Difference Between HIV and AIDS

Difference Between HIV and AIDS: Definition, Types, Examples, Symptoms

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:38 PM IST

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are closely related but different conditions. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which help fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, the final stage of the infection. This topic is included in the class 12 chapter Human Health and Disease in the subject of Biology. This topic is relevant for exams like NEET and AIIMS BSc Nursing, where questions about HIV/AIDS are asked.

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HIV and AIDS
What is HIV?
What is AIDS?
Difference Between HIV and AIDS
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Difference Between HIV and AIDS: Definition, Types, Examples, Symptoms

HIV and AIDS

Although many people use the terms interchangeably, HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the human body's immune system, while AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, meaning a state that develops in people who have gone without treatment for HIV. Successful prevention, diagnosis, and treatment depend on a clear distinction between HIV and AIDS.

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What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that breaks down the immune system, the CD4 cells, also called T cells play a role in protecting the body from infections. HIV gradually destroys the immune system and thus exposes it to infections and diseases. Left untreated, HIV develops into AIDS, which is termed the last stage of an infection, here, the immune system is completely destroyed. HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child at birth or through breastfeeding.

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What is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection. This usually occurs when a person's immune system has been seriously impaired, leaving their body so open to infections and other cancers. The distressing diseases found in people with AIDS can be fatal due to lost immune function. AIDS can be fatal if not treated. If one is living with HIV, antiretroviral therapy or ART can mitigate it by preventing HIV from turning into AIDS.

The major differences between HIV and AIDS are given below:

Feature	HIV	AIDS
Full Form	Human Immunodeficiency Virus	Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Definition	A virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells.	The final, most severe stage of HIV infection, is where the immune system is severely damaged.
Cause	Caused by HIV virus	Caused by the progression of HIV
Effect on the body	Weakens the immune system over time.	This leads to severe immune system damage, making the body vulnerable to infections and cancers.
Stage	The early stage of infection	Advanced stage of HIV infection
Symptoms	Mild or absent initially	Severe, including infections and cancers
Diagnosis	Blood tests detecting HIV	Based on the presence of opportunistic infections
Treatment	Antiretroviral therapy	Treatment for various opportunistic infections.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a potential virus leading to infection, having an initial onset of the disease in which the symptoms might be very mild or even absent commonly diagnosed by blood tests that detect the presence of the virus. Treatment is based on antiretroviral therapy, which would help keep the infection under control from further progress.

The advanced stages, however, are actually what is referred to as AIDS—Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It manifests with very severe symptoms, such as opportunistic infections and cancers. In most cases, a diagnosis of ADS is made in the presence of particular infections or cancers that demand more intensive treatment to manage complications alongside continued ART. Progression from HIV to AIDS thus presents a deterioration in health conditions and immune function.

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Bacterial Diseases	Protozoan Diseases
Fungal Diseases	Disease caused by Nematodes
Vaccination	Immunology

Recommended Video on the Difference Between HIV and AIDS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is a virus that causes AIDS. This syndrome results from the advanced stages of HIV infection.

2. What is the main difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes the infection, while AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of the HIV infection. HIV attacks the immune system, and when the immune system becomes severely damaged, the condition progresses to AIDS.

3. Can HIV be cured?

Currently, there is no medication for the cure of HIV. It can, however, be contained with the aid of antiretroviral therapy.

4. Can HIV be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for HIV. However, with proper antiretroviral therapy, the virus can be suppressed to undetectable levels in the blood, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. Research into potential cures, including gene therapy and stem cell transplants, is ongoing.

5. How long does it take for HIV to turn into AIDS?

If left untreated, HIV can progress to completely developed AIDS in about 10 years, though this again depends on the person.

6. What are the early symptoms of HIV?

Early symptoms can include fever, headache, and muscle aches, but some people may not show symptoms for years.

7. How can one prevent HIV infection?

Prevention methods include using condoms, not sharing needles, getting tested regularly, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if at high risk.

8. Can someone have HIV without having AIDS?

Yes, a person can have HIV without having AIDS. HIV is the virus that causes the infection, and with proper treatment, many people with HIV can live for years without developing AIDS. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.

9. What is the significance of CD4 T cell count in HIV/AIDS?

CD4 T cell count is a key indicator of immune system health in people with HIV. A healthy person typically has 500-1,600 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. In HIV infection, this number decreases over time. When the count falls below 200, a person is diagnosed with AIDS.

