Is untreated HIV behind the emergence of Omicron?

It has already been observed that Covid-19 can linger for many months in patients who are HIV-positive.

London: The hypothesis that the emergence of new Covid-19 variants could be linked, in some cases, to untreated HIV is "highly plausible", according to South African scientists.

To explore the link, a team of scientists have launched a probe into mutations taking place inside infected people whose immune systems have already been weakened by other factors, including, though not limited to, untreated HIV, BBC reported.

It has already been observed that Covid-19 can linger for many months in patients who are HIV-positive but who have, for varying reasons, not been taking the medicines that would enable them to lead healthy lives.