New strain of HIV found in Singapore

QX179R SG

SINGAPORE: A new and possibly more aggressive strain of the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) has surfaced in Singapore, evolving from the two existing strains.

Researchers from the Department of Infectious Diseases at Tan Tock Seng Hospital discovered the new strain AE-B after studying more than 200 HIV patients between 2008 and 2009.

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

While the new strain can be treated with existing medication, doctors are concerned because it suggests high risk behaviour among HIV patients - with some having had sexual intercourse with at least two people who carry different strains of the HIV virus.

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 on Thursday, Dr Ng Oon Teck, one of the researchers who carried out the study, said: "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 & BioMedical Congress on Nov 11 and 12 - found that 15 people here were infected with the new strain.

According to latest figures released in September from the Ministry of Health, there are 4,845 people here diagnosed with HIV, with sexual transmission as the main mode of infection.

Researchers at Tan Tock Seng Hospital are also working to develop a local test - at half the cost of similar tests available in the market - to monitor treatment of HIV and determine if patients have developed resistance to their existing medication.

According to Dr Ng, such a test would be needed for about 20 per cent of HIV patients as the virus in them gets stronger, or for new patients who were infected by a carrier who had developed resistance to the drugs.

- CNA /ls

Mr Milo SG

oh dear

hope it does not turn out to be airborn

Susanteo2011 SG

HIV no need to scared........................

the guy who discovered it say some people recover on their own............

take Coconut Oil......................go read it up

Just_do_it_lah SG

oh dear

hope it does not turn out to be airborn

If there is one... (airborn)....

they will be delighted to send you......

Just_do_it_lah SG

4,845 infected ppl in Singapore.....

OMG.....

Ä«Õß:¸ïÀë SG

4,845 infected ppl in Singapore.....

OMG.....

4D !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WayneKwek SG

I probably will be getting some anger remarks by saying this. But I am quite glad that there is no cure for AIDS, and the AIDS virus is mutating to avoid being exterminated.

Can you all imagine what the world will become if AIDS can be cured like a common cold or cough? Everyone will start to screw around without any fear of getting the disease. There will be many times more adulteries/betrayals/infidelities. More familes will be broken. Faith will be gone. And Earth is already overpopulated at 7 billion. We will escalate childbirths exponentially, and end of the world will come much sooner than expected.

So, thank goodness there is this super bacteria for punishing the ones who likes to screw around. If there is a God, and God creates all beings, then this is the present for us. I am only sorry for those who will get this through blood transfusion and from mother-to-child.

Ok, I am prepared to be scolded... ...

Mr Milo SG

I probably will be getting some anger remarks by saying this. But I am quite glad that there is no cure for AIDS, and the AIDS virus is mutating to avoid being exterminated.

Ok, I am prepared to be scolded... ...

Nah, u won't be scolded cos this is how Mother Nature balances things

when humans have truly exceeded her capacity.....heh heh heh