Je vous mentirais si je vous dis qu'aucun de mes textes ne parle de moi. En effet, il y a des textes qui me concernent; d'autres j'ai un peu exagéré la mise pour que la plupart des gens ne se sentent pas concernés par mes textes. Alors ça m'étonnerait que des gens en lisant ces textes se reconnaissent dans ce que j'ai écrit. Non ça ne veut pas dire que je suis un dingue illuminé ou que je suis marginalisé...mba nkuroga.
The short answer is yes, there are rare cases of people who are naturally resistant to HIV, but they're the exception, not the rule.
Here's how that works:
1. CCR5-Δ32 Mutation
Some people (especially of European descent) carry a genetic mutation called CCR5-Δ32. This mutation affects the CCR5 receptor on white blood cells, which is one of the main gateways HIV uses to enter cells. People who inherit two copies of this mutation (one from each parent) have cells that lack functional CCR5 receptors, making it extremely hard for HIV to infect them. These people are often called "HIV-resistant".
About 1% of people of European descent have two copies of the mutation (homozygous). Around 10–15% have one copy (heterozygous), which provides partial protection—they can still get HIV, but the progression is slower. The famous case of the “Berlin Patient” (Timothy Ray Brown) was cured of HIV after a bone marrow transplant from a donor who had two CCR5-Δ32 mutations.
2. Elite Controllers
There's another rare group known as elite controllers. These individuals do get infected with HIV, but their immune systems are able to control the virus without medication for many years.
They still technically have HIV, but the virus doesn't replicate to harmful levels.
Scientists are still studying how their immune systems manage this feat.
3. Post-treatment Controllers
Some people treated very early after infection and then stop therapy can maintain undetectable viral loads. They're not cured, but their body keeps the virus in check.
💡 Important Note: These cases are extremely rare. The vast majority of people are susceptible to HIV, and safe practices (like using protection, regular testing, and treatment) remain the best defense.
Stopping antiretroviral (ARV) medication, even for a short period, is highly risky for a person living with HIV. ARVs are designed to be taken daily to keep the virus suppressed. When a person stops taking their medication, the virus can rebound and multiply, leading to a number of serious health consequences.
Here are the primary risks associated with stopping ARV medication:
1. Viral Rebound and Immune System Damage The main function of ARVs is to suppress the HIV viral load to an undetectable level. This prevents the virus from replicating and destroying the immune system's CD4 cells. When ARVs are discontinued, the virus, which is still present in the body in "reservoirs," begins to multiply rapidly. This viral rebound leads to:
A drop in CD4 cell count: The number of CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections, will decrease.
A weakened immune system: As the CD4 count falls, the immune system becomes compromised, leaving the person vulnerable to opportunistic infections and other serious illnesses.
Progression to AIDS: Without a functioning immune system, the person is at a much higher risk of developing AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
2. Development of Drug Resistance
This is one of the most significant and long-lasting risks. When ARVs are stopped, the virus is no longer fully suppressed. It begins to replicate, and during this process, it can mutate. Some of these mutations can make the virus resistant to the ARV drugs the person was taking.
Treatment failure: Once the virus becomes resistant to a particular drug regimen, that combination of medicines will no longer be effective.
Limited future options: This resistance can sometimes extend to other drugs in the same class, a phenomenon known as "cross-resistance."This can significantly limit the person's future treatment options and may require them to switch to more complex, expensive, and potentially more toxic "second-line" or "third-line" regimens.
3. Increased Risk of HIV Transmission
When ARVs are taken consistently, they can reduce a person's viral load to an undetectable level. This is often referred to as "undetectable = untransmissible" (U=U), which means the virus cannot be sexually transmitted. However, if ARV therapy is stopped, the viral load will increase, and the person can transmit HIV to their sexual partners.
4. Other Health Complications
Studies have shown that stopping ARV medication is associated with a higher risk of serious health problems unrelated to HIV itself, including:
Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, etc.)
Kidney and liver problems
Certain types of cancer
Increased inflammation throughout the body
Acute Retroviral Syndrome
When the viral load increases after a person stops taking ARVs, they may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches, and swollen glands.This is similar to the symptoms people experience when they are newly infected with HIV.
Important Note:
If someone is considering stopping their ARV medication for any reason—such as side effects, financial issues, or a desire for a "treatment holiday" - it is crucial they talk to their healthcare provider first. A doctor can help address the underlying reasons, potentially by switching to a different, more tolerable regimen, or providing resources to help with adherence. Discontinuing ARVs without medical supervision is not recommended and can have severe, long-term consequences.