10. What are opportunistic infections, and why are they significant in AIDS?

Opportunistic infections are infections that occur more frequently or are more severe in people with weakened immune systems. They are significant in AIDS because as HIV severely damages the immune system, the body becomes vulnerable to infections that wouldn't typically affect healthy individuals. These infections are often indicators that HIV has progressed to AIDS.

11. How does antiretroviral therapy (ART) work in treating HIV?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) works by preventing HIV from multiplying and spreading in the body. It typically combines different types of drugs that target various stages of the HIV life cycle. While ART doesn't cure HIV, it can reduce the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels, allowing the immune system to recover and prevent progression to AIDS.

12. What is the role of cytokines in HIV pathogenesis?

Cytokines are small proteins crucial for cell signaling in immune responses. In HIV infection, there's a dysregulation of cytokine production. Some cytokines can enhance HIV replication, while others may have antiviral effects. The overall imbalance contributes to chronic inflammation and immune activation, which are hallmarks of HIV disease progression. Understanding cytokine dynamics is important for developing potential immunotherapies for HIV.

13. How does HIV affect the central nervous system?

HIV can affect the central nervous system in several ways:

14. How does HIV interact with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

HIV and other STIs interact in several important ways:

15. What is the role of viral load in HIV progression and transmission?

Viral load refers to the amount of HIV in a person's blood. A higher viral load generally indicates more rapid disease progression and a higher risk of transmission. Effective antiretroviral therapy aims to reduce viral load to undetectable levels, which significantly slows disease progression and greatly reduces the risk of transmission.

16. How do HIV and AIDS affect different populations differently?

HIV/AIDS can affect different populations in various ways:

17. Why can't the immune system naturally fight off HIV?

HIV is particularly challenging for the immune system because it directly infects and destroys the very cells (CD4 T cells) that are responsible for coordinating the immune response. Additionally, HIV mutates rapidly, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and combat the virus effectively.

18. How does HIV weaken the immune system?

HIV specifically targets and destroys CD4 T cells, which are crucial for coordinating the immune response. As these cells are destroyed, the body becomes less able to fight off infections and diseases, gradually weakening the entire immune system.

19. What are the main routes of HIV transmission?

The main routes of HIV transmission are: unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or syringes with an infected person, from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, and through contaminated blood transfusions (though this is rare in countries with proper blood screening).

20. What is the "window period" in HIV testing?

The "window period" is the time between potential exposure to HIV and when a test can accurately detect HIV infection. This period varies depending on the type of test used, ranging from about 10 days to 3 months. During this time, a person may be infected with HIV but still test negative, which is why repeat testing is often recommended.

21. What is the concept of "shock and kill" in HIV cure research?

"Shock and kill" is a proposed strategy for eliminating HIV reservoirs:

22. How does HIV evade the immune system?

HIV evades the immune system through several mechanisms: rapid mutation that creates new strains the immune system doesn't recognize, direct infection of immune cells, hiding in "reservoir" cells, and causing chronic immune activation that eventually exhausts the immune system.

23. How does HIV transmission differ from other viral infections?

Unlike many viral infections that can be transmitted through casual contact, HIV requires direct contact with specific bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk) to spread. It cannot survive long outside the body and is not transmitted through air, water, or casual touch, making its transmission routes more limited but also more preventable with proper precautions.

24. How does HIV impact the body beyond the immune system?

While HIV primarily affects the immune system, it can also impact other body systems. It can cause neurological problems (HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders), increase the risk of certain cancers, lead to cardiovascular issues, affect bone density, and cause kidney and liver problems. These effects can occur both directly from the virus and indirectly from the chronic immune activation it causes.

25. What is the significance of HIV's ability to integrate into the host cell's DNA?

HIV's ability to integrate its genetic material into the host cell's DNA is crucial for its persistence. Once integrated, the virus can remain dormant for long periods, creating a reservoir of infected cells that are difficult for the immune system or antiretroviral drugs to eliminate. This integration is a key reason why HIV infection is considered chronic and currently incurable.

26. How do HIV vaccines differ from traditional vaccines?

Developing an HIV vaccine is challenging because HIV mutates rapidly and attacks the immune system itself. Unlike traditional vaccines that stimulate the production of antibodies against a stable pathogen, potential HIV vaccines need to generate broadly neutralizing antibodies that can recognize many HIV strains. Some approaches also aim to stimulate T cell responses. Current research explores various strategies, including mRNA technology.

