HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus belongs to the Retroviridae family of viruses. The T-Cells which are found in immune system are invaded by a retrovirus. If this infection is not checked in the body, it can cause Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS that is considered a fatal disease. It was in 1980s when this virus was first identified and it got several different names at that time including HTLV-III, LAV and ARV.  HIV infection is incurable till today.

Contact with bodily fluids like semen. Blood, breast milk and vaginal secretions can cause this infection, but contrarily saliva doesn’t appear to transmit that virus. But if there are some scars or wounds in the mouth, even saliva can present that virus. The T-cells in the immune system are hijacked by the retrovirus once the virus enters in the body. It forces the T-cells to produce HIV replications and transport it in the other parts of the body. Just like some other retroviruses, the genetic material of HIV is consisted of RNA instead of DNA.

As T-cells are hijacked, so they are not available to the immune system anymore that leads to weak immune system and the patient is at higher risk for getting an infection.

There are many who seem confused about the difference between AIDS and HIV, these people must know that AIDS is a combination of different infections and symptoms that occur because of HIV infection.

One needs to take proper care to avoid or decrease the risk of getting this infection especially in a situation where there are chances of body fluids exchange. It is recommended to use condoms and contraceptives during sexual intercourse and similarly using gloves in the scenes where blood is present is also recommended.

Source: wisegeek

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