Humanity, the measure of an ethics for AIDS

Article Abstract:

Part of our legacy to future generations includes the policies and actions that will affect the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Policies, laws, and regulations are based on society's basic values. There are many ethical issues surrounding HIV infection, such as HIV screening, contact tracing and discrimination, breaking of confidentiality, and the use of controlled randomized trials. The fundamental moral issue centers around the relationship between individuals and the community. Individuals of course need protection, but so does the community. Education and public health policies are necessary to control and prevent the spread of AIDS. Epidemiological studies are necessary for the good of the community. Studies of the characteristics of populations are necessary. The amount of resources that are necessary to care for people with AIDS must be determined. The HIV pandemic has made individuals reconsider sexual ethics. Sexuality is a basic characteristic of humans, and the desire to be bodily cherished does not depend on whether one is heterosexual or homosexual. Reproduction and parenthood are also human drives. Infection with HIV alters sexual relationships as well as reproductive activity and parenthood, but to what degree? The risks of transmitting the virus to one's sexual partner or from a mother to her child are great. There are alternatives to parenthood, such as donor insemination in the case of an infected man, or adoption. However, without a cure, infected parents will eventually develop the disease and die. The time it takes for the HIV infection to progress to full-blown AIDS varies among different individuals, but in any case is measured in years, which gives a certain period of time for parenthood, albeit limited. Another issue concerns whether abortion is the only choice for an infected women who is pregnant. Individuals who are infected with HIV and AIDS suffer. Their suffering involves guilt and should not be borne alone. Support groups are necessary. A common ethic for the AIDS epidemic is needed throughout the world, but it would take enormous change to achieve this. Nevertheless, it is necessary now, in order to combat the ravages of AIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexual behavior, Social aspects, Ethical aspects, AIDS patients

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Risk factors for HIV-2 infection in Guinea-Bissau

Article Abstract:

The human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) is a less common strain of virus causing AIDS. The prevalence of infection with HIV-2 was examined in 128 patients who were hospitalized for various reasons in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (West Africa), where HIV-2 infection is endemic. The prevalence of HIV-2 infection was 18 percent (23 out of 128). None of these patients had confirmed infection with HIV-1, the more usual virus causing AIDS. The risk factors of infection with HIV-2 were examined. The main risk factor for women infected with HIV-2 was blood transfusion. The main risk factor for men was having sexual relations with a prostitute. The majority (79 percent) of individuals surveyed knew of AIDS, but in the prior year, only 17 percent used condoms to lower the chances of acquiring infection during sexual relationships. Of the men who had sexual relationships with prostitutes, 50 percent used condoms. This studied showed that the risk factors for HIV-2 infection are similar to those for HIV-1 infection. Blood used for transfusion is now screened for the presence of HIV-2 as well as HIV-1. Further education on the risks of transmission is needed to stop the spread of HIV infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Disease transmission, Guinea-Bissau

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