faqs.org » Abstracts Index » Abstracts » Health

Markers of HIV infection prior to IgG antibody seropositivity

Article Abstract:

Seven out of 35,000 blood donors began to have antibodies to the AIDS virus in their blood after previously being free of antibodies. Samples given by these seven donors before antibodies were detected were analyzed for antibodies to the virus. In five of these seven donors, antigens to the AIDS virus were found to have appeared prior to or simultaneously with one type of antibody. The antigens disappeared and the amount of AIDS virus in the blood decreased as the antibody response increased. Although new and more sensitive tests for antibodies have reduced the period between AIDS infection and detection, the presence of antigens and the virus itself were the only markers of infection for several days in two donors. These results show that the AIDS virus and its antigens can be present several days before antibodies to the virus.

Analysis, Testing, Prevention, AIDS (Disease), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Blood chemical analysis, blood, HIV antibodies, Biological markers

---

Adefovir for the Treatment of HIV Infection: If Not Now, When?

Article Abstract:

An FDA advisory committee has recommended that the FDA not approve the AIDS drugs adefovir dipivoxil. This drug was developed because HIV is becoming resistant to many existing drugs. One laboratory found that 70% of the HIV strains tested were resistant to all three classes of AIDS drugs, including protease inhibitors. A 1999 study showed that adefovir could suppress virus levels in the blood, but did not increase CD4 T cell counts. Suppressing viral levels is beneficial, but unfortunately the drug had severe side effects, including liver and kidney damage.

Editorial, Evaluation, HIV infection, HIV infections, Reverse transcriptase inhibitors

---

Regimen simplification to atazanavir-ritonavir alone as maintenance antiretroviral therapy after sustained virologic suppression

Article Abstract:

Simplified maintenance therapy with atazanavir-ritonavir alone is assessed after virologic suppression increases the risk of virologic failure. It is suggested that simplified maintenance therapy with atazanavir-ritonavir alone is efficacious for maintaining virologic suppression in carefully selected patients with HIV infection.

United States, Health aspects, Ritonavir, Virus diseases, Antiviral agents, Antiretroviral agents

Some parts © 2012 Advameg, Inc.