Police in Switzerland have launched an investigation after an acupuncturist was accused of intentionally infecting as many as 15 patients with the HIV virus.
The case has raised many questions about the controls on alternative medicine
The case has caused widespread shock and fear across the country.
It only came to light when the Swiss tabloid Blick reported the authorities had known about the allegations for five years.
The investigating magistrate, Hermann Fleischhackl, said a criminal complaint was first lodged at the beginning of 2005.
He told the Associated Press that 19 people are known to have had contact with the acupuncturist, who has not been identified.
"Fifteen people believe their infection may have something to do with the accused," he said.
"Four have no explanation for their infection or at least aren't linking it to the accused."
HIV is the virus which causes Aids.
A number of Swiss newspapers are reporting some of the victims claim to have been injected with infected blood.
Investigators will decide by the end of the year whether or not to charge the man.
If convicted he could face up to 10 years in prison.
The incident has also triggered panic with many Swiss now asking if there are enough controls governing the practice of alternative medicine.
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The case has raised many questions about the controls on alternative medicine
The case has caused widespread shock and fear across the country.
It only came to light when the Swiss tabloid Blick reported the authorities had known about the allegations for five years.
The investigating magistrate, Hermann Fleischhackl, said a criminal complaint was first lodged at the beginning of 2005.
He told the Associated Press that 19 people are known to have had contact with the acupuncturist, who has not been identified.
"Fifteen people believe their infection may have something to do with the accused," he said.
"Four have no explanation for their infection or at least aren't linking it to the accused."
HIV is the virus which causes Aids.
A number of Swiss newspapers are reporting some of the victims claim to have been injected with infected blood.
Investigators will decide by the end of the year whether or not to charge the man.
If convicted he could face up to 10 years in prison.
The incident has also triggered panic with many Swiss now asking if there are enough controls governing the practice of alternative medicine.
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