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Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is an infectious microorganism that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a disease that makes a person vulnerable to life-threatening infections. Scientists have already identified two types of this virus. HIV-1 is the primary cause of AIDS worldwide. HIV-2 is found mostly in West Africa. HIV belongs to the retrovirus family of viruses.

The transmission of HIV happens when a person is exposed to body fluids that are infected by the virus, such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Meanwhile, the main modes of HIV transmission are:

- sexual relations with an infected person

- sharing hypodermic needles or accidental pricking by a needle that contains infected blood

- transfer of the virus from an infected mother to her baby during birth or through breast-feeding.

The HIV virus, upon entering the body, would infect the white blood cells of the immune system. During a period that ranges from a few months to almost 15 years, the virus will destroy enough white blood cells. There are people who even if infected with HIV do not develop full-blown AIDS. Doctors use the term AIDS for cases wherein the person has already reached the final stage of HIV infection.

Web Resources On Human Immunodeficiency Virus

NIH HIV/AIDS Information
AIDS Map

Book Resources On Human Immunodeficiency Virus

The First Year--HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Brett Grodeck, Daniel S. Berger
The Guide to Living with HIV Infection by John G. Bartlett, Ann K. Finkbeiner

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