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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes the condition acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus attacks a specific type of immune system cell in the body, known as CD4 helper lymphocyte cells. HIV destroys these cells, making it harder for your body to fight off other infections. When you have HIV, even a minor infection (like a cold) can be much more severe because your body has difficulty healing. HIV is transmitted through contact with the following bodily fluids: blood ; breast milk ; semen ; vaginal fluid
Retroviruses use an enzyme called reverse transcriptase to make DNA copies of their RNA, which is then incorporated into the DNA of the host cell. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the body's immune system, multiplying and spreading from cell to cell at incredible speed, damaging and destroying cells. At first, the immune system fights back by producing new cells, but eventually, HIV causes so much damage that the immune system can no longer keep up.