A new treatment method developed by scientists cured a woman belonging to a mixed race using a transplant method that involved umbilical cord blood making her the third person ever to be cured of HIV, reported New York Times on Tuesday. As umbilical cord blood is widely available than adult stem cells, and does not need to be closely matched to that of the recipient; it is said to be able to cure dozens of Americans who have HIV, says NYT. The temporary immune defenses of the body were given through blood from a close relative, according to the report. Over the years, HIV infection has become more manageable due to better health facilities which help patients lead a longer and healthier lives. In 2020, 680000 people died from HIV-related causes and 1.5 million people acquired HIV, according to WHO.

Source: New York Times February 17, 2022 04:26 UTC