Doctors at the Victoria Clinic for Sexual Health in West London -- where a man whose body cleared itself of the HIV virus was tested -- have used DNA profiling to confirm that his tests had not been mixed up.

Doctors have stood by the results of the tests and now believe Mr. Stimpson's case could provide a breakthrough in the search for a cure for AIDS. Talking of the moment he learned he was free of the virus, he said: "My doctor came into the room and kept saying, 'You've cured yourself, you're fantastic.'

"There was massive relief, but I was also deeply confused. And the doctors seemed to be as confused as me."

Considered Suicide

The 25-year-old explained he had considered suicide after testing positive in 2002, but he now wants to help scientists hunting for a cure.

He added: "One thing I decided early on was that I never wanted to see my HIV turn into AIDS.

"It got so bad that I began researching euthanasia as a possible way out. I thought about taking a paracetemol overdose. But in the end I saw reason. I can't help wondering if I hold the cure for AIDS. It is scary and confusing, but makes me feel very special. That would be remarkable.

"But even if by studying my case doctors can better understand HIV, then that would be great as well. I will happily submit to further tests."

DNA Profiling

Lisa Power, of AIDS charity the Terrence Higgins Trust, said last night: "I have never heard of this happening before and would expect it to be a matter of great interest.

"Nobody has ever been proved to have spontaneously cleared themselves of HIV."

Mr. Stimpson, originally from Ayrshire but now living in London, was diagnosed with the virus in August 2002. His partner Juan Gomez had been HIV positive for a number of years.

Doctors at the Victoria Clinic for Sexual Health in West London, where Mr. Stimpson was tested, have used DNA profiling to confirm that his tests had not been mixed up. In the 1980s there were two cases of spontaneous clearance but it was impossible to prove whether the blood tests had been mixed up.

British victims of the AIDS virus include rock star Freddie Mercury and comedian Kenny Everett.