AIDS and HIV Infection

Even in the the 21st century, there is still no effective cure in sight for AIDS. AIDS is one of the most frightening and devastating diseases the world has known. AIDS continue to affect the lives of millions around the world. Our best weapon against HIV-AIDS is knowledge.

Basic Facts

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a pattern of devastating infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. The human immunodeficiency virus attacks and destroys certain white blood cells, that are essential to the human immune system.

When the HIV virus infects a cell, it combines with that cell's genetic material and may lie inactive for a long time. Most people infected with HIV are still healthy and can live for years with no symptoms or may have only minor illnesses. They are infected with the HIV viru, but they do not have AIDS.

After a variable period of time, the HIV virus becomes activated and then leads progressively to the severe infections and other health conditions that characterize the AIDS syndrome. Although there are treatments that can extend life, AIDS is a fatal disease. Research continues on possible vaccines and a cure. For the moment, however, prevention of transmission is the best method of control.

HIV Infection Route

HIV targets two groups of white blood cells: the CD4+ lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages. The CD4+ cells and macrophages help recognize and kill bacteria, viruses or other infectious agents. In an HIV-infected person, the CD4+ lymphocytes are inactivated by the HIV virus, while the macrophages are carrying the HIV virus to other organs.

The route of the HIV infection in infants

Most HIV-infected infants and children acquired the infection from their mothers before or during birth, and after birth during breastfeeding. Only a small proportion is infected through contaminated blood transfusions or injections. About half HIV-infected children progress rapidly to AIDS, but others remain symptom free for years.