The article “Biological catch-22 prevents induction of antibodies that block HIV” explains that the potentially life saving vaccine against AIDs may be blocked by the body. As soon as HIV-antibodies are created the immune system works to destroy them before they mature. This helps to further understand how HIV develops in the body. It has recently been theorized that, according to Duke University researchers, “the antibodies required to broadly neutralize HIV may not be produced in the first place because the immune system "sees" them as a potential threat -- due to their similarity to antibodies that promote autoimmune disease -- and destroys them.” This is a brilliant way for HIV to avoid the immune system; the antibodies needed to fight HIV are destroyed. Most of these rare B cells are deleted, but some survive and remain in a “turned off” stage. Thus, researchers are trying to discover how these cells may be able to be turned on continuing the search for preventative care. The CDC focuses on preventing infection through choices rather than via a vaccine, as one has not been sufficiently made. It is stated that abstinence, monogamous relationships with an uninfected partner, and refraining from sharing needles are the best way for individuals to stay safe, preventing HIV infections and the transmission of HIV.
Duke University Medical Center (2009, December 16). Biological catch-22 prevents induction of antibodies that block HIV. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 17, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2009/12/091215102105.htm
CDC National Prevention Information Network (2009, December 16). HIV/AIDS Prevention Today. Retrieved December 16, 2009, from http://www.cdcnpin.org/scripts /hiv/prevent.asp
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Bonus article #1
One article I choose to read was called “Most people should not automatically opt for a swine flu shot.” As a volunteer in the UC Davis Medical Center I was required to get the vaccine, thus I was interested in who should truly receive it. The article revealed that during emergency situations people panic, yet bacteria do not. It explained that the H1N1 bacteria communicate in complicated ways using chemical signals. When the bacteria face a threatening situation they sends signals out that can tell one another to become spores to protect themselves. The article continued to say that those that come into contact with many individuals, such as a traveling businessman or teacher. Those that are limited to exposure may not necessarily need to get the vaccine. Those that are undecided are told to weigh the risks, yet still be cautious. The CDC explains that “All countries should immunize their health-care workers as a first priority to protect the
essential health infrastructure” and continues to say that women that are pregnant, children, and those over 65 are high priority groups. It explains the necessity of preventing the pandemic from spreading further. Thus, it is up to the individual to weigh the risks, while also realizing the severity of H1N1.
American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2009, December 16). Most people should not automatically opt for a swine flu shot, expert suggests based on bacterial decision-making. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 16, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2009/12/091216104352.htm
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) July 29, 2009
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/downloads/min-jul09.txt
essential health infrastructure” and continues to say that women that are pregnant, children, and those over 65 are high priority groups. It explains the necessity of preventing the pandemic from spreading further. Thus, it is up to the individual to weigh the risks, while also realizing the severity of H1N1.
American Friends of Tel Aviv University (2009, December 16). Most people should not automatically opt for a swine flu shot, expert suggests based on bacterial decision-making. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 16, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2009/12/091216104352.htm
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) July 29, 2009
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/acip/downloads/min-jul09.txt
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Anthrax
Anthrax is a serious disease that is spread by inhaling spores of bacterium Bacillus anthacis. It is also know as a weapon for terrorism. In United States in 2001 anthrax was spread through the postal system. The envelopes which contained powder with anthrax caused 22 cases of anthrax infection. The early treatment with antibiotics can cure anthrax infection.There is three infection sites: cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and inhalation. Gastrointestinal and inhalation infections is more serious and can lead to death. In 2001, most of the people who got infected with anthrax ended in death. Today there is vaccine to prevent anthrax; however, it is not yet available to the public. In case of terrorism attack anthrax vaccine can be used to vaccinate people who were exposed.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a dangerous disease that if not treated properly can become fatal. It is a second pandemic disease to HIV that causes about two million deaths a year. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Bacteria usually attack lungs; however, it can also spread to other parts of the body like kidneys, spine, and brain (CDC). Bacteria is spread through the air when infected person coughs or sneezes, much like flu virus. The inhaled bacteria may not become active right away, since immune system is able to fight bacteria to stop from multiplying. This stage of infection is called Latent Infection (CDC). However, if the bacteria becomes active in the body and starts to multiply, the immune system can do nothing to stop them from growing. In this stage person will start to feel sick and severe symptoms will appear. Early treatment is very important, otherwise disease might became fatal.
