aids meaning
AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS is the most advanced stage of infection caused by HIV. The names HIV and AIDS can be confusing because both terms describe the same disease. AIDS is the advanced form of infection with HIV virus. This virus may not cause recognizable symptoms for a long period after the initial exposure (latent period). As of early 2009, no vaccine was available to prevent HIV infection. Even without one of these infections, an HIV-positive person is diagnosed with AIDS if his or her immune system weakens, as indicated by the number of CD4 cells in his or her blood. A CD4 cell count less than 200 in an HIV-infected person gives someone a diagnosis of AIDS. It can take between 2 to 10 years, or longer, for an HIV-positive person to develop AIDS if he or she is not treated. The HIV virus infects cells with CD4 surface proteins, and as a result, depletes the number of immune system cells (T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, monocytes) in the individual's blood. Most of the damage to an AIDS patient's immune system is done by the virus' destruction of CD4+ lymphocytes. Suggested Reading on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by Our Doctors. 1  Related Diseases & Conditions. Cellulitis Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. 2  Medications. 3  Procedures & Tests.  Pictures, Images 1  & Quizzes. Doctor's & Expert's Views. us ​ /eɪdz/. › abbreviation for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (= serious disease caused by a virus that destroys the body’s natural protection from infection and can result in death) (Definition of “AIDS” from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Translations of “AIDS”. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are two variants of the HIV virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2, both of which ultimately cause AIDS. Medical Definition of AIDS. AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a syndrome caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with ensuing compromise of the body's immune system. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is our body’s natural defence against illness. The virus destroys a type of white blood cell in the immune system called a T-helper cell, and makes copies of itself inside these cells. T-helper cells are also referred to as CD4 cells. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If untreated, a person’s immune system will eventually be completely destroyed. AIDS refers to a set of symptoms and illnesses that occur at the very final stage of HIV infection.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an infectious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).