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Foreign nationals are about to begin getting treatment for HIV through the NHS in the UK, people who would usually not be covered under NHS. This, campaigners say, is a step in the right direction to reduce the risk of HIV transmission for all British residents.
Estimates say up to 25,000 people are currently undiagnosed and living with HIV in Britain and many were born abroad (the group includes failed asylum seekers, students, and tourists). However, if these people are HIV+ they could potentially spread the disease to UK citizens.
The proposed bill extends free treatment to people who have been living in Britain for 6 or more months. As we learned in class, treating people with HIV can drop the blood virus titers low enough that they are a lot less likely to pass on the infection to others.
According to the public health minister Anne Milton, “This measure will protect the public and brings HIV treatment in to line with all other infectious diseases. Treating people with HIV means they are very unlikely to pass the infection on to others.”
There is also a financial argument for the NHS to treat all HIV+ people. That is that it is a lot cheaper to treat HIV early than to treat someone who comes into the hospital with a very serious and complex condition.
From what we’ve learned in class, I would say, on the part of the NHS, this is a very forward thinking bill that in the long run will help the population of th uK stay healthier!
Elena Jordan
The original article can be found on the BBC at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17187179
1 Ekim 2012 Pazartesi
Chikungunya in the US?
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The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently issued a warning that the Americas may be at risk for Chikungunya virus. According to the CDC, the virus is currently responsible for a number of pandemics in Africa and Asia - and recently, in parts of southern Europe. From 2006 to 2010, there have been 106 cases of registered chikungunya virus in the US from travelers returning from pandemic areas.
Clinically, chikungunya is most often characterized by a fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, rash and joint pain (the last of which can be sustained for weeks or months). It is an arbovirus transmitted through the species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Travelers carrying chikungunya have been quickly quarantined by US health authorities, but PAHO is concerned that the infected mosquitoes themselves may soon begin to spread the virus to the entire Western Hemisphere.
This story stood out to me because so many people are currently concerned about influenza and smallpox - specifically, viruses that can be scientifically engineered to be more lethal. It is often forgotten that there are a number of viruses and diseases endemic in developing countries that US health officials take wide precautions to protect us against. Hopefully people continue to remember that they should be giving their full-fledged support to infectious disease prevention. It's much easier to keep chikungunya out of the US than it would ever be to eliminate it once present.
Article: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_virus-may-infect-america-warns-health-group_1658238
CDC on Chikungunya: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/Chikungunya/index.html
- Elena Higuchi
Clinically, chikungunya is most often characterized by a fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, rash and joint pain (the last of which can be sustained for weeks or months). It is an arbovirus transmitted through the species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Travelers carrying chikungunya have been quickly quarantined by US health authorities, but PAHO is concerned that the infected mosquitoes themselves may soon begin to spread the virus to the entire Western Hemisphere.
This story stood out to me because so many people are currently concerned about influenza and smallpox - specifically, viruses that can be scientifically engineered to be more lethal. It is often forgotten that there are a number of viruses and diseases endemic in developing countries that US health officials take wide precautions to protect us against. Hopefully people continue to remember that they should be giving their full-fledged support to infectious disease prevention. It's much easier to keep chikungunya out of the US than it would ever be to eliminate it once present.
Article: http://www.dnaindia.com/health/report_virus-may-infect-america-warns-health-group_1658238
CDC on Chikungunya: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/Chikungunya/index.html
- Elena Higuchi
H5N1 GIFT
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The latest update on the genetically modified H5N1 virus was released a few days ago with the original research team claiming that the virus was not as contagious or as infectious as the media portrayed it- new data has prompted for a re-evaluation of the government's recommendation to not reveal specific steps involved in the project.
These new recommendations were submitted to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which will convene in March. The head of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr Anthony Fauci stated that " THere is a gross, pervasive misunderstanding out there," and the danger of this genetically modified virus may have been overstated.
Dr. Fouchier, the head of the research team that undertook this modification, was able to reveal a few of the research's results this past week at a convention for the American Society for Microbiology. Dr. Fouchier stated that the mutated H5N1 virus was not as lethal as the media claimed- not all of the healthy ferrets that were exposed to the virus contracted the infection, and those that did become infected did not necessarily show symptoms or die. In addition to this, the healthy ferrets that had been exposed to the seasonal flu prior to the H5N1 infection gained immunity to the mutated H5N1 virus.
Genetically modified flu viruses are a definite threat to public health if used as a bioterrorist weapon.
The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity re-evaluation will be covered here in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned :)
-Angela Cesena
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/01/science/maker-says-bird-flu-virus-not-as-dangerous-as-thought.html?_r=1&ref=health
These new recommendations were submitted to the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity, which will convene in March. The head of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr Anthony Fauci stated that " THere is a gross, pervasive misunderstanding out there," and the danger of this genetically modified virus may have been overstated.
Dr. Fouchier, the head of the research team that undertook this modification, was able to reveal a few of the research's results this past week at a convention for the American Society for Microbiology. Dr. Fouchier stated that the mutated H5N1 virus was not as lethal as the media claimed- not all of the healthy ferrets that were exposed to the virus contracted the infection, and those that did become infected did not necessarily show symptoms or die. In addition to this, the healthy ferrets that had been exposed to the seasonal flu prior to the H5N1 infection gained immunity to the mutated H5N1 virus.
Genetically modified flu viruses are a definite threat to public health if used as a bioterrorist weapon.
