What Is HIV and What Is AIDS?

Would you know how to explain what HIV and AIDS are?

What is HIV?

HIV is an acronym which describes a virus for immune deficiency within humans (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This is a lentivirus from the Retroviridae family. We know two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2, and there are several subtypes in each type. The earliest sample of the virus comes from 1959.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is an acronym which describes a syndrome of acquired immune deficiency (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This is the final stage of the infection with the HIV virus. It is actually a name for the state of the body which cannot protect itself from infections anymore because its immunity is destroyed. A virus uses cells to multiply and lymphocytes are usually the ones to stop this. HIV attacks exactly the lymphocytes, specifically the ones with CD4 receptors on their surface (special protein molecules on different membranes). HIV seeps into the cells through these.