AIDS Virus Alone Can Destroy White Cells

Scientists have shown for the first time that the virus that causes AIDS can kill key components of the body’s immune system without help from anything else, the National Cancer Institute reported Thursday.

This means the virus that causes the deadly disease contains all of the genetic information required to knock out normal white blood cells that help defend the body against germs.

The cancer institute, which is playing a major role in the research effort against acquired immune deficiency syndrome, said the findings will allow scientists to pinpoint the precise part of the genetic information in the virus that is responsible for its lethal ability.