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human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)
either of two species of lentiviruses that cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 is found around the world and HIV-2 is found primarily in West Africa. Progression of HIV-2 infection to AIDS
is generally slower and less extreme than that of HIV-1. The virus is believed to induce permanent infection and has a propensity
toward a subset of T lymphocytes called the CD4 cells. The infected cells become dysfunctional and eventually the host's immune system is overwhelmed or exhausted; death ensues, usually as a result of infection. The virus is not transmitted through casual
contact; the most common routes of transmission are through sexual intercourse, direct exposure to contaminated blood, and
transplacental transmission from mother to fetus.
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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