Acquired
immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS or Aids) is a collection of symptoms and infections
resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused
by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans[1], and
similar viruses in other species (SIV, FIV, etc.). The late
stage of the condition leaves individuals prone to opportunistic
infections and tumors. Although treatments for AIDS and HIV
exist to slow the virus' progression, there is no known cure.
HIV, et al., are transmitted through direct contact of a mucous
membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV,
such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and
breast milk.[2][3] This transmission can come in the form of
anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated
hypodermic needles, exchange between mother and baby during
pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to
one of the above bodily fluids.
Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan
Africa during the twentieth century;[4] it is now a pandemic,
with an estimated 38.6 million people now living with the
disease worldwide.[5] As of January 2006, the Joint United
Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health
Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25
million people since it was first recognized on June 5, 1981,
making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded
history. In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4–3.3
million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children.[5] A
third of these deaths are occurring in sub-Saharan Africa,
retarding economic growth and destroying human capital.
Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the
morbidity of HIV infection, but routine access to antiretroviral
medication is not available in all countries.[6] HIV/AIDS stigma
is more severe than that associated with other life-threatening
conditions and extends beyond the disease itself to providers
and even volunteers involved with the care of people living with
HIV.
