Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

📋Overview

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the late stage of infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This condition occurs when the immune system has been severely damaged by the virus, leading to a critical loss of protective immune cells.

This clinical syndrome is defined by an increased vulnerability to opportunistic infections and specific cancers that generally do not affect individuals with intact immune function. It represents the most severe phase of the viral progression.