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acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
abnormally lowered cellular immunity, caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks a subgroup of white blood cells known as CD4 cells. Persons infected with HIV are susceptible to opportunistic infections and malignancies. The virus may be transmitted in blood, semen, cerebrospinal fluid, and vaginal secretions; there is no
evidence of transmission by saliva, tears, or urine. Infection may occur though sexual intercourse and, in intravenous drug
users, though the sharing of needles. An HIV-infected mother can also transmit the virus to her unborn infant in utero, and
HIV can be transmitted in breast milk.
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