The origin of AIDS and HIV
The question of the origin of AIDS has generated interest and controversy since the beginning of the epidemic. However, in trying to identify where AIDS originated, there is a danger that people may try to use the debate to apportion blame for the disease to particular groups of individuals or certain lifestyles.
To find out the origin of AIDS, we must find the origin of HIV, AIDS is caused by the HIV virus. The question of the origin of AIDS could go far beyond just academic interest, as an understanding of where the virus originated and how it evolved could be crucial in developing an HIV vaccine and more effective treatments in the future. Also, knowledge of how the AIDS epidemic and the development of effective education and prevention schedule.
What caused the epidemic to spread so quickly?
There are a number of factors may have contributed to the sudden spread including international travel, the blood industry and the widespread use of drugs.
International travel
The role of international travel in the spread of HIV was reported in the case of Patient Zero. Patient Zero was a Canadian flight attendant named Cayetano Dugas who traveled extensively around the world. The analysis of several of the first cases of AIDS showed that people infected were direct or indirect sexual contact of the stewardess. These cases may be due to several U.S. cities to demonstrate the role of international travel in spreading the virus. He also suggested that the disease was probably the result of a single transmissible agent.
The blood industry
Blood transfusions became a routine part of medical practice, which led to a growth industry around the meeting this increased demand for blood. In some countries like the U.S., paid donors were used, including intravenous drug users. This blood was sent around the world. In addition, at the end of 1960 hemophiliacs began to benefit from the properties of the blood coagulation of a product called Factor VIII. However, the coagulation, the blood of thousands of individual donors had to be shared. Factor VIII is distributed worldwide and it is likely that hemophiliacs may be exposed to new infections.
Drug Use
The 1970s saw an increase in the availability of heroin after the Vietnam War and other conflicts in the Middle East, which helped spur the growth of the drug intravenously. This increased availability along with the development of disposable plastic syringes and the establishment of “shooting galleries” where you could buy drugs and rent equipment provided through another route that could be the virus passes.
Tags: aids epidemic, intravenous drug users, origin of aids, origin of hiv, origin of hiv aids