History

It is now generally accepted that HIV started as simian immunodeficiency syndrome (SIV) in primates and then infected chimpanzees.  The virus then made the cross from chimpanzees to humans, a process known as zoonosis.  There are a few different theories available as to how this viral transfer occurred; the most commonly accepted one being the “hunter theory. (AVERT, 2009)

The Hunter Theory
The” hunter theory” involves the belief that humans hunted the chimpanzees for meat in Africa. Either through eating the chimpanzee meat or having chimp blood come into contact with open cuts or scrapes SIV was transferred to the hunters. Under usual conditions the hunter would have been able to fight SIV, however on a few rare occasions this was not the case and the virus was adapted into HIV. (AVERT, 2009) 

First Detection of HIV
The first known case of HIV was in 1959 in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The HIV was detected through a blood sample.  However, HIV has been apparent in the United States of America (USA) since mid-1970. From 1979-1981 unusual forms of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses were being detected by Los Angeles and New York physicians.  These diseases were generally seen in male patients who had sex with other males.  [Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 2009] 
How did HIV spread so quickly?
There are many reasons for the quick spread of HIV which led to a global epidemic including:

  • Travel (both national & international)
  • The Blood Industry (blood transfusions became standard in medical practice)
  • Drug Use (intravenous)

(AVERT, 2009)