New research suggests genetic trait may boost AIDS risk in people of African descent

Scientists have found that African-Americans and Africans could be much more susceptible to HIV due to a genetic trait only found in people of African descent.

 

The new research suggests that this trait could be an answer as to why Africa is the continent hardest hit by the epidemic. In the research scientists found that a genetic trait found in 60% of African-Americans and in 90% of Africans makes HIV infection 40% more likely among this group. The trait is virtually non-existant in whites.

 

It is thought that this trait, which evolved to protect people against a form of malaria that no longer exists, is now unfortunately making people of African descent particularly susceptible to HIV.

 

Mathew J. Dolan, co-author of the study, believes this increases susceptability could account for millions of extra cases of HIV. The researchers also believe, however, that people who have this particular genetic trait are able, on average, to live an extra two years longer that others if they become infected with the virus.

 

Rowena Johnston, Vice President of research with the Foundation for AIDS Research, admitted that while the information was able to offer an insight into the biology of the virus it will not be easy to make the information useful, adding that:

"Since any one individual has tens of thousands of genes, each of which may influence susceptability in one direction or another, it's difficult to predict the outcome for any individual with any one particular genotype."

 

Some people also have an issue with the research itself. The geneticist David Goldstein says that because African-Americans have a higher rate of infection in general and also carry the genetic trait as part of their African heritage, the apparent association of the gent with HIV infection could be coincidental.

 

Although the discovery appears to be of significance the findings will still need to be validated by other researchers.

 

(Washingtonpost.com 17/07/08)