Robert C. Gallo

American researcher

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July 17, 2026

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Robert C. Gallo was an American researcher who played a crucial role in understanding AIDS. While French scientists Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier first identified HIV in 1983, Gallo definitively proved the virus's role in causing AIDS in 1984. He also contributed to the development of a blood test for its detection. The initial reports of AIDS in 1981 described rare infections and cancers in homosexual men, but it soon became clear the disease affected other groups and was transmitted heterosexually as well. The virus was officially named HIV in 1986.12

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AIDS
The emergence of AIDS
…sent samples to American virologist Robert C. Gallo, who had contributed to the discovery of the first known human retrovirus (human T-lymphotropic virus) several years earlier. Gallo helped establish that HIV caused AIDS, and he contributed to the subsequent development of a blood test for its detection. Montagnier initially called…
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…sent samples to American virologist Robert C. Gallo, who had contributed to the discovery of the first known human retrovirus (human T-lymphotropic virus) several years earlier. Gallo helped establish that HIV caused AIDS, and he contributed to the subsequent development of a blood test for its detection. Montagnier initially called…
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retrovirus
…in 1979 by American virologist Robert C. Gallo and colleagues. HIV was first isolated in 1983.
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…in 1979 by American virologist Robert C. Gallo and colleagues. HIV was first isolated in 1983.
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