A new strain of the Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was recently discovered in a woman from Cameroon (west-central Africa). The HIV-1 virus is able to mutate and changes in its genetic material occur very rapidly. Currently, two major subtypes of HIV-1 have been identified. The M (major) subtype and the O (outlier) subtype. Genetic studies of this new subtype N (new) revealed that these viruses are similar to both the M subtype and to an ape virus called Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). The N subtype HIV-1 virus is not very similar to the O subtype.
The public health implications of this new subtype of HIV-1 need to be determined. This strain is very deadly (the woman that had this virus died of AIDS). Unfortunately, infections with subtype N HIV-1 are not detectable with the current blood test used to screen for HIV infections. This screening test is called an enzyme immunoassay test. Fortunately, the blood test used to confirm whether a person has been infected with HIV-1 is still able to detect this new subtype. Currently, this subtype has only been identified in Africa. It however, may make detection and early treatment of HIV infections more difficult.
Remember that knowledge is power. In this case, knowledge keeps
you alive. Here are a few good web sites that tell you how to protect
yourself from getting HIV in the first place.
Counseling
to Prevent HIV Infection and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases
from the National Institutes of Health (United States)
HIV
Prevention (really good site) from www.hivpositive.com/
InteliHealth
article on this new strain of HIV-1 from Johns Hopkins Medical
School.
There is NO cure for HIV infections or AIDS. Therefore, prevention is the best way to protect yourself.
Take Care and Think Microbiologically!
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