HIV/AIDS might not be as much of a death sentence as it used to be. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) itself causes immune system problems. This can cause someone to have trouble fighting off infections or viruses that others might be able to combat just fine. If it is not treated properly, HIV can turn into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Due to the rise of scientific breakthroughs in this field, we are able to keep many people from ever ending up with AIDS if HIV is caught early enough. HIV can pass from person to person via a person’s main bodily fluids, such as their blood or sperm.
[Image via KTSdesign/Shutterstock.com]Although, women can pass it to men by the man being inside them at all. Sweat and spit, however, will not transfer it. Some have nothing to worry about though, as they are completely resistant to HIV. Those people have a rare genetic mutation called CCR5 Delta 32. The mutation caused the CCR5 co-receptor to be far smaller than normal, making it difficult for the HIV virus to enter cells. The main receptor is closed, preventing the virus from ever taking hold of a person’s body. Today, scientists are trying to mimic this via stem cells using cells from HIV-immune individuals. Making these people incredibly important.