HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and is a retrovirus. According to Avert.org, the two forms of HIV are HIV-1 and HIV-2. These two viruses cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, which is a condition where the body’s immune system is completely destroyed, leading to fatal opportunistic infections. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, HIV-1 and HIV-2 have similar modes of transmission but differ in other ways.
Discovery and Geographical Location
According to the CDC, HIV-1 was discovered in 1984 by Luc Montagnier at Pasteur Institute in Paris. HIV-1 is the cause of the majority of HIV infections worldwide. HIV-2 was first identified in 1985 among AIDS patients in Cameroon, a country in Western Africa. HIV-2 is rare in the U.S and is more common in West African nations.
Initial Stage of Infection and Progression to AIDS
According to Avert.org, HIV-2 is less infectious during the early course of the infection. HIV-1 is very infectious throughout the illness. The period between initial infection and development of symptoms is longer in HIV-2. HIV-1 causes symptoms within two to four weeks after initial infection. Avert.org also states that HIV-2 progresses to AIDS more slowly than HIV-1, and clinical symptoms of HIV-2 are milder than HIV-1.
Transmission
The CDC states that HIV- and HIV-2 have similar modes of transmission. The two viruses are mainly transmitted by sexual contact, contaminated blood and infected mother to child. The viruses may also be transmitted through sharing of syringes and needles with HIV-positive people.
