Geiselhart K, Stoll M (2013)
Publication Status: Published
Publication Type: Journal article, Original article
Publication year: 2013
Publisher: MHP verlag GmbH
Book Volume: 38
Pages Range: 382-388
Journal Issue: 9
URI: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84889021366&origin=inward
A novel form of an acquired T cellular immunodeficiency had been described in the early 1980s. Later on a retrovirus (HIV - human immunodeficiency virus) was found as the causative agent in the progressive immunodeficiency and it became evident that HIV can be transmitted mucosally and parenterally. HIV is closely related to a group of lentivirusses (SIV) which are prevalent in certain primates. Phylogenetic studies support that multiple transfers from SIV to mankind occured in the first decades of the 20th century in Africa. Meanwhile HIV became pandemic but HIV prevalence varies considerably worldwide between different areas. Since the 1990s combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) became available and was able to control viral replication, to reconstitute the cellular immunodeficiency, and to reduce both HIV-associated morbidity and -mortality. Recently it has been shown, that broad use of cART reduces the transmission of HIV substantially. However, long term success of cART depends from early diagnosis of HIV-infection as well as from safety, tolerability, and convenience of cART. However individual adherence to cART is crucial but requires comprehension of natural sciences, which may be hindered by the specific cultural background in some of the high preva-Vilence areas. The high prevalence country of Botswana can serve as an example indicating the difficulties to ensure adherence and prevention on a long-term basis. Traditional Medicine, societal institutions and the governmental HIV-intervention strategy could provide good preconditions for personal and social coping. HIV and AIDS remains a multidimensional challenge.
APA:
Geiselhart, K., & Stoll, M. (2013). HIV and AIDS - A global challenge to medical epistemes and society. Hygiene + Medizin, 38(9), 382-388.
MLA:
Geiselhart, Klaus, and Matthias Stoll. "HIV and AIDS - A global challenge to medical epistemes and society." Hygiene + Medizin 38.9 (2013): 382-388.
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