More research attention to is needed to HIV pathogenesis & treatment for women. This is underscored by the data from the study below finding that the percentage of HIV-infection is increasing among women. Preliminary studies suggest that in early HIV disease women's viral load can be 50% lower than men's viral load, but after 5 years disease progression was found to be about the same. But these were preliminary studies and further study is needed to explore potential gender differences in disease progression, pathogenesis, treatment response, pharmacokinetics, side effects & toxicities, and drug dosing. Women want to know the answers to these questions, which have not been well researched. Well designed research is called for to address these questions. The DHHS Guidelines need to be consider further if there are differences between when to begin therapy between men & women. Further reading on this topic can be found on the NATAP front page where there are 8 articles on Women & HIV.
As well NATAP Retrovirus Reports on Women & HIV were written by Kate Squires and Judith Aberg, both researchers from the ACTG, and Jules Levin:
Women in HIV: Highlights from the 8th Annual Retrovirus Conference
Selected Highlights on HIV Transmission, Women & Children: HAART reduces perinatal transmission
Selected Highlights on HIV Transmission, Women & Children: HAART reduces perinatal transmission
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by S Hader (HIV Infection in Women in the United States. JAMA. 2001; 285:1186-92) found that over the past 15 years, women account for an increased percentage of HIV-infected persons. In 1986, 6.7% of HIV-infected persons were women, whereas by 1999 that proportion had risen to 18%. Further, by 1999, 32% of newly reported HIV diagnoses were in women and women accounted for 23% of new AIDS diagnoses. Newly reported cases of HIV in women were predominantly in the South (41%), among black women (61%), and as a result of heterosexual transmission (38%). The study found that over the past 15 years, women account for an increased percentage of HIV-infected persons. In 1986, 6.7% of HIV-infected persons were women, whereas by 1999 that proportion had risen to 18%. By 1999, 32% of newly reported HIV diagnoses were in women and women accounted for 23% of new AIDS diagnoses. Newly reported cases of HIV in women were predominantly in the South (41%), among black women (61%), and as a result of heterosexual transmission (38%). The study reviewed surveillance and prospective cohort studies published between 1981 and 2000 and scientific conference presentations from January, 1999 to July 2000 in which at least 20 women were enrolled. The purpose of this review was to provide epidemiologic, clinical, psychosocial and behavioral information about HIV in women and to provide recommendations for future efforts.