: either of two retroviruses that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system causing the marked reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS
called alsoAIDS virus, human immunodeficiency virus
Recent Examples on the WebIt can't be given to babies with immune issues, such as HIV.—Melody Schreiber, NPR, 2 May 2024 But after decades of working with HIV, understanding how that virus integrated itself into cells, and figuring out ways to remove it, Dr. John Leonard was perfectly positioned to use the groundbreaking technology to splice out disease-causing versions of a gene—permanently.—John Leonard, TIME, 2 May 2024 In its first decade, Mama’s Day fundraising was dedicated to serving HIV and AIDS patients.—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Apr. 2024 Using information from robust HIV surveillance systems, public health departments have implemented effective programmatic planning and resource allocation that has helped make significant strides in the fight against HIV.—Heather Bradley, STAT, 17 Apr. 2024 In the film, which is based on true events, punk rock bandmates purposefully inject themselves with HIV to live at an idyllic government-run treatment center.—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2024 Gloria Reuben is reflecting on the legacy of her character on ER, Dr. Jeanie Boulet, who was diagnosed with HIV during the show's third season.—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2024 Those risks can be bacterial, as well as infectious diseases, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C.3
And what about any claims that human milk has helped an adult recover from a cold?—Tiffany Leigh, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024 That’s especially true since some STIs are incurable — including HIV, hepatitis B and HPV —and can lead to health problems including infertility or be life-threatening, Earle-Cruickshanks said.—Kristen Rogers, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'HIV.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
: either of two retroviruses (species Human immunodeficiency virus 1 and 2 of the genus Lentivirus) that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system and that when left untreated cause AIDS
Note:
HIV retroviruses are transmitted through contact with blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids, or breast milk and typically cause flu-like symptoms during the acute phase of infection, but often cause few or no symptoms during the chronic phase of infection when treated with antiretroviral drugs.
called alsoAIDS virus, human immunodeficiency virus
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