Second man seems to be free of AIDS virus after transplant

Researchers say a London man appears to be free of the AIDS virus after a stem cell transplant. It's the second such success. Lead researcher Professor Ravindra Gupta at London's University College says not only is it difficult finding a donor with genetic HIV resistance, a stem cell transplant is a difficult and risky procedure. Doctors found a donor with a gene mutation that confers natural resistance to HIV. About one per cent of people descended from northern Europeans have inherited the mutation. The patient has not been identified.

Guest: Dr. Zabrina Brumme

Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University

Director of Laboratories at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

Researchers say a London man appears to be free of the AIDS virus after a stem cell transplant. It's the second such success. Lead researcher Professor Ravindra Gupta at London's University College says not only is it difficult finding a donor with genetic HIV resistance, a stem cell transplant is a difficult and risky procedure. Doctors found a donor with a gene mutation that confers natural resistance to HIV. About one per cent of people descended from northern Europeans have inherited the mutation. The patient has not been identified.

Guest: Dr. Zabrina Brumme

Associate Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University

Director of Laboratories at the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS