Rob.Carr@asuvax.asu.edu (Rob Carr) (06/10/89)
The 06/01/89 issue of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette has an article from the AP
news service. Basically what it says is that the antibody test for AIDS is not
as effective as was thought. Some people may harbor the virus in their cells
without developing antibodies against the virus. The study found 25% of male
homosexuals engaged in risky sexual practices had the AIDS virus in their
system but did not text positive on any antibody test.
So knowing that someone is HIV antibody negative is no guarantee that they do
not have the virus. The implications are frightening and obvious. The
nation's blood supply may not be as safe as was once thought, although most
people in high-risk groups have been smart enough not to donate blood even
though they have been antibdy negative.
One bright spot: this opens up a possible method of controlling AIDS. If there
is a long-term dormancy stage associated with AIDS, it may be possible to force
the virii (plural of virus?) back into this state, essentially curing the
disease.
The article was based upon the New England Journal of Medicine with the same
date.
* Origin: Doctors Inn *HST* (Pittsburgh, PA 412-881-7757) (1:129/53)
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