About HIV
Determine HIV 1/2
There are two main forms of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus:
HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 was discovered in 1983 at the Institute
Pasteur in Paris and HIV-2 was first discovered amongst patients in
Cameroon in 1985. HIV-2 is less virulent than HIV-1, usually
not resulting in full blown AIDS, but nevertheless is still
fatal.
By infecting and gradually destroying the immune system, HIV
reduces the body’s protection against cancers, pneumonia and other
infections that can take hold and lead to death.
Initially someone living with HIV may not display any symptoms
of the infection because their immune system can control it at
first, but ultimately drug support will be required. Anti-HIV
drugs can help the immune system and keep the HIV infection under
control, but cannot completely rid the body of HIV infection.