New variant of the HIV virus detected.

[ericnl]

A new variant of the HIV virus is discovered, research found it mostly in men from the Netherlands. The virus is 5 times more contagious than other variants and damage to the immune system is also much higher. The virus is just as treatable as the other ones. 

[think before following links] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00317-x

[BootmanLA]

3 minutes ago, ericnl said:

A new variant of the HIV virus is discovered, research found it mostly in men from the Netherlands. The virus is 5 times more contagious than other variants and damage to the immune system is also much higher. The virus is just as treatable as the other ones. 

[think before following links] [think before following links] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00317-x

I'd seen other articles on this variant this morning. I wouldn't say they characterize the damage to the immune system as "higher"; rather, it does the same thing as other variants of HIV, but faster.

As I read the various pieces (together), this new variant:

1. infects more readily because it gets access to your system more readily (this is the part that makes it easier to contract);

2. multiplies much more rapidly in your system, again because it gets access to your cells more readily; and

3. it starts diminishing your immune system more rapidly, such that you progress to AIDS-level infection within 2-3 years instead of the more typical 6-7 years.

As you noted, though, this variant does seem to respond equally well to treatment. So for a person who gets tested regularly and whose infection is detected early and begins treatment immediately, there shouldn't be any issue with health, overall.

The thing to worry about is when the virus goes undetected for a good while, the reservoir of t-cells in the infected person's system may diminish significantly and not fully rebound, such that there's little to no option for a med holiday if side effects are becoming problematic. 

[hntnhole]

Thanks for the information, ericnl and BootmanLA.  Most unwelcome obviously, but most important as well.  

[Guest]

This article came out in 2015 many years ago, CRF19, aggressive strain of HIV detected in Cuba

[think before following links] https://oncubanews.com/en/styles-trends/technologies-of-communication-and-media/crf19-aggressive-strain-of-hiv-detected-in-cuba/

[Liverpool]

Maybe I should go to the Netherlands 🤔 

[Guest]

7 hours ago, NatureBoy said:

This article came out in 2015 many years ago, CRF19, aggressive strain of HIV detected in Cuba

[think before following links] [think before following links] https://oncubanews.com/en/styles-trends/technologies-of-communication-and-media/crf19-aggressive-strain-of-hiv-detected-in-cuba/

I thought of the Cuban strain when reading the news about this new 'Netherlands-strain'. 

[Guest]

Apparently it isn't really 'new' but found in samples from the '80's to the 2010's.

According to the Dutch public broadcasting corporation (sort of our BBC). Here's the link and I apologise it's only in Dutch.
Probably the full report will include the data about what samples and from what time-frame where used in the research:

[think before following links] https://nos.nl/artikel/2415671-besmettelijkere-maar-goed-behandelbare-hiv-variant-ontdekt-in-nederland

[pozboy]

16 hours ago, ericnl said:

A new variant of the HIV virus is discovered, research found it mostly in men from the Netherlands. The virus is 5 times more contagious than other variants and damage to the immune system is also much higher. The virus is just as treatable as the other ones. 

[think before following links] [think before following links] https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00317-x

this is what we've been looking for for years!

[iman2004]

47 minutes ago, BareLover666 said:

Apparently it isn't really 'new' but found in samples from the '80's to the 2010's.

According to the Dutch public broadcasting corporation (sort of our BBC). Here's the link and I apologise it's only in Dutch.
Probably the full report will include the data about what samples and from what time-frame where used in the research:

[think before following links] [think before following links] https://nos.nl/artikel/2415671-besmettelijkere-maar-goed-behandelbare-hiv-variant-ontdekt-in-nederland

For an English version, Oxford did a press release:

[think before following links] https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-02-04-new-highly-virulent-and-damaging-hiv-variant-discovered-netherlands

[fskn]

Thanks, @BareLover666 and @iman2004.

The original article also mentioned that the variant had been circulating in the Netherlands for decades and that its prevalence was declining.

Delay is a reality for genetic sequencing efforts. There is too little systemic sequencing going on in the world, and it tends to be for academic research (slow) rather than for surveillance (fast).

Had this variant been circulating in South Africa, it would probably have been identified sooner. That is one country with a robust, systemic genetic sequencing effort, first for HIV and now also for COVID-19.

[BugBoyEric]

They said it's been around for decades, they've only just identified it.

[timfreo]

I think there was another mention I saw which said Prep was still effective against it. The mutation doesn't affect the manner in which prep prevents infection  

[fskn]

To prevent the spread of any misinformation, and reaffirm what @BareLover666 and @iman2004 had posted earlier:

 

 

Edited February 7, 2022 by fskn
Fixed link

[Guest]

13 hours ago, PULLOUTPUSHINN said:

Mmmmmmmmmm....

As I very much look forward to the new partner who tells me of his unique strain.. asking me if I am sure.. as my body trembles and shivers with anticipation of his precious rare strain of HIV.. earning every opportunity to milk multiple loads.. bring him the greatest of pleasures.. I yearn to meet that future partner.. as I have always treasured my previous and current.. and always will!!!

🦠😈💝🧬☣️🎁💉🎯🔜♾️💯

 

think this belongs in the backroom.

[sthrnguy]

[think before following links] [think before following links] https://extendatouch.com/blog/new-hiv-variant-discovered-may-be-more-infectious-and-severe/?campaign_id=1136

Twice the viral load, half the time progress…

Edited February 16, 2022 by sthrnguy