AIDS

AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection, defined by severe immune-system damage and susceptibility to certain infections and cancers.

HIV: HIV is a virus that attacks immune cells, especially CD4 T lymphocytes, and can cause AIDS if untreated. AIDS is the advanced stage of infection by this virus.
HIV testing: HIV testing detects infection through antibodies, antigens, or viral genetic material in a sample. Testing identifies HIV before advanced immune damage develops.
1981 United States AIDS reports: The 1981 United States AIDS reports were the first published accounts of unusual immune-related illnesses later recognized as AIDS. These reports marked the first recognized clinical cases of the epidemic.
HIV/AIDS stigma: HIV/AIDS stigma is social devaluation and discrimination directed at people with HIV or AIDS. Stigma has obstructed testing, disclosure, care, and social support.
CD4 T cell: A CD4 T cell is an immune cell that coordinates responses to infections and is a principal target of HIV. Its depletion is a central measure of the immune damage associated with AIDS.
Antiretroviral therapy: Antiretroviral therapy uses combinations of medicines to suppress HIV replication. Effective treatment can prevent progression to AIDS and reduce HIV-related illness.
AIDS epidemic: The AIDS epidemic is the worldwide spread of HIV infection and its associated illness and mortality since the late twentieth century. The disease emerged as a global epidemic after its initial recognition.
ACT UP: ACT UP is an international grassroots political group founded in 1987 to end the AIDS crisis through direct action. Its activism pressured institutions to accelerate research and improve access to treatment.
HIV life cycle: The HIV life cycle is the sequence by which the virus enters cells, copies its genetic material, and produces new virus particles. Persistent viral replication drives the immune decline that can culminate in AIDS.
HIV viral load: HIV viral load is the amount of HIV genetic material measured in a blood sample. It tracks treatment response and ongoing viral replication in advanced infection.

Linked from 12 pages