BEIJING, Nov. 14 -- Doctors and scientists have urged a man reported to be the first to be cured of the HIV virus to come forward for further tests.

    Andrew Stimpson, 25, was diagnosed as HIV-positive in August 2002, but tests carried out last year came back as antibody negative.

    The case has stunned the medical world. If true it would make him the first known person to defeat the Aids virus and could potentially prove invaluable for researchers seeking a vaccine.

    If doctors can establish why this happened, without treatment, it could benefit the 34.9 million virus carriers worldwide.

    Stimpson had subsequently tried to sue the hospital, believing his initial positive test was inaccurate. But an investigation carried out by Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust found that both sets of tests were correct.

    In the months following the diagnosis, the Scotsman, who moved to London four years ago, complained of feverishness and other flu symptoms. But his doctors told him his body was "controlling" the virus well and that his immune system remained strong.

    But Stimpson did not take any medication for HIV. "My doctor said 'you've cured yourself, you're fantastic'." Stimpson said Sunday.
 
    "I can't help wondering if I hold the cure for Aids. It is scary and confusing but makes me feel very special," Stimpson said.

    However some scientists were sceptical about the reports and a spokesman for Chelsea and Westminster Hospital said Stimpson had declined to come forward for more detailed tests.

    "There have been false reports of this phenomenon before. Very rarely a blood test can be falsely positive," a Prof at Imperial College, London, said.

(Agencies)