AZT-resistant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase: Difference between revisions
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Eventually, HIV infection leads to a weakened immune system, making a host more susceptible to opportunistic infections. The host's damaged immune system makes it more difficult to fight off infections and thus those who are HIV positive are more likely to have serious complications from common infections. This is especially concerning in those who have Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Patients are considered to have AIDS when their CD4 cell count drops below 200 per microliter of blood. This means that their immune systems have been significantly damaged and puts them at great risk for opportunistic infections. | Eventually, HIV infection leads to a weakened immune system, making a host more susceptible to opportunistic infections. The host's damaged immune system makes it more difficult to fight off infections and thus those who are HIV positive are more likely to have serious complications from common infections. This is especially concerning in those who have Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Patients are considered to have AIDS when their CD4 cell count drops below 200 per microliter of blood. This means that their immune systems have been significantly damaged and puts them at great risk for opportunistic infections. | ||
There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but treatments that inhibit the replication of the virus do exist. These treatments, particularly AZT, will be discussed in the "Inhibition of Reverse Transcriptase Activity" section. Researchers are also attempting to create an HIV vaccine, but this is proving difficult because HIV is a retrovirus. The ability to convert single stranded RNA into double stranded [[DNA]] also creates for more opportunity for mutations of the virus to occur. The high frequency of viral mutations creates many challenges for scientists in the quest to create a vaccine. | There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, but treatments that inhibit the replication of the virus do exist. These treatments, particularly AZT, will be discussed in the "Inhibition of Reverse Transcriptase Activity" section. Researchers are also attempting to create an HIV vaccine, but this is proving difficult because HIV is a retrovirus. The ability to convert single stranded RNA into double stranded [[DNA]] also creates for more opportunity for mutations of the virus to occur. The high frequency of viral mutations creates many challenges for scientists in the quest to create a vaccine. See also [[Reverse transcriptase]]. | ||
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==Role of Reverse Transcriptase in HIV Replication== | ==Role of Reverse Transcriptase in HIV Replication== | ||
