Word: viruses
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1980-1989
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Hirsch have found in laboratory tests that HTLV-III attacks not only the T-helper lymphocytes, but also another type of white blood cell, called a macrophage, that has been linked to cells in the brain. The macrophage or disease-fighting white blood cell is not killed by the virus, Groopman says, but instead is used as a breeding ground...
Hirsch adds that it is possible that the virus is carried to brain by the macrophages, but is unsure how this will effect the search for a treatment. "Macrophages can support the replication of this virus," he says. "Whether this will affect the future of anti-viral studies, it's too early to tell...
Hirsch and Groopman are also eagerly looking into other critical questions about the nature of AIDS. Who gets it and why? Who dies and who lives? How is the virus transmitted...
Hirsch is currently conducting a study of cofactors to determine whether the effect of the HTLV-III virus is exaggerated by certain lifestyles or diseases that target the immune system. For nearly four years, Hirsch and his MGH team have been following 170 gay men in the Boston area, seeing them at regular three-month intervals. This study, begun before scientists had discovered HTLV-III, was originally designed to determine the cause of AIDS. Although they have not yet formulated any conclusions, Hirsch says they will continue to study cofactors, placing special emphasis on the herpes group viruses which often...
Another area of AIDS research Hirsch is examining is transmission of the HTLV-III virus. HTLV-III is only known to be transmitted by contaminated blood and semen. Researchers have not yet determined whether the virus can be transmitted by female genital fluids, although Hirsch has found evidence that such fluid may contain the virus. The virus can, however, be transmitted from mother to unborn child, by contaminated needles and transfusions. Since April 1985, blood banks have screened blood donations for signs of the virus...