[Biology of the human immunodeficiency virus: a review].
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) a retrovirus responsible for the condition known as AIDS is presented from its biologic perspective. The viral structure and its relation to the pathogenesis of the infection is described. The course of the cellular infection is described and its relation to the manifestation of disease. The technology for detection of viral infection is described and the importance of seropositivity. The manifestations are described in relation to the virus as well as the possible intervention. There is still no alternative but education.