Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a complex viral disease that includes many distinct strains. While treatment of HIV and AIDS has advanced exponentially over the years, it is still important to understand how the virus is transmitted and how different strains can cause different impacts. The group M (major) strain of HIV is the most widespread, and as a result, affects most people throughout the world.
The group M strain of HIV causes the majority of cases. Approximately 90% of people with the virus are afflicted with this particular strain, and its prevalence could have something to do with the features of the group M virus.
Group M is easily transmissible and has high genetic variability. That means this strain can affect more people, while also having the ability to mutate when introduced to a human host. Researchers believe the group M strain of HIV originated at some point in the early 1900s and that a single event was responsible for the virus jumping from chimpanzees to humans.
When HIV was first discovered by medical researchers in the 80s, treatment was non-existent. And for many years, treatment could only do so much to help people with this virus. These days, new treatment options exist that can not only reduce the health effects of HIV, but they can also suppress the presence of the virus within the body. Antiretroviral therapy involves a combination of medications that can help people with HIV fend off infections and lead happy, healthy lives.