Aids is caused by HIV, which destroys important cells in the immune system. It was first described in 1979 and the virus was identified in 1983. Then, patients died because there was no treatment. Today there are many medicines. These allow people with AIDS to lead more normal lives. Extensive research is underway into even better medicines for the future.
Disease: Aids
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: What is it?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, the name given to a collection of symptoms that result from infection with a virus called HIV. The virus destroys important cells in the immune system. Because of this, the body is less able to fight off infection and is at risk of developing certain tumours. Death usually results from overwhelming infection.