HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, by definition, is a type of virus that can cause a condition called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which is a weakened immune system making it vulnerable to multiple infections and may deadly proportions.
A true plague worldwide, HIV is transmitted se-xually, via the blood or during pregnancy if the mother is affected. In 2017, there were approximately 36.9 million people living with HIV worldwide, of whom over 25 million were in Africa alone.
Nowadays, thanks to advances in medicine, an HIV-positive person can now live for a long time with appropriate treatments such as antiretroviral drugs that prevent the virus from replicating inside the body of infected patients. This is not necessarily the case for people in developing countries who do not have easy access to appropriate care.
In sub-Saharan Africa alone, a region of the world where HIV and HIV is a widespread health problem, 56% of new HIV infections have been in women, and the rate has been even higher among young women. aged 15 to 24, accounting for 66% of new infections.
A genetically modified rice to neutralize HIV
An international team of scientists bringing together researchers from
United States, the United Kingdom and Spain, conducted a study that enabled them to develop a new strain of genetically modified rice to treat HIV symptoms, particularly for populations in developing countries. where access to care is very limited. This revolutionary new approach is the only practical way to develop microbicide cocktails at a cost that is low enough for poor developing countries and where HIV prevention is the most popular.
Clearly, this treatment involves genetically modified rice seeds producing three proteins: the monoclonal antibody 2G12 as well as the lectins griffithsin and cyanovirin-N, the preliminary in vitro tests conducted during the study demonstrate that they bind to gp120, (a glycoprotein that allows the virus to target cells) and neutralizes HIV.
When rice crops mature, seeds can be produced locally for almost no cost, making treatment accessible to all, including for very resource-poor people who can not afford specialized institute care. After its production, the genetically modified rice can then be used as a topical cream and proteins can penetrate and act from inside to neutralize HIV.
Treatment remaining to be developed and tested
The team of scientists who conducted research on genetically modified rice said that it could be an effective and affordable revolutionary solution for HIV-positive patients in developing countries.
However, in view of the existing controversy over genetically modified organisms related to ecological, geopolitical or health issues, there are still significant obstacles before such treatment becomes widely available and commercialized. Scientists will first need to develop their study so that there are no adverse side effects for the subjects and meet the various regulatory restrictions in the countries they hope to address.
How to protect yourself from the HIV virus
HIV infection is a venereal disease from one human being to another. It is transmitted:
- Through unprotected physical intimacy
- Through contact with tainted blood
- By transmission from mother to child
To protect yourself from the HIV virus and venereal disease, it would be wise to use the most effective means of protection, which is the condom. Also, this mode of protection must be maintained as long as the relationship is not really stable and durable.
