New HIV strain can become AIDS in three years, researchers warn

A new and aggressive strain of HIV found in Cuba has troubled scientists that found it can become AIDS in as little as three years.

According to researchers at KU Leuven’s Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology and published in journal EBioMedicine, the human immunodeficiency virus strain can progress to acquired immune deficiency syndrome in the short amount of time if left untreated.

Most strains take around six to 10 years to develop into full-blown AIDS.

The Miami Herald noted that more than 50 strains exist globally due to mutations and this particular strain is a mix of three subtypes and can be difficult to diagnose.

“The only thing now is that in Cuba, it is associated with rapid progression [of the disease,” said Hector Bolivar, a physician and infectious disease specialist with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine “It’s something that hasn’t been seen before that clearly.”

An estimated 15,000 people in Cuba were living with HIV in 2013. The island has a population of more than 11 million people.