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Interview: AIDS--The Medical Perspective
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10737 |
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Section : |
CURRENT ISSUES
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Date : |
1 / 1986 |
2,490 Words |
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Dr. Joseph Bellanti
Dr. Joseph Bellanti, M.D. is a professor of Pediatrics and
Microbiology and the Director of the International center for
Interdisciplinary Studies of Immunology at Georgetown
University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C. |
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is spreading at an accelerating rate. Although the reported cases of AIDS fall into two main groups--homosexual men and intravenous drug users, the fear of the disease is racing around the globe. In the following interview, the World & I editor, Laurie Burras, asked prominent AIDS specialist Dr. Joseph Bellanti of Georgetown University's School of Medicine, about the disease, its causes and the possibilities for cure.
It has been reported that some 14,000 patients have contracted AIDS since 1981. More than half of them have died from it. We are told that more than one million Americans have been exposed to AIDS. What is your projection for the coming five years?
It is projected that unless something is done the rate will continue to double each year.
Could you explain how AIDS is being spread, according to the currently available information?
It is believed that AIDS is spread through one of two ways. Either through blood or blood products, or through genital contact. The spread through blood or blood products is seen primarily as a result of transfusions, such as with hemophiliacs; or through intravenous (IV) drug uses. The blood and blood products used for transfusions are now being cleaned up because of the HTLV-III testing but there still is a problem with IV drug users.
The genital spread occurs primarily in male homosexuals who are the largest group with AIDS. Approximately 71 percent of AIDS cases
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