Researchers hope elite AIDS suppressor holds key to cure

BALTIMORE A Baltimore woman may be able to defeat the AIDS virus, according to Reuters.

The woman, whose identity remained confidential, became infected with HIV at least 10 years ago by her husband, but has not shown any symptoms of the disease. In fact, her immune system is able to control it. By contrast, her husband, who contracted the disease via intravenous drug use, must use a drug cocktail.

Tests have indicated that her immune cells have stalled the drug by as much as 90 percent. People with the ability to control the virus are known as elite suppressors.

AIDS has been responsible for 25 million deaths worldwide since it emerged in the early 1980s.