Robert Gallo, the "co-discoverer" of HIV, joins the beleaguered search for the ultimate preventive. Human trials of more than 100 different AIDS vaccines have taken place since researchers proved in 1984 that HIV caused the disease.
Who invented the AIDS test?
In 1984, Dr. Robert Gallo co-discovered HIV as the cause of AIDS, then went on to pioneer the blood test that detects the virus. Now, 31 years later, his team at the University of Maryland School of Medicine's Institute of Human Virology is beginning human trials this month on a potentially revolutionary HIV vaccine.
Is there a vaccine to protect against AIDS?
A preventive HIV vaccine is given to people who do not have HIV, with the goal of preventing HIV infection in the future. Currently, no preventive HIV vaccines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but research is underway.
Why is it difficult to cure AIDS?
Unfortunately, antiretroviral therapy is not a cure for HIV. This is due to HIV's ability to hide its instructions inside of cells where drugs cannot reach it. During the HIV life cycle, HIV incorporates itself into its host cell's DNA.