Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1983. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
United Press International - September 2, 1983
Doctors from the Harvard School of Public Health reported 12 percent of 172 hemophiliacs without AIDS showed antibodies against the virus, an indication they were infected with the virus at one point. Only 1 percent of a control group had it.
Previous studies found 36 percent of men with AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which strikes mostly homosexuals, had antibodies against the virus, called HTLV. The virus is thought to cause a rare form of leukemia in which cells that turn on disease-fighting mechanisms in the body reproduce wildly, sapping the body of other necessary cells.
Dr. Myron Essex, one of the authors of the report, in the journal Science, said the finding was "compatible with and supports our hypothesis this virus is the leading candidate as the cause for AIDS."
Need for Further Study
He cautioned that more study was needed to determine if some form of the virus was the cause of the disease. He said that finding the cause could help in research to fight the disease, which involves a breakdown of the body's immune system. Medical researchers believe the disease is transmitted by blood contamination and sexual contact. "Finding a cause is a step toward prevention because then we would know how to help avoid exposure and it would give us a better understanding of the disease," Dr. Essex said. "But whether it could help in therapy of patients who already have the disease, I'm more pessimistic on that."
Susceptibility of Haitians
In a related development, physicians said Haitians were more susceptible to AIDS because they had a decreased ability to fight infections.
A University of Miami study found twice as many Haitians died of opportunistic infections, which strike people without normally functioning immune systems, as did native black Americans.
Seven Haitian cases fulfilled the Atlanta Centers for Disease Control's definition for AIDS. But none of the black American cases was indicative of AIDS.
"The reason for the appearance of AIDS in the Haitian community is unknown," according to the report by Dr. Lee B. Moskowitz of the University of Miami and five colleagues.
830902
UP830901
Copyright © 1983 - United Press International. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through United Press International, Permissions Desk, 1510 H St. N.W. Washington DC 2005. Main Phone Switchboard: 202-898-8000 FAX: 202-898-8057 or 202-898-8147 Email: info@upi.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1983. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 1983. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .