Study Finds Certain Strains of HIV Resistant to Key Drug Tenofovir

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According to the World Health Organization, around 35 million people in the world were living with HIV at the end of 2013. New cases have since been diagnosed and logged, which – more than anything – makes the epidemic one of the most serious issues we have all had to deal with. Now it seems like another hurdle has to be jumped as a study finds certain strains of HIV becoming resistant to key drug administered to a lot of patients.

HIV becoming resistant to key drug, study finds

Strains of HIV are becoming resistant to an antiretroviral drug commonly used to prevent and fight the virus, research has suggested.

HIV was resistant to the drug Tenofovir in 60% of selected cases in some African countries, according to the study, which covered a 17-year period.

The research, led by University College London, looked at 1,920 HIV patients worldwide who had treatment failure. Read More…

While that is still in the works, we can all do our part in helping people living with HIV in Africa and in other parts of the world find a little solace and comfort. 

• Providing emotional support. The stigma surrounding HIV is widespread, and it can easily make someone with the condition depressed, anxious, or otherwise emotionally bothered. Support groups that aim to share hope and information with HIV patients and their families can do a lot to ease the pain and stay on top of new information about the condition.
• Starting wellness programs. News of HIV becoming resistant to key drug Tenofovir does not have to mean there is no more hope for patients. If you have the resources necessary for them, wellness programs for people living with HIV can do a lot to manage their health. They don’t even have to be expensive; a simple vegetable gardening project can already contribute something of significance.
• Educating people. Lastly, committing to spreading news and information vital to the prevention and management of HIV is important. For instance, educating people about staying HIV-free or, if they contract it, managing the condition can mean a world of difference in communities. More open discussions on the disease should also be done to better facilitate communication exchange, in the hope that it will lead to some truly good news for patients some day.

Image Credit: HIV becoming resistant to key drug, study finds – BBC News

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