Santayana's warning unheeded: the parallels of syphilis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Article Abstract:

The politics and attitudes towards the sexually transmitted disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) duplicate those experienced during the syphilis outbreaks back in the early 1900s. The government and social institutions have failed to remember lessons from the past to effectively manage the current AIDS epidemic. It is argued that rather than concentrating on the temporary shortcomings of scientific knowledge, the heart of the AIDS problem lies within the ignorant public, dodging politicians and insurance companies. A historical examination of the failures in handling the syphilis crisis reveals the intricacies involved in dealing with a sexually transmitted disease epidemic. The four lessons learned are: fear does not motivate, it only hinders; education programs will only help if they are completely straightforward; compulsory screening of low-risk populations is ineffective and only acts to alienate members of society; and vaccines and treatments will not completely eliminate the disease. The lessons learned from history are valuable ones and they should be used to deal with the current AIDS epidemic.

Medicine, History, History of medicine

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The origin of syphilis: clinical and epidemiological considerations on the Columbian theory

Article Abstract:

Christopher Columbus has been blamed for atrocities in the New World and the spread of syphilis in the Old. According to the Columbian theory, the disease was spread by members of the Columbus crew who acquired syphilis in Haiti and later joined the French army under Charles VIII. Following the conquest of Naples in Feb 1495, the soldiers' participation in orgies and great promiscuity resulted in the syphilis epidemic of the late 15th century. However, all but about 10 of Columbus's men left with him on his second trip in Sep, 1493 and did not return before Jun, 1496. Even if all 10 remaining men did participate in the conquest of Naples, by May 1495 more than two years had passed since they had departed Haiti. Syphilis ceases to be contagious by the end of the second year and transmission beyond then is extremely rare. Most likely the syphilis epidemic of the late 15th century was either an outbreak of a disease that existed in Europe before Columbus's time or a product of the general ill-health, poor sanitation and warring of the time.

Influence, Origin, Columbus, Christopher (Italian explorer)

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The natural history of human immunodeficiency virus infection among women as compared with men

Article Abstract:

Current research does not suggest any differences in disease progression between HIV-infected men and women. Published studies conducted throughout the United States and Europe have shown that infected women and men exhibit similar disease characteristics, develop AIDS equally quickly, and die from AIDS in equal numbers. However, HIV-infected patients with limited access to appropriate health care or low CD4 counts or who are older or pregnant may develop AIDS more quickly.

Analysis, Development and progression, HIV infection, HIV infections, Sex factors in disease, Disease sex factors

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