Chimpanzees and HIV/AIDS Research

A large population of HIV-infected chimpanzees exists in the U.S. today due to their prior proposed use in HIV/AIDS experiments. An exact number is difficult to determine. According to a 1997 report prepared by NIH, “Although HIV infection of chimpanzees has not been an ideal model of disease, at least 198 chimpanzees have been used to date in HIV-related studies.” (7)

Eleven years after the launch of the chimpanzee breeding program to produce chimpanzees for AIDS research, NIH formally acknowledged the chimpanzee model of AIDS had been of limited success. In his testimony in 2000 before Congress, John Strandberg of NIH said:

Chimpanzees are the only animal, other than man, that can be infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For this reason, it was hoped that they could provide information on the progression from HIV infection to AIDS and in the development of treatments and vaccines. However, despite the fact that chimpanzees become persistently infected with HIV, we found that the development of clinical AIDS occurs in chimpanzees late or not at all. (8)

hiv / aids infection

It is not possible to become infected with HIV through sharing crockery and cutlery, insect/animal bites, touching, hugging or shaking hands, eating food prepared by someone with HIV, or toilet seats.

Unfortunately, around the world there are a number of myths and wrong beliefs about HIV/AIDS. Some people are for instance of the belief that only gay men or black people become infected with HIV, or that once infected, sex with a virgin is the cure. Such false notions do not benefit the fight against the disease. Here knowledge and information sharing becomes key. AIDS is best prevented by halting the spread of HIV, and a global as well as local effort is required.