HIV/AIDS Acronym Terminology

Human The virus requires a human host to reproduce. The virus requires a human host to reproduce. (There is also a SIV which affects simians ie monkeys – this is theorized to be the source for HIV). (There is also a SIV which affects simians ie monkeys – this is theorized to be the source for HIV).

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

Virus Viruses cannot reproduce without a host. Viruses cannot reproduce without a host. HIV attacks and takes over white blood cells (T cells) which are used to make copies of itself which are then released to infect other T cells and further weaken the immune system. HIV attacks and takes over white blood cells (T cells) which are used to make copies of itself which are then released to infect other T cells and further weaken the immune system.

Acquired The disease is not genetic and occurs because of contact with the disease causing agent (an infected person). The disease is not genetic and occurs because of contact with the disease causing agent (an infected person). The most common ways that people become infected: The most common ways that people become infected: Through unprotected, sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Through unprotected, sexual intercourse with an infected partner. Through injecting drugs, using an unsterilized needle or syringe that has been used by someone who is infected. Through injecting drugs, using an unsterilized needle or syringe that has been used by someone who is infected. As a baby of an HIV-infected mother, during pregnancy, labour or delivery, or through breastfeeding. As a baby of an HIV-infected mother, during pregnancy, labour or delivery, or through breastfeeding.

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

Deficiency Characterized by a weakening of the immune system which results in opportunistic infections which are not usually seen in healthy individuals but can be fatal in AIDS patients. Characterized by a weakening of the immune system which results in opportunistic infections which are not usually seen in healthy individuals but can be fatal in AIDS patients.

Syndrome Syndromes are collections of symptoms that indicate the presence of a disease. For AIDS patients this may be any number of infections or cancers. Syndromes are collections of symptoms that indicate the presence of a disease. For AIDS patients this may be any number of infections or cancers. Opportunistic infections can be treated to alleviate pain, but there is no cure for AIDS. Opportunistic infections can be treated to alleviate pain, but there is no cure for AIDS.