BBC News Analysis: A cure for HIV? James Gallagher March 4, 2013
A baby girl has been "functionally cured" of HIV in the US. The
difference it will make to her life could be huge - avoiding a
lifetime of medication, social stigma and worries about whether
to tell friends and family.But beyond the personal story, there
is a huge question - does this bring us any closer to an HIV
cure?There are very special circumstances involved in the US
case. Doctors were able to hit the virus hard and early. This is
not possible in adults, who will acquire HIV months if not years
before they find out.Even in the UK, where at-risk groups are
offered free regular testing - one in four people with HIV is
unaware they have the virus. By the time they find out, it will
be fully established - hiding away in reservoirs in the immune
system that no therapy around can touch.It is also unclear how a
newborn's immune system, babies still get much of their
protection from their mother through breast milk, may affect
treatment.One thing