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Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

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Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#81

Post by brendn »

geebee wrote: post #80
brendn wrote: post #78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Then why does the USA have the highest rate of circumcision and also the highest rate of HIV infection of developed countries? I don't think the claim holds up under scrutiny here. [EDIT: wording]

Actually, this is a reasonable observation. But it actually does make sense. My understanding is that many (all?) of these studies have been conducted in sub-Saharan africa. The environment in which AIDS spreads may be very different in developed countries. The presence of secondary infections, unhygienic conditions, and other social norms may play a big role in the spread of aids and greatly amplify the protection t…

Thank you for expanding on my admittedly rushed comment. I agree that comparing health data in the US to that of developing countries is problematic. But it raises interesting questions.

One question, that I don't think has been answered sufficiently is that the controlled trials and published studies have been criticized for possibly overstating the effectiveness of treatment. (The trials were stopped early on ethical grounds which can overestimate the effects being tested.) Wikipedia has a fairly comprehensive roundup: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision_and_HIV#Randomised...

I think my bigger point, though, is that it's easy to look at data and say, "Aha! This one thing is the solution" without stepping back and looking at all the different pieces that make up the big picture. It's going to take some combination of education, prevention, vaccination, and health policy to tackle this disease.

Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#82

Post by drivebyacct2 »

drivebyacct2 wrote: post #24
phillmv wrote: post #19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What the fuck? Are these the same scientists who don't believe in global warming?

I'm not sure about global warming, but last time I read about this there was an overlap between HIV->AIDS "deniers" and Holocaust "deniers". Then again, Michelle Bachmann can speak in a public forum and decry an HPV vaccine as "slut juice" and the next day cite revoked not-even-psuedo science as vaccines causing mental retardation, so I think there's something to be said for some scientific opinions or observations b…

(sorry, this is totally inappropriate), but "el-oh-el" at people downvoting this. Are you in support of blatant lies and pseudo science or holocaust denying aids denying scientists?)

Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#83

Post by eli »

brendn wrote: post #78
eli wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually, circumcision is a proven way to reduce infection rates that doesn't involve behavior. Though, as one might imagine, it can be a tough sell in cultures where that isn't the norm.

Then why does the USA have the highest rate of circumcision and also the highest rate of HIV infection of developed countries? I don't think the claim holds up under scrutiny here. [EDIT: wording]

You don't think which claim holds up? That circumcision cuts infection rates? As I posted in a comment below, there's a fair bit of scientific evidence to support that.

Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#86

Post by vicparekh »

eli wrote: post #55
scott_s wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm confused by the statement that a vaccine would not be a game changer in terms of worldwide infection. Right now, the only way to reliably prevent HIV infection is through changing behavior , which is extremely difficult. But widespread use of a vaccine would just require a one-time injection, which is relatively easier. I'm further confused by your polio reference, because that sort of effort would only be possib…

Actually, circumcision is a proven way to reduce infection rates that doesn't involve behavior. Though, as one might imagine, it can be a tough sell in cultures where that isn't the norm.

Castration is an unbeatable way to reduce infection rates.

Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#87

Post by jules »

eli wrote: post #55
scott_s wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm confused by the statement that a vaccine would not be a game changer in terms of worldwide infection. Right now, the only way to reliably prevent HIV infection is through changing behavior , which is extremely difficult. But widespread use of a vaccine would just require a one-time injection, which is relatively easier. I'm further confused by your polio reference, because that sort of effort would only be possib…

Actually, circumcision is a proven way to reduce infection rates that doesn't involve behavior. Though, as one might imagine, it can be a tough sell in cultures where that isn't the norm.

Circumcision has well known downsides, and its effectiveness is limited (~50%) so people would still need to wear condoms to be reasonably safe.

Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#88

Post by cdavoren »

Alex3917 wrote: post #70
eru wrote: post #65

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you know why they reach +93%?

There are lots of different variables that influence adherence, including but not limited to: - expected or actual efficacy - regimen complexity - knowledge, commitment, and ability - doctor-patient relationship My understanding is that with HIV a lot of money has been spent on actually implementing the adherence research in order to reduce the spread of the disease, whereas for most other diseases no one really care…

It might also be worth noting that adherence with HIV medication is also motivated by simple fear: if you don't take it, you will die. Painfully, from secondary infection.

Diabetes (type 2) and cardiac disease are scenarios where people can still kid themselves to a certain extent.

Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#89

Post by eli »

jules wrote: post #87
eli wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Actually, circumcision is a proven way to reduce infection rates that doesn't involve behavior. Though, as one might imagine, it can be a tough sell in cultures where that isn't the norm.

Circumcision has well known downsides, and its effectiveness is limited (~50%) so people would still need to wear condoms to be reasonably safe.

Of course you should use condoms, not share needles, and get tested regularly.

But a 50% decrease in new HIV infections is huge!

Re: Promising HIV vaccine passes phase one human trials with 90% success rate

#90

Post by briggsbio »

desigooner wrote: post #74
rdl wrote: post #41

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You may be thinking of smallpox, which exists in one or two declared labs (and probably a few more black labs). Polio is unfortunately still "in the wild" in certain areas (Afghanistan/Pakistan/India, Sub-Saharan Africa), and had a bit of a resurgence lately. The Gates Foundation is putting a lot of effort into finishing up polio eradication. Relevant TED talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/bruce_aylward_how_we_ll_stop_po…

FYI, there has been only 1 reported case of Polio in India this year (since January). It might be that time when Polio is finally eradicated from India http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2011/09/polio-in-india-g...

And there have been dozens of cases of wild polio in China and the Philippines this year, and a current outbreak of 84 cases in Pakistan, according to the WHO. http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html
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