AIDS overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a collection of symptoms and infections resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans,[1] and similar viruses in other species (SIV, FIV, etc.). The late stage of the condition leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. Although treatments for AIDS and HIV exist to decelerate the virus's progression, there is currently no known cure. HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk.[2][3] This transmission can come in the form of anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated hypodermic needles, exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.
Comparison between AIDS & HIV
| Parameter | AIDS | HIV |
| Definition | Most advance stage of HIV disease. It occurs when the patient's immune system weakend by Human immunodeficiency Virus developes one or more opportunistic infections. | HIV is a virus, harming the body’s immune system by attacking helper T cells or CD4 cells. |
| Spread of infection | Only patients with HIV can develop AIDS | HIV is spread through sex, the exchange of certain body fluids (blood, pre-ejaculate, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.) |
| Treatment | Currently there is no cure | ART can slow the progression from HIV to AIDS, and increase survival. There is no cure. |
HIV virus can cause AIDS. However not everyone who is infected with HIV develops AIDS. HIV infected patients can live for years without developing AIDS symptoms.
References
- ↑ "The Relationship Between the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome". NIAID. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ↑ Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention (2003). "HIV and Its Transmission". Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Retrieved 2006-05-23.
- ↑ San Francisco AIDS Foundation (2006-04-14). "How HIV is spread". Retrieved 2006-05-23. Check date values in:
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