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16/07/2003
Cases of drug-resistant HIV increase across Europe
A new study has revealed that the HIV virus is becoming increasingly resistant to current drug treatments.
Research which followed the case histories of 1,600 patients across Europe, found that one in ten patients who had yet to take antiretroviral drugs for HIV had already developed a resistance to the drugs, rendering them ineffective in the fight against the infection and narrowing the choice of medications doctors can offer those who have contracted the virus.
Presenting their findings at the International Aids Conference in Paris, scientists involved in the research went on to reveal that drug-resistance was heavily connected with the subtype of HIV involved. HIV subtype B – which is the subtype prevalent amongst patients in Europe and the US – carries much higher rates of drug-resistance than other subtypes. Researchers have theorised that this is due to a longer tradition of drug therapy for this subtype, thus allowing time for resistance to develop.
In contrast, the non-B HIV subtype, the strain most often seen in patients in Africa and Asia, carries a much lower incidence of drug-resistance.
Jack Summerside, health promotion manager at UK aids support and information organisation, the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "This research highlights the necessity of enduring that people with HIV have the necessary knowledge and skills to avoid passing HIV onto others, especially if they have a drug-resistant strain."
(CL)
Research which followed the case histories of 1,600 patients across Europe, found that one in ten patients who had yet to take antiretroviral drugs for HIV had already developed a resistance to the drugs, rendering them ineffective in the fight against the infection and narrowing the choice of medications doctors can offer those who have contracted the virus.
Presenting their findings at the International Aids Conference in Paris, scientists involved in the research went on to reveal that drug-resistance was heavily connected with the subtype of HIV involved. HIV subtype B – which is the subtype prevalent amongst patients in Europe and the US – carries much higher rates of drug-resistance than other subtypes. Researchers have theorised that this is due to a longer tradition of drug therapy for this subtype, thus allowing time for resistance to develop.
In contrast, the non-B HIV subtype, the strain most often seen in patients in Africa and Asia, carries a much lower incidence of drug-resistance.
Jack Summerside, health promotion manager at UK aids support and information organisation, the Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "This research highlights the necessity of enduring that people with HIV have the necessary knowledge and skills to avoid passing HIV onto others, especially if they have a drug-resistant strain."
(CL)
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The number of new cases of HIV recorded in the UK continued to grow at a high rate in 2005. Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
Diagnoses of new HIV infections remain high
The number of new cases of HIV recorded in the UK continued to grow at a high rate in 2005. Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
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Study reveals many HIV patients not diagnosed early
According to a report published in the BMJ Online, many patients in the UK and Ireland are not having their HIV infection diagnosed sufficiently early. A study published online by the BMJ today said that these findings reflected national trends reported by the Health Protection Agency.
Study reveals many HIV patients not diagnosed early
According to a report published in the BMJ Online, many patients in the UK and Ireland are not having their HIV infection diagnosed sufficiently early. A study published online by the BMJ today said that these findings reflected national trends reported by the Health Protection Agency.
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Clinic Mistakenly Leaks Patients' HIV Status
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Clinic Mistakenly Leaks Patients' HIV Status
A sexual health clinic has mistakenly leaked the HIV status of nearly 800 patients, it has emerged. It is understood the clinic, at 56 Dean Street in Soho, London sent out the names and email addresses of approximately 780 patients when a newsletter was issued to clinic attendees.
11 January 2005
Latest AIDS research offers fresh treatment hopes
A study by Medical Research Council scientists has revealed fresh hope for developing ways to combat HIV the virus which causes AIDS. The research team at the MRC's National Institute for Medical Research has uncovered crucial differences in a gene found in rhesus monkeys and its human counterpart.
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09 August 2004
Government has failed to tackle HIV effectively, report claims
The government has failed to effectively tackle the increasing problem of HIV in the UK and has broken promises made to the international community, a leading pressure group has claimed.
Government has failed to tackle HIV effectively, report claims
The government has failed to effectively tackle the increasing problem of HIV in the UK and has broken promises made to the international community, a leading pressure group has claimed.
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