February 15th, 2010

Aciclovir, a Herpes drug, could Delay HIV infection according to new studies performed.  It’s ironic that a Herpes drug – another form of sexually transmitted disease – could slow the progression of what used to be a certain death sentence for many.

Researchers studied 3,400 individuals in Africa, and found that 16% experienced a slowing of HIV symptoms after taking Aciclovir for 24 months.  The dose of the herpes drug that they took was 400 mg twice per day.

Half of the 3,400 took the drug, whereas the other have had a placebo.  The 16% slowing in the rate was experienced in the group taking the drug.

This is great news for those with HIV, but doctors warn that this discovery will not replace current antiretroviral therapy.  Aciclovir could be used on those individuals whose infection has not progressed enough to warrant the antiretroviral treatments.

It wasn’t that long ago that HIV and AIDS was a death sentence.  Whereas there still is no cure for AIDS, there are treatments out there that allow people to prolong their lives.  There still isn’t a drug that keeps patients from transmitting the drugs to other people.

HIV and AIDS are two of the many reasons why practicing safe sex is extremely important.  It is also important not to share needles or any other item that could transfer bodily fluids.  While lives can be prolonged, many people still die of the disease every year.

Source:

Business Week