In the survey, 61 percent of respondents believe that antibiotics are used to deal with colds and flu. (Photo : REUTERS)
An antibody named "Magic Bullet" can help in controlling the AIDS virus. A monoclonal antibody has been tested by researchers and they found one infusion that can control the virus. This can control the AIDS virus for one month.
According to NBC News, it is still in the experimental stage. However, it can be termed as safe for human beings who have HIV.
Michel Nussenzweig (Rockefeller University, New York) led the study and he said that the aim is to introduce a "once-a-year shot" for the prevention.
Nussenzweig and his team members tested 3BNC117, an antibody in 12 people who are uninfected and 17 people with the human immunodeficiency virus.
In the journal Nature, the researchers stated that when they are given a higher dose, they get more protection. Moreover, the antibody was safe for uninfected people.
"We conclude that, as a single agent, 3BNC117 is safe and effective in reducing HIV-1 viraemia, and that immunotherapy should be explored as a new modality for HIV-1 prevention, therapy and cure," the team of Nussenzweig wrote.
"This one is the first to be tested for safety in people and the results look promising and it results in a moderate reduction in the amount of virus in the bloodstream," Robin Weiss from University College London said. He is a virus expert and did not conduct the study with Nussenzweig.
According to The Times of India, 3BNC117 is capable of fighting a wide variety of HIV strains.
The "Magic Bullet" can be a boon for patients who cannot take medicines on a daily basis. However, it has to be seen how costly this antibody is going to be.
