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AIDS Linked to Ancient Tiger

Feline DNA found in virus

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 7, 2009 9:08 AM CST

(Newser) – Researchers have found a strand of feline DNA in the AIDS virus, leading them to believe that the virus was incubated in a tiger thousands or millions of years ago. They speculate that the tiger may have bitten a monkey, setting in motion the viral evolution that would ultimately lead to the infection of humans. Though the research is unlikely to directly lead to treatment breakthroughs, it expands scientists’ understanding of the virus.

“It’s a rare and unusual thing that the virus would actually pick up some of the machinery of the cell that it infected,” said the study’s coauthor. From here, researchers will examine whether the gene is present in SIV, a monkey-only cousin to AIDS, and whether the presence or absence of the gene correlates to the strength of the virus. That finding could have treatment implications, reports HealthDay.

An ancient tiger may have been the first to carry the AIDS virus.
An ancient tiger may have been the first to carry the AIDS virus.   (AP Photo/Jeff McIntosh, The Canadian Press)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 27 comments
DontLikeYou___
Dec 10, 2009 12:56 PM CST
Or maybe you're a complete air head.
DontLikeYou___
Dec 10, 2009 12:55 PM CST
Just pointing out the absurdity of government and liberals in general.
GernnBlanston
Dec 10, 2009 4:08 AM CST
"Cat Scratch Fever." Nice, and I'm sure The Nuge approves. Also DLY, tigers do eat monkeys. There's even video of it, but it's on that Godless, Lib-infested cesspool called "Youtube."

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