Yaounde:The origins of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have been traced back to the early 1900s in the forests of southeastern Cameroon, according to a health researcher. Nuuman Bhat, who has a compromised immune system, shared on his page that contrary to popular belief, HIV did not begin in the 1980s but was transmitted from monkeys to humans much earlier.
According to Cameroon News Agency, Bhat questioned the common understanding of HIV transmission, asking how the virus was first contracted by humans if it is spread through sexual contact. He explained that for HIV to establish itself in humans, the virus had to undergo specific mutations to survive in the human immune system. Scientists believe this mutation occurred multiple times, but only one lineage, HIV-1 Group M, successfully spread.
Bhat further explained that through genetic analysis of the virus and calculating mutation rates, researchers can trace the virus's origins back to the early 1900s and 1920s in southeastern Cameroon. The initial cross-species transmission likely happened when hunters were exposed to chimpanzee blood during butchering, leading to the crossover event.
These findings are supported by Prof. Muki Shey, an epidemiologist from South Africa originally from Cameroon. Shey referenced a CSH Perspectives journal article that states the cross-species transmission of SIVcpz from chimpanzees gave rise to HIV-1 Group M, which is the primary cause of the AIDS pandemic in humans.
A report by the World Health Organization, published by CNA on July 17, highlighted Cameroon as one of the countries with the highest number of HIV-positive individuals, totaling over 500,000 cases. The actual number is presumed to be higher due to untested individuals. Although HIV is treatable with consistent medication, stigma remains a significant barrier preventing people from getting tested or seeking treatment after a positive diagnosis.
Source Cameroon News Agency