HIV

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How HIV and AIDS redefined the fight against infectious diseases

Hear American virologist Robert Gallo speaking about the prospects in the development of HIV vaccine

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Image concept with the result of the HIV test, AIDS

What’s the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?

Transmission electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles (red) budding and replicating from a segment of a chronically infected H9 cell (blue). Particles are in various stages of maturity; arc/semi-circles are immature particles that have started to form but are still part of the cell. Immature particles slowly change morphology into mature forms and exhibit the classic "conical or spherical-shaped core." Image captured at the NIAID Integrated Research Facility (IRF) in Fort Detrick, Maryland. (Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS)

Is There a Cure for HIV Infection?

Germans from East and West stand on the Berlin Wall in front of the Brandenburg Gate in the November 10, 1989, photo, one day after the wall opened.

Timeline of the 1980s

Red AIDS ribbon. AIDS awareness. AIDS charity. Red ribbon. AIDS disease deficiency HIV.

World AIDS Day

HIV/AIDS: Just the Facts

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The Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives receiving a deputation of female suffragists, January 11, 1871, a lady delegate (identified as Victoria Woodhull) reading her argument (cont'd)

Who Was the First Woman to Run for President of the United States?

The Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. (Civil War, Pennsylvania)

9 Worst Generals in History

African Americans demonstrating for voting rights in front of the White House as police and others watch, March 12, 1965. One sign reads, "We demand the right to vote everywhere." Voting Rights Act, civil rights.

Timeline of the American Civil Rights Movement

Salem Witch Trials. Photogravure after the painting by Walter McEwen titled - The Witches - circa 1890s.

How Rye Bread May Have Caused the Salem Witch Trials

Vietnam War. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson awards the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant Marty A. Hammer, during a visit to military personnel, Cam Ranh Bay, South Vietnam, October 26, 1966. President Johnson

Vietnam War Timeline

Nero (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus) (ad 50-54) the fifth Roman emperor (ad 54-68), stepson and heir of the emperor Claudius.

Did Nero Really Fiddle as Rome Burned?

Bristlecone pine (Pinus Longaeva) on the slope of Mount Washington in Great Basin National Park in the Nevada desert.

How Can Some Trees Survive for Thousands of Years?

HIV

virus

Also known as: human immunodeficiency virus

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Apr 9, 2025 • Article History

In full:: human immunodeficiency virus

Key People:: Peter Piot; Dorry Segev; Luc Montagnier; Mathilde Krim; Françoise Barré-Sinoussi

Related Topics:: AIDS; bloodborne disease; pre-exposure prophylaxis; human immunodeficiency virus type 1; human immunodeficiency virus type 2

See all related content

News •

Could donated breast milk help HIV-exposed babies? • Apr. 8, 2025, 8:29 PM ET (CBC)

Who Will Care for Infants With H.I.V. Overseas? • Apr. 7, 2025, 11:15 PM ET (New York Times)

Molecular stool test could improve detection of tuberculosis in adults with HIV • Apr. 5, 2025, 12:57 AM ET (Medical Xpress)

Enhanced tuberculosis detection in advanced HIV using stool molecular testing • Apr. 3, 2025, 9:13 PM ET (News-Medical)

HIV cases more than double in Middle East and North Africa • Apr. 2, 2025, 5:54 AM ET (The Telegraph)

HIV, retrovirus that attacks and gradually destroys the immune system, leaving the host unprotected against infection. HIV is classified as a lentivirus (meaning “slow virus”). Persons who are infected with HIV often die from secondary infections or cancer. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. For detailed information on HIV and disease, see AIDS.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.