Aggressive new HIV virus strain in Cuba progresses to AIDS in less than 3 years

It’s been a little over 30 years since HIV/AIDS first emerged as one of the deadliest diseases known to man, and in that time we’ve made great strides toward eliminating it out for good. Awareness remains high, fewer people are partaking in risky sexual behavior, and millions of people are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to keep their immune systems strong. We’re fortunate to have made these advances because a new study has now identified a more aggressive strain of the HIV virus. The strain, called CRF19, has been spotted in parts of Africa, but it’s been found to be more widespread throughout Cuba. Researchers from the Rega Institute for Medical Research in Belgium found the strain is capable of turning from an infection to full-blown AIDS within three years, a lot faster than the average conversion time period of about 10 years. “We have a collaborative project with Cuba and the Cuban...