AIDS:Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, asyndromecaused byinfectionwith the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with ensuing compromise of the body'simmune system. Features include deficiency of certain types ofleukocytes, especially T cells; infection with opportunistic infections that take advantage of the impairedimmune response, such as tuberculosis,bacterialpneumonia, humanherpesvirus, or toxoplasmosis; certain types of cancer, particularlyKaposi sarcoma; inability to maintain body weight (wasting); andinadvanced cases,AIDSdementia complex. Treatment forAIDShas advanced rapidly.Antiviral,antibacterial, andimmune-boosting medications, among other treatments, are part of current treatment protocols.
