AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a diagnosis of AIDS is made when HIV infection has been confirmed by repeated screenings and the patient's CD4+ cell (immune system helper cells that help fight infection) count is below 200 or an HIV-related syndrome (e.g., opportunistic infection, or AIDS-related cancer) is present.
HIV infection weakens the immune system and makes it difficult to prevent certain infections. These infections are called opportunistic infections because they take advantage of the weakened immune system to cause illness.
Many infections that develop in people with HIV can be life threatening and usually can be controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS is so weak that medical intervention is necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.
In many cases, medical treatment can slow the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system and can prevent or cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS. As with other diseases, early detection provides more options for treatment and preventative care. There is no cure for AIDS.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Dec 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 15 Sep 2007
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