1) WHAT IS AIDS?
AIDS STANDS FOR Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Acquired. It is a
condition that can be acquired, it is not inborn. Immune: concerns the
body’s defence mechanism – the immune system. Deficiency: concerns
damage to the immune system. Syndrome : a set of diseases or symptoms. AIDS is a
condition in which progressive damage to the immune system has led to the
development of certain illnesses.
AIDS first came to light in the USA in 1981 when the Centers for Disease
Control noticed a marked increase in a number of unusual infections,
particularly amongst gay men. Doctors discovered that these men had an
underlying deficiency of their immune system, but they had no idea what was
causing it. The condition was named AIDS and as more cases emerged from the USA,
Europe and Africa it became apparent that it was not confined to gay
men.
2) WHAT CAUSES AIDS?
In 1983 a breakthrough was made in understanding its cause and the virus
that leads to AIDS was identified. This virus is known as HIV (the human
immunodeficiency virus). It attacks the very cells in the body whose job it is
to fight off infection – the cells of the immune system. In particular the
virus attacks a type of white blood cell known as the T-helper cell. These have
a key role in the body’s defence mechanism. The virus also infects blood
cells and cells of the central nervous system.
3) OTHER THEORIES
HIV does not cause AIDS by itself, but other factors such as another virus
may be involved (scientists). HIV does not cause AIDS at all, but the immune
suppression which leads to AIDS is caused by sexual or drug lifestyle, poor diet
or blood transfusions. This view goes against the majority of scientific
opinion.
4) HOW IS AIDS TRANSMITTED?
When...