Missouri man accused of 'recklessly' infecting two people with HIV

Michael L. Johnson is also accused of knowingly exposing four others to the virus

Michael L. Johnson, who faces felony HIV exposure charges (AP)

A man, who has been accused by prosecutors of "recklessly infecting" two male sex partners with HIV in Missouri, is on trial in a case that some activists say highlights outdated laws.

Michael L Johnson, a twenty-three-year-old from St Charles, Missouri, faces felony HIV exposure charges.

He also is accused of knowingly exposing four others to the AIDS causing virus, nearly 10 months after being diagnosed as HIV positive in January 2013.

Mr Johnson has pleaded not guilty.

His trial began on Monday with jury selection.

The encounters occurred in Johnson's dormitory room and other campus housing at Lindenwood University, a private school in the St Louis suburb of St Charles.

Johnson was a wrestler at Lindenwood.

Some legal reform groups say such laws in Missouri and more than 30 other states criminalize a medical condition.

Associated Press