Editorial: Impact of Alcohol on HIV Related Issues in Human Population or Model System.

Editorial: Impact of Alcohol on HIV Related Issues in Human Population or Model System. Curr HIV Res. 2014;12(4):233 Authors: Kumar A Abstract Alcohol abuse and AIDS remain two of the leading public health problems, not only in the United States but throughout the world. Approximately amongst 5% of the total US population, abuses alcohol and this statistic has been fairly consistent during recent years. However, the prevalence of alcohol abuse among HIV-positive individuals has been estimated to be between 29 and 60% in the US [1]. Alcohol use has also been implicated as an important risk factor in HIV transmission. In addition, the incidence of HIV infection has been found to be associated with the overall level of alcohol consumption. In a meta-analysis study, drinkers were found to be at a 77% higher risk of HIV-infection than non-drinkers [2]. In another meta-analysis of studies conducted in Africa, the HIV incidence among alcohol-users was found to be 70% higher than non-users [3]. Over the last decade, several elegant studies have shown that alcohol consumption enhances virus replication and accelerates the onset of SIV-induced AIDS in macaques [4-6]. A general consensus is emerging that alcohol consumption may promote virus replication and accelerate the onset of clinical disease. This accelerated onset of disease can be attributed to the fact that alcohol is known to adversely affect the immune system. Alcohol adversely affec...
Source: Current HIV Research - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Curr HIV Res Source Type: research