Zidovudine in combination with alpha interferon and interleukin-2 as prophylactic therapy for FeLV-induced immunodeficiency syndrome (FeLV-FAIDS)

Article Abstract:

Feline leukemia virus was identified as a cause of disease of the immune system in cats long before the recognition of AIDS in humans. This virus is now considered to be a potentially useful model for the study of how retroviruses affect the immune system. Some isolates of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) cause a depletion of CD4+ T cells after a long latency period, followed by weight loss, diarrhea, and opportunistic infections. In other words, cat or feline AIDS develops. The feline leukemia virus AIDS model (FeLV-FAIDS) was used to investigate the effects of zidovudine in combination with the biological response modifiers, alpha interferon and interleukin-2. Alpha interferon or interleukin-2 alone had no effect on infection with FeLV-FAIDS, but it was found that the addition of alpha interferon to zidovudine treatment resulted in a 25 to 30 percent increase in antiviral activity. In the experimental model, it is also possible to do studies which are not possible in humans; for example, treatment may be started prior to infection with the virus. When a six-week treatment protocol with zidovudine alone or zidovudine with alpha interferon was begun 24 hours prior to injection with the virus, it was found that the animals never developed antigenemia, even after the treatment was ended. (Antigenemia, or the appearance of molecules from the virus in the blood, is a measure of infection in both cats and humans.) However, even in the cats which never developed signs of infection, the presence of infectious virus in bone marrow could still be demonstrated in the laboratory. These results confirm the improved effectiveness of zidovudine when combined with alpha interferon, an effect which may be used to reduce the necessary dosage of the toxic zidovudine. Furthermore, the results provide yet another indication that the earlier antiviral treatment is begun, the more effective it can be in treating the AIDS virus. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Research, Models, Zidovudine, Interferon alpha, Drug synergism, Feline leukemia virus

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Issues involving women, children and AIDS primarily in the developed world

Article Abstract:

The methods and rates of transmission of AIDS among women differ within geographic areas, but the largest differences lie between developing and developed countries. The incidence of AIDS among women is increasing. Worldwide, heterosexual transmission is the most common mode of transmission. Issues of prevention for women include women taking charge of their sexual activity and avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse. Changes in behavior are difficult to bring about, especially in developing countries. Women often seek medical care late in the disease and often have other diseases that may be missed because infection with HIV is not expected. There is increasing pressure for the routine testing for HIV infection of women are of childbearing years. Routine testing cannot be considered in areas of the world where prenatal care is not widely available, testing is not free, there are no antidiscrimination laws, and abortion is not available. Abortion poses many ethical problems. Currently, there is no treatment that reduces the rate of transmission from mothers to infants. Studies are being conducted to see if vaginal deliveries and breast feeding alter the rate of transmission. AIDS in children differs from AIDS in adults in many respects. The incubation period for disease for perinatally acquired AIDS is eight months, compared with years in adults. Survival time after diagnosis in pediatric AIDS is much shorter than adults, with one half of the babies dying within 9 months. There are problems in the diagnosis of HIV infection in newborns because it cannot be determined if the antibodies present are from the mother or because the child itself is infected. Political, economic and environmental changes are necessary so that behavior changes can occur. Women must be considered equal to men, both sexually and economically, so that they can protect themselves and their offspring from AIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Social aspects, Demographic aspects, Pregnancy, Safe sex, AIDS (Disease) in pregnancy, AIDS (Disease) in children, Pediatric AIDS (Disease)

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