Illustration: The new research discovered the new subtype of HIV. (Image via Medical Xpress)

Scientists find new kind of HIV strain

Scientists found a new subtype strain of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), subtype L. The subtype came from Group M version of HIV-1, the same family that caused the global HIV pandemic. The finding was the first in almost two decades since the establishment of guidelines for classifying subtypes in 2000.

The research was conducted by scientists from Abbot Laboratories, a giant medical devices and health care company, collaborating with the University of Missouri, United States (U.S). The finding was published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on Wednesday.

The researchers tested more than 60% of blood supply, and it bore its fruit. The scientists stated that the finding has unveiled a new and more challenging obstacle for their journey to cure AIDS, a grim reminder for the world to stay militant in eradicating HIV pandemics.

Since the beginning of the global HIV pandemic, around 75 million people are infected by the incurable disease. As it is generally known, HIV has many variants that can adapt and mutate over time.

There were three initial cases Group M subtype L. First in Congo in the 1980s and 1990s. The third was in 2001. However, due to the technological disadvantages, researchers could not figure out what subtype it was.

Fortunately, since technology has developed tremendously, the subtype could be identified easily. The researchers described the subtype L as a “needle in a haystack” which now could be pulled with a magnet.

However, the researchers advised people around the world to stay calm knowing the discovery of the new subtype. It is revealed that the strain is quite rare and it might have the same response to anti-retrovirus treatment.

The anti-retrovirus treatment has been proven to work well to prolong the life expectancy of AIDS sufferers as normal people.

Source: https://cnn.it/2NqJhG6