A new strain of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV has been discovered by scientists for the first time in two decades, according to a report published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes.

The HIV has two types before now called HIV 1 and HIV 2. Each of these two types has several groups and strains. The group of researchers from Abbott laboratories and the University of Missouri, Kansas City, reports that the new strain belongs to the HIV-1 group M subtype L. HIV-1 is the most common type that affects people globally.

It is essential to identify specific strains of HIV because the virus is continually altering its form and changing. Some HIV strains grow and multiply rapidly and are transmitted more effortlessly compared to others. Identifying these new strains of HIV is vital to make certain that tests identify the disease correctly.

According to Chicago Tribune, the strain was collected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 1980s. However, only two samples were existing and three samples are necessary to detect a new form of the HIV virus. In 2001, scientists were able to identify a model similar to the first two, but they weren’t able to study the strain since the quantity of the sample was too trivial. Nevertheless, scientists were able to classify the new HIV strain in 2018 with the use of a new technology.

This new HIV strain can be treated with the present HIV treatments. So, it may not probably be a public health crisis. Though the research team noted that it is necessary to continue observing the new HIV strain.

Study co-author, Dr. Carole McArthur of the University of Missouri, Kansas City, in a statement said:

“This discovery reminds us that to end the HIV pandemic, we must continue to out think this constantly changing virus and use the newest innovations in technology and resources to monitor its progression”.

Source: https://healthdiary365.com/new-hiv-strain-discovered-by-scientists/

Hiv, which way na..... #skintoskin