June (2021) marks the 40th anniversary of the first scientific report describing pneumocystis pneumonia, which later became known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Unfortunately, the AIDS crisis of the 1980s was steeped in misinformation and discrimination, especially against homosexual men who were disproportionately affected by the disease. Because of truly dedicated innovative science, within a few years, the scientific community figured out that AIDS was due to the virus we now call HIV. At that point, it was possible to combine three different medications from two different classes and completely suppress the HIV replication. To cure HIV, you have to eliminate those hiding viruses in the cells – that latent viral reservoir, which is the term we use.

Source: The Star June 26, 2021 04:52 UTC