HIV/AIDS
From 'Gay Plague' to Pandemic: HIV Virus Discovered 25 Years Ago Today
By RealJock Staff
Published May 20, 2008
Published May 20, 2008
Twenty-five years ago today, a French team led by Luc Montaigner first described a suspect virus found in a patient who had died of AIDS, according to a piece put out by AFP. The reporting of this virus on May 20, 1983, in the journal Science, was an important historic first step to understanding what some in the press had termed the "gay plague" because it had already killed thousands of gay men in urban areas.
Montaigner's research was a key precursor to the work of the U.S. researcher Robert Gallo, who determined in 2004 that a virus was responsible for the development of AIDS. Eventually the two shared credit for the discovery of what came to be known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1986. The two teams had hoped that the early discovery of the virus would lead to quick development of a vaccine, but with the virus's mutable properties, a vaccine eluded them and still eludes researchers today.
Over the 25 years since Montaigner's discovery, HIV/AIDS has reached pandemic status, wreaking massive destruction in many countries throughout the world, particularly in Africa. A January 2006 report by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization estimated that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized, making it one of the worst pandemics in recorded history. In 2006, UNAIDS and the WHO estimated that more than 33 million people may be infected with HIV worldwide. While the advent of anti-retroviral drug "cocktails" has allowed HIV-positive individuals to lead much longer lives in many parts of the world, millions of people still die from AIDS each year, often because they cannot access these much-needed drugs.
Even as HIV has become a global disease affecting heterosexuals in much larger numbers than gay people, the disease has seen an alarming resurgence among gay men. A November 2007 group commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that incidence of HIV infection among gay men in the U.S. is growing rapidly, particularly among black and Hispanic men, following a period of decline.
In the piece, the authors say that lack of awareness about HIV infection status is contributing to ongoing high-risk sexual behaviors among younger gay men. Much of that risk may be attributed to men having unprotected anal sex with partners who think they are HIV-negative—but are not. The authors quote one U.S. study that showed that 10 percent of gay men in a particular urban area were HIV-infected. Of these men, 77 percent were unaware they were infected with HIV.
Montaigner's research was a key precursor to the work of the U.S. researcher Robert Gallo, who determined in 2004 that a virus was responsible for the development of AIDS. Eventually the two shared credit for the discovery of what came to be known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1986. The two teams had hoped that the early discovery of the virus would lead to quick development of a vaccine, but with the virus's mutable properties, a vaccine eluded them and still eludes researchers today.
Over the 25 years since Montaigner's discovery, HIV/AIDS has reached pandemic status, wreaking massive destruction in many countries throughout the world, particularly in Africa. A January 2006 report by UNAIDS and the World Health Organization estimated that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized, making it one of the worst pandemics in recorded history. In 2006, UNAIDS and the WHO estimated that more than 33 million people may be infected with HIV worldwide. While the advent of anti-retroviral drug "cocktails" has allowed HIV-positive individuals to lead much longer lives in many parts of the world, millions of people still die from AIDS each year, often because they cannot access these much-needed drugs.
Even as HIV has become a global disease affecting heterosexuals in much larger numbers than gay people, the disease has seen an alarming resurgence among gay men. A November 2007 group commentary in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that incidence of HIV infection among gay men in the U.S. is growing rapidly, particularly among black and Hispanic men, following a period of decline.
In the piece, the authors say that lack of awareness about HIV infection status is contributing to ongoing high-risk sexual behaviors among younger gay men. Much of that risk may be attributed to men having unprotected anal sex with partners who think they are HIV-negative—but are not. The authors quote one U.S. study that showed that 10 percent of gay men in a particular urban area were HIV-infected. Of these men, 77 percent were unaware they were infected with HIV.
jasonmericson wrote:
It's interesting what this article doesn't say. Montaigner could only find evidence of the virus in 75 percent of the AIDS patients he tested, and it was never properly isolated according to standards set by the Pasteur Institute where he works. Gallo detected the virus from samples Montaigner sent him (he basically stole the discovery). HIV was announced as the probable cause of AIDS at a press conference in April, nearly a month before the paper was published, BEFORE there was a chance for any peer-review. HIV/AIDS research has been plagued with a stunning lack of scientific discipline, and as a result, 25 years of research has not saved one life, nor has it provided even the most basic idea of how the virus causes the damage that it's supposed to. AIDS needs to be reexamined outside the limitations of the HIV hypothesis, which has provided no solutions. (Which means it's time to draw up a new hypothesis!)
