Aids is caused by HIV, which destroys important cells in the immune system. It was first described in 1979 and the virus was identified in 1983. Then, patients died because there was no treatment. Today there are many medicines. These allow people with AIDS to lead more normal lives. Extensive research is underway into even better medicines for the future.
Disease: Aids
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: Who gets it?
AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. By the end of 2002 it was estimated that 60 million people worldwide had been infected with HIV.
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What is it?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the name given to a collection of symptoms that result from infection with a virus called HIV. The virus destroys important cells in the immune system. Because of this, the body is less able to fight off infection and is at risk of developing certain tumours. Death usually results from overwhelming infection.
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Who gets it?
AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. By the end of 2002 it was estimated that 60 million people worldwide had been infected with HIV. -
What can be done about it?
There has been a huge amount of effort devoted to the development of treatments for AIDS. In 1995 there were just three available drugs. Now there are twenty. They work by interfering with the normal life-cycle of HIV. This reduces the amount of virus in the body and considerably slows down the development of more serious symptoms.
Unfortunately, these medicines have complicated dosage schedules and can have unpleasant side effects. Also, HIV is a very changeable virus with new forms constantly emerging. This means that it becomes resistant to the drugs very quickly. It also means that it is difficult to design a protective vaccine that could prevent infections. -
What does the future hold?
There is a lot of research into new antiviral agents and combinations of antiviral agents. Industry is developing medicines which boost the immune system and vaccines to help prevent and treat AIDS. Finally, research is underway into compounds to treat the lethal infections that take advantage of the HIV-weakened patient.