The National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity re-evaluation will be covered here in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned :)
-Angela Cesena
Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/01/science/maker-says-bird-flu-virus-not-as-dangerous-as-thought.html?_r=1&ref=health
New influenza in bats
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A new strain of influenza A virus was identified in 316 yellow-shouldered bats. It's the first time that an influenza virus was found in bats. Given the history of bat-origin emerging infectious diseases, the possibilities of this virus crossing over to humans is frightening. However, authorities believe that it's not transmissible to humans. The yellow-shouldered bats in which the virus is identified in do not bite humans, feed on fruits, and is native to Central and South America.
Reading this article reminded me of the beginning of a new "Contagiou-like" movie. Because the short time since the identification of this virus hasn't permitted a comprehensive study to be done on the transmissbility potential of the virus, I am skeptical in the authorities' claim that the virus would not transmit to humans. Only time will tell!
Michelle Jin
Source: http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1161773/
Reading this article reminded me of the beginning of a new "Contagiou-like" movie. Because the short time since the identification of this virus hasn't permitted a comprehensive study to be done on the transmissbility potential of the virus, I am skeptical in the authorities' claim that the virus would not transmit to humans. Only time will tell!
Michelle Jin
Source: http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1161773/
Boceprevir approved for use by Britain's state health service.
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Merck’s new hepatitis C drug, Boceprevir (Victrelis) has won recommendation for use in Britain’s state health service. It was widely discussed especially because the drug is especially expensive. This an important drug because unlike previous INV +Ribavirin combination therapy, Boceprevir can be used in the treatment of hepatitis due to HCV genotype 1, the most common form of hepatitis C. It will be used in combination with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin for genotype 1 hepatitis C.
Boceprevir is an NS3/4A protease inhibitor. This drug stops viral replication by binding to a protease that would work to cleave the polyprotein. Thus this drug prevents the production of functional viral protein. Pegylated interferons are used to moderate the immune system. Ribivirin is a nucleoside analog and when given with IFN, it can reduce viral replication.
Original Article from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/09/merck-britain-idUSL5E8E8AH120120309
More info on HCV Medications:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177792-medication#2
--Elena Jordan
Boceprevir is an NS3/4A protease inhibitor. This drug stops viral replication by binding to a protease that would work to cleave the polyprotein. Thus this drug prevents the production of functional viral protein. Pegylated interferons are used to moderate the immune system. Ribivirin is a nucleoside analog and when given with IFN, it can reduce viral replication.
Original Article from Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/09/merck-britain-idUSL5E8E8AH120120309
More info on HCV Medications:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/177792-medication#2
--Elena Jordan
30 Eylül 2012 Pazar
HIV Infection Rate Down Amongst IV Drug Users In United States
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Felt this was relevant considering we've talked a lot about HIV testing and infection rates during class and in the pset.
The CDC announced the results of a survey conducted in 2009 among 10,000 individuals from major urban areas that concluded that the rate of HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDUs) fell from 18 to 9 percent as compared to 1990s. While this appears to be solid progress in the fight against HIV, the CDC cautions that the report also indicates several negative signs as well. The study shows a significant decline in testing rates(to 49%) and knowledge of one's seropositive status( half of those infected didn't know they were infected) and a large rate of high-risk behaviors such as needle-sharing(1/3 participated), unprotected sex(the majority), and multiple sex partners.
This study comes at an interesting time in our class since it's implications forces us to think about the complexities of epidemiology, especially with such a life-long infection and in these high-risk populations. Does this report mark a step forward due to the fall in prevalence, or a lack of gain/step back due to the decrease in testing and the perpetuation of high-risk behaviors that guarantee high incidence?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/02/usa-hiv-drugs-idUSL2E8E205R20120302
-Zachary Herrera
The CDC announced the results of a survey conducted in 2009 among 10,000 individuals from major urban areas that concluded that the rate of HIV infection among intravenous drug users (IDUs) fell from 18 to 9 percent as compared to 1990s. While this appears to be solid progress in the fight against HIV, the CDC cautions that the report also indicates several negative signs as well. The study shows a significant decline in testing rates(to 49%) and knowledge of one's seropositive status( half of those infected didn't know they were infected) and a large rate of high-risk behaviors such as needle-sharing(1/3 participated), unprotected sex(the majority), and multiple sex partners.
This study comes at an interesting time in our class since it's implications forces us to think about the complexities of epidemiology, especially with such a life-long infection and in these high-risk populations. Does this report mark a step forward due to the fall in prevalence, or a lack of gain/step back due to the decrease in testing and the perpetuation of high-risk behaviors that guarantee high incidence?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/02/usa-hiv-drugs-idUSL2E8E205R20120302
-Zachary Herrera
Leukemia drugs can treat ebola
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Ebola is known for its terrifyingly rapid and unstoppable death. But at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Mayra Garcia's lab has shown that two leukemia drugs, notlitinib and imatinib, can slow the progression of the virus. It does this by stopping the function of the oncogene Abl (a tyrosine kinase), which is necessary for viral budding through the activity of the matrix protein VP40.
This is a really weird overlap of two very different fields! And very cool! The drug can stop rapidly replicating cells and rapidly replicating viruses, though the mechanism is somewhat different. I wonder why viral budding needs Abl? The research hasn't left cell plates yet, but it sounds promising to me. The drugs are kind of toxic, but nothing beats the toxicity of ebola... Anyhow, Its a good reminder to learn everything we can about viral processes, because apparently we can use drugs we've already developed to stop them!
Article.
-Annelise
This is a really weird overlap of two very different fields! And very cool! The drug can stop rapidly replicating cells and rapidly replicating viruses, though the mechanism is somewhat different. I wonder why viral budding needs Abl? The research hasn't left cell plates yet, but it sounds promising to me. The drugs are kind of toxic, but nothing beats the toxicity of ebola... Anyhow, Its a good reminder to learn everything we can about viral processes, because apparently we can use drugs we've already developed to stop them!
Article.
-Annelise
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