Doctors Believe Bee Sting Venom Could Prevent HIV

In the ongoing search to find a cure for HIV/AIDS, scientists believe they have come up with a groundbreaking new procedure to help stop the spread of the global pandemic.

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis believe that chemicals found in bee stings can destroy the virus, preventing it from becoming AIDS. According to the Midwestern school's doctors the nanoparticles carrying the toxin -- called melittin -- destroys HIV, while leaving surrounding cells unharmed.

"Our hope is that in places where HIV is running rampant, people could use this gel as a preventative measure to stop the initial infection," research instructor Dr Joshua L Hood claims. "We are attacking a physical property of HIV. Theoretically, there isn't any way for the virus to adapt to that."

The study also shows that while the melittin does nothing to stop the initial infection, some strains of the virus have also found ways to reproduce anyway. Bee sting therapy is not a new concept. Doctors in Kenya, have found that the insects' venomous sting can additionally relieve arthritis, stimulate the immune system and alleviate daily pain. It has also been used on those suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Check out more information on the Washington University research here.