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 A special class of life that cannot reproduce without a host. A special class of life that cannot reproduce without a host. Once inside the human body, HIV attacks and takes over certain types of white blood cells (T cells). The virus uses T-cells to make copies of itself which are then released and further weaken the immune system. Once inside the human body, HIV attacks and takes over certain types of white blood cells (T cells). The virus uses T-cells to make copies of itself which are then released and further weaken the immune system. HIV is infectious but not contagious (it cannot be transmitted by casual contact). HIV is infectious but not contagious (it cannot be transmitted by casual contact).

Acquired The disease is not genetic and occurs because of some contact with the disease causing agent (an infected person). The disease is not genetic and occurs because of some contact with the disease causing agent (an infected person).

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

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

Syndrome Refers to a collection of symptoms that collectively indicate/characterize a disease. For AIDS patients this can any number of infections or cancers. Refers to a collection of symptoms that collectively indicate/characterize a disease. For AIDS patients this can 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. An AIDS vaccine??? An AIDS vaccine??? An AIDS vaccine??? An AIDS vaccine???