Scientists identify first new strain of HIV in nearly two decades

Scientists at US-based drug firm Abbot Laboratories have announced the discovery of a new strain of HIV–the first new strain of the disease in almost 20 years.

Mary Rodgers, a lead researcher on the project, cautions the public not to panic over the discovery. Numerous strains of the virus already circulate within the public, and the newest strain, called HIV-1 Group M, subtype L, is extremely rare. That said, the discovery should serve as a cautionary reminder.

“We can never become complacent, we need to be proactive and we’re working to stay a step ahead of the virus,” Rodgers explained to the Chicago Tribune.  “To prevent new infections we have to understand how they have spread in the past.”

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