Double trouble. (HIV).AIDS experts have long warned that a person could become infected with more than one strain of HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. , but now researchers have confirmed the existence of so-called superinfection superinfection /su·per·in·fec·tion/ (-in-fek´shun) a new infection occurring in a patient having a preexisting infection, such as bacterial superinfection in viral respiratory disease or infection of a chronic hepatitis B carrier with . Two gay men, in Boston and Switzerland respectively, who were participating in AIDS medication and vaccine studies experienced surging viral loads after each was infected with a second HIV strain during unprotected sex. Swiss researchers writing in the September 5 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine The New England Journal of Medicine (New Engl J Med or NEJM) is an English-language peer-reviewed medical journal published by the Massachusetts Medical Society. It is one of the most popular and widely-read peer-reviewed general medical journals in the world. suggested that superinfection may accelerate HIV disease progression and could deal a major setback to AIDS vaccine AIDS vaccine A hypothetical vaccine intended to either prevent HIV infection or ensure that those infected will not fall victim to AIDS; the most promising vaccine is that using a naked DNA plasmid, reported by Letwin et al in 20/10/00 Science; as of early 2001, research. "With sexual activity seemingly increasing among persons with HIV-1 infection, this is a public health message that needs to be broadcast loud and clear," they wrote. |
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