HIV/AIDS
Scanning electromicrograph of an HIV-infected T cell.
Credit: NIAID
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and can be transmitted during sexual intercourse; while sharing syringes; or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. First identified in 1981, HIV is the cause of one of humanity’s deadliest and most persistent epidemics. Although significant progress has been made in the fight against new infections and AIDS deaths, the HIV pandemic continues around the world.
HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells, a type of white blood cell that is vital to fighting off infection. The destruction of these cells can leave people living with untreated HIV vulnerable to life-threatening infections and complications. Today, effective anti-HIV medications allow people living with HIV to lead longer, healthier lives. When taken as prescribed, these daily medications, called antiretroviral therapy, will suppress blood levels of the virus to durably “undetectable,” and prevent sexual transmission of HIV. Further, researchers have developed several methods of preventing HIV acquisition, including pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, and voluntary adult medical male circumcision.
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