I have read that:-
HIV2 is he Less Common Cousin of HIV-1
It was first found in a man living in Africa.
In biology, a strain is a variety of a specific organism. Similarities exist between strains but the small differences between them is what makes each a separate strain from the other. HIV-2 is a less common strain of HIV than is the more common HIV-1 strain. As much as they are alike they have subtle differences.
HIV-2 seems to weaken the immune system more slowly than HIV-1
those people with HIV-2 are less infectious early in the course of the disease compared to those people with HIV-1
HIV-2 is transmitted in the same way as HIV-1. Certain people are, however, more at risk. They include:
* people having unprotected sexual contact with partners from areas where HIV-2 is common
* those having unprotected sex with someone diagnosed with HIV-2
* people who share needles with HIV-2 positive people or with people from areas where HIV-2 is common
* people who receive blood product transfusion in countries where HIV-2 is common
* people receiving medication injections in countries where HIV-2 is common and sterile technique is not always used.
This strain is commonly found in West Africa.
I don't know what the symptoms are or what tests to use.
Always
Muthoni (Mson)