Aa
HIV and genetics?
I have been reading some interesting articles on HIV and genetics and wondered if anyone else who is more educated on the matter knew anymore (like whether they hold any water or not).
Without going into much detail I have read firstly that their is a gene that makes a person resistant to malaria but more susceptible to HIV and is very common in people of African descent (or other global regions where malaria has been historically prevalent).
I have also read that their is a gene in up to 10% of European caucasians that actually make them immune or atleast highly resistant to HIV! I don't remember the details but something about causing a lack of CCR5 proteins on T-lymphocytes (which to my understanding is used as an anchorpoint for HIV to infect the T-cell). Supposedly this gene was selected for as a result of the Black Death in Europe killing nearly everyone but the carriers (which I'm not informed enough to understand the details or mechanisms). Supposedly their is some exciting research being conducted on this gene and it's potential.
Unfortunately I read ALOT of material in a very short time and can't remember where I read this so I can't really cite my sources, which I realize is a very poor and nonprofessional way to present information. I wonder if any medical professionals in here can help me with that and know anything more about the subject matter?
Without going into much detail I have read firstly that their is a gene that makes a person resistant to malaria but more susceptible to HIV and is very common in people of African descent (or other global regions where malaria has been historically prevalent).
I have also read that their is a gene in up to 10% of European caucasians that actually make them immune or atleast highly resistant to HIV! I don't remember the details but something about causing a lack of CCR5 proteins on T-lymphocytes (which to my understanding is used as an anchorpoint for HIV to infect the T-cell). Supposedly this gene was selected for as a result of the Black Death in Europe killing nearly everyone but the carriers (which I'm not informed enough to understand the details or mechanisms). Supposedly their is some exciting research being conducted on this gene and it's potential.
Unfortunately I read ALOT of material in a very short time and can't remember where I read this so I can't really cite my sources, which I realize is a very poor and nonprofessional way to present information. I wonder if any medical professionals in here can help me with that and know anything more about the subject matter?
the purpose of this forum...
"If you believe you have been exposed to HIV and want help to judge your risk, would like advice about HIV testing, or have questions about the effectiveness of condoms or risks associated with specific sexual practices, this is the site for you."
"If you believe you have been exposed to HIV and want help to judge your risk, would like advice about HIV testing, or have questions about the effectiveness of condoms or risks associated with specific sexual practices, this is the site for you."
Oh, and by the way Teak, looking at your own story... lTNP for 21 years? never exhibited any symptoms of HIV infection over that time? I am not a professional but everything I have read about HIV infection says this is not typical.
Perhaps genetics?
Perhaps genetics?
Well thanks for the stimulating intellectual response Teak, but I'm not worried about contracting HIV anymore, after my last scare I practice abstinence and hopefully will continue to do so until my next monogamous long term relationship. If everyone operated that way (or atleast never had anal intercourse again) that would probably be the end of the HIV epidemic... far more effective than your condoms could ever be.
In case you missed the tone of my post it was not the typical anxiety ridden cry, I was simply asking out of intellectual curiosity.. and I don't believe the subject matter was to far askew from HIV prevention. I was assuming that their might be people on this forum who were more informed then I that could substantiate or debunk the articles I read. Perhaps I assumed too much?
In case you missed the tone of my post it was not the typical anxiety ridden cry, I was simply asking out of intellectual curiosity.. and I don't believe the subject matter was to far askew from HIV prevention. I was assuming that their might be people on this forum who were more informed then I that could substantiate or debunk the articles I read. Perhaps I assumed too much?
Use condoms correctly and consistently and you won't have a worry about contracting HIV.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
