Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks cells in the immune system and results in functional defects. These defects may not be apparent for years. However, they lead to a severe suppression of the immune system's ability to resist harmful organisms. This leaves the body open to invasion by various infections, which are called opportunistic diseases, and to the development of unusual cancers. The …showed first 75 words of 3216 total…

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