Timothy Brown is believed to be the first and only man cured of HIV infection.

After the 47-year-old had two bone marrow transplants to combat his leukaemia and HIV, Timothy tested negative for the disease.

The results stunned researchers, as the treatment appeared to cure an infectious disease that once drew comparisons to the medieval plague that wiped out millions.

"HIV is gone. I'm cured of HIV and also it has been over five years since the second transplant, which was in 2008. The doctors are saying I'm cleared of both diseases," said Timothy Brown.

"Basically I'm proclaiming that a cure is possible and it gives patients and their loved ones hope, a feeling of hope," added Brown.

"Right now, the scientific community is trying to maximize what we can learn," said Gary Nabel, director of the AIDS Vaccine Research Center.