AEGiS-DMG: Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 52 632 935 at 4.30pm on Wednesday June 25, 2003

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Estimated worldwide HIV infections: 52 632 935 at 4.30pm on Wednesday June 25, 2003

Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - June 25, 2003

Evolution: HIV infection is less likely to progress in individuals with rare immune system gene variations than those with common variations, suggesting that HIV has evolved to exploit the most common gene patterns, according to a study in this week's Nature Medicine.

"HIV-infected people who carry particular, rare gene variants have much lower viral loads than other patients do," said Thomas Keller of Duke University, North Carolina.

The study analysed 996 men - 562 of whom were HIV-positive - enrolled in an Aids study.

In analysing the dozens of genes in the patients, the researchers identified some that conferred protection against HIV, but others left patients more susceptible.

The genetic combinations that conferred the greatest protection were also the least common gene variants, the team reported.

By screening patients' immune systems, physicians might ultimately identify those patients at the greatest risk for progressing to Aids and prescribe treatments accordingly, Kepler said.
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