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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a retrovirus that infects and gradually depletes the body’s CD4 T‑lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for coordinating the immune response. As the virus replicates and destroys these cells, the immune system becomes weaker, making it harder to fight infections and certain cancers.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a retrovirus that infects and gradually depletes the body’s CD4 T‑lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell essential for coordinating the immune response. As the virus replicates and destroys these cells, the immune system becomes weaker, making it harder to fight infections and certain cancers.
When the infection progresses to the point where the immune system is severely compromised typically when CD4 cell counts fall below 200 cells per mm³ or when specific opportunistic illnesses develop—the condition is classified as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). At this stage people are at high risk for serious illnesses such as Pneumocystis pneumonia, Kaposi sarcoma and tuberculosis.
Key points:
- HIV is transmitted through contact with certain body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, rectal fluids, and breast milk) from a person with a detectable viral load.
- Early infection may be asymptomatic but the virus continues to damage the immune system even when the person feels well.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses viral replication, preserves CD4 cells, and prevents progression to AIDS.
- Regular testing and if needed, treatment are crucial for both individual health and reducing transmission.
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