1. INTRODUCTIONThe human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a member of the genus Lentivirus, itself a member of the Retroviridae family. The virus causes a disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which primarily causes a decline in the host's immune system, making it vulnerable to infections and life-threatening diseases. HIV can be subdivided into two distinct types, namely HIV-1 and HIV-2. The difference between the two is mainly that HIV-1 is more easily transmitted than the transfer rate of HIV-2, while the rest of the symptoms, characteristics and outcomes are about the same. The virus occurs as a free-floating viral particle as well as in infected immune cells such as CD4+ T cells.2. DISEASE PROGRESSION Below is