High HIV rates in Thailand linked to rare viral strain
Both studies indicate that survival in Thailand is significantly lower than in high-income countries as well as in Africa, which both have median survival rates of about 11 years. This difference can perhaps be attributed to the prevalence of the various subtypes of the virus.
Subtype E is the most prevalent viral strain in Southeast Asia, whereas it is quite rare in Africa. Compared to other subtypes, subtype E is associated with greater amounts of the virus in the body shortly after infection as well as higher rates of sexual transmission.
Furthermore, this decrease in survival time might be ascribed to generally lower immunological status in the Thai population compared to those populations from other regions.
In addition, since the AIDS epidemic is relatively new in Thailand, the survival difference could be a product of the decreased virulence or activity of the virus in a population over time.
The implications of these studies are profound. First, they bring to light key differences in the progression of the various HIV subtypes. Knowledge of matters such as these can help to tailor prevention and treatment of the disease based on the geographic location and subtype of the patient.
Additionally by effectively demonstrating the significantly lower survivability of HIV in Thailand, these studies can help to raise awareness in countries in the region where AIDS has only become an issue over the last decade or so.
Subtype E is the most prevalent viral strain in Southeast Asia, whereas it is quite rare in Africa. Compared to other subtypes, subtype E is associated with greater amounts of the virus in the body shortly after infection as well as higher rates of sexual transmission.
Furthermore, this decrease in survival time might be ascribed to generally lower immunological status in the Thai population compared to those populations from other regions.
In addition, since the AIDS epidemic is relatively new in Thailand, the survival difference could be a product of the decreased virulence or activity of the virus in a population over time.
The implications of these studies are profound. First, they bring to light key differences in the progression of the various HIV subtypes. Knowledge of matters such as these can help to tailor prevention and treatment of the disease based on the geographic location and subtype of the patient.
Additionally by effectively demonstrating the significantly lower survivability of HIV in Thailand, these studies can help to raise awareness in countries in the region where AIDS has only become an issue over the last decade or so.
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