HIV: A Ghibelline Plot!?

New Scientist asks, Did the Romans destroy Europe's HIV resistance?:

"The hand of history has a very long reach. It appears that the Roman Empire left a legacy that may still affect modern Europe - those living within its conquered lands are more susceptible to HIV. It could explain why a gene that confers resistance to HIV varies in frequency across the continent."

I already knew the Roman Empire was responsible for EU - and therefore the Anti-Christ, Eurovision and interfering with our bananas... But now HIV/AIDS as well?

Tis naught but a dastardly Ghibelline plot!