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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection - Cause
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
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The infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
After HIV is in the body, it attacks and destroys CD4+ cells, which are the part of the body's immune system that fights infection and disease. When HIV weakens or destroys the immune cells, it may lead to certain illnesses or diseases, such as some types of pneumonia or cancer that are more likely to develop in someone who has a weakened immune system. These conditions are a sign that HIV has progressed to AIDS.
HIV is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from an infected person enter another person's body, usually through sexual contact, from sharing needles when injecting drugs, or from mother to baby during birth.
HIV is rarely spread by blood transfusions or organ transplants in the United States because of improved screening procedures.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 18, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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