Question

What is the difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2?

15 March 2006. Related: All topics.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

HIV-1 is the main family of HIV and accounts for 95% of all infections worldwide. HIV-2 is a very different virus and is only generally seen in a few West African countries. Although HIV-2 generally progresses more slowly than HIV-1, some HIV drugs (like nevirapine and efavirenz) will not work against HIV-2.

(Adapted from a question from the i-Base Q&A pages of the African Eye a new treatment publication for African communities affected by HIV who are living in the UK)