One of the major breakthroughs in AIDS/HIV research recently was the discovery of the delta 32 mutation. HIV binds onto cells by attaching itself to two receptor sites through which it inserts its DNA into the host cells DNA, allowing it to create more HIV. If one of those receptors is blocked, than a person is immune to most strains of HIV. This phenomenon was discovered recently by looking at South African prostitute, who had reportedly had sex with hundreds of men and had not contracted HIV. Truly a remarkable thing in a country where HIV infection rates are over 25% in many demographics.

While this always as an “oh, thats cool” sort of scenario, it wasn’t good for much else beyond that until now. There was no real way to tell whether or not you had the receptor other than trying to catch HIV. Now, its different. Scientists have isolated a protein/ bit of genetic code ( I’m not a biologist and not entirely sure which ) called CCR5, which determines whether or not you have the second receptor. The CCR5 test tests whether or not you have the receptor available Basically, you send in a saliva swab to this company, and they tell you whether or not you have the mutation. Its really quite fascinating, and quite an impressive advance in technology.

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