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Science In Action: Identifying a more infectious HIV variant

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03/02/2022 GMT

Identifying a more infectious HIV variant

BBC World Service - Science In Action, Identifying a more infectious HIV variant

A new form of HIV has been uncovered in the Netherlands.

A new but treatable variant of HIV has been uncovered in the Netherlands. A reminder that as viruses evolve, even after 40 years they can become more virulent and infectious.

We’re 40 years into the AIDS pandemic, and even with massive public health campaigns, still, 1 ½ million become infected with HIV each year;  about half that number die of its ravages. And a study just out shows that this well-understood virus can still take on more worrying forms as a new variant has been uncovered. Although the total number of cases involved is small, and the new variant is as treatable as earlier strains, the finding underlines that viruses can become more infectious and more virulent. 

Back in October 2020, before we had effective vaccines, 36 plucky volunteers agreed to be deliberately infected with SARS-CoV-2 in order to better understand the infection process and outcomes in what’s known as a human “challenge” trial.  Dr. Chris Chiu from Imperial College reveals what they’ve learned now the results of the study are in. We’ll hear about a new plastic that’s stronger than steel and as many gardeners have long suspected, – spring-flowering has over many years been occurring earlier and earlier, at least according to a new UK study. We discuss the implications for the ecosystem. 

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producers: Julian Siddle and Rami Tzabar

(Image: 3D illustration of HIV virus. Credit: Artem Egorov/Getty Images)

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