5 ms·

"The majority of HIV researchers agree that HIV evolved at some point from the closely related simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and that SIV or HIV (post mu

"The majority of HIV researchers agree that HIV evolved at some point from the closely related simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and that SIV or HIV (post mutation) was transferred from non-human primates to humans in the recent past (as a type of zoonosis).[citation needed] Research in this area is conducted using molecular phylogenetics, comparing viral genomic sequences to determine relatedness. " from wikipedia. Matches what I understand. So, not originating in a slum then.

HarryHirsch 6y ago
Also from Wikipedia: Genetic studies of the virus suggested in 2008 that the most recent common ancestor of the HIV-1 M group dates back to the Belgian Congo city of Léopoldville (modern Kinshasa), circa 1910. Proponents of this dating link the HIV epidemic with the emergence of colonialism and growth of large colonial African cities, leading to social changes, including a higher degree of non-monogamous sexual activity, the spread of prostitution, and the concomitant high frequency of genital ulcer diseases (such as syphilis) in nascent colonial cities.
- oh_sigh 6y ago
  > Proponents of this dating It is mentioned as a possibility, not a fact(as you originally stated it)
  - HarryHirsch 6y ago
    The 1920's West Africa origin hypothesis is the one best supported by the phylogenetic data. That would support the hypothesis that the virus was spread through prostitution, facilitated by the high incidence of genital ulcers (syphilis &c).
    - oh_sigh 6y ago
      Ok, you clearly believe in it. But the wider scientific community isn't so sure.
      - HarryHirsch 6y ago
        The iatrogenic hypothesis remains an outsider opinion: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3376824/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3376824/
      - pessimizer 6y ago
        throwaway_pdp09's comment starts with "The majority of HIV researchers," so also doesn't claim to be a received fact but a possibility (what in science does?) I'm not sure why that means that the possible effects of colonialism on disease shouldn't be discussed.
        HarryHirsch 6y ago
        I'm not sure why that means that the possible effects of colonialism on disease shouldn't be discussed. It's obvious, isn't it? When you discuss public health issues it quickly becomes apparent that your own good health isn't just a result of individual choices, a large amount depends on the environment, that is on politics. That's a dangerous path that leads directly to questioning the status quo, and the political elites that profit from it can't have that.
        oh_sigh 6y ago
        I'm not saying it shouldn't be discussed. I'm saying that OP opened his post by stating "The irony is that the virus originated in a Kinshasa slum..." as if it is a fact or at least a generally accepted viewpoint, and not merely an opinion of some researchers but not others.

HarryHirsch 6y ago

Also from Wikipedia: Genetic studies of the virus suggested in 2008 that the most recent common ancestor of the HIV-1 M group dates back to the Belgian Congo city of Léopoldville (modern Kinshasa), circa 1910. Proponents of this dating link the HIV epidemic with the emergence of colonialism and growth of large colonial African cities, leading to social changes, including a higher degree of non-monogamous sexual activity, the spread of prostitution, and the concomitant high frequency of genital ulcer diseases (such as syphilis) in nascent colonial cities.

oh_sigh 6y ago
> Proponents of this dating It is mentioned as a possibility, not a fact(as you originally stated it)
- HarryHirsch 6y ago
  The 1920's West Africa origin hypothesis is the one best supported by the phylogenetic data. That would support the hypothesis that the virus was spread through prostitution, facilitated by the high incidence of genital ulcers (syphilis &c).
  - oh_sigh 6y ago
    Ok, you clearly believe in it. But the wider scientific community isn't so sure.
    - HarryHirsch 6y ago
      The iatrogenic hypothesis remains an outsider opinion: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3376824/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3376824/
    - pessimizer 6y ago
      throwaway_pdp09's comment starts with "The majority of HIV researchers," so also doesn't claim to be a received fact but a possibility (what in science does?) I'm not sure why that means that the possible effects of colonialism on disease shouldn't be discussed.
      - HarryHirsch 6y ago
        I'm not sure why that means that the possible effects of colonialism on disease shouldn't be discussed. It's obvious, isn't it? When you discuss public health issues it quickly becomes apparent that your own good health isn't just a result of individual choices, a large amount depends on the environment, that is on politics. That's a dangerous path that leads directly to questioning the status quo, and the political elites that profit from it can't have that.
      - oh_sigh 6y ago
        I'm not saying it shouldn't be discussed. I'm saying that OP opened his post by stating "The irony is that the virus originated in a Kinshasa slum..." as if it is a fact or at least a generally accepted viewpoint, and not merely an opinion of some researchers but not others.