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Was a British Man Cured of HIV?
Doctors want to do more tests on a British man who is now possibly HIV free after testing positive for HIV in 2002. If it is true the British man named Andrew Stimpson was able to cure himself it would be the first time this has occured. The BBC has an new story about the HIV "cure" claims.
Andrew Stimpson, 25, was diagnosed HIV-positive in 2002 but was found to be negative in October 2003 by Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Trust.
Mr Stimpson, from London, said he was "one of the luckiest people alive".
The trust said the tests were accurate but had been unable to confirm Scotsman Mr Stimpson's cure because he had declined to undergo further tests.
A statement from the trust said: "This is a rare and complex case. When we became aware of Mr Stimpson's HIV negative test results we offered him further tests to help us investigate and find an explanation for the different results.
The BBC has also posted a faq about HIV and cures as well as an answer to the question: Might the body rid itself of HIV?
The body has many defence mechanisms against viruses. However, in the case of HIV, it has not yet been proven that the body can clear itself completely of the virus.
In some patients, HIV never turns into full-blown Aids, which scientists hope will give them clues to how to beat the virus.
There have been a number of anecdotal reports of people who appear to be immune to or have shaken off HIV. But the science is sketchy.
Deborah Jack, chief executive of the National Aids Trust, said: "The virus is extremely complex and there are many unknowns about how it operates and how people's bodies react to it."
It would certainly be wonderful news if the Stimpson case turns out to be accurate. Hopefully there will be more tests that provide additional information.
Posted on November 14, 2005
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