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HIV definition
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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system—primarily CD4+ T lymphocytes—and belongs to the lentivirus subfamily of Retroviridae. Infection causes progressive loss of immune function; if untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the advanced stage characterized by opportunistic infections and certain cancers. There are two main types: HIV‑1 (the common global type) and HIV‑2 (less transmissible, mainly in West Africa).
HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal/rectal fluids, breast milk) most commonly by unprotected sex, sharing needles, transfusion of unscreened blood, or mother-to-child around birth/breastfeeding. It is not spread by casual contact (hugging, sharing utensils, sneezing). Diagnosis is by antibody/antigen or RNA tests, and lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress viral replication to undetectable levels, preserve immune function, and prevent transmission (U=U: undetectable = untransmittable).
HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal/rectal fluids, breast milk) most commonly by unprotected sex, sharing needles, transfusion of unscreened blood, or mother-to-child around birth/breastfeeding. It is not spread by casual contact (hugging, sharing utensils, sneezing). Diagnosis is by antibody/antigen or RNA tests, and lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress viral replication to undetectable levels, preserve immune function, and prevent transmission (U=U: undetectable = untransmittable).
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