Author Archives:
Hepatitis C RNA Quantitative Testing
The quantitative HCV RNA tests use either a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) or signal amplification (branched DNA). These are all “quantitative” techniques and will give an actual level of HCV RNA — a measurement of the amount of hepatitis C virus in the blood. The result will be an […]
Hepatitis C Virus Tests
Test Overview Hepatitis C virus (HCV) test is a blood test that looks for proteins (antibodies) or genetic material (RNA) of the virus that causes hepatitis C. These proteins will be present in your blood if you have a hepatitis C infection now or have had one in the past. It is important to identify […]
Clinical significance of hepatic HCV RNA in patients with chronic hepatitis C demonstrating long-term sustained response to interferon-alpha therapy.
Larghi A, Tagger A, Crosignani A, Ribero ML, Bruno S, Portera G, Battezzati PM, Maggioni M, Fasola M, Zuin M, Podda M Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale San Paolo, Milan, Italy. Whether sustained biochemical response and absence of serum HCV RNA in the 6-12 months following suspension of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy reflect definitive viral clearance […]
Healthcare Workers Exposed to HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV can be transmitted through the exchanging of bodily fluids including blood, semen, vaginal discharge, and breast milk. Means of transmission include sexual contact with an infected person, sharing of needles or syringes with an infected person, or through blood […]
Benefits of HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is commonly used among health care workers and other individuals who believe they have recently been exposed to HIV. PEP can actually prevent HIV infection in some individuals, but according to a report in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, even when PEP fails to prevent the infection it may […]
Why Even Treated Genital Herpes Sores Boost The Risk Of HIV Infection
New research helps explain why infection with herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), which causes genital herpes, increases the risk for HIV infection even after successful treatment heals the genital skin sores and breaks that often result from HSV-2. Scientists have uncovered details of an immune-cell environment conducive to HIV infection that persists at the location of […]
Herpes Bites, But Sores Aren’t Cause for Shame
If Christopher Scipio has one wish for the year ahead, it’s to strip away the stigma that accompanies herpes. Then again, just as important to the herbalist and homeopath is raising awareness about natural remedies to treat the disease. He knows his stuff on both counts: Scipio has had herpes himself for 13 years. “People […]
Students dismiss the importance of sexual health
When it comes to personal health, many people will see a doctor or physician at any sign of trouble. Unfortunately it is often the opposite when it comes to sexual health. Many people see discussing their sexual health as being taboo, when in fact it should be the exact opposite. Talking about it is very […]
CDC Expands HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Recommendations
A recent article in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report includes some recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for use of post-exposure prophylaxis in people exposed to HIV in a nonoccupational setting. Similar to the guidelines following occupational exposures, the CDC recommends prophylaxis beginning within 72 hours after the initial exposure with […]
Nevirapine Warning on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
HIV-negative persons taking antiretrovirals for postexposure prophylaxis–prevention of infection immediately after a needlestick or sexual exposure to HIV–should avoid using nevirapine except in unusual situations, according to recommendations published in the January 5 MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nevirapine has not been officially recommended […]
