The HIV virus is becoming more benign

According to the research shows the virus need more time than before to be able to move on to AIDS.

Some HIV virologist affirm can become "almost harmless" if it continued to develop in this direction. There are more than 35 million people worldwide are infected, the daily inside their bodies is going on a fierce battle between the immune system and the virus.

Clinical observation showed the HIV virus are masters of disguise. It's quick, easy to hide and mutation to adapt to the immune system. "When the virus HIV being ' stuck ', it flat out or staging can transform to survive.

However as should change the price they pay is likely to decrease in regeneration, thereby reducing the possibility of infection and take more time to switch to the AIDS stage. The weakened virus spreads to others also with a cycle of slow and weakened condition recur again, "Professor Philip Goulder, University of Oxford.

The research team found the process of weakening of the virus occurred most markedly in Africa, namely Botswana, where HIV faced in a long time. Compare the strains of HIV in Botswana with the strains in South Africa (where HIV invades a decade later) then clearly see the difference.

Professor Goulder told BBC News that: "can see the ability of the virus to replicate in Botswana South Africa 10% lower. We are observing the happenings and staggering about the speed of this process. The HIV virus is gradually reduced ability to cause disease. Like that will help us to easily exclude them. "

The information in the proceedings of the National Academy of Science he also shows the anti-viral drug can render retro trend transforming HIV more benign. The goal of these drugs kill HIV virus strains are strong and do they wane, making it become benign.

Professor Goulder said, adding: "two decades ago, time to move on from HIV to AIDS is 10 years. In the past year, in Botswana, this process has lasted up to 12.5 years. Consider in the overall picture, this is a big change. We can expect about evacuation period will last much longer. Maybe the future will not see symptoms of AIDS in decades ".

However, the research group also warns that even a weakened version of HIV is still dangerous and can cause AIDS.

Professor Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the University of Nottingham asserts if this weakening trend continues then the people can see the change in the global picture of the HIV pandemic prevention. "In theory, if let free HIV progresses normally according to natural law appears a number of people who have resistant virus. After some time, the status of HIV infection will become almost harmless, "he said.

Professor Andrew Freedman, a researcher on infectious diseases at the University of Cardiff, said that this is a "fascinating study". By comparing the status of infected in Botswana and South Africa, the researchers can prove that the virus was becoming less hazardous than and weakened over time.

According to him: "The widespread use of antiviral treatment can also give a positive effect. Along with many solutions, we are contributing to the HIVepidemic control. "=