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Definition of HIV and AIDS
HIV and AIDS are not the same. Everyone who has AIDS has been infected with HIV; but everyone with HIV infection does not have AIDS.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural ability to protect itself against infections and diseases, damaging the body's ability to fight diseases and infections. Without a healthy, functioning immune system, a person is at risk of infections by bacteria, other viruses and disease-causing organisms. Some of these infections can cause life-threatening illnesses.
This highly magnified transmission electron micrographic (TEM) image revealed the presence of mature forms of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a tissue sample under investigation. Courtesy of US Public Health Image Library.
Acquired ImmunoDeficiency (sometimes Immune Deficiency) Syndrome (AIDS) is a complex of symptoms and infections caused by the HIV virus as it impacts the immune system. It is an acquired infection; it is not hereditary. A person must come in contact with the virus; it enters the body through blood and body fluids. As HIV damages the immune system, infected persons become vulnerable to infections or diseases known as opportunistic diseases. These opportunistic infections generally do not pose a threat to persons with healthy functioning immune systems. Medical treatments, particularly the antiretroviral medications, have delayed the onset of AIDS in persons who are infected with HIV.
The diagnosis of AIDS requires a positive HIV antibody test or evidence of HIV infection and the appearance of some very specific conditions/diseases. Only a licensed medical provider can make an AIDS diagnosis.
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AIDS
