 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
 |
HIV
cannot be detected in the window period.
Workshop on “Clinical Management and Counseling of
HIV/AIDS” begins.
By Shehzad Alam Khan
ISLAMABAD:
Human Immune deficiency virus HIV the virus which causes Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) cannot be detected in the window period of six to
twelve weeks.
After getting infected) the body's defense system
starts producing anti-bodies against the virus. But the process is completed
from 6 to 12 weeks.
Since the confirmation of anti-bodies is a
pre-requisite to detect HIV, the AIDS virus escapes the microscopic eye in
most of the laboratory tests in the initial period of infection which is
called the window period.
This was informed in a three-day training workshop
for Master 'Trainers on Clinical Management and Counseling of HIV/AIDS which
began at the National Institute of Health (NIH) here on Tuesday. The workshop
has been organized by the National AIDS Program.
Dr. Sarwar Habibur Rehman, deputy director general
health Dr. Abdul Majid Rajput, executive director NIH, Dr. Kamran Masood, manager
National AIDS Program were also present on the occasion
Dr.
Osman Yusaf, an immunologist, apprised the audience about the immunology and
laboratory diagnosis of HIV/MAIDS. Immunology is the study of defence system
of the body It may be specific and non-specific.
Specific
immunology is mediated by lymphocytes which are mainly of two types,
T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes.
Similar
to a signal department or radar system which immediately in-forms about the
enemy’s movement into the country's borders, helper lymphocytes subset of the
T-lymphocytes responsible for mediating the entire immune response once
certain disease enters into the body The helper lymphocytes have molecules on
their surface called CD4.
Dr
Osman informed that HIV, 100 nanometer in size, is an RNA virus. Having
glycoprotein on its surface, it identifies CD4 molecules and immediately
attaches and infects them.
In
this way, the deadly virus destroys the helper lymphocytes and badly affects
the immune system of the human body
This
is the time when the body starts producing antibodies against the virus. The
process is completed in6 to 12 weeks. That is why most of the laboratory tests
cannot detect the presence of HIV in the initial period of its infection.
He also described various techniques of detecting virus and other
tests for AIDS;
First ever
allergy treatment laboratory set up at PIMS
By
Shatuad Alam IChan
This Is
the first ever hospital based allergy treatment laboratory which Is providing
a wide range of anti-allergy treatment.
The
laboratory is preparing vaccine for 24 different types of pollen and 11 types
of dust. Within a short span of
time the allergy treatment centre
has witnessed an encouraging public response. Allergy patients from all parts of
the country are visiting the laboratory for allergy testing
and treatment.
The PIMS is charging
Rs. 100 per course for 20 to 40 different kinds of pollens and dusts. The
vaccine is being prepared for individuals.
Dr Mohammad Osman Yusuf, a
young but energetic Immunologistand in charge lab6ratory1
told this correspondent that dusts from different parts of Pakistan have
been collected and prepared for allergies to house dust.
The range of allergens for diagnosis and treatment Is being rapidly
expanded and It is envisaged that more than 100 different types of allergens
will be available by the end of the year These are being prepared most
scientifically according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, as
well as British and American standards..
Patients suffering from all
types of allergies1 including
seasonal allergies like excessive sneezing itching, eye allergies etc
are first seen by the relevant
specialist and then tested as indicated. If allergy vaccination is required1
then vaccines are prepared specifically for each patient according
to his or her complaints and test results, so
as to ensure maximum benefits with minimum side effects
The laboratory also offers diagnostic
facilities for a large number of auto-immune disease which are diseases caused by defects in the immune system in
which the defense system begins to fight against the body itself, i.e. a
biological civil war.
The laboratory Is headed by Professor
Surraya wajahat Latif1 FRC
pathology (U.K) and has been set up by Dr. Mohammad Osman Yusuf, a U.K.
qualified Immunologist and allergy specialist, who is the section In charge.
One of the salient features of
this laboratory that most of the diagnostic kits being used here are prepared
in the laboratory ilseIf, and some
imported kits which cost around five thousand rupees in market are being made
for rupees 100.