THIS made my day.

New Antibody Kills 91 % of HIV Strains

We’re inching ever closer to a breakthrough in fighting one of the toughest viruses in human history.

Image by Paul Myhill

Image by Paul Myhill

American scientists are working with three new antibodies that can destroy up to 91% of HIV strains.

The antibodies were found in the cells of a 60 year old man, known as “donor 45,” whose body produced them on it’s own.

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, mutates incredibly fast, making it a moving target for scientists.

HIV

HIV

HIV antibodies have been discovered in recent years but most have been somewhat disappointing as they are rarely effective on more than a few strains. The most successful one up until last week neutralized up to 40%.

The United Nations estimates that there were more than 33 million people living with AIDS in 2008 and thousands more are infected each day.

Researchers hope that they can blend the new antibodies in different ways for three purposes. They’ll attempt to create a “raw” form to prevent the spread from mothers to babies, a microbial gel to prevent the virus from being transmitted sexually, and a form that can be mixed with antiretroviral drugs to treat those already infected.

You can earn donations to help provide ARV medication to AIDS-infected children or educate people about preventing the spread of HIV by supporting Keep a Child Alive or The Staying Alive Foundation on SocialVibe.

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Lundi 12 juillet 2010

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