Virus
human immunodeficiency virus
hu·man im·mu·no·de·fi·cien·cy vi·rus [ hyoo-mun ih-myoo-noh-deh-fih-shun-see vy-rus ]
Subclass of:
Lentiviruses, Primate
Definitions related to hiv:
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Human immunodeficiency virus. A non-taxonomic and historical term referring to any of two species, specifically HIV-1 and/or HIV-2. Prior to 1986, this was called human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV). From 1986-1990, it was an official species called HIV. Since 1991, HIV was no longer considered an official species name; the two species were designated HIV-1 and HIV-2.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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(human immunodeficiency virus) Species of Lentivirus, subgenus primate lentiviruses, formerly designated T cell lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV); it is acknowledged to be the agent responsible for the acute infectious manifestations, neurologic disorders, and immunologic abnormalities linked to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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(human immunodeficiency virus) The virus isolated and recognized as the etiologic agent of AIDS. HIV-1 is classified as a lentivirus, a subtype of retroviruses.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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(human immunodeficiency virus) Usually abbreviated as HIV, the virus that leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV damages immune cells so that they are no longer able to fight off other infections.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging your immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to fight infection and disease.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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