Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

09:27
New Tools to Expand Regulatory T Cells from HIV-1-infected Individuals
Published on: May 30, 2013
PA impairment due to HIV infection. Part II: Building a professional support network. Forum
Summary
Physician assistants (PAs) facing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody positivity need support and guidelines. This collaboration aims to address provider concerns and raise professional awareness regarding HIV-associated impairment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Public Health
- Professional Development
Background:
- Physician assistants (PAs) face unique challenges regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing and risk.
- Existing guidelines for healthcare providers at risk of HIV exposure are insufficient.
- The need for professional support and policy development for PAs with HIV is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop cooperative efforts to assist PAs who test positive for HIV antibodies.
- To explore HIV-associated impairment issues within the PA profession.
- To recommend guidelines and policy for PAs regarding HIV.
Main Methods:
- Collaboration between the AAPA's Lesbian and Gay Physician Assistants Caucus and the 12-Step/Caduceus Caucus.
- Discussion of concerns for HIV-antibody positive PAs.
- Exploration of strategies to raise professional consciousness and develop policy.
Main Results:
- Initiation of a cooperative effort to support PAs with HIV.
- Identification of key concerns for HIV-positive PAs.
- Emphasis on the need for profession-wide guidelines and policy.
Conclusions:
- A collaborative approach is essential for supporting PAs with HIV.
- Addressing HIV-associated impairment requires professional awareness and policy development.
- Guidelines are needed to protect both HIV-positive PAs and the profession.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
Herpes
Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV‑1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for orolabial lesions. It is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus belonging to the family Herpesviridae. Once the virus infects a host cell, its double‑stranded DNA genome is delivered into the nucleus, where a coordinated cascade of immediate‑early, early, and late gene expression directs viral DNA replication, structural protein synthesis, and virion assembly. After primary infection of epithelial cells, HSV-1...
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Inhibitors of Virion Maturation and Assembly
As part of their replication cycle, certain viruses synthesize long precursor proteins called polyproteins within infected host cells. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), two major polyproteins are produced: Gag and Gag-Pol. The Gag polyprotein supplies the structural components of the virus, while Gag-Pol includes essential viral enzymes such as reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. After synthesis, these polyproteins move to the host cell membrane, where they assemble into an...

