NIH-supported scientists demonstrate very early formation of SIV reservoir

(NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) Scientists have generally believed that HIV and its monkey equivalent, SIV, gain a permanent foothold in the body very early after infection, making it difficult to completely eliminate the virus even after antiretroviral therapy has controlled it. Now NIH-supported researchers report that SIV can become entrenched in tissues fewer than three days after infection, before the virus is detectable in blood plasma or blood cells.