Jun 30 7:01 PM
NoshoesNoshirt wrote:
Note to Ziad... you said that being positive was like already dying? Well who knows, you could be dying of cancer or some other disease that kills you faster.. Ever thought about that?
Aug 05 3:44 PM
UnifiedAron04 wrote:
I used to think, and really wanted to believe that the HIV, AIDS virus was something of a natural occurrence given we haven't taken the best care of ourselves as well as our planet. But now I can't quite get over the feeling, especially after what I've heard, seen, and experienced-from a friend I've known for a while now who has just found out he's positive at 20 years of age. That he much like everyone else that's going through this is carrying a very own US government made Virus. That even Dr. Gallo has a responsibility in claiming part of the credit of making this dreadful disease. The information I saw and witnessed on many accounts have proven that infact our military in the mid 60's early 70's figured nuclear weapons were two costly and destructive. So created a plan of Bio warfare using the concept of disease ravaging viruses to wipe out and annihilate the enemy. According to the sources, they used 3 major viruses, from 3 different animals. Monkey, Cat, and a chicken virus. Cross bread them with a known 70,000 other discovered cold viruses to make what we have now. Monkey-Lymphoma cancer causing viruses, Cat-Feline Lukemia Immune Deficiency Virus and Chicken-"Wasting Disease"-sarcoma skin virus. Along 1978 to the early 80's and on the time was met to test this new weapon on subject hosts. So gays, and blacks predominately were targeted during those times for the "receiving of Hep B vaccinations" not knowing that they would never recover from a new threat that is alive and well with us today.
May 30 7:30 PM
Jaid wrote:
Hi guys,
It's very sad to hear that someone is HIV + cause it's kind of adobting new life style for the infected person. For me the Idea of being positive is already like diying cause I used to live in a country that doesn't allow infected people to work and or live in it. so no job or living
Somehow I got an axcess to Islam, and started to read about it. was really impressed how life detailed is that religious about and how can be normal behaviour toward avoiding such a disease be great lifestyle.
and as they say you only UNDERSTAND life until you experience death.
I guess SEX is something valuable, but in the right direction. Let's hope to find cure for every infected person and I'm sure from their stories rest of the people will LEARN much.
May 25 6:07 PM
novembermike wrote:
Ironically, I got checked out this morning. It's not tough to do, fellas. Get it done.
May 21 10:38 PM
SurrealLife wrote:
Unfortunately the news about increasing infection rates among gay men does not come as a surprise. The increasing popularity about "barebacking" is not helping matters. Furthermore, the increased use of recreational drugs is leading to some men to engage in risky behaviour. I don't know what the solution is except maybe more education from the gay community, especially those that are HIV+. The drug cocktails are not a cure they are a treatment, and a damn unpleasant one at times.
May 21 2:58 PM
MrVenturu wrote:
Indeed the sense of immortality in young men might be it's strongest attibute and it's downfall. In Africa, where I live, statistics currently show that one in every three people have the HIV virus. This is a reality that many people rarely consider. So if you don't know your status just think about how many people you have been with and consider your chances. Just say know guys!!! I went for my test last week and plan have tests done every four to six months. It's not so much paranoia that drives me to do the test but rather the fact that ARV treatment sould commence sooner rather than later. HIV might not be curable but is really is treatable.
This is truely a battle that the entire human race needs to tackle together. And on that note I would like to refer to the movie Independance Day. Do we need to be attaced by alliens in fancy space ships before we realise the biggest Allien is already here..?
May 21 1:10 PM
Sedative wrote:
77% are unaware?! :S
May 21 12:00 PM
eribas0601 wrote:
This article is so sad but 100% true. And the worst thing is that the number of HIV and AIDS virus are still gong to rise, do to the fact that people in general don't want to have that open discussion with there boyfriend or girlfriend, and talk about this life changing virus and actually taking that effort of getting tested and protecting them selves from there on. But its easier said then done because we're all afraid of knowing the truth till one day your laying on that hospital bed and wondering why you.
May 21 2:50 AM