VIDEO: Experimental Vaccine Shows Success In HIV Prevention, Silent Strokes Common With Percutaneous Valve Replacement, US Must Monitor Animals More Closely

24.09.2009 | 1:50 min

(September 24, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Thailand – An experimental vaccine has shown success in preventing HIV infection for the first time, according to research from an expansive six year trial.  Researchers studied over 16, 000 men and women aged 18-30 for six years. They combined ALVAC with AIDSVAX to make their vaccine. Results showed that those who received a series of inoculation shots as well as a booster vaccine were at a 31% reduced risk of getting HIV.   From Germany – According to a report presented at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics meeting, patients commonly suffer silent strokes when undergoing percutaneous aortic valve replacement. Researchers studied 32 patients, conducting neurological exams as well as MRIs before and after the operation. They found that 80% of these patients had new lesions on their brain, though these were 'silent' strokes that did not produce any functional consequences.   And finally, from Washington – The United States must be more cognizant of disease in animals, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council. In order to prevent species-jumping pathogens, researchers now recommend that health authorities properly monitor animals and quickly contain any potential outbreaks that occur. Pathogens that originate in animals are typically problematic because the human immune system is inexperienced at fighting them.
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