Question

Part VII – Societal Implications of HIV Protection Questions 1. It is a relatively simple procedure to test the genotype of a person at the CCR5 gene to determine whether they have the CCR5Δ32 mutation. Should a person wishing to have their genotype tested be allowed to do so? What are the arguments for and against genotype testing of the CCR5 gene? 2. This mechanism of protection against HIV seems to rely on continued exposure to maintain the immunity. However, the mechanisms causing the protection are not well understood and despite relative immunity these people could still be infected. What would you recommend to a person engaged in high risk activity that appears to exhibit protection against HIV-1? What leads you to make these recommendations? 3. A recent article in a popular science magazine (Wallace, 2009) reported on the study that uninfected partners of HIV-infected men who practice oral sex have higher levels of HIV-specific antibodies in their saliva. Te title and subtitle of the articles were: “HIV resistance through oral sex: A new study suggests that repeated exposure can help produce resistant antibodies.” Discuss the accuracy of this title. Does it represent what’s known about this Feld of investigation appropriately? Why or why not? What sort of effects might this title have in our society? 4. In biology, the terms “resistance” and “immunity” have different meanings. Resistance is a preexisting mutation in an organism that confers protection against a threat or challenge such as a virus. “Resistance” is used in the same manner as “antibiotic-resistance” in bacteria. “Immunity” refers to an active response of the immune system to the challenge of foreign particles that confers protection upon the organism. You have investigated many forms of protections against HIV. Which of these constitute resistance and which of them constitute immunity?

Answer 1

ANSWER :

1.When a person is willing to have genetic testing we should allow him to do so by  following four significant ethical and legal principles - autonomy ,confidentiality, privacy and equity.

-Person who is considering whether to undergo genetic testing should be given information about risk,benefits and efficacy and alternatives to the testing; information about the severity ,potential variability and treatability of the disorder being tested for.

-Complete informed consent should be taken from the person.

-Information should be disclosed about any potential conflicts of interest of the person or institution offering the test.

-All forms of genetic information is considered confidential and is not disclosed without individuals consent.

-Confidentiality of genetic information should be protected no matter who obtains or maintains that information.

-Regarding privacy the person has a right to make an informed independent decision about whether and which others may know details of their genome.

-Equitable genetic testing panels should be used for every person without any partiality.

Arguments against genotype testing :

• Genetic test could lead to discrimination of those individuals ,which possess this gene and they feel defective.
• Testing may increase anxiety and stress for some individuals.
• Results in some cases may be inconclusive or uncertain.
• If they test positive for the CCR5 gene without any mutation ,the fear of getting HIV infection will be present life long.

Arguments for genotype testing :

• Can obtain in depth knowledge about the risk of getting HIV.
• Earlier detection increases the chance of successful outcome.
• Early treatment would allow the person to live a longer and more productive life.
• If an individual found positive for HIV causing gene then the individual modify their behaviours in order to prevent the expression of gene.
• Opportunity to help educate other family members about potential risk.