New HIV strain can become AIDS in three years, researchers warn

New HIV strain can become AIDS in three years, researchers warn
By Michelle Kapusta, 2/16/2015

A new and aggressive strain of HIV found in Cuba has troubled
scientists, who found it can become AIDS in as little as three years.

According to researchers at KU Leuven's Laboratory for Clinical and
Epidemiological Virology and published in journal EBioMedicine, the
human immunodeficiency virus strain can progress to acquired immune
deficiency syndrome in the short amount of time if left untreated.

Most strains take around six to 10 years to develop into full-blown AIDS.

The Miami Herald noted that more than 50 strains exist globally due to
mutations and this particular strain is a mix of three subtypes and can
be difficult to diagnose.

"The only thing now is that in Cuba, it is associated with rapid
progression [of the disease]," said Hector Bolivar, a physician and
infectious disease specialist with the University of Miami Miller School
of Medicine. "It's something that hasn't been seen before that clearly."

An estimated 15,000 people in Cuba were living with HIV in 2013. The
island has a population of more than 11 million people.

Source: New HIV strain can become AIDS in three years, researchers warn
| TheCelebrityCafe.com -
http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2015/02/new-hiv-strain-can-become-aids-three-years-researchers-warn