What is acquired immune deficiency virus?

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV interferes with the body's immune system, destroying and impairing the function of immune cells called CD4+ T cells. As the number of CD4+ T cells (also known as T helper cells) in the body decreases, people with HIV infection become more susceptible to infections and certain cancers.

HIV is primarily transmitted through:

1. Unprotected Sex: HIV can be spread through sexual contact with an infected person through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

2. Infected Blood and Bodily Fluids: Sharing needles or other injection equipment that is contaminated with HIV-infected blood, as well as exposure to blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, or breast milk of an infected person can result in HIV transmission.

3. Mother-to-Child Transmission: HIV can be passed from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. This is known as perinatal transmission.

It's important to note that HIV is not spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, sharing utensils, coughing, or sneezing.

As AIDS progresses, it can lead to severe life-threatening illnesses called opportunistic infections and certain types of cancers, collectively known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining conditions (AIDS-defining conditions). Common opportunistic infections include:

- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)

- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)

- Cryptococcal meningitis

- Kaposi's sarcoma

- Toxoplasmosis

Due to advancements in medicine and effective combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV infection can now be managed as a chronic condition with ongoing treatment. ART helps slow the progression of HIV, decrease the burden of the virus in the body, and prevent the development of opportunistic infections and some types of cancers.