HIV

HIV (Human Immune-Deficiency Virus) is the virus responsible for AIDS. It was discovered by two separate teams, and was given the name HIV in 1986.

The virus is primarily spread through unprotected sexual intercourse (homosexual or heterosexual), or via blood, for instance through sharing hypodermic needles.

Since the availability of anti-retroviral drugs in the 1990s, HIV infection, if diagnosed early, does not necessarily lead to the person developing AIDS.