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AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

From , former About.com Guide

Updated January 21, 2007

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Definition:
The most severe manifestation of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists numerous opportunistic infections and neoplasms (cancers) that, in the presence of HIV infection, constitute an AIDS diagnosis.

In 1993, CDC expanded the criteria for an AIDS diagnosis to include CD4+ T-cell count at or below 200 cells per microliter in the presence of HIV infection. In persons (age 5 and older) with normally functioning immune systems, CD4+ T-cell counts usually range from 500-1,500 cells per microliter.

What are the AIDS Defining Illnesses

Also Known As:
The media often use the terms AIDS and HIV interchangeably. They are not the same.

What's the Difference Between HIV & AIDS

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