A VIRAL video circulating online claims that a genetic mutation known as CCR5-Δ32 prevents individuals from ever contracting HIV, even if they are exposed to the virus.
The claim was made in a video posted on Facebook by a verified content creator, @mc akonuche, who discussed HIV transmission and the role of genetic mutations in HIV susceptibility and resistance.
CCR5 delta-32, also known as CCR5Δ32, is a naturally occurring genetic variant characterised by a 32-base-pair deletion in the CCR5 gene. The CCR5 gene encodes the CCR5 receptor, a protein on the surface of certain immune cells that serves as a co-receptor for HIV, allowing the virus to enter and infect these cells.
In the video, the poster asserts:
“There is one percentage of the population that does not have the CD4 receptor where the HIV antigen binds… called CCR5-delta 32(CCR5-Δ32). Whenever there is a mutation in this gene, it leads to a deletion of the CCR5 receptor where the virus binds. That means you can never contract HIV, even if you dive into a swimming pool of the virus… though the problem is figuring out if you belong to that one percent of the world’s population.”
The post has generated over 1000 likes, 93 comments and more than 140 reshares as of August 5, 2026, with many users believing it to be 100 percent true.
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CLAIM
A genetic mutation known as CCR5-delta 32 makes individuals completely immune to HIV infection.
FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.
While the CCR5-delta 32 (CCR5-Δ32) genetic variant does offer significant resistance against common strains of HIV, research confirms that it does not provide absolute or complete immunity against the virus.
Speaking with The FactCheckHub, Dr Patience Enokela, a medical doctor with a research focus in human genetics, explained that CCR5-Δ32 is a naturally occurring genetic variant characterised by a 32-base-pair deletion. This deletion results in a nonfunctional CCR5 receptor on the surface of certain immune cells. Because many strains of HIV (known as CCR5-tropic HIV) rely on the CCR5 receptor to enter CD4+ T cells, individuals who inherit two copies of this mutated gene (Δ32/Δ32) have strong protection against these specific strains.
However, Enokela emphasised that individuals with this mutation are not 100% immune to all forms of HIV.
“They are not completely immune to all HIV, since some strains use a different co-receptor called CXCR4. HIV can also evolve to use other receptors,” Enokela said.
“Yes, the mutation part is true, but the assertion that you will never get HIV is false,” she noted.
Furthermore, demographic studies indexed in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) show that this specific mutation is extremely rare among African populations.
Enokela noted that the CCR5-Δ32 variant is most commonly found in populations of European descent, where allele frequency reaches 10 to 16 percent in certain Northern European cohorts, and is virtually non-existent in Sub-Saharan African populations, including Nigeria.
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While the CCR5-Δ32 mutation has played a pivotal role in breakthrough HIV cure research, it remains an experimental research focus rather than a blanket form of natural immunity.
VERDICT
The claim that the CCR5-delta 32 genetic mutation guarantees absolute immunity against HIV is MISLEADING. Although the mutation provides strong resistance against CCR5-tropic strains of the virus, individuals can still be infected by HIV strains that utilise alternative co-receptors like CXCR4. Additionally, population research confirms the genetic variant is extremely rare among African populations.
Seasoned writer and literary curator, Zainab Abdulrasaq is a factchecker for The FactCheckHub in an effort to combat information disorder. She can be reached on IG @blackbookishgirl or zabdulrasaq@icirnigeria.org
