Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) /ˌhaɪˈviː/ is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells in the body, making the person more likely to get other infections or infection-related cancers. Over time, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) if not managed properly.
Etymology
The term "Human Immunodeficiency Virus" is derived from the virus's effects on the human immune system. "Immunodeficiency" refers to the weakening of the immune system by the virus, while "Human" indicates that the virus affects humans.
Related Terms
- AIDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a condition caused by HIV wherein the immune system is severely damaged and has difficulty fighting diseases and certain cancers.
- Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): The use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection. People on ART take a combination of HIV medicines every day.
- Virus: A small infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of an organism. Viruses can infect all types of life forms.
- Immune System: A complex network of cells, tissues, organs, and the substances they make that helps the body fight infections and other diseases.
- CD4 Cells: A type of white blood cell that fights infection by destroying bacteria, viruses, or other germs.
- Infection: The invasion of an organism's body tissues by disease-causing agents, their multiplication, and the reaction of host tissues to the infectious agents and the toxins they produce.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- Wikipedia's article - Human Immunodeficiency Virus
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