Doctors Seek Further Tests on a British Man Who Appears to Have “Cleared HIV” Without Medication.
Two newspapers in the UK reported on Sunday that Mr. Andrew Stimpson, a Scotsman currently residing in London, tested positive for HIV back in 2002, but the virus was no longer present in his body by October 2003.
The Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare Trust, the organization conducting the tests, is requesting that Mr. Stimpson undergo further examinations. HIV specialists say that Mr. Stimpson’s case could provide important insights into AIDS.
The Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare Trust stated in a release: “This is a rare and complex case. When we learned of the negative test results, we suggested that Mr. Stimpson undergo further testing to investigate further.“
“However, so far Mr. Stimpson has declined this suggestion. Therefore, it is challenging for us to provide additional commentary.“
“The Luckiest Man”
Meanwhile, Mr. Stimpson told the British press: “Currently, there are 34.9 million people living with HIV worldwide, and I am the only person who has managed to control this virus and eliminate it from my body.“
“For me, that is unbelievable – it is miraculous. I believe I am one of the luckiest people in the world.“
Mr. Stimpson mentioned that he had been depressed and considered suicide after receiving the positive test result in 2002. Fourteen months later, he took a second test, which came back negative. He sought compensation, but doctors stated that there was nothing wrong with the testing process.
AIDS expert Patrick Dixon from the organization Acet commented that this is a case that is “very, very unusual.“
He told BBC News 24: “I have encountered similar reports in Africa, including several recent ones, but it is very difficult to obtain verified evidence.“
“We must be absolutely certain that the test samples belong to only one individual, with no mix-ups in the laboratory, and no mix-ups in the testing process. This is the first case with clear evidence.“
According to BBC