AIDS: Anti-HIV Agents, Therapies, and Vaccines

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus is classified as member of a rare but highly organized group of retroviruses that possess, in addition to trans-acting cellular genes, their own set of regulatory elements. After invading the human body, HIV will gradually erode the ability of the immune system to resist various pathogens, thus making the patient increasingly vulnerable to a number of opportunistic infections and cancers. With the lack of any meaningful treatment, death from AIDS will occur within 2 to 4 years of its clinical diagnosis. Currently, three major ways of transmitting AIDS are known: by sexual intercourse, by transfusion of contaminated blood or sharing of tainted needles, and through one's progeny.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 26, 1990
Accession Number
ADA237404

Entities

People

  • John J. Mcgowan
  • Vassil St Georgiev

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Health Services
  • Medical Personnel
  • Organic Chemistry

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology