HIV infection is an infectious disease caused by the HI-virus, found everywhere in the world. It gradually destroys the human immune system. HIV is a serious medical and social problem, particularly in the developing countries.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

HIV, or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, destroys the body's immune system. The virus can modify its genome to imitate the host cell, which is why it is very hard to destroy with medication. The HI-virus penetrates certain types of leukocytes and destroys them. HIV infection gradually impairs the body's resistance to infections, making the person vulnerable to many diseases. An HIV-infected person may remain symptom-free for a long period of time.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

AIDS is the last stage of HIV infection. The immune system is clearly compromised, and the body's resistance to infections is low. HIV and AIDS are not the same thing, and not all HIV-positive people have AIDS. AIDS is not diagnosed until the body's immune system collapses and some HIV associated complication develops.