual contact and exposure to contaminated blood, are now well understood. Using mathematical optimization techniques and dynamic modeling of HIV transmission, the authors were able to give mathematical values to the epidemiologic variables that were operational during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, which occurred among homosexual and bisexual men in San Francisco from 1978 to 1986. There are three stages of the disease: the early antigen stage; the HIV antibody-positive stage; and the AIDS stage. The early antigen stage occurs when the HIV virus is free in the blood, but no specific immune response has so far been provoked; this is thought to be the most highly infectious stage. To reach the HIV antibody-positive stage, seroconversion must take place, which is the development of an antibody response to the virus. The rate of seroconversion was able to be predicted accurately using the model when it was assumed that the infectiousness of the disease varies among the three stages of the disease. By using optimization techniques of mathematics, the number of new partners and number of risk contacts annually were estimated. These techniques were used to predict the number of new cases up to the year 1994. The authors conclude that the brief first stage of HIV infection, the early antigen phase, may have played an important part in the sudden development of the epidemic in San Francisco. This also suggests that high-risk groups should be screened for viral antigens to prevent transmission during this highly infectious stage. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Usage, Computers, Digital computers, Statistics, AIDS patients, San Francisco, California, San Francisco

---

The significance of sexual partner contact networks for the transmission dynamics of HIV

Article Abstract:

There are many uncertainties that cause problems when trying to predict the future trends in the incidence of AIDS. In many developed countries, such as the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the rate of new cases of AIDS among homosexual and/or bisexual men is slower than expected. The heterogeneity in sexual behavior influences the spread of AIDS. Mathematical models exist that take into consideration the heterogeneity of the rates of change of sexual partners, the networks of partner contact, and the effect of age on levels of sexual activity. A high level of assortativeness, that is, mixing of individuals within the same group with similar sexual activity, based on rates of change of sexual partners and/or type of sexual activity, results in a more rapid initial spread of HIV. The network of sexual activity has a large effect on the pattern and size of the epidemic. Other variables that affect the spread of AIDS include the levels of sexual activity, which is high in the young and lower among older people, the preference of males for younger females and the higher rate of transmission of HIV from male to female. Changed behavior over the past five or six years also affects the projected impact of the epidemic. The prediction of the spread of AIDS in developing countries requires different variables to be taken into consideration, including social, economic and political factors. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexual behavior, Models, HIV patients

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The prognostic significance of nuclear DNA content in malignant epithelial tumors of the ovary. Prognostic significance of flow cytometric DNA analysis in node-negative breast cancer patients
• Abstracts: Recessive mutations in the causation of human cancer. Endometrial carcinoma in the cancer family syndrome. Results of a screening program for C-cell disease (medullary thyroid cancer and C-cell hyperplasia)
• Abstracts: AIDS and the urinary tract. The effect of zidovudine on platelet count in HIV-infected individuals
• Abstracts: Advanced maternal age as a risk factor for cesarean delivery. Pre-induction cervical ripening with prostaglandin E2 gel: intracervical versus intravaginal route
• Abstracts: Examination of the second-trimester fetus with severe oligohydramnios using transvaginal scanning. Transvaginal sonography of the endometrium in postmenopausal women

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.