Researchers worry about new strain of HIV found in CUBA...!!

There are over 60 HIV-type 1 strains around the world but a new strain of HIV discovered in Cuba is of particular concern to researchers.

It is known as CRF19, the new HIV strain is a combination of the sub-types A, C and D. Known as a recombinant, the new strain developed when an individual contracted several variants of the virus.

It's nothing new to discover recombinant strains of HIV but what is particularly troublesome about CRF19 is its aggressiveness, developing into AIDS in just three years instead of the usual five to 10.

With the speed at which it leads to AIDS, the strain worries researchers because it leaves infected individuals with less time to seek treatment with antiretrovirals. With the infection progressing faster than it should, it's possible that some people might not even realize that they have caught the strain until it's too late.

There's also the general concern that mutated viruses are harder to diagnose. And even when newer strains are diagnosed, the kinds of treatments available might not be suitable for them, providing infected individuals with limited therapy options. It's even possible for a mutated strain like CRF19 to become completely resistant to existing therapies, virtually wiping out any hope a patient might have for getting better.

Researchers have been working on developing vaccines to counter HIV and AIDS but the discovery of a new strain may be considered as a setback because the strain has not been factored into the vaccine's design.

Should a vaccine be successful, it will only work on strains discovered earlier as the vaccine was developed with those in mind. Against newer strains, a successful vaccine may only be partially effective or even be rendered completely useless..

Keep staying Healthy, Informed and Entertained...!!!

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