Study: HIV Becoming Less Deadly, Less Infectious

Posted by Soulskill on Tuesday December 2, 2014 @07:01AM from the winning-the-long-game dept.

An anonymous reader writes: A new study (abstract) from Oxford University shows HIV is weakening as it evolves in response to our immune system. When the virus encounters somebody with a particularly strong immune system, it sacrifices efficiency in replication to gradually overcome those defenses. This causes it to take more time for the infection to cause AIDS. Professor Philip Goulder said, "It is quite striking. You can see the ability to replicate is 10% lower in Botswana than South Africa and that's quite exciting. We are observing evolution happening in front of us and it is surprising how quickly the process is happening. The virus is slowing down in its ability to cause disease and that will help contribute to elimination." Goulder added that the average time from infection to the onset of AIDS has increased by 25% over the past 10 years.

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Re:Then again, maybe it _is_ good news. by Anonymous Coward · 2014-12-02 07:15 · Score: -1, Flamebait

From TFA: "Some virologists suggest the virus may eventually become "almost harmless" as it continues to evolve." Yes, I realize the the article says "Some" and "almost" but still I'd rather it be like dealing with a common cold than a full shutdown of my immune system.
But, if that happens, surely God will find some other way to punish fags? Because he hates fags, right? Right?