Belgian researchers make a breakthrough in AIDS research: they found out where the virus hides in the body when it is fought with anti-HIV drugs.
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It is estimated that 37.9 million people worldwide are affected by the HIV virus. AIDS is no longer considered a deadly disease, but a chronic disease, but the virus is still something that can never be freed from.
The saving medicine
Sick people have only one hope – they can take a drug that will “keep the virus under control all their lives,” said researchers at Gand University.
The news of a cure for AIDS patients is therefore all the more impressive. An Englishman recently became completely healthy, although this is not possible after today’s medical advances.
“Virus sources” remain
As the researchers at the University of Gand in Belgium explain, the problem is that “the immune system is still sick” even when taking medication. “The risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer is higher in HIV-positive people” because “virus sources” remain.
It is easy to understand why it is extremely important to completely eliminate the virus. Until now, this was impossible because you didn’t know where the remains of the viruses were.
Groundbreaking discovery
A new discovery by researchers at the University of Gand in Belgium may now change the situation. They found out where the virus is hiding when it is used to fight anti-HIV drugs. So far this was unknown.
To this end, they analyzed the viruses in the body of eleven volunteer patients who temporarily interrupted their treatment in order to allow AIDS to reappear.
The HI virus hides in specific immune cells in the body and thus escapes the drug’s radar. If the patient stops taking HIV inhibitors, the virus can emerge from these cells and multiply again.
Study brings decisive insights
To this end, they analyzed the viruses in the body of eleven volunteer patients who temporarily interrupted their treatment in order to allow AIDS to reappear.
“Our study shows that, contrary to previous beliefs, the immune cells that often share are responsible for the virus reservoirs.” This is a crucial lesson that could be a first step towards curing AIDS. You can find more information in the video above.
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