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ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION

Title:

ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION

Authors:

Andrei VÂTA, Luminita Gina VÂTA, Mihaela Catalina LUCA

Abstract:

The detection of the first HIV infections at the end of the 20th century and the subsequent worldwide spreading of this still incurable disease were initially accompanied by the stigmatization and the discrimination of infected individuals. The unprecedented rallying of resources used to understand and control the mechanisms of this infection, as well as the development of a wide range of therapeutic methods, which have currently led to the significant increase of the quality and length of the life of infected individuals, have brought about a change of attitude and view on this condition. There is probably no other disease involving so many ethical principles and raising so many moral dilemmas as HIV infection/AIDS. They even precede the moment of infection diagnosis setting, starting with the time of HIV testing and patient consent obtaining, followed by disease disclosure to the patient or to third parties and by provision of support and counseling, with fair therapy resources distribution and setting of the best customized treatment plan, palliative care and support during the final stages of the disease. Medical ethics principles play an essential role in the fundamental research in the field, as well as in the therapeutic trials conducted, in the ongoing vaccine development process, mother-to-infant transmission or pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Keywords:

AIDS, vaccine, prophylaxis, communication, diagnosis, research

Pages:

49-57

Language:

English

How to cite:

Vata, A., Vata, L.G., Luca, M.C. (2015). Ethical Challenges in the Management of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Social Research Reports, 27, 49-57.

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Link: ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION