Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is an illness that weakens the body's immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS is not able to fight off certain infections and cancers.
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which destroys important immune system cells. HIV is spread through contact with HIV-infected blood or other body fluids, including semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. Unprotected sex is the most common mode of transmission. Sharing needles for injecting drugs is another common way the virus is transferred.
In 2006, more than one million persons are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, and an estimated 56,300 new HIV infections are expected to occur this year. Since the first cases of AIDS were reported in 1981, infection with HIV has grown to pandemic proportions—33 million people are living with the disease worldwide.
Last reviewed August 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
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