The HIV epidemic continues to spread and affect communities throughout the world. Ninety percent of people living with HIV live in developing countries, over two-thirds of the total number living in sub-Saharan Africa. Four out of five HIV positive women and 87% of HIV positive children in the world live in Africa.Prevalence of HIV, on the other hand, has continued to increase due to these reductions in death rates and the resultant extension in the lifespan of people living with HIV/AIDS.HIV is not dormant during the so called clinically latent period. Studies of lymph node biopsy specimens from HIV-infected individuals using nucleic acid hybridization techniques have demonstrated active viral replication at all stages of disease. These genetic variants may also enable the virus to escape immune surveillance activity. This active replication of HIV is accompanied by a rapid turnover of CD4 lymphocyte cells.

References

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