Researchers want to mimic immune capabilities of HIV elite suppressors

A small number of individuals who contract HIV are able to manage the infection due to lower levels of HIV present within their immune cells, according to a study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Researchers examined the immune system processes of these individuals, known as elite suppressors, and said that they believe future medical techniques may allow other HIV-infected individuals to arm their immune systems the same way elite suppressors do naturally - with more effective killer T cells.

Killer T cells are a variety of white blood cell, which eliminates units that the virus has infected.

Contaminated cells that are not destroyed can become resistant to antiretroviral therapy and form a latent reservoir.

Elite suppressors account for only 0.5 percent of the HIV-positive population.

Early detection of any sexually transmitted disease (STD) can help prevent sexually transmitted HIV infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In men and women, inflammatory STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea appear to increase one's susceptibility to HIV, the CDC adds.

Any individual who would like to be tested for HIV or other STDs may consider using online testing services.