Current Information on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

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-5 -o NIH has called at least three major scientific workshops on
AIDS--one by the DRP on animal models for AIDS, one by
NHLBI to gain suggestions for future research, and one by
the NIAID to stimulate research in search of a causative
agent.
Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration
o NIDA will soon review two applications for research support
for investigation of the AIDS risk factors among IV drug
users. Three groups will be studied: AIDS patients who are
(or have been) IV drug users, persons in drug detoxification programs who do not have AIDS, and drug users who do
not use intravenous routes. Investigators will seek to
determine whether needles may be contaminated with an AIDS
agent or if commonly used illegal drugs (heroin, marijuana,
cocaine, amphetamines) modify the body's immune response.
o Animal studies investigating the effect of marijuana use on
the immune system are as yet inconclusive, but do point to
a possibility that marijuana may inhibit it.
Food and Drug Administration
o On March 24, 1983, FDA notified all establishments
collecting source plasma and human blood for transfusion
and manufacturers of plasma derivatives of steps to be
taken to decrease the risk of blood or plasma donation by
persons who might be at increased risk of transmitting AIDS.
o Establishments collecting source plasma or blood for
transfusion were advised that educational programs should
be established to inform persons at increased risk for AIDS
and that, until more information is available, they should
refrain from donation. Personnel who screen donors were
also advised to learn the early signs and symptoms of AIDS.
o AIDS has been diagnosed in approximately 11 hemophiliac
patients receiving intravenous clotting factor therapy.
Hemophiliacs receive large amounts of pooled plasma
antigens from thousands of plasma donors and are exposed to
various hepatitis viruses and agents. FDA is obtaining
complete death data on hemophiliacs for 1979 to see if
AIDS-like diseases predated the appearance of AIDS in the
other high risk groups.
o FDA is also investigating several methods of insuring the
safety of the blood supply and removing hepatitis viruses

and agents from plasma derivatives.