Genes predict allergies to drug. (Genetics).Genetic differences among people infected with 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. might help identify the 5 percent of patients who will suffer allergic reactions, ranging from rashes to anaphylactic shock, when given the antiretroviral drug abacavir. A team of Australian researchers used a genetic test to look for variants of the proteins that make up the part of the immune system called the major histocompatibility complex major histocompatibility complex n. Abbr. MHC A chromosomal segment that codes for cell-surface histocompatibility antigens and is the principal determinant of tissue type and transplant compatibility. Also called HLA complex. . Among 200 patients with HIV treated with abacavir, the 13 with a particular constellation of three gene variants within the complex all developed an allergic reaction to the drug, says Simon Mallal of the Centre for Clinical Immunology and Biomedical bi·o·med·i·cal adj. 1. Of or relating to biomedicine. 2. Of, relating to, or involving biological, medical, and physical sciences. Statistics at Royal Perth Hospital Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) is an 855-bed teaching hospital located on north eastern edge of the CBD of Perth, Western Australia (). Royal Perth Hospital also has specialised rehabilitation facilities at Shenton Park. in Australia. Another 5 patients developed hypersensitivity reactions to abacavir but didn't share this complete sequence of gene variants. Mallal reported his results in the March 2 Lancet as well as at the meeting. The study supports the principle that genetic tests help physicians predict a drug's effect on patients, says Seth Hetherington of GlaxoSmithKline in Research Triangle Park Research Triangle Park, research, business, medical, and educational complex situated in central North Carolina. It has an area of 6,900 acres (2,795 hectares) and is 8 × 2 mi (13 × 3 km) in size. Named for the triangle formed by Duke Univ. , N.C., who has been conducting related experiments with abacavir. --D.C. |
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