A British man's claim to have cleared himself of the virus that causes AIDS has researchers clamouring to run more tests on him.

Andrew Stimpson, 25, tested negative for HIV 14 months after a confirmed positive test. If true, his would be the first documented case of a person purging the virus from the body.

"I think I'm probably one of the luckiest people alive," said Stimpson.

There is no known cure for HIV/AIDS. Scientists have come across anecdotal evidence of people in Africa having rid themselves of the virus, but never before has there been solid evidence of such a case.

"You have to be rock-solid sure that both samples came from the same person, no mix-up in the laboratory, no mistakes in the testing. This is the first well-documented case," said Dr. Patrick Dixon, an expert from Acet, an international Aids group, according to the Independent newspaper.

When Stimpson tested negative for the virus in 2003, the hospital where the original tests were done ran DNA tests on the original 2002 blood samples to make sure there was no mix-up in the patient's identity.

Researchers want to study Stimpson to find out if his immune system holds a key to curing the deadly disease.

Stimpson didn't take any HIV medication, offering only his vitamins as an explanation.

He had refused to undergo any tests, and came forward on Sunday with his story on the urging of doctors who believe his case holds out hope for millions around the world with HIV/AIDS.

He has now agreed to allow researchers to try to find out how he managed to beat the disease.

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