AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV (human
immunodeficiency virus), and is a syndrome that leaves the body
vulnerable to a host of life-threatening illnesses. There is no
cure for AIDS, but treatment with antiviral medication can suppress
symptoms. AIDS is universally fatal, in large part due to the
proliferation of opportunistic infections.
Review Date: 06/09/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor
in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine,
Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
