What is HIV?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that leads to AIDS.

HIV belongs to a subset of retroviruses called lentiviruses (or slow viruses), which means that there is an interval -- sometimes years -- between the initial infection and the onset of symptoms. Upon entering the bloodstream -- through mucous membranes or blood-to-blood contact -- HIV infects the CD4+T cells and begins to replicate rapidly. Scientists believe that when the virus enters the body, HIV begins to disable the body's immune system by using the body's aggressive immune responses to the virus to infect, replicate and kill immune system cells.

Gradual deterioration of immune function and eventual destruction of lymphoid and immunologic organs is central to triggering the immunosuppression that leads to AIDS.

What is AIDS?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection.

The Centers for Disease Control establish the definition of AIDS, which occurs in HIV-infected persons with fewer than 200 CD4+T cells and/or persons with HIV who develop certain opportunistic infections.

In 1992, the CDC redefined AIDS to include 26 CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses and clinical conditions that affect persons with advanced HIV.

More information?

- About.com: HIV and AIDS
- The Body: The complete HIV/AIDS resource
- Teens Health: HIV and AIDS
- SOS Barnebyer
- Wikipedia: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Wikipedia: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- HIV.com: This site is for those seeking information on HIV and AIDS
- AIDSinfo: Offering information on HIV/AIDS Treatment, Prevention and Research.
- World Health Organization: WHO and HIV/AIDS.
- www.sos-dd.ru