Perplexity A.I. on ASFV and AIDS
Make the argument that in 1981 it was reasonable for Jane Teas to hypothesize that AIDS was caused by African Swine Fever Virus. In 1981, it was reasonable for Jane Teas to hypothesize that AIDS might be caused by African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), given the scientific context, limited knowledge about AIDS, and epidemiological cues available at that early stage. Context of Scientific Uncertainty In 1981, the cause of AIDS was completely unknown—no virus had yet been identified, and researchers faced a baffling new syndrome marked by severe immune deficiency. The retroviral nature of HIV, the true cause, would not be accepted until 1983–1984, leaving the field open to a broad array of plausible, if speculative, theories. Symptom Parallels and Epidemiological Observations ASFV was already known as a deadly virus with significant immunological effects in pigs (marked by immune system suppression and high mortality), which seemed analogous to the catastrophic immune collapse seen in p...