AIDS testing: postal tests on the way
Article Abstract:
The drug, AZT, has been recently shown to be successful in treating individuals who are infected with the HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) but who do not have symptoms of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Because of this success, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is no longer opposed to the testing of AIDS outside of clinics and hospitals. The FDA was previously against home testing because counselling and treatment was not guaranteed for those who tested positive. Therefore, the marketing of home testing kits could occur in the United States. The FDA has recently announced to biotechnology companies that they would look at applications for home test kits. The FDA has already accepted an application from University Hospital Laboratory Corporation for a license for a kit for home use. A blood sample, impregnated on a piece of paper, is sent through the mail to a laboratory for testing for HIV antigens. The results and counselling, if need be, are given to individuals over the telephone. Liquid samples cannot be sent through the mail for safety reasons. The results of the test from the impregnated paper are as accurate as those done with liquid samples. However, AIDS organizations oppose the policy change by the FDA, as they feel that more personal counselling and the availability of clinical support is necessary when people are told that they have tested positively. It is also felt that the anonymity of the individuals who are tested may be endangered. This is a very serious concern, as anyone who tests positive for HIV may lose health care insurance and, possibly, their job. A survey conducted by the University Hospital Laboratory Corporation showed that 60 percent of the people who replied preferred a home test to a test in a doctor's office or clinic. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
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A second agent?
Article Abstract:
In June 1990, the Sixth International Conference on AIDS was held in San Francisco. Luc Montagnier, discoverer of the AIDS virus, announced the isolation of a second infectious agent which he believes is associated with the development of AIDS. Montagnier claims that a mycoplasma may be involved in facilitating the growth of the AIDS virus, human deficiency virus (HIV), and enhancing the cell-killing properties of HIV. Mycoplasma, sometimes called pleuropneumonia-like organisms, are ubiquitous tiny bacteria, often found in the respiratory tract. As a result, many researchers have found experiments to be contaminated with mycoplasma from the laboratory staff. Therefore, any claim of connection of mycoplasma to AIDS, or any other disease, is likely to meet with skepticism. Although Montagnier's announcement has been met with skepticism, he stands by his claim and denies that laboratory contamination was the source of the mycoplasma in his experiments. However, he admits that demonstrating a specific relationship between the AIDS virus and mycoplasma has not yet been accomplished. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
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