A South-African girl who was born with HIV is shown to be healthy nine years after her diagnosis. As a baby, she was treated for the virus for a short period but has continued into remission without further medication.
The doctors used early antiretroviral therapy on the girl which was not standard practice at the time. After 40 weeks of treatment, the virus withdrew into remission and the virus has not returned.
The case was revealed this morning at an AIDS conference in Paris and scientists believe this is very promising for children born with HIV.
Current medication of the HIV virus is very aggressive and patients have to take it daily for the rest of their lives.
One patient was believed to be cured of the virus by undergoing a bone marrow transplant in 2007 from a donor with an inherent resistance to the virus. However, medical experts say transplants are very risky and it would be virtually impossible to cure the millions already infected by using this method.
Researchers have been striving for a long-term remission treatment where the immune system can control the virus without medication. The case of the South African patient may be the beginning of this advancement.
Medical experts say that some people have a natural disposition for fighting the HIV infection. However, the South-African girl proves to be a special case.
By copying this form of treatment as a new form of therapy – using drugs, antibodies or vaccines, could give leeway for the possibility to cure other infected patients.
The medical team in Johannesburg underwent the research alongside the UK's MRC Clinical Trials Unit.
Diana Gibbs, a professor of Epidemiology, told the BBC News website: "It captures the imagination because you've got a virtual cure and it is exciting to see cases like this.
"But it is important to remember it is only one child. HIV is still a massive problem around the world and we mustn't put all our eyes on to one phenomenon like this, as opposed to looking at the bigger issues for Africa.”
There is still a lot of research to be done about the effects of the treatment in children with HIV.
About a dozen adults infected with the virus that have also gone into remissions for many years with the use of treatment.
A study is currently being undertaken to test whether treating HIV-infected newborns within two days of birth can control the virus later after treatment stops. The study began in 2014 in South America, Haiti, Africa and the United States. Some of the earliest patients may be able to discontinue treatment later this year.
