Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Coursework

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - Coursework Example Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is a cluster of signs and symptoms that are not naturally found in the body but develop over a span of time due to a weakened immune system. It is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. AIDS develops as a result of the chronic infestation of the human body with HIV and is usually discovered with the development of advanced symptoms. Discovered in the 1980s, AIDS was considered a disease manifested solely due to homosexual activities in the world. However, since 1981, several discoveries have been made regarding the modes of transmission of the virus and how to prevent them. Nonetheless, AIDS continues to be one of the most feared diseases in the world, as it results in not only physical anguish but also social seclusion. Thus, it is necessary to know about the method and modes of transmission of this disease so as to take appropriate preventive measures. The presence of HIV is usually diagnosed in a patient based on the clinical signs and symptoms that are presented to a medical practitioner. The diagnosis can be confirmed on the basis of laboratory tests such as testing for antigens of the virus or antibodies in the blood against it. However, since laboratory tests are not available in certain remote areas of the world where AIDS is prevalent, medical practitioners rely on the clinical signs and symptoms that the patients present. Since AIDS is a syndrome, the signs and symptoms presented by patients who suffer from it tend to differ.