Scientists in Auckland and Seattle have recreated part of the original ancestor of the HIV virus as part of new research into a cure for the disease. Auckland University professor Allen Rodrigo says the virus mutates at a rates 4 million times faster than genes in any plant or animal species, meaning that vaccines based on current strains would quickly become ineffective. Dr Rodrigo and colleague Howard Ross therefore decided to trace the virus back to its original strain, isolating the common element in all varieties that have existed. Although the research is in its early stages, they believe a vaccine based on this research would have the best chance of any so far attempted. Currently, there are close to 3,000 people in New Zealand living with HIV and AIDS.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 4th October 2003 - 12:00pm