New HIV Strain Discovered in Singapore

[Guest fountainhall]

I am putting this in the main GT Forum as it has universal relevance. Several Singapore-based media have reported in recent days that a "new and possibly more aggressive" strain of the HIV virus has surfaced in Singapore. The new strain appears to have evolved from two existing strains.

 

The recombinant strain AE-B was discovered by researchers from the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) who had studied more than 200 HIV patients between 2008 and 2009.

 

Around the world, there are currently 50 other known recombinant forms of HIV.

 

While the new strain found here can be treated with existing HIV medication, doctors are concerned as the recombinant strain AE-B suggests high-risk behaviour among HIV patients.

 

Preliminary evidence also shows that the new strain could be more aggressive and cause more serious diseases in infected patients. However, larger studies are needed to ascertain this.

 

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Dr Ng Oon Teck, one of the researchers who carried out the study, said the new strain may suggest that some within the population had sexual intercourse with at least two people who carry different strains of HIV.

 

Said Dr Ng: "This is a marker of ongoing high-risk activities with repeated transmissions. Further behavioural research to understand this pattern and prevention efforts to address it is needed."

 

The study, which will be among several presented at the Singapore Health and BioMedical Congress on Nov 11 and 12 found that 15 people here were infected with the new strain. Of these, three were heterosexual, seven were men who have sex with men and five were bisexual.

http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC111105-0000051/New-strain-of-HIV-surfaces-here

 

I had no idea there are now 50 different strains of the virus. It only reaffirms in the strongest possible way the need for everyone to practise safe sex at all times.

[Guest]

I gather in Berlin they have some "sex parties" where people who are already HIV positive indulge in bareback sex with other infected people.

 

If it's possible for new strains of HIV to be bred, such behaviour would be very unhelpful.

[daddydawg]

If it's possible for new strains of HIV to be bred, such behaviour would be very unhelpful.

 

It is possible and such behavior is very unhealthy.