Experimental Treatment Seems to have Cured a HIV Patient
The human immunodeficiency virus (commonly known as HIV) has been puzzling scientists and medical researchers since it was first discovered in the early 1980s. So far, experts have created many types of treatments and medical products in an effort to combat it. Even though we have not yet managed to find a cure, most of the HIV patients of our time are able to live a normal life by taking specific drugs on a regular basis.
It is common knowledge that HIV is very difficult to cure. The reason behind this is its ability to “hide” in the DNA of healthy cells and remain dormant there for a large period of time. According to various studies, an HIV patient can have absolutely no symptoms for a few months up to a few years after the infection. This fact, combined with a few mutations of the virus that can happen in a very short period of time, can make HIV impossible to eradicate completely. This is why the best thing we have managed to achieve so far is keep the number of infected cells “in check” by administering special drugs. However, this may soon change.
A team that includes members from 5 British universities plus the National Health Service of the United Kingdom appears to have achieved something unprecedented. A combination of two medical products seems to have managed to reduce the presence of HIV infected cells in the patient’s blood to absolute zero. The patient is one of fifty HIV positive volunteers who participate in this trial. He is the only one who has completed the essential procedure so far and the results look amazing.
Some of you must be wondering why there is reluctance in the announcement of such wonderful news. Even though it is a phenomenal breakthrough, the team members are not yet 100% sure that the virus has been completely destroyed because there are still significant levels of the anti-HIV drugs in the patient's bloodstream. An additional amount of time is required in order to discover if the treatment was indeed 100% successful or if the virus will eventually reappear.
This could be the first step towards one of the greatest medical advancements of modern medicine. But, no matter the result, we have to remain cautious and careful when dealing with such a sensitive issue. For now, using all the available means of protection against HIV is all that is required to avoid the infection and all the unpleasant consequences it brings.