You are hereThe Evidence that HIV Causes AIDS: An NIAID Fact
Sheet The Evidence that HIV Causes AIDS: An NIAID Fact Sheet The
Evidence That HIV Causes AIDS The acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized in 1981 and has since
become a major worldwide pandemic. AIDS is caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By leading to the destruction
and/or functional impairment of cells of the immune system,
notably CD4+ T cells, HIV progressively destroys the body's
ability to fight infections and certain cancers. An HIV-infected
person is diagnosed with AIDS when his or her immune system is
seriously compromised and manifestations of HIV infection are
severe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) currently defines AIDS in an adult or adolescent age 13
years or older as the presence of one of 26 conditions
indicative of severe immunosuppression associated with HIV
infection, such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a
condition extraordinarily rare in people without HI