HIV / AIDS the Acquired

HIV / AIDS

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Once infection takes place, the HIV virus gradually inhibits the immune system response so that the body is more susceptible to disease. Medications can be taken to slow down the progress of the HIV virus. AIDS is usually the final stage in the degeneration of the immune system, the point at which the afflicted individual can no longer stave off illness, infection or tumor growth. No known cure exists for HIV / AIDS and prevention is the only means to curtail the pandemic. As of 2007, between 30.3 and 36.1 million people worldwide are living with HIV / AIDS; since the disease was discovered and classified in 1981, more than 25 million people have died of AIDS (Avert).

AIDS most likely did come from monkeys. The HIV virus is closely related to the same virus manifest in Simian populations: Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). However, it is unknown exactly how the SIV virus first transmitted to humans. Vaccinations contaminated with SIV, consumption of contaminated meat, and other means of contact with monkey blood are possible origins of the HIV virus. Although AIDS was first discussed in medical literature in 1981, recent evidence proves the HIV virus existed long before. The first documented infection, based on plasma samples, was from 1959 (Avert).