Mycoplasmas in the AIDS spotlight
Article Abstract:
A young virologist, Shyh-Ching Lo, received scathing criticism from many researchers when he claimed to have found a 'novel virus' in tumor cells from some AIDS patients in 1986, but it now appears that his data had at least a measure of validity. A special workshop in December 1989 discussed the subject. The organism he identified is a mycoplasma, the smallest known free-living organism and one without a rigid cell wall. Luc Montagnier, co-discoverer of the AIDS virus, has cited mycoplasmas as possible cofactors in infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency) virus, the virus associated with AIDS. His report states that HIV and another microorganisms may act together to destroy cells. Critics point out, however, that mycoplasmas are common contaminants of cells grown in tissue culture, where they may kill cells; a special role for these agents in HIV infection remains to be proven. Lo, for his part, went to work to improve his data on the agent he renamed a 'virus-like infectious agent'. His story is detailed. Recently, a leading mycoplasmologist has begun a collaboration with Lo to better understand Mycoplasma incognitus, as the organism is tentatively named. It is not yet known whether the agent really is a new mycoplasma. At the least, the mycoplasma is the first such microorganism to be associated with pathogenicity in humans. Several cases have been reported where this agent was found in HIV-negative people who died after an acute flu-like disease. The mycoplasma's presence in many AIDS patients means that it could be responsible for some of their symptoms, and eradication could improve their quality of life considerably. Development of a test for the agent is considered crucial. It now appears that the work of this researcher is now taken very seriously indeed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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Breast cancer: two steps closer to understanding
Article Abstract:
It is estimated in 1990, 44,000 patients out of the 150,000 patients diagnosed, will die from breast cancer. If patients who are at risk for breast cancer are identified, then early diagnosis can occur. With early treatment, it is felt that the deaths can be prevented. Genetic factors that may increase susceptibility to breast cancer have recently been identified. Stephen Friend and colleagues at the Massachusetts General Hospital showed that mutations in a gene called p53, which encodes a product that causes suppression of tumor development, occurs in patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome; these patients develop breast cancer as well as other cancers. Two other reports published in the Dec 21, 1990 issue of Science, volume 250, also show that breast cancer may develop due to a series of genetic changes. Mary-Claire King and colleagues of the University of California School of Public Health found a gene that is different from the p53 gene, located on chromosome 17, which may be associated with susceptibility to breast cancer. Mark Scholnick and colleagues at the University of Utah Medical Center found that some individuals have certain genetic predispositions to the noncancerous condition known as proliferative breast disease, which may lead to breast cancer. These studies are additional evidence for the current theory that several genetic changes are necessary for the progression to cancer. These studies may lead to the development of clinical tests to identify the genetic predisposition for breast cancer, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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The policy response: in limbo
Article Abstract:
One of the causes of the increased occurrence of pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics is the widespread use of antibiotics in animal feed. Nearly half of the antibiotics made in the United States are used in farm animals to prevent disease or to promote growth. Most of the antibiotics used are broad-spectrum, such as penicillin or tetracycline, which affect many types of bacteria. The response to this problem has been slow, and the issue has been debated for the past 13 years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took steps to ban the use of low doses of antibiotics in animal feed in 1977, but in 1978, Congress told the FDA that more rigorous evaluation of the health risks were necessary before any action could be taken. Additional research was completed in 1980, but in 1981 Congress wanted more research. In recent years, additional study has been done, but the evidence has apparently not been sufficient to ban the use of antibiotics. The research has currently been reviewed once again, and a decision should be made by the end of the summer of 1990. It is suggested that antibiotics that are narrow-spectrum, and other therapeutics that will not cause resistance, be used instead of broad-spectrum antibiotics. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1990
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