A.I.D.S. — Tracking Down The Nightmare Disease (Press, 23 March 1985)

The article by Martin Kennedy discusses the growing impact of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease first identified in 1981, which has rapidly expanded beyond initially recognised at-risk groups such as homosexual and bisexual men, intravenous drug users, and recipients of contaminated blood transfusions. With the emerging cases, the urgency for understanding the disease's cause, transmission, and effects on the immune system has escalated. Researchers have made significant progress through methods of genetic engineering to isolate the virus responsible for AIDS, identified as HTLV-III (Human T-lymphotropic Virus type III), which specifically attacks T-lymphocytes, essential for the immune response. HTLV-III has been found to destroy these immune cells, leading to the characteristic immune system collapse seen in AIDS patients. As a result, patients become vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers, which are the actual causes of death rather than the virus itself. The article elaborates on how the cloning of HTLV-III DNA has facilitated a deeper understanding of its structure and function, enabling the development of potential diagnostic tests and vaccines that do not rely on live virus, hence increasing safety. Scientists have discovered that HTLV-III can be present in saliva and semen, raising concerns about its transmission in the general population. Current statistics indicate that many AIDS cases in the U.S. result from contaminated blood transfusions, leading to the implementation of screening for HTLV-III in blood donations. The promotion of preventative measures by gay organisations is highlighted, although the long incubation period poses a challenge as individuals may carry the virus without showing symptoms for several years. Speculations regarding the virus's origins suggest it may have been present for some time, with potential links to Africa where a notable percentage of the population may have been exposed to it. One study dates an AIDS case back to 1977, indicating a longer history than previously acknowledged. Further research points to possible evolutionary connections with a virus affecting monkeys, suggesting that cross-species transmission could be a factor. Despite the advancements in understanding AIDS, the prognosis remains grim, with no cure currently available. However, new drugs such as gamma interferon, interleukin-2, and suramin are being trialled for their effectiveness in controlling the disease. The overall sentiment is cautiously optimistic, as the knowledge gained through genetic engineering and advances in virology might lead to more effective management of HIV/AIDS in the future. The acknowledgment of past limitations in medical science and the potential for future breakthroughs encapsulates a hopeful yet realistic outlook on combating the AIDS epidemic.

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