HIV/AIDSHIV/AIDS

Acronym TerminologyAcronym Terminology

HHumanuman

The virus requires a human host to The virus requires a human host to reproduce.reproduce.

(There is also a SIV which affects (There is also a SIV which affects simians ie monkeys – this is simians ie monkeys – this is theorized to be the source for HIV).theorized to be the source for HIV).

IImmunodeficiencymmunodeficiency

The virus affects the human immune The virus affects the human immune system which is responsible for system which is responsible for fighting disease.fighting disease.

VVirusirus

A special class of life that cannot A special class of life that cannot reproduce without a host.reproduce without a host.

Once inside the human body, HIV attacks Once inside the human body, HIV attacks and takes over certain types of white and takes over certain types of white blood cells (T cells). The virus uses T-cells blood cells (T cells). The virus uses T-cells to make copies of itself which are then to make copies of itself which are then released and further weaken the immune released and further weaken the immune system.system.

HIV is infectious but not contagious (it HIV is infectious but not contagious (it cannot be transmitted by casual contact).cannot be transmitted by casual contact).

AAcquiredcquired

The disease is not genetic and occurs The disease is not genetic and occurs because of some contact with the because of some contact with the disease causing agent (an infected disease causing agent (an infected person).person).

IImmunommuno

A healthy immune system can A healthy immune system can usually fight off germs we encounter usually fight off germs we encounter every day, a weakened immune every day, a weakened immune system is susceptible to opportunistic system is susceptible to opportunistic infections.infections.

DDeficiencyeficiency

Characterized by a weakening of the Characterized by a weakening of the immune system which makes it immune system which makes it deficient.deficient.

A deficient immune system results in A deficient immune system results in opportunistic infections which are not opportunistic infections which are not usually seen in healthy individuals usually seen in healthy individuals but can be fatal in AIDS patients.but can be fatal in AIDS patients.

SSyndromeyndrome

Refers to a collection of symptoms Refers to a collection of symptoms that collectively indicate/characterize that collectively indicate/characterize a disease. For AIDS patients this can a disease. For AIDS patients this can any number of infections or cancers.any number of infections or cancers.

Opportunistic infections can be Opportunistic infections can be treated to alleviate pain, but there is treated to alleviate pain, but there is no cure for AIDS.no cure for AIDS.

An AIDS vaccine???An AIDS vaccine???