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Origins of HIV/AIDS

The discuss about HIV/AIDS origin has resurfaced recently due to new information that has come to light debunking old theories about when HIV originated in human populations. This new information came to us by way of DNA analysis of the current HIV virus. Scientists now guess that HIV jump to human populations from monkeys in the early 1900’s. This has helped to put to rest conspiracy theory about polio vaccines causing the transmission of HIV. HIV is thought to have jumped to the human population when indigenous African populations who consumed game meats regularly contracted it while butchering animals. A number of viruses humans have today have gotten into our population in similar ways including bird flu.

HIV 1 is the more virulent and common of the HIV strains. HIV 1 is the strain that infects most the world and qualifies HIV as a pandemic. HIV II is the less common strain of HIV that is less virulent. HIV 2 is mostly confined to West Africa, and not as prevalent. Both HIV 1 and HIV 2 are transmitted by bodily fluids. This means that prevention of HIV/AIDS will reley on safe and non risky practice. Including the use of condoms and safe sex practices. AIDS occurs when HIV/AIDS has progressed to the point as to promote opportunistic infections and other AIDS defining illnesses.

As treatments become more available the battle against HIV becomes more viable. Prevention needs to be a central pillar in combating HIV/AIDS, as well as aggressive treatment. HAART regimens (combinations of AIDS drugs) are the primary weapon we have and it has been very effective in slowing the progression of HIV. Breakthroughs like these have helped patients live a much longer and healthier life. A critical element to winning the fight against HIV should be education, we need more HIV education in schools. Misinformation and lack of understanding has been a huge contributer to the spread of HIV.