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Scientist finds Aids virus
by The Ovi Team
2011-04-23 10:21:12 |
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April 23rd 1984; Scientist finds Aids virus. The discovery of a virus which may cause Aids, the fatal disease sweeping through America, has been hailed as a "monumental breakthrough" in medical research. The development was announced in Washington by US Health Secretary Margaret Heckler.
She said the virus was a variant of a known human cancer virus called HTLV-3. A blood test has also been developed, which, she said, would be available within six months, preventing the tragedy of transfusion patients contracting the disease through tainted blood products. She also suggested that a vaccine to prevent Aids might be ready for testing in two years' time. "Today's discovery represents the triumph of science over a dreaded disease," she said.
Aids, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, weakens the immune system, leaving its victims open to a series of wasting diseases. Those people who appear to be more at risk of contracting Aids include homosexuals, haemophiliacs, drug users and those who have received blood transfusions. It has been causing widespread panic in the United States, where 4,000 people have been infected since the discovery of the disease in 1981. Almost half have died. The findings in the United States are similar to the discovery in France last week of a virus called LAV, although French researchers stopped short of saying it was definitely the one which causes Aids.
Ovi+pedia healthcare HIV/AIDS AIDS Ovi Health |
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