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Study: HIV Becoming Less Deadly, Less Infectious

Posted by Soulskill on 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.

8 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. HIV, now friendlier than ever! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Comcast is really excited. If HIV can get some positive press, they may have some hope, too.

    1. Re:HIV, now friendlier than ever! by NoNonAlphaCharsHere · · Score: 5, Funny

      * After initial promo period, regular deadliness applies.

    2. Re:HIV, now friendlier than ever! by hey! · · Score: 4, Funny

      Dunno. Seems to me like HIV has a built-in advantage. It's usually more fun to get than Comcast is.

      --
      Post may contain irony: discontinue use if experiencing mood swings, nausea or elevated blood pressure.
  2. Re:Then again, maybe it _is_ good news. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    But, if that happens, surely God will find some other way to punish fags? Because he hates fags, right? Right?

    That's figs, God hates figs...

  3. Shush... by Flavianoep · · Score: 3, Funny

    Shh! Don't get this kind of information beyond the sphere of well informed people. Some people may think that risky sex behavior becoming less dangerous is a thing.

    --
    Linux is for people who don't mind RTFM.
  4. Re:Then again, maybe it _is_ good news. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I hate fags as well.. They're always going around on their Harley motorcycles annoying the hell out of everyone.

  5. Re:Then again, maybe it _is_ good news. by MightyMartian · · Score: 4, Funny

    All I know is that evolution is a lie. Have you ever soon an HIV virus turn into a fish or a dog? Well, HAVE YOU???

    --
    The world's burning. Moped Jesus spotted on I50. Details at 11.
  6. Re:Then again, maybe it _is_ good news. by dimko · · Score: 4, Funny

    No, but we have seen a plenty of examples of tape worms and amoebas evolving into politicians!