DNA determines Aids time-bomb

Different amounts of cell energy determine how quickly HIV turns into Aids, according to research.

US and UK scientists made the findings looking at the case studies of patients with the virus in the 1980s and 90s when anti retroviral therapy was not readily available.

The study showed people with different genetic information developed Aids at a quicker rate than others.

"Having less energy available seems to exacerbate the effects of the disease," says team member Sher Hendrickson.

This means mitochondria tests may prove essential for tracking the progress of the disease in patients and for administering medication.

It may also help doctors prescribe the best combination of drugs, a researcher from the University of Cambridge Andrew Lever said.

World Health Organization estimates were that 33 million people had HIV/Aids last year, with the majority in sub-Saharan Africa where treatment is limited.

Cell energy appears to hinge on J haplogroups, the investigators said.

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