Swedish scientists reported about a new strain of HIV discovered in West Africa. The virus is extremely aggressive and leads to AIDS much earlier than other variants.
A new strain of HIV called A3 / 02 combines the features of the two most popular strains of the pathogen. So far, it has only been found in West Africa.
People who are infected with the new virus strain will develop AIDS in five years, about two years earlier than existing strains, said Angelica Palm, a member of the pathogen research team.
How did the new strain of the virus arise? Possibly as a result of the recombination of two variants in the body of a person who has been infected with two different strains of HIV.
Experts say the new virus is not more resistant to treatment. This means that if a patient is diagnosed with the presence of a new strain and administered medicinally early, the infected person can function normally for many years without developing AIDS.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 35,3 million people are HIV positive. Many of them are unaware of the infection, which contributes to the spread of the pathogen. HIV Testing Week is now underway. This is a good opportunity to get tested. Check where you can do it for free.
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