History of HIV/AIDS
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The history of HIV/AIDS traces the course and origin of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its progression to the global pandemic of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus is believed to have originated in non-human primates in Central and West Africa.
Origins of HIV/AIDS[edit | edit source]
HIV, the causative agent of AIDS, is believed to have evolved from similar viruses found in non-human primates in Central and West Africa. The cross-species transmission, or zoonosis, may have occurred through hunting and consumption of bushmeat[1]. The virus developed into several sub-groups, each acquiring the ability to infect humans at different points in time. However, the global pandemic of AIDS was primarily due to one particular strain: HIV-1 subgroup M.
Emergence of HIV-1 Subgroup M[edit | edit source]
The HIV-1 subgroup M emerged in Léopoldville, now known as Kinshasa, in the Belgian Congo (presently the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in the 1920s[2]. It's postulated that urbanization, railways, changes in sexual behavior, and colonial practices were among the factors contributing to the early spread of this virus strain.
Global Spread[edit | edit source]
From Kinshasa, HIV-1 subgroup M started its spread to other parts of the globe during the late 20th century. The virus made its way to the Americas, Europe, and other parts of Africa, initially unnoticed by the medical community.
Recognition of the AIDS Epidemic[edit | edit source]
The first recognized cases of AIDS occurred in the United States in the early 1980s[3]. The disease was initially associated with specific risk groups, such as gay men, intravenous drug users, and hemophiliacs. It took several years for scientists to identify HIV as the cause of AIDS.
Modern Day Response[edit | edit source]
Since the recognition of AIDS as a global health crisis, there have been significant efforts to prevent HIV transmission and to develop effective treatments. These include the advent of antiretroviral therapy, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and numerous education and prevention programs.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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- ↑ Sharp, Paul M.; Hahn, Beatrice H. (2011). "Origins of HIV and the AIDS Pandemic". Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine. 1 (1): a006841. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a006841. PMC 3234451. PMID 22229120.
- ↑ [[Faria NR, Rambaut A, Suchard MA, Baele G, Bedford T, Ward MJ, Tatem AJ, Sousa JD, Arinaminpathy N, Pépin J, Posada D, Peeters M, Pybus OG, Lemey P (2014). "The early spread and epidemic ignition of HIV-1 in human populations". Science. 346 (6205): 56–61. doi:10.1126/science.1256739. PMC 4254776. PMID 25278604.]]
- ↑ CDC (June 5, 1981). "Pneumocystis Pneumonia --- Los Angeles". Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 30 (21): 1–3. PMID 6265753.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