Health-related Microbiolody Disease 2
In 1918, the Spanish flu occured which was known to be the first H1H1. The Spanish flu killed thousands of people. During 2009, is H1N1 began to reappear again especially targeting young people. Soares believes that the older generation was not heavily affected now by the swine flu because a lot of them might have been around doing that out break. So they have an antibody in them that helps fight off the new virus (Soares). The CDC did some testing and found that the people that got a shot against H1N1 in the late 1970's had a strong response against to dys H1N1 that is out. Young people do not have the immune response to the H1N1 therefore, there are more cases in people under the age of 30. If a person feels like they are having flu like symptoms they should stay home and rest (CDC). Avoiding contact with others is very important except when needing to see a doctor. H1N1 can be treated with antiviral medicine such as Tamiflu (CDC). It seems that the flu of 1918 has prevented the older generation from H1N1.
Citation:
CDC:H1N1 Flu- What To If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
Pandemic Payoff from 1918: A weaker H1N1 Flu Today http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=pandemic-payoff
Citation:
CDC:H1N1 Flu- What To If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
Pandemic Payoff from 1918: A weaker H1N1 Flu Today http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=pandemic-payoff
Pathogenic bacteria presence in cigarettes and their effects on human health
Recent studies published in Environmental Health Perspective journal have shown that
cigarettes contain a significant amount of bacteria that include strains that are know to be pathogenic to humans and are linked to respiratory infections. This study is unique in that it implicated cigarettes in playing a role in introducing potentially pathogenic microbes into the lungs. Smoking is known to harm nearly every organ of the human body and is a potential source of many diseases that affect both smokers and secondhand smokers as well. In addition, smoking is linked to almost a tenfold increase in the risk of dying from complications that were brought on by COPD, and is responsible for almost 90% of all deaths that were a result of COPD. It has been known that bacteria is present in tobacco leaves, but what makes this study intriguing is that few studies were actually performed to look at the bacterial communities that are associated with tobacco, instead, most studies were directed towards looking at the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. The study found that close to 700 bacterial strains were identified in well-known tobacco brands, and researchers found concluded that no one brand contained significantly different amounts of bacterial when compared to others. Such large presence of bacteria is attributed primarily to the fermentation process that tobacco undergoes, where bacteria is concentrated to an amount close to 1 million bacteria per cigarette. Moreover, the study team found fifteen different classes of potentially pathogenic organisms that varied from Acinetobacter to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Surprisingly, these pathogenic strains were found in almost 90% of all cigarette samples tested. Researchers concluded that smokers are inhaling living bacteria that can potentially lead to diseases such as COPD and inflammations associated with cancerous tumors.
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=cigarettes-smoking-bacteria-infection-pathogen
cigarettes contain a significant amount of bacteria that include strains that are know to be pathogenic to humans and are linked to respiratory infections. This study is unique in that it implicated cigarettes in playing a role in introducing potentially pathogenic microbes into the lungs. Smoking is known to harm nearly every organ of the human body and is a potential source of many diseases that affect both smokers and secondhand smokers as well. In addition, smoking is linked to almost a tenfold increase in the risk of dying from complications that were brought on by COPD, and is responsible for almost 90% of all deaths that were a result of COPD. It has been known that bacteria is present in tobacco leaves, but what makes this study intriguing is that few studies were actually performed to look at the bacterial communities that are associated with tobacco, instead, most studies were directed towards looking at the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. The study found that close to 700 bacterial strains were identified in well-known tobacco brands, and researchers found concluded that no one brand contained significantly different amounts of bacterial when compared to others. Such large presence of bacteria is attributed primarily to the fermentation process that tobacco undergoes, where bacteria is concentrated to an amount close to 1 million bacteria per cigarette. Moreover, the study team found fifteen different classes of potentially pathogenic organisms that varied from Acinetobacter to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Surprisingly, these pathogenic strains were found in almost 90% of all cigarette samples tested. Researchers concluded that smokers are inhaling living bacteria that can potentially lead to diseases such as COPD and inflammations associated with cancerous tumors.http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/index.htm
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=cigarettes-smoking-bacteria-infection-pathogen
XMRV virus, a potential marker for CFS
The disease in which most people would relate to a sense of tiredness, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS, is a disease that is accompanied by an intense feeling of fatigue that is not improved by rest as one would think. Individuals with such disease are characterized by their diminished activity level, weakness, muscle pain and a host of other physical and psychological impairments. Scientists have not been able to pinpoint a specific cause of CFS. However, a recent study was able to link a retrovirus that might be involved with CFS and has the potential to assist scientists in diagnosis of the condition.
