چكيده لاتين :
Since the discovery in the early eighties of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS), there have been reports of people who were completely resistant to infection with HIV and others who
progressed at slower rates to AIDS. The present article summarises the mechanisms involved in resistance against HIV infection and
progression to AIDS. The paper will specifically focus on the role of immunological mechanisms, genetics, ethnicity and cultural practices
such as male circumcision in mitigating infection. The current understanding on host natural resistance against HIV infection
and progression to AIDS would potentially contribute to better prevention strategies, delayed onset of AIDS in people living with HIV,
the identification of more efficient types of therapy for AIDS patients and, possibly, appropriate vaccines against HIV/AIDS. This area
of research has important implications for patient care through controlling factors that contribute to AIDS progression.
