Human immunodeficiency viruses: too close for comfort
Article Abstract:
Approximately 100 isolates of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been characterized, and each is genetically distinct. Except for isolates that are obtained from a single or related individuals, at least 6 percent of the sequences of virus are variable among different isolates. Two recent publications in the August 1990 issue of the Journal of Virology reported that two isolates from different sources were identical; these findings are not consistent with the general conclusion that HIV isolates are at least 6 percent different from each other. It is not clear whether these recent reports should prompt reevaluation of the thinking that the viruses are generally diverse, or alternately whether there was cross-contamination of the viruses. The two isolates that were identical were discovered at the same research facility, indicating a possibility that contamination of the viruses may have occurred and that the two isolates may actually be from the same source. These specimens are also similar to the HIV viruses isolated by Gallo and Montagnier (two researchers who each claim to have been the first to isolate HIV), which also may be similar because of contamination. Thus, all of these viruses may have originated from the same virus. It is important to know whether HIV isolates are always diverse or if they can be similar, because genetic diversity is being used to trace routes of transmission. Knowing the steps of replication of HIV, it is easy to understand how diversity occurs. If several isolates are unusually similar, researchers must investigate thoroughly the origins of the viral isolates. (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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1959 and all that
Article Abstract:
The HIV-1 and HIV-2 AIDS viruses originated in Africa, and HIV-1 has a faster disease course and more efficient transmission. It is believed that HIV was lingering in some people before spreading globally, and it is difficult to determine how long it has been around in humans. Zhu and colleagues have found the HIV virus in a sample of sera drawn in 1959 in Leopoldville, which is now Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This ZR59 virus sequence is thought to be only a few nucleotides and years from the virus that led to the epidemic.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Virological mayhem
Article Abstract:
Two groups of researchers have investigated the association of HIV-1 virion production and CD4 T lymphocyte turnover in patients infected with the virus. The CD4 T lymphocyte actively resists HIV-1 virion production within the body. CD4 T lymphocytes in the body increase when appropriate drugs are administered to the patients, resulting in a decrease in HIV-1 virion population.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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