Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the causative agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It was identified in 1984 by a research team from the Pasteur Institute in France and the National Institute of Health in USA. The virus was named HIV in 1986. HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, specifically the helper T cells, leading to severe immunodeficiency.
Definition
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): HIV is a retrovirus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (helper T cells).
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome): AIDS is a condition caused by HIV in which the immune system becomes severely weakened, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers.
In simple words: HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, a disease that destroys the immune system.
Core Concept
HIV is the causative agent of AIDS.
It was identified in 1984 by research teams from the Pasteur Institute in France and the National Institute of Health in USA.
The virus was named HIV in 1986.
HIV is a retrovirus.
It is spherical in shape.
HIV attacks only specific cells of the host called CD4 cells.
Helper T cells, macrophages, and certain brain cells have CD4 receptors.
HIV has host cell specificity because it only attaches to CD4 cells.
HIV leads to immunodeficiency by destroying helper T cells.
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