27. What is the concept of "U=U" in HIV treatment and prevention?

"U=U" stands for "Undetectable = Untransmittable." This concept, supported by scientific evidence, means that people with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load through antiretroviral therapy cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. This understanding has significant implications for HIV prevention, treatment, and reducing stigma.

28. How does HIV impact the aging process?

HIV can accelerate certain aspects of aging, a phenomenon sometimes called "premature aging." People with HIV may experience age-related conditions (like cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline) earlier than their HIV-negative peers. This is thought to be due to chronic inflammation and immune activation caused by the virus, even when it's well-controlled by medication.

29. What is the difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2?

HIV-1 and HIV-2 are two distinct types of HIV. HIV-1 is more common globally and is responsible for the majority of HIV infections worldwide. HIV-2 is less common and primarily found in West Africa. HIV-2 generally progresses more slowly and is less transmissible than HIV-1. While both can lead to AIDS, they require slightly different approaches to testing and treatment.

30. How does HIV affect pregnancy and childbirth?

Without intervention, HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. However, with proper medical care, including antiretroviral therapy for the mother, the risk of transmission can be reduced to less than 1%. Pregnant women with HIV require specialized care to protect their health and prevent transmission to the baby.

31. What is the role of CCR5 in HIV infection?

CCR5 is a protein on the surface of certain immune cells that HIV uses as a co-receptor to enter and infect the cell. Some people have a genetic mutation (CCR5-delta32) that makes them resistant to certain strains of HIV. Understanding CCR5's role has led to the development of CCR5 inhibitors, a class of antiretroviral drugs, and has inspired research into potential gene therapy approaches to HIV treatment.

32. How does HIV testing work, and what are the different types of tests available?

HIV testing typically involves detecting either antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV, or directly detecting parts of the virus itself. Common types include:

33. What is the concept of "treatment as prevention" in HIV?

"Treatment as prevention" refers to the use of antiretroviral therapy to prevent HIV transmission. When people with HIV take effective treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit the virus sexually. This approach is a key strategy in public health efforts to reduce new HIV infections at a population level.

34. How does HIV impact the gut microbiome, and why is this significant?

HIV infection can significantly alter the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract. This is important because a large portion of the body's immune cells are located in the gut. HIV can damage the gut lining, allowing microbial products to enter the bloodstream, contributing to chronic inflammation. These changes in the microbiome may influence disease progression and overall health in people with HIV.

35. How does HIV latency contribute to the challenge of curing the infection?

HIV latency refers to the ability of the virus to remain dormant in certain cells, creating a reservoir of infected cells that are not actively producing new virus particles. These latent reservoirs are not eliminated by current antiretroviral therapies and are a major obstacle to curing HIV. When therapy is stopped, virus from these reservoirs can reactivate and restart active infection. Strategies to eliminate or control these reservoirs are a key focus of HIV cure research.

36. What is the significance of HIV's high mutation rate?

HIV's high mutation rate is due to its error-prone reverse transcriptase enzyme. This rapid mutation allows the virus to:

37. What is the role of dendritic cells in HIV infection?

Dendritic cells play a complex role in HIV infection:

38. What is the concept of "elite controllers" in HIV infection?

Elite controllers are a rare group of people with HIV who can maintain very low or undetectable viral loads without antiretroviral therapy. They typically have strong immune responses against HIV, particularly from certain types of T cells. Studying elite controllers provides insights into natural mechanisms of viral control and informs research on functional cures and vaccine development.

39. What is the role of broadly neutralizing antibodies in HIV research?

Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) are antibodies capable of neutralizing many different strains of HIV. They are important in HIV research for several reasons:

40. How does HIV impact the innate immune system?

While HIV primarily affects the adaptive immune system, it also impacts innate immunity:

41. How does HIV affect bone health?

HIV can impact bone health in several ways:

42. What is the role of T cell exhaustion in HIV pathogenesis?

T cell exhaustion is a state of T cell dysfunction that occurs in chronic infections like HIV:

43. How does HIV impact the cardiovascular system?

HIV can affect the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms:

44. What is the concept of "functional cure" in HIV research?

A functional cure for HIV refers to a state where the virus is not eliminated but is controlled without ongoing antiretroviral therapy: