This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/7654214.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Nobel prize for viral discoveries Nobel prize for viral discoveries
(10 minutes later)
The scientists who discovered HIV will share the Nobel prize for medicine with the expert who linked human papillpoma virus (HPV) to cervical cancer.The scientists who discovered HIV will share the Nobel prize for medicine with the expert who linked human papillpoma virus (HPV) to cervical cancer.
French team Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier were recognised for their groundbreaking work in uncovering the virus responsible for Aids.French team Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier were recognised for their groundbreaking work in uncovering the virus responsible for Aids.
Harald zur Hausen, of Germany, received the prize for making the link between the HPV and cervical cancer.Harald zur Hausen, of Germany, received the prize for making the link between the HPV and cervical cancer.
More than 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS since 1981.More than 25 million people have died of HIV/AIDS since 1981.
Never before has science and medicine been so quick to discover, identify the origin and provide treatment for a new disease entity The Nobel Assembly about the discovery of HIVNever before has science and medicine been so quick to discover, identify the origin and provide treatment for a new disease entity The Nobel Assembly about the discovery of HIV
Globally, over 40 million people are living with HIV.Globally, over 40 million people are living with HIV.
Following medical reports of a new immunodeficiency syndrome in 1981, Barre-Sinoussi and Montagnier were the first to identify HIV as the culprit. Following medical reports of a new immunodeficiency syndrome in 1981, Professor Barre-Sinoussi and Dr Montagnier were the first to identify HIV as the culprit.
In its citation, the Nobel Assembly said their discovery was vital in enabling scientists to begin to understand the biology of a virus which continues to pose a huge public health threat throughout the globe.In its citation, the Nobel Assembly said their discovery was vital in enabling scientists to begin to understand the biology of a virus which continues to pose a huge public health threat throughout the globe.
Their work led to development of methods to diagnose infected patients and to screen blood products, which has limited the spread of the pandemic.Their work led to development of methods to diagnose infected patients and to screen blood products, which has limited the spread of the pandemic.
It has also led to new treatments.It has also led to new treatments.
There is still no cure for HIV. However, for many the disease is no longer an imminent death sentence thanks to the major advances in research and drug development over recent years.There is still no cure for HIV. However, for many the disease is no longer an imminent death sentence thanks to the major advances in research and drug development over recent years.
With treatment, people with HIV can live for decades with the condition.With treatment, people with HIV can live for decades with the condition.
However, HIV medicines are not widely available in many poor countries around the world.However, HIV medicines are not widely available in many poor countries around the world.
The citation said: "Never before has science and medicine been so quick to discover, identify the origin and provide treatment for a new disease entity. Successful anti-retroviral therapy results in life expectancies for persons with HIV infection now reaching levels similar to those of uninfected people." The citation said: "Never before has science and medicine been so quick to discover, identify the origin and provide treatment for a new disease entity.
"Successful anti-retroviral therapy results in life expectancies for persons with HIV infection now reaching levels similar to those of uninfected people."
HPVHPV
The discovery of the link between HPV and cervical cancer has led to the development of vaccines to immunise young girls against HPV. Professor zur Hausen was praised by the Nobel committee for going "against current dogma" to discover that HPV infection caused cervical cancer.
The assembly said zur Hausen "went against current dogma" to discover that HPV caused cervical cancer - the second most common cancer among women. HPV can be detected in 99.7% of all women with cervical cancer, and persistant infection with the virus is estimated to be responsible for more than 5% of all cancers worldwide.
HPV can be detected in 99.7% of women with histologically confirmed cervical cancer, affecting some 500,000 women per year. Professor zur Hausen's work helped others to develop vaccines against HPV, which are now routinely given to millions of teenage girls in many countries to prevent cervical cancer.
The global public health burden attributable to human papilloma viruses is considerable. Professor zur Hausen, 82, received half of the prize with Professor Barré-Sinoussi, 61, and Dr Montagnier, 86, splitting the other half.
More than 5% of all cancers worldwide are caused by persistent infection with this virus. Infection by the human papilloma virus is the most common sexually transmitted agent, afflicting 50-80% of the population.
Harald zur Hausen received half of the prize with the French team splitting the other half.