Definition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is defined as an animal virus which is enveloped and contains two copies of single-stranded RNA. It is responsible for causing a disease that is known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus attacks the immune system of human beings and weakens it eventually. HIV is unable to replicate the DNA of its own.

Hence, it needs a host cell to make multiple copies of itself. It attacks the CD4 cells of the humans that play an important role in controlling the infections. When these cells are killed by the virus, gradually the body loses its ability to resist the infections. In this way, a number of serious illnesses such as AIDS develop.