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HIV/AIDS GlossarySearch GlossaryGlossary search Audio 2925.mp3 Diagnostic criteria for AIDS established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To be diagnosed with AIDS, a person with HIV must have an AIDS-defining condition or have a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm³ (regardless of whether the person has an AIDS-defining condition). Related Term(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) AIDS-Defining Condition CD4 Count Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Image(s): (Click to enlarge) Print this term Download Glossary
Audio 3.mp3 A disease of the immune system due to infection with HIV. HIV destroys the CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) of the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. To be diagnosed with AIDS, a person with HIV must have an AIDS-defining condition or have a CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3 (regardless of whether the person has an AIDS-defining condition). Image(s): (Click to enlarge) Download GlossaryLearning the basics about HIV can keep you healthy and prevent HIV transmission. You can also download materials to share or watch videos on basic information about HIV.
To learn more about the history of HIV in the United States and CDC’s response to the epidemic, see CDC’s HIV and AIDS Timeline. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your HIV status helps you make healthy decisions to prevent getting or transmitting HIV.
When people with HIV don’t get treatment, they typically progress through three stages. But HIV treatment can slow or prevent progression of the disease. With advances in HIV treatment, progression to Stage 3 (AIDS) is less common today than in the early years of HIV.
Other ResourcesWhat is the hallmark of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome?The hallmark of HIV infection is the gradual loss of helper T-lymphocytes from an infected person. This ultimately leads to a state of generalised immunodeficiency and AIDS. In some cases, infection of the central nervous system occurs, often leading to progressive brain damage (encephalopathy).
What is the most common cause of acquired immunodeficiency?When most people think of immunodeficiency, they think of HIV or AIDS. However, there are many different causes. Worldwide, the most common causes are HIV, malnutrition, and unsanitary conditions. However, about one in 500 patients has an innate or primary immunodeficiency.
What happens if you have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome?People with AIDS can have a high viral load and may easily transmit HIV to others. People with AIDS have badly damaged immune systems. They can get an increasing number of opportunistic infections or other serious illnesses. Without HIV treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years.
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