(ORDO NEWS) — It was classified as a “new circulating recombinant form of HIV-1” and named CRF91_cpx.
A new strain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), which causes AIDS, has been identified in 14 residents of Cyprus, local publication Philenews reported, citing scientists from the University of Cyprus and the Los Alamos National HIV Laboratory in New Mexico (United States of America).
“Molecular studies conducted at the University of Cyprus in collaboration with the Gregorios AIDS Clinic at Larnaca General Hospital have led to the discovery of a new strain of HIV-1,” the article says.
The new variant was given the name CRF91_cpx, and features in its genome were found in common with four other HIV-1 strains – CRF02_AG, G, J and U (U belongs to an unknown subtype).
So far, the distribution occurs exclusively among men who have sex with members of the same sex. Clinical manifestations are yet to be determined.
HIV-1 is a retrovirus that, if left untreated, leads to the life-threatening acquired immunodeficiency syndrome known as AIDS. The pandemic has been going on since the 1980s.
The World Health Organization estimates that since then almost 80 million people have become infected with HIV-1, over 40 million have died, and about 38 million are living with HIV today.
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