HIV and AIDS 1.0.2

HIV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is present in circulating blood lymphocytes, plasma, semen, body fluids, and all tissues within the body. The virus primarily targets T4 helper cells, which are essential for mounting immune responses to various pathogens. This destruction leads to an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and diseases among affected individuals.

This presentation provides a comprehensive discussion on several crucial aspects of HIV, including its structure, pathogenesis, immune response, clinical features, manifestations, methods for monitoring infection, and current treatment options.

Editor: Dr. Jay A. Levy, MD, is a distinguished co-discoverer of HIV in 1983 and has played a vital role in identifying a novel immune response that can control HIV infection. Dr. Levy is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Research Associate at the Cancer Research Institute, and Head of the Laboratory for Tumor and AIDS Virus Research at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).