Lemur virus gives clues to evolution of HIV

A squirrel sized lemur from Madagascar has given scientists new evidence about the origins of the HI virus and opened up promising new avenues for investigation.

17 Dec 2008

The discovery of a HIV-like virus in Madagascar's grey mouse lemur suggests such viruses have been around for millions of years longer than previously thought. (Image: Stanford University)

The discovery of a HIV-like virus in Madagascar's grey mouse lemur suggests such viruses have been around for millions of years longer than previously thought. (Image: Stanford University)

Robert Shafer, a senior author of the research, told IRIN/PlusNews that the discovery "is one of the most important missing links" required for understanding the evolutionary history of HIV-related viruses.

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