Pandemic Parallels: Common Threads between the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV

PURPOSE: This analysis explored the parallels between the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its associated disease (acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS]), and SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease (Coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) in order to highlight common patterns that enabled the epidemics of novel pathogens. METHODS & MATERIALS: Our laboratory developed a core set of ten questions that focused on common features found in major disease epidemics, including the affected populations, the response parameters and dynamics of governments, the natural source of the infectious agent, and the impacts of epidemics on societies as a whole. We utilized contemporary accounts including news coverage, written descriptions, documentary accounts, and primary literatures to determine full answers to the core questions. RESULTS: Eight of the ten questions identified commonalities between the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics. These include slow government policy responses that negatively impacted the timing and the epidemic trajectory, involvement of marginalized populations of societies who were disproportionately affected by the diseases, discovery of existence of persistent economic and social inequalities, and introduction of lifelong morbidities in patients. Most importantly, this analysis found the importance of collaborative, scientifically driven political leadership as evidenced by the improved pace of disease control measures and research for therapeutic and vaccine discovery following adoption of evidence-based policy. CONCLUSION: This analysis identifies multiple factors that paralleled the trajectory of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic. In order to prepare for potential pandemics or large-scale outbreaks in the future, policies mindful of these lessons outlined will help provide guidance for future responses to emerging pathogens.