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What does this mean?

Greetings all. I was wondering if you are up to date with the recent information about a new strain of HIV that was discovered by Abbott late last year? How does this impact those who already tested negative in the past? Would all of us who had exposures  need to get retested again? Or do the current tests like antigen/antibody detect this new L strain?
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3191940 tn?1447268717
COMMUNITY LEADER
It doesn't mean anything.  For one, it's extremely rare, and also, tests already on the market detect it.  

This is an HIV prevention forum.  Is there a risk you would like to discuss?
Helpful - 0
3 Comments
Hi, regarding this new strain does it affects the way the virus is transmitted? Maybe like via oral sex?
NO.  No matter how many different subtypes that are found now or in the future, a subtype cannot change the method of transmission of the HIV virus.  The subtypes represent slight variations and subtypes do not change the structure of the virus, which is what would be necessary to allow for a different mode of transmission.  
Thank you
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