A new major scientific study has discovered that HIV is evolving into a less deadly and less infectious virus.

A team at Oxford have shown that the virus is adapting to our immune systems and is becoming “watered down”.

According to the report, it is taking longer for HIV infection cause AIDS.

There are even some suggestions that the virus may eventually become “almost harmless”. However, scientists are warning that this is very far away.

The report found that every now and again a person with an effective immune system becomes infected and the virus finds it difficult to replicate and cause damage.

Prof Goulder, who worked on the report, told BBC News: "It is quite striking. You can see the ability to replicate is 10% lower in Botswana than South Africa and that's quite exciting.

"We are observing evolution happening in front of us and it is surprising how quickly the process is happening.

"The virus is slowing down in its ability to cause disease and that will help contribute to elimination."

Over 35 million people around the globe are infected with HIV. The virus originally came from monkeys and apes, although it is frequently a minor infection for these animals.