Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a critical phase of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection characterized by severe immunosuppression, which leads to increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. The progressive destruction of CD4+ T cells by HIV results in the immune system's collapse, making the individual vulnerable to diseases such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), Kaposi's sarcoma, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. The diagnosis of AIDS is determined by the presence of these opportunistic infections or a CD4+ count below 200 cells/mm³. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for managing HIV/AIDS, aiming to suppress viral replication, restore immune function, and improve quality of life. Advances in ART have significantly reduced AIDS-related mortality and morbidity, transforming it from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition. However, ongoing research is crucial for developing a cure and understanding HIV pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms.
Keywords: AIDS, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), opportunistic infections, CD4+ T cells, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), Kaposi's sarcoma, cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, Antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV pathogenesis, viral replication, immune function.
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