American scientists report that they were able to cure another child born with the HIV virus using standard antiretroviral therapy.
Specialists from Johns Hopkins University were able to cure the second child born with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
A newborn girl who became a victim of HIV infection received standard antiretroviral therapy in the first four hours of life.
Standard antiretroviral therapy (ART) consists of at least three antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) designed to weaken the HIV virus as much as possible and stop the further progression of the disease. Thanks to the use of a treatment regimen with potent ARVs, especially in the early stages of the disease, a sharp decrease in mortality and human suffering has been achieved
Based on numerous tests, doctors assume that the child completely got rid of the virus that was infected in the womb - although she was HIV-infected, she did not receive any treatment during pregnancy.
However, a Los Angeles girl born in April last year continues to receive standard HIV treatment. Therefore, it is not yet possible to accurately determine the status of the virus.
In March last year, scientists from Johns Hopkins University reported the first case of a child cured of HIV. Doctors also used standard antiretroviral therapy during the first days after the birth of the child. This treatment lasted nine months, after which the child's mother decided to stop him. The test results, which were carried out over the next three years, showed that the child, who had not received treatment for several years, is healthy.
Scientists believe that the very first hours of a child's life during HIV therapy are extremely important for the ability to completely get rid of the virus.