HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus,
a virus that infects
cells of the human immune system
and destroys or impairs their function. Infection with this virus results in the
progressive depletion of the immune system,
leading to immune deficiency.
Immunodeficient people are much more vulnerable to a wide range of infections,
most of which are very rare among people without immune deficiency.
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome and describes the collection of symptoms and infections
associated with acquired deficiency of the immune system. Infection with HIV has
been established as the underlying cause of AIDS.
