AIDS study the breakthrough of 2011

AIDS study is „Breakthrough of the year“

12/25/2011

The science magazine „Science“ chose the most important research results 2011 in the field of medicine. The „Breakthrough of the year“ reached an AIDS study this year from the University of North Carolina's medical faculty in Chapel Hill (USA). The scientists were able to prove that the transmission of the AIDS pathogen „Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is reduced by 95 percent in heterosexuals by taking a drug in the likelihood. In order to „a decisive breakthrough was achieved in reducing HI virus transmission“, it said in the explanatory statement. In addition to the Aids study, new findings in the development of a malaria vaccine and human genetics research were also recognized

Breakthrough of the year 2011
A study by US and international scientists reached this year's coveted first place in the specialist magazine „Science“ in the category „Breakthrough of the year 2011“. The study has shown that the transmission rate of the HIV virus is minimized by 95 percent, if already infected people regularly take a drug. The results of the research were published in the August issue of the magazine „New England Journal of Medicine“ published and attracted a great deal of medical attention. The work should actually be continued until 2015, without any results being publicly presented. When all doubts about the overwhelming results were removed, they decided to pre-release. Because the antiretroviral drugs could not only prevent the outbreak of the immune deficiency disease AIDS, but prevent infection of the virus via sexual transmission.

A study by an international research consortium headed by Myron Cohen, MD, North Carolina Medical University, involved 1,763 heterosexually-oriented couples. One partner each had been infected with the HI virus in the past. The other life partner had not been infected with the HI virus so far. The subjects of the study are titled „HPTN-052“ came from nine different countries such as Brazil, India, Thailand, the USA, Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe. In the course of the study, the participants took the drug ARV. The participants were divided into two equal groups and informed about protective measures. While one group was given a placebo, the other received a preparation containing the drug to be tested.

Medicine is therapy and prevention at the same time
During the investigation period, it was found that the drug application reduced the number of viruses in the organism below the detection limit. In the further course, the researchers found that the viruses were hardly passed on to the non-infected during the sexual act. While the former result was already known, the second astonished the international science. The reason for this effect was the fact that the number of viruses had already been greatly reduced by the use of the drug. It should also be emphasized positively that the preventive drug produced hardly any side effects in the long-lasting study period.

The research work is one „an outstanding step in the fight against AIDS“. Now, a first evidence has been provided, which allows a positive outlook in the treatment of AIDS patients „This protective effect was already suspected, but surprising was the great extent“, Finally, study author Jon Cohen summarized. In advance, there were always discussions within the researchers world, whether the prevention in the run-up to healthy or a therapy for existing infection is the right way. This question no longer arises, says Cohen. Because the therapy is at the same time a good prevention in our results.

AIDS is far from being defeated
„AIDS is far from being defeated“, warn the researchers despite the positive message. „A first step in the right direction“, But not all precautionary measures against the HI virus would be jettisoned. The new drugs with the trade name are also very expensive and so far hardly available for normal mortals in the drug market. The study „but gives reason for hope“, so that the long-lasting AIDS epidemic is soon defeated. Likewise, the authors point out, the outstanding results in transmission rate are so far only observed in heterosexuals. Another study with homosexual participants had achieved a prevention of only 44 percent.

For the journal, the study is the top news of 2011 and a new hope for millions of HIV patients. The Journal traditionally awards the greatest advances in research every year. The HPTN 052 study is thus in the top ten and is a milestone in protection against new infections.

Immune protection from primeval times
As a further scientific milestone, the journal chose to compare the genetic code of modern humans. The researchers compared the prehistoric people from Africa and Asia. Genetic analysis has shown that a high proportion of people inherit the genetic material of our ancient ancestors. Through the comparative analysis, it was possible to establish the thesis that our body's own immune system is still influenced by ancient genetic traits.

Malaria vaccine discovered
In addition to prehistoric times and AIDS research, the fight against the infectious disease malaria 2011 played a prominent role. Science commended the development of a new malaria vaccine presented at a conference in Seattle. The vaccine, entitled RTS, S, could in future help to reduce the infection rate, especially in developing countries. One study involved around 15,000 infants and adolescents from seven African countries. At the end of the study it became apparent that it is possible to reduce the risk of disease by 50 percent. Although key data such as duration of vaccine protection and costs are still unclear, Science acknowledged the first step for one „promising start“ in the fight against malaria. (Sb)

Also read:
Aids: 17 antibodies against HI viruses discovered
30 years of AIDS: still no cure in sight?
Proper handling of HIV infections is required
AIDS: drug to protect against HIV infection

Picture: Gerd Altmann