NEW DELHI, Dec 2 (AFP) - A top Indian medical institute is close to a breakthrough in developing a vaccine against one of the most common strains of HIV, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported on Sunday.

It said Pradeep Seth, head of microbiology in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, was developing a vaccine for HIV Type 1, which is one of the most common virus that causes the AIDS infection.

Seth started his experiments three years ago, but realised he was on the right track following his experiments with mice.

"There is no way to fight AIDS except strengthening the immune system. The first part of my study is over successfully, with responses that are more than encouraging," Seth was quoted as saying.

"The second phase has to start with primates, mainly monkeys. The moment that is approved, we can start with the second phase. To tell you the truth, I have never been so excited," he added.

Seth says the vaccine being developed could be effective against a type of virus prevalent in India.

Some 3.5 million Indians are HIV-positive, although unofficial estimates put the figure at closer to five million. The figure gives India the largest HIV-positive population after South Africa.

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