The 1980s and 1990s were marked by the peak of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In 1981, there were 270 cases of the infection. By the end of 1984, the number of infections reached 7,699 in the US alone and 762 cases in Europe. The AIDS crisis marks a really dark time period but it has also given birth to life-saving research.
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Researchers have discovered a new HIV strain for the first time since 2000. It belongs to the Group M of HIV – the subset that is responsible for the AIDS pandemic. This new discovery will help for the development of more accurate HIV tests to detect the new viral mutation.
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It’s a well-known fact that HPV causes cervical changes that can lead to cancer later on. HPV vaccines have so far proven to be effective in terms of preventing infections. New studies suggest that vaccination programs have helped for a reduction in cervical pre-cancer rates.
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Vaccines like Gardasil 9 offer reliable protection against HPV – the virus known to cause cervical, penile, throat and mouth cancer. Clinical research shows that countries with a well-developed immunisation program have already seen a reduction in the number of cervical pre-cancer and cancer diagnoses.
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Vaccines like Gardasil are readily available and they offer reliable protection against multiple types of cancer plus genital warts. Since these vaccines are relatively new, however, people have many questions about them. Misconceptions spread around and prevent many from getting vaccinated. Debunking these common myths is essential to maximise vaccination efforts and protect both men and women against an array of potential health risks.
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The HPV vaccine has proven time and time again to be safe, effective and well-tolerated. It protects against genital warts, cervical cancer and several other types of cancer that have been linked to HPV exposure. While the vaccine is mostly being promoted as a solution for women, the importance of getting boys vaccinated high. The prominence of HPV-related cancers among men is high and vaccines can offer reliable protection.
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HIV and AIDS treatments are delivered orally right now, which makes them expensive and unavailable across the world. Researchers are working on a trans-dermal micro needling patch that can deliver medications for a prolonged period of time and reduce the cost of the HIV/AIDS therapy.
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Numerous countries and regions have reported an increase in the rate of new syphilis diagnoses. The increase has been rapid in Japan, various Canadian provinces and European Union (EU) countries. According to researchers, the reasons behind the increase in the rate of STIs are complex. There’s a tendency for reduced barrier contraception use. In addition, new syphilis diagnoses affect a disproportionately high number of men who have sex with men.
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The FDA in America has given its approval for new tests that can positively identify an STI-causing bacterium called Mycoplasma genitalium. The FDA approval came after 12,000 samples were examined and the reliability of the test was confirmed. Mycoplasma genitalium is known to cause urinary and reproductive tract infections. Until present, however, there was no reliable way to test for its presence. The early treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infections is very important because in the long run, these could contribute to infertility or pregnancy complications.
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Five cases of a rare form of gonorrhoea infection have been identified in the US. Called disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), this condition is caused by the bacterium that is responsible for the STI. DGI usually results from a high viral load, which is why the diagnosis of five people with this medical condition is uncommon. Doctors recommend regular screening for all sexually active individuals, as well as the practice of safe sex with condoms to bring down the risk of infections.
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