Scientists first to see the birth of a HIV particle

Scientists have seen the birth of a HIV particle for the first time and estimate its development takes between five and six minutes.

The team, compromising a virologist and a biophysicist from Rockefeller University, used internal reflection microscopy to light up the surface of the cell where HIV assembles.

Using the Gag protein, which is necessary for the virus to assemble, the scientists watched groups of the molecules develop into a new individual and infectious particle.

It is believed that the new discovery can assist in the development of future treatments for the disease.

Nolwenn Jouvenet, who assisted in the project, said: "Now that we can actually see a virus being born, it gives us the opportunity to answer previously unanswered questions, not only in virology but in biology in general."

Aids charity Avert estimates that in 2007, 33.2 million people worldwide were infected with the HIV virus and the number of cases increases by around 2.5 million each year.