The State of HIV Research

Everyday about 14,000 people are newly infected with HIV. Although international levels of HIV positive people are estimated at around 40 million, these numbers are not evenly distributed among countries. Developing nations are home to a greater percentage of HIV sufferers. While only 1.5 percent of those with HIV/AIDS live in North America, 64 percent (25.4 million) live in sub-Saharan Africa, home to the largest concentration of HIV positive people worldwide.

Given these startling numbers, researchers are working hard to advance treatment for HIV by refining antiretroviral therapy and developing an HIV vaccine. To date, the FDA has already approved 20 drugs for HIV treatment. Yet, antiretroviral (ARV) therapy is progressing towards new classes of drugs that will potentially be less expensive and more effective.

Many of the new types of AIDS treatments look to block the virus' proteins from attaching themselves to the body's cellular receptors. However, much of this AIDS research remains in its initial stages with possible hazards and ultimate effectiveness still unknown.

Another prospect on the horizon in HIV research is the development of prevention medication for viruses associated with HIV, namely herpes. This approach highlights researchers' attempts to modify biological aspects of HIV, rather than the behavioral traits linked to its transmission (i.e. unprotected sex).

HIV and AIDS Information
HIV/AIDS is a serious sexually transmitted disease that affects people of both genders and all sexual orientations. While this incurable, fatal virus is generally spread through sexual contact, it can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, sharing needles, or childbirth.

HIV Symptoms
One reason HIV is such an elusive virus is that its initial symptoms resemble those of a flu or cold which are then followed by a period in which the virus appears to be asymptomatic. While symptoms are not visible, HIV incubates and replicates during this seemingly latent period, eventually developing into full-blown AIDS.

HIV Testing
Another problematic feature of HIV is testing for the virus. To be effective and accurate, HIV testing cannot occur until nearly two months after suspected infection due to the fact that the body doesn't produce sufficient antibodies to register the virus within the initial weeks.

AIDS Treatment
Treatment for HIV/AIDS relies on a cocktail of medications, known collectively as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). While some medications attempt to curb HIV replication, others try to prevent the virus from binding to new cells in the body.

HIV Research
Because HIV is such a cunning virus, researchers face a daunting task in searching for new treatments. Because the majority of HIV positive people reside in developing nations and, therefore, have limited or no access to medications, most HIV research centers on finding an AIDS vaccine.

Support Groups
Those living with HIV need to treat their physical as well as their emotional and mental health. Along with antiretroviral therapy, support groups are crucial. Whether an HIV positive person chooses an online forum or a face-to-face meeting, participating in a support group provides encouragement and comfort from other HIV sufferers.

Clinical Trials
HIV clinical trials are essential to finding new treatments. Researchers need HIV positive individuals to test the effectiveness of every new medication or possible vaccine developed.