ISIS Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 1, January-February 1986 Page: 1 of 4
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ISIS
NEWSLETTER
INSTITUTE FOR THE SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION OF SEXUALITY
A Scientific and Educational Non-Profit CorporationVolume 2, #1 January - February 1986 $10/yr. P.O. Box 6725, Lincoln, NE 68506
AIDS UPDATE:
It looks like casual transmission IS occurring.
Possibly the most important research regarding
transmission appears in the Journal of the American Medical
Assn (JAMA) January 10, 1986 in an article by Jason et al.
Fifty-six individuals residing with 3 groups of hemophiliacs
had their immune systems tested. Thirteen lived with a
hemophiliac not infected with the AIDS virus (control group),
their immune systems? completely normal (total lymphocyte
[white blood cells] count median= 3,060 (range 1,710-5,841)
[normal= 2,600 plus or minus 1,050]; Helper T cell [the T4 cell,
the one thought to be most frequently attacked by the AIDS
virus] count= 1,310 (range 701-2,317) [normal= 408 to 1583];
Suppressor T cell [the T8] count= 734 (range 462-1,190)
[normal= 190 to 820]. Note: every value within the normal
range. Twenty-eight lived with a hemophiliac infected with the
AIDS-germ, but not (yet) ill; their immune systems? Disturbed.
Total lymphocyte count= 2,188 (range 55 to 4,080),
Helper= 884 (range 32 to 1,510), Suppressor= 612
(range 8 to 1,320). Note: while the medians were all within the
normal range, about a third of the individuals' counts fell
well below normal. Fifteen lived with hemophiliacs with
AIDS/ARC. Their immune systems? Disturbed. Total
count= 2,059 (range 300 to 3,234), Helper=662 (rangel29 to
1,876), Suppressor= 377 (range 51 to 781). Note: while the
medians were all within normal range, about a third of the
individuals' counts fell well below normal. SOMETHING IS
TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THE IMMUNE SYSTEMS OF MANY
OF THOSE WHO RESIDE WITH INFECTED HEMOPHILIACS!
This differential is consistent with a slow-acting, low-
level infection by the AIDS virus (possibly via saliva or
even air-borne) during the normal living patterns of
these individuals. Dr. Jason, in conversation with Dr. Cameron
on January 10 on nationwide radio, contended that "not to
worry, first we were unable to culture the virus from these
people. Therefore the whole report is probably a statistical
fluke." ISIS assures you - - worry. It is very difficult to culture
the AfDS virus, it is especially so at the very low levels that
would be suggested by these findings - - just because Jason et
al couldn't find it DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE VIRUS WAS
NOT THERE! Yes, this might be a statistical fluke - - but it is
very, very, very unlikely. Disturbances in the T-cells, especially
T4 and T8, was the sign of AIDS-infection until we discovered
the AIDS-virus. Unfortunately for us all, this new evidence is
consistent with low-level casual transmission. Only time will
tell how many, if any, of these loved-ones will come down with
AIDS-disease, but this is enough evidence that ISIS
recommends redoubling your efforts to shield yourself from
exposure to those who are infected. Avoid gays, avoid IV drug
abusers, avoid prostitutes, avoid anyone carrying the virus!!!
This data, combined with the hint from Dr. Anthony Fauci,
Director of the National Insitute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases, in JAMA (Nov. 22/29, 1985, p. 2867) "There's indirect
evidence to suggest that, when a person is frequently exposed
to someone who is virus-positive, when there's a greater
chance of that person getting infected" should make YOU
CAUTIOUS IN THE EXTREME. Remember, Dr. John Seale
recently reiterated, that if "we wait perhaps 20 years before we
take drastic preventive action, half the population of the
Western world will be wiped out."Dr. Cameron talked with Dr. Peter Drotman of the CDC
(12/19/85) about the CDC claim that "epidemiologic evidence
has implicated only blood and semen in transmission" [leads
from the MMWR, JAMA, 12/6/85] and categorical statements
of the CDC that "AIDS cannot be" and "there is no evidence
that AIDS has been transmitted by saliva." Dr. Drotman
averred that he would stand by the CDC statement. When the
case of a 61 year old woman "with none of the commonly
recognized risk factors for AIDS. ...had not had sexual
intercourse for 3 yrs, since husband was rendered impotent by
the [same operation that caused impotency], but had had
exchange of saliva by kissing during that time...." (reported in
Lancet, Dec. 22, 1984 by Dr. Robert Gallo) was brought up,
Drotman argued that Lancet is unrefereed, Dr. Gallo did not
work for the CDC, the CDC had no familiarity with this case,
and he was not disposed to 'check it out' and he again
reiterated that there is "no evidence" of salivary transmission
of the AIDS virus! The day before, Dr. Cameron had called the
CDC and a "Brenda", who refused to provide her last name,
repeatedly read over the phone the official statement that there
is "no evidence of salivary transmission". It is hard to know
whether this is just another instance of bureaucratic
intransigence or part of some sinister coverup to protect gays
and their 'feelings'. I have never run into such pigheadedness
in my life on any scientific issue!
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
Dr. Cameron collaborated on a book on AIDS to be
published in February by Summit Ministries of CO. Copies are
available for $10 sent to ISIS. Since the last newsletter Dr.
Cameron was on San Francisco AM (TV) debating the learned
nature of homosexuality and on Detroit TV arguing for
children with AIDS not being allowed to attend regular school
(the audience voted with Dr. Cameron 4:1 as 4,000 of them
paid 50 cents to register their opinion). Dr. Cameron will be in
DC January 29+ and Dallas the first week in February. Three
more legislators have contacted the ISIS office for information
about curbing AIDS and its spread and ISIS will probably be
giving testimony in a number of legislative hearings. Dr.
Cameron is involved in the 'Big Brother' case detailed in the
clippings.
FIRST ISIS CONVENTION
ISIS holds its first conference June 13, 14, 15, in Estes Park,
Colorado! We have reserved the luxurious Lake Estes Motel
(the 2nd rated Best Western in the U.S.). We will meet Friday
evening thru Sunday noon, speakers from all across the United
States will share their expertise on "The AIDS Challenge".
Only the first 150 can be accomodated (prices range from $42
to $55/night, meals will be ad lib and should average about
$17/day/person, registration is $25/person payable in
advance. All supporters of ISIS are welcome. Colorado is
beautiful (if unpredictable) in June, so make your plans
accordingly. We need to hear from you -- where else can you
attend an interesting conference in a great location for about
$200 + transportation? Send ISIS your registration fee and
we'll send you brochures about lodging etc.
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Institute for the Scientific Investigation of Sexuality. ISIS Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 1, January-February 1986, periodical, January 1986; Lincoln, Nebraska. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc276187/m1/1/: accessed June 10, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.