Researchers at the University of Rouen in France discovered a new variant of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) derived from gorilla, which has been called variant “P”.

The first carrier of this new strain, is a woman of 62 years from Cameroon. The research results were recently published in the journal Nature Medicine.

There are currently three variants of the virus: M, N and O. Scientists have suggested that the new strain, but showed some similarities with the variant O, is much closer to simian immunodeficiency virus or SIV.

The discovery has led scientists to rethink the role of these apes and chimpanzees as foci of infection.

Jean-Christophe Plantier, lead author of the study, analyzed in 2004 the case of HIV-positive woman of 62 years from Cameroon and after conducting several tests, it was found that this was a new variant of the AIDS virus.

Researchers have clarified that so far not raised the possibility that the virus was transmitted directly from human gorilla and the woman concerned has not had any contact with these animals. Currently she is in good health and his immune system seems stable and has not developed the disease.

Scientists hope that this new variant of HIV can be treated with current antiviral drugs.

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