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Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is a
disease entity that has been recognized since 1981. It is caused by
infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks
selected cells in the immune system and produces defects in
function. This leaves the body open to an invasion by various
infections, which are therefore called opportunistic diseases, and
to the development of unusual cancers. The virus also tends to
reach certain brain cells. Since the first AIDS cases were
reported in 1981, through mid-1991, more than 190,000 AIDS
cases and more than 120,000 deaths had been reported in about
162 countries worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa in particular
appears to suffer a heavy Berden of this illness. So far there is no
cure or vaccine that exists for AIDS, but scientists belive a man by
the name of Dr. David Ho has discovered a cure. HIV infection
and AIDS represent one of the most pressing public policy and
public health problems world wide.
Definition of AIDS
the U.S Center for disease control has established criteria
for defining cases of AIDS that are based on laboratory evidence,
the presence of opportunistic diseases, and a range of other
conditions. Other complications of HIV infection include fever,
diarrhea, severe weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. When
HIV-infected persons experience some of the above symptoms but
do not meet full criteria for AIDS, they are given the diagnosis of
AIDS-related complex, or ARC.
Historical Background
In the late 1970s, certain rare types of cancer and a veriety
of serious infections were recognized to be occurring in increasing
numbers of previously healthy persons. First formally described
in 1981, the syndrome was observed predominantly to be affecting
homosexual and bisexual men. Soon thereafter, intravenous drug
users, hemophiliacs, and recipients of blood transfusions were...