AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a zoonotic disease that affects individuals infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The defining characteristic of those suffering from this disease is the inability of their bodies to mount an adequate immune response against infections.

History: Regarding the history of this disease, it officially began in 1981 in the United States. It was first identified in five cases of certain diseases, such as pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma—a type of skin cancer. Studies conducted at various Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a pattern of these illnesses occurring together. This caught the attention of medical professionals, as the affected individuals were sexually active homosexual men. Blood tests showed these patients lacked sufficient T-helper cells (CD4-positive cells). Furthermore, it was observed that these patients died within a few months. Over time, a variety of clinical presentations emerged, not only among homosexuals but also among intravenous drug users and recipients of blood transfusions.

The most widely accepted theory today is that HIV originated from a virus known as the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), which is very similar to HIV and causes symptoms resembling AIDS.

Thanks to advancements in medicine, there is an ongoing fight to counteract this disease. Although it remains deadly and one of the leading causes of death worldwide, significant progress has been made in managing symptoms and isolating the virus to improve quality of life. Gradually, these efforts aim to achieve a cure.