Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and often life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is characterized by severe damage to the immune system, leaving the body highly vulnerable to various infections, cancers, and other complications. AIDS is considered the advanced or final stage of HIV infection.
HIV targets and attacks key cells of the immune system, particularly CD4 T lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in protecting the body against infections. As the virus replicates within the body, it weakens and ultimately destroys these cells, leading to a compromised immune system. This makes individuals with AIDS more susceptible to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and certain types of cancers.
AIDS is typically diagnosed when a person with HIV infection presents with severe immune suppression, as measured by a low CD4 cell count and the occurrence of specific opportunistic infections or AIDS-defining illnesses. The progression from HIV infection to AIDS can take several years, but it may also occur rapidly in some cases.
There is no cure for AIDS, but advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved the management and prognosis of the disease. ART involves the use of a combination of medications that suppress viral replication, allowing the immune system to recover and reducing the risk of developing opportunistic infections. Early diagnosis, access to healthcare, and prevention strategies, such as safe sex practices and needle exchange programs, are vital in reducing new HIV infections and the incidence of AIDS.
