Overview

HIV is an acronym for the human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV infection leads to a gradual destruction of the immune system and an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.

HIV

HIV is a lentivirus, a type of retrovirus that belongs to the category of viruses associated with mammalian immunosuppressive diseases involving the hematopoietic and central nervous systems. HIV-1 is the most common kind of HIV infection. HIV-2 was identified in West Africa in 1986 and subsequently has been isolated in Europe, South America, Canada, and the United States.

According to 2002 statistics from the Joint United Nations Program HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS):

• Approximately 42 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS.

Statistics available at www.unaids.org

Methods of HIV transmission

HIV has been found in blood, semen, saliva, tears, breast milk, and vaginal fluids.

HIV can be spread by:

• Sexual contact (ie, through oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse)
• Blood-to-blood contact (ie, through blood transfusions, sharing of needles and syringes for intravenous drug use, open wounds or sores)
• Mother-to-infant contact before or during birth, or through breastfeeding

Preventing the spread of infection

To help prevent the spread of HIV infection, it is crucial that those who are HIV positive understand and take the following precautions:

• When you find out you are HIV positive, inform your sexual partner(s) immediately so that they can get tested for HIV.
• Always use latex condoms when having oral, vaginal, or anal intercourse.
• Do not share drug paraphernalia, such as needles and syringes, with anyone.
• Do not donate blood.

Diagnosis

HIV infection can be diagnosed with tests that detect HIV-specific antibodies or that detect HIV itself.