Genetic variation raises HIV risk in people of African descent

In a study from The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio researchers found A genetic variation that may have protected people of African descent against a pandemic of malaria long ago now appears to increase their susceptibility to HIV infection, a report published this week shows that a variation, described in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, is one of the first genetic risk factors for HIV to be identified only in those of African descent, and puts a spotlight on the differences in our genetic makeup that play a critical role in susceptibility to HIV-AIDS. It is fascinating that a genetic variation that protects individuals from Malaria now has beconme a factor the enhances infection with HIV