HIV/AIDS in the United States
HIV definition: Either of two retroviruses (species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2 of the genus Lentivirus) that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system and that when left untreated cause AIDS. AIDS definition: A disease of the human immune system that is characterized cytologically especially by reduction in the numbers of CD4-bearing helper T-Cells to 20 percent or less of normal thereby rendering the subject highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions and to some that become life-threatening and that is caused by infection with HIV, commonly transmitted in infected blood, especially illicit intravenous drug use, and by bodily secretions during sexual intercourse.
