Today is World AIDS Day, but how much do you really know about HIV? Here are some surprising facts you have probably never thought about.
1. Some people are immune to HIV
At least 10% of the world population with a mutated CCR5 gene have some tangible form of resistance to HIV and it is hereditary as of today. The gene is most prevalent in Caucasians of Northern European descent. However, it is only potent in the 1% who don’t have mixed genes
2. Three people have been cured of the HIV/AIDS virus
Timothy Ray Brown of Palm Springs, California, and Adam Castillejo of London, Loreen Willenberg
The first two were cured of HIV/AIDS after a bone-marrow transplant for cancer while Loreen Willenberg appears to be the first to be cured of the virus without a transplant. Further research showed that her immune system was able to suppress the virus and prevent its replication decades after she tested positive.
Although the first two survived the bone marrow transplant, the success rate is extremely slim and that route has not been ventured much to its high risks.
3. 15% of AIDS-related deaths in adolescents occur in Sub-Saharan Africa
UNICEF estimates that for every 1 minute and 40 seconds a child or young person is infected with HIV. Also, almost 9 of 10 children and adolescents between the ages of 0- 19 are living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.
4. There are two known strains of HIV
The HIV-1 strain is mostly found in the United States and eventually results in AIDS if not treated. The second strain HIV-2 is found mostly in West Africa and is less likely to result in AIDS according to research.
5. Homosexuals are more at risk of getting infected with HIV than others
Research has shown that homosexuals are more at risk of HIV, with gay men making up as much as a 66.6% chance of contracting the disease than others. A doctor explains that some of the behavioural activities of gay men put them at a higher risk than others.
