Work

The spread, treatment, and prevention of HIV-1: evolution of a global pandemic

Year: 2008

Type: review

Abstract: The most up-to-date estimates demonstrate very heterogeneous spread of HIV-1, and more than 30 million people are now living with HIV-1 infection, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. The efficiency of transmission of HIV-1 depends primarily on the concentration of the virus in the infectious host. Although treatment with antiviral agents has proven a very effective way to improve the health and survival of infected individuals, as we discuss here, the epidemic will continue to grow unless greatly improved prevention strategies can be developed and implemented. No prophylactic vaccine is on the horizon. However, several behavioral and structural strategies have made a difference--male circumcision provides substantial protection from sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV-1, and the application of antiretroviral agents for prevention holds great promise.

Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation

DOI: 10.1172/jci34706

Authors: Myron S. Cohen, Nick Hellmann, Jay A. Levy, Kevin DeCock, Joep Lange

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gates Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, World Health Organization, University of Amsterdam

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill