Oops, we did it again. A very recent announcement in the medical world received too little attention in the public generally. The implications of the discovery carry important health care and disease prevention consequences. In addition, the announcement should cause reconsideration of public attitudes.
The announcement indicates that medical researchers involved in AIDS detection and treatment have discovered what seems to be a genetic anomaly that affects a person's vulnerability to the AIDS virus. What the study found, which is undergoing additional review and has prompted additional research, is that there is a genetic marker among people of African genetic descent that makes them more likely to contract the virus that those who lack the specific genetic characteristic. Additionally, the study found that related gene characteristics seemed to slow the progression of the disease in those who carry the marker.
On a medical basis, this is treated as relative good news. People who are at greater risk of heart disease, breast cancer and other health issues can be advised of their added vulnerability in relation to the general public. Those of African descent who do contract the disease may have a relative advantage because of the slower progression of the disease, in terms of treatment options and the hope that a cure can be discovered. Far too many have died already awaiting a cure and awaiting additional support for AIDS research.
On a broader social level, there is need to rethink the negative stereotyping that is all too common regarding the spread of AIDS. Recent reports of the near epidemic rise of AIDS infection in the southern United States can probably be explained, not by promiscuity among African Americans, but because there is a higher susceptibility to the disease among the population concentrated in those areas. Negative stereotypes have suggested that the spread of AIDS in Africa is caused by cultural factors and promiscuity. In other words, there is an implied accusation that the people suffering from AIDS in Africa deserve their plight.
The same treatment does not attend the Jewish population who genetically are at higher risk of Tay Sachs Disease or to Northern Caucasians who are more susceptible to certain skin cancers due to their genetic characteristics. The rapid spread of AIDS is a calamity of the highest order. The spread is also certainly fueled by unsafe sex practices. The study suggests, however, that there may be no significant difference in the levels of sexual activity or promiscuity among people of African descent. The higher rate of infection could be explained in part by the higher genetic susceptibility [the study suggested 22% higher] and the lack of access to health care for screening and detection. It raises the important question of what response is appropriate when you have a population group that is disproportionately at risk of contracting a deadly disease and is also disproportionately lacking in access to quality health care.
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