It is currently estimated that 17 million people are affected by CFS, but that number could fluctuate due in part to the diagnosis methods physicians follow to diagnose the condition. Some scientists believe that if a specific virus was to be used as an indicator for CFS could potentially improve diagnosis and eventually lead to a possible breakthrough in finding treatments for the disease. A recent discovery by Mikovits’s scientific team showed that a gammaretrovirus XMRV has been linked to strong cases of prostate cancer. Intriguingly enough, the virus is similar to that of CFS in the changes that take place with the antiviral enzyme RNase L. This discovery opened up a doorway into using the similar virus as a possible indicator of CFS in affected patients. After much analysis, it was found that two-thirds of all CFS patients were positive for the virus. The question of how the viruses are transferred in CFS outbreaks was found to be via blood. The problem of how the virus is precisely related to CFS still remains unknown, due in part by the complexity of CFS which is thought to be a result of many diseases. As a result, the Mikovits team is currently working on a reverse transcriptase inhibitors which complete the need for a drug target and a marker. The team is optimistic about finding a simpler diagnostic method that could help physicians in pinpointing CFS efficiently and accurately. Current estimates to have such methods available are in less than six months.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=chronic-fatigue-syndrome-retrovirus
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs
It is currently estimated that 17 million people are affected by CFS, but that number could fluctuate due in part to the diagnosis methods physicians follow to diagnose the condition. Some scientists believe that if a specific virus was to be used as an indicator for CFS could potentially improve diagnosis and eventually lead to a possible breakthrough in finding treatments for the disease. A recent discovery by Mikovits’s scientific team showed that a gammaretrovirus XMRV has been linked to strong cases of prostate cancer. Intriguingly enough, the virus is similar to that of CFS in the changes that take place with the antiviral enzyme RNase L. This discovery opened up a doorway into using the similar virus as a possible indicator of CFS in affected patients. After much analysis, it was found that two-thirds of all CFS patients were positive for the virus. The question of how the viruses are transferred in CFS outbreaks was found to be via blood. The problem of how the virus is precisely related to CFS still remains unknown, due in part by the complexity of CFS which is thought to be a result of many diseases. As a result, the Mikovits team is currently working on a reverse transcriptase inhibitors which complete the need for a drug target and a marker. The team is optimistic about finding a simpler diagnostic method that could help physicians in pinpointing CFS efficiently and accurately. Current estimates to have such methods available are in less than six months.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=chronic-fatigue-syndrome-retrovirus
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs
Health-related Microbiolody Disease
Human Immunodefiency Virus known as HIV is a very serious disease. HIV is passed through blood and excahnge of body fluids. HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system which causes a person to have a weak immune system. However, it has been found that some carriers of the disease do not develope AIDS (Roehr). AIDS is when the disease is full blown. According to Roehr, this unusal case of some people not developing AIDS can lead to some very important discoveries of figuring out a way to treat HIV. At this point there is no cure of this disease. There are lot of people out there that does not know they have the disease (CDC). HIV does not usually have symptoms till later on when it begins to progress; the only way to find out is by getting tested (CDC). In 1996 the number of AIDS cases began to drop due to new drugs that can help to suppress the progress (CDC).
Citations
CDC: HIV/AIDS-Basic Information http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic/index.htm#symptoms
Reserachers Try to Solve the Mystery of HIV Carriers Who Don't Contract AIDS http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=hiv-aids-controllers
Citations
CDC: HIV/AIDS-Basic Information http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/basic/index.htm#symptoms
Reserachers Try to Solve the Mystery of HIV Carriers Who Don't Contract AIDS http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=hiv-aids-controllers
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