Researchers have discovered a new subtype of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) called HIV-1 Group M, subtype L which is the first time a subtype of HIV has been found in almost two decades.

The researchers from the multinational pharmaceutical company Abott used a tailored method of the next-generation genome sequencing technology to identify the new subtype — an advance showing how this technology is helping scientists stay one step ahead of mutating viruses, and avoid a new pandemic.

About AIDS:

• It stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• It is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body’s ability to fight the organisms that cause disease.
• HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).