Stem cell research is expected to one day revolutionise the field of medicine.
From a biological point of view, stem cells are a group of undifferentiated cells that have the capacity to form any cells and overhaul any damaged tissues in the body.
Stem-cell therapy has been used for research purposes in the quest to finding the cure for different maladies ranging from cancers, genetic disorders and HIV/Aids.
Thanks to the recent advances in biotechnology, scientists have been able to design blood-forming stem cells capable of carrying engineered genes to the parts of the body where the HIV virus replicates.
The blood-forming stem cells are delivered into the recipient's bloodstream through a certain tube identified as a central venous catheter. The cells travel through the bone marrow with the aim of killing the virus.
These cells have the potential to destroy the virus.
In a study conducted by Dr Ravindra Gupta of University College London and his team, a person was cured of HIV after receiving a bone marrow stem cell transplant.
In this case, the stem cells that were used to cure the person emanated from a donor who had a rare gene mutation that was resistant to HIV. The stem cells were engineered and delivered to his body.
After 18 months of the treatment, the patient was tested and found to be HIV negative.