When was AIDS discovered ?
AIDS was first recognize in summer of 1981, when doctors in Los Angeles noticed an unusual type of pneumonia (pneumocystis carinii pneumonia ) & an unusual type of skin cancer ( Kaposi's sarcoma ) among a few young homosexuals.
These diseases are usually seen in people having poor bodily resistance. Hence this disease was then called Gay Related Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
However soon such symptoms were also seen in heterosexuals, I.V.drug users. It was then named as AIDS. In 1983 the virus responsible for AIDS was isolated.

Who discovered the HIV ?
A French scientist Dr Luke Montagnier, isolated the virus in 1983.
Almost simultaneously it was also isolated by Dr Robert Gallow in USA.

When was HIV first reported in India ?
HIV was first reported in India in Madras in 1986 amongst a few sexual workers.

How did HIV originate ?
AIDS like illness is also seen in monkeys & is called as Simian Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is caused by a virus called Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV).This SIV resembles HIV-2. Therefore it is presumed that HIV originated from SIV. How the SIV was transmitted from monkeys to human beings is still a question & various theories have been put forth to explain the same.

Are there any subtypes of HIV?
Yes.
There are 2 subtypes of HIV. HIV- 1 & HIV-2. HIV-1 is more common in India.

Is there any clinical difference between HIV-1 & HIV-2 infection?
Yes. Infections with HIV-2 are slowly progressive, have a longer latent period. The life expectancy is more with HIV-2 infection.

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