The AIDS Pandemic

Great Essays
Evolutionary Origin of the AIDS Pandemic

In modern day Congo in the capital city Kinshasa, formally known as Leopoldville, a group of professionals in a laboratory, collected samples that inadvertently changed the origins of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus since its emergence has spread throughout the entire world, causing the rise of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. There are many different theories on the origins of the HIV infection that caused for the AIDs pandemic. With recent advancements in technology and the professionalism of the doctors in Kinshasa, researchers have been able to trace the genome of the HIV virus back to earlier than was believed.
A scientific journalist, David Quammen
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Knowing the human origins of the virus is important as it helps researchers understand the evolutionary process of the HIV genome. It allows them to have a larger understanding and the ability, perchance to combat, control or outsmart the mutation of the virus. There is a wide range of theories that seek to explain the origins of HIV, ranging from a conspiracy theory to the hunter theory. Most of them in some way explain a genuine approach, though some are false in their information to how HIV spread throughout a country. Though none of the theories tackle the whereabouts and when HIV appeared in human …show more content…
Locals were exposed to extremely harsh conditions during this period. Some were being forced into concentration camps where they would be exposed to horrible conditions. Often in those situations, people have a weaker immune system due to starvation and uncleanliness creating an environment prone for the spread of disease. HIV infiltrated these camps by the use of unsterile needles against treatable diseases to keep the laborers alive so that they were able to continue working. As well it would be transmitted from the healthier people by sexual interaction. Though this theory stands true with a legitimate explanation, it does not date back to the actual origin of HIV. (C.

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