The Evolution of HIV and AIDS Over Time
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a virus that attacks the immune system, originated from a mutated version of the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) found in chimpanzees. The origins of HIV can be traced back to the early 20th century, specifically in Kinshasa, which is now part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
## Origin and Early Spread
It is believed that HIV was transmitted to humans through contact with infected blood during the handling of meat, possibly through hunting or butchering practices. The virus then spread within Kinshasa due to factors like the growing sex trade and the development of a large railway system, which facilitated the movement of people and goods.
## Spread to West Africa
Although the initial outbreak occurred in Central Africa, the spread to West Africa is less documented. However, it is likely that the virus spread through similar factors such as trade and migration.
## Global Spread
The global spread of HIV is attributed to international travel and migration. As people moved from Africa to other parts of the world, they carried the virus with them. The first reported cases of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which is caused by HIV, in the Western world were in the early 1980s, particularly among gay men in New York City and San Francisco. This led to the initial misconception that AIDS was a "gay-related" disease.
## Key Events in the Spread
In 1982, health experts started calling the symptoms and related conditions AIDS. In 1983, scientists identified the virus responsible for AIDS and initially named it human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III or lymphadenopathy-associated virus. The first International Conference on AIDS took place in the U.S. in 1985, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed the first commercial blood test to test for viral antibodies.
In March 1987, the FDA approved zidovudine, the first antiretroviral medication that could treat HIV. By 1990, an estimated 8-10 million people worldwide were living with HIV. In June 1995, the FDA approved a protease inhibitor for use in HIV treatment.
In 1991, the red ribbon became the symbol of AIDS awareness. In 1999, AIDS-related illnesses were the fourth-leading cause of deaths worldwide and the leading cause of deaths in Africa. In 2002, the FDA approved the first rapid HIV test.
In July 2000, organizations negotiated with pharmaceutical companies to make antiretroviral medication more affordable to developing countries. In 2008, the number of known HIV cases had stabilized. In 2012, the FDA approved the preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) preventive drug treatment plan.
In 2017, several organizations endorsed the Undetectable = Untransmittable initiative. At this time, researchers estimated that 14 million people had died from AIDS-related illnesses since the HIV epidemic began. In 2019, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated guidelines regarding PrEP for the prevention of HIV.
As of 2021, an estimated 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, but 1 in 7 do not know it. The FDA have approved only one formulation of PrEP, suitable for adults and adolescents who have a high risk of HIV and weigh over 35 kilograms. The global fight against HIV and AIDS continues, with ongoing research and initiatives aimed at prevention, treatment, and eradication.
- Science has played a crucial role in understanding chronic diseases like HIV and AIDS, with researchers identifying the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III as the virus responsible for AIDS in 1983.
- Health-and-wellness, including mental health and nutrition, are essential components of managing HIV, a chronic disease that attacks the immune system.
- Fitness-and-exercise, along with proper medication, can help boost the immune system of individuals living with HIV, potentially improving their overall health.
- The rise of various cancers has been observed in people living with HIV due to their compromised immune systems, emphasizing the need for regular medical-conditions checks.
- The global spread of HIV evolved through various factors such as travel, migration, and trade, all of which have contributed to making HIV one of the most widespread chronic diseases worldwide.
