The genetic code of the human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 strain, which is the main cause of AIDS, is fully deciphered, say American scientists at the University of North Carolina.

Experts explained that the genetic information that HIV carries is structured much more complexly than many other viruses. It is not contained in a double helix of DNA, but in a single spiral of ribonucleic acid (RNA), as in viruses that cause influenza, hepatitis C and poliomyelitis.

In turn, RNA can "fold" into intricate patterns and form complex structures. Thus, the complete decoding of the genome allows you to study previously hidden information, explain the effect of the virus and subsequently accelerate the development of drugs to combat it.

According to scientists, geneticists are already beginning to understand how the virus behaves in order to remain unnoticed by the human immune system.

Medicinform. Net.

Keywords:.