Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. On your site, in the section on "HIV Progression" in answering a question about HIV taxonomy, Dr. Mark Katz from Kaiser Permanente states:
"HIV actually belongs to the genus "Lentivirus"; within this genus are 5 subdivisions, one of which is the "Primate lentivirus group,"--this is the group which contains HIV, types 1, 2, and 3."
What is HIV 3?
In the same section, another person, perhaps after reading Dr. Katz's reference to HIV 3 asks how he can make sure he does not have it. The doctor answering that question says that there is only HIV 1 and HIV 2.
Is there HIV 3? If so, how is it transmitted, what tests are used to test for it, what areas of the world is it prevalent?
--Thanks
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
HIV-3 is a very uncommonly used term. It is another way of designating HIV-1 subtype O. And I regret having used the term in the previous question, as I can see it could stir up additional questions and unnecessary concern.
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