Vaccine for Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Promising for HIV

London, May 13. -Researches from the United States developed an experimental vaccine that allowed controlling the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the monkey equivalent of HIV, in its early stages.

In a study published in the journal Nature, experts from the National Center for Primate Research in Oregon, USA, explained that the inoculation of the vaccine prevented infection of most of the treated animals for more than a year.

The vaccine might be ready in about three years. It stimulates the immunological system to face the virus in the first stages of the contact with the organism.

The HIV and SIV are difficult to control once they are disseminated and replicated in the body, which is why the vaccine should be administered in the early stages of infection, experts said.

Scientists say there is a long road of research ahead, because once the vaccination's effectiveness is proven, an equivalent product for testing in humans must be prepared.

A vaccine against human immunodeficiency virus might take a long time; however this finding offers new hope in HIV research. (Prensa Latina)