HIV and AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a clinical condition at the late stage of infection with human immunodeficiency virus in which the immune system is so severely damaged as to allow serious opportunistic infections and diseases.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a parasitic agent in blood, semen, and vaginal fluid that destroys a class of lymphocytes with a crucial role in the immune response. HIV infection can occur by unprotected sex, contaminated blood products, contaminated needles and syringes, or from an infected mother to her child in utero or through breast feeding—and is characterized by a gradual deterioration of immune function that can progress to AIDS.

The diagnosis of HIV infection remains stigmatizing in some cultures and can result in considerable emotional stress and social ostracism.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology definitions of AIDS and HIV