SYMPTOMS

DISEASES >> HIV and AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections may be caused by one of two retroviruses, HIV-1 or HIV-2. HIV-1 has caused a worldwide epidemic, but HIV-2 tends to be limited to West Africa.

HIV progressively destroys some types of white blood cells called CD4+ lymphocytes. Lymphocytes help defend the body against foreign cells, infectious organisms and cancer. Thus, when HIV destroys CD4+ lymphocytes, people become susceptible to attack by other infectious organisms. Many of the complications of HIV infection, including death, usually result from these other infections and not from HIV infection directly.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe form of HIV infection. HIV infection is considered to be AIDS when at least one serious complicating illness develops or the number (count) of CD4+ lymphocytes decreases substantially.

HIV is spread primarily by exchange of bodily fluids like blood, semen and blood products.

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