what is AIDS essays

what is AIDS essays AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is not passed down from generation to generation through genes, but it is acquired. AIDS is a disease that attacks the immune system, a system that is vital in fighting off disease. This disease causes the immune system to be deficient, or weakened, so that it cannot properly fight off diseases because it is unable to produce white blood cells. AIDS is a syndrome or a group of illnesses with many possible symptoms that can occur together in a weakened condition. This disease is not localized in one specific area, its is found all over the world. (gmhc.org/basics/basics.html) AIDS is the most common and widespread deficiency disease known to mankind. It has already infected and killed millions of people worldwide. Its two viruses, named human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2) are retroviruses that use RNA as its genetic material. When it invades a eukaryotic cell, a retrovirus reverse transcribes its RNA into DNA, which then directs the synthesis of more viruses, using the transcription and translation machinery of the cell. The HIV virus weakens the immune system by infecting and destroying helper T-cells, which are mandatory for the use of defending the bodies immune system. The HIV virus in turn causes AIDS. HIV cannot survive outside the body for very long. The virus can be transmitted only by the direct exchange of body fluids- including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The HIV infection can be spread through sexual activity, sharing of needles among drug users, blood transfusions, or during pregnancy or childbirth. There are no cures for the AIDS virus but effective vaccine treatments developed in recent years have slowed but not stopped the process and helped patients live longer. Scientists are not certain as to where or when the AIDS virus evolved. Researchers have shown ...