AIDS
Synonyms
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus;
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; HIV-infection;
HIV/AIDS
Definition
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a retrovirus
that primarily infects vital components of the human
immune system such as CD4+ T cells (a subset of T
cells), macrophages and dendritic cells. It impairs the
body’s ability to fight infection and certain cancers.
HIV infection is diagnosable by antibody or antigen
testing. Treatment aims to suppress HIV replication
by combinations of drugs that inhibit HIV enzymes.
Any of a list of illnesses that, when occurring in an
HIV-infected person, leads to a diagnosis of AIDS, the
most serious stage of HIV infection. AIDS is also diagnosed
if an HIV-infected person has a CD4 count below
200 cells/mm3, whether or not that person has an AIDSdefining
condition. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) published a list of AIDS-defining
conditions in 1993. The 26 conditions include candidiasis,
cytomegalovirus disease, Kaposi’s sarcoma,
mycobacterium avium complex, pneumocystis carinii
pneumonia, recurrent pneumonia, progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy, pulmonary tuberculosis, invasive
cervical cancer, and wasting syndrome.
Cross-References
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency-Virus)-Infection
HIV-Infection and AIDS
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