Older HIV medications may speed up the natural aging process

Some health officials have indicated that despite new advancements in HIV prevention programs and information about the disease, some people do not take their risk of contracting it seriously, thus inhibiting progress in reducing its prevalence.

Individuals may downplay the seriousness of HIV because there have been many new breakthroughs in terms of treatments that can delay or potentially prevent the onset of AIDS in HIV-infected patients.

However, a recent study published in the journal Nature Genetics found that some HIV medications may cause changes in individuals' mitochondria that speed up the natural aging process.

"HIV clinics were seeing patients who had otherwise been successfully treated but who showed signs of being much older than their years. This was a real mystery," said lead researcher Patrick Chinnery.

The investigators explained that these side effects were noted in older treatments called nucleoside analogue reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, which are now more commonly used in low-income countries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends consistent and correct condom use, as well as engaging in sex within monogamous relationships, as ways that sexually active individuals can reduce their risk of being exposed to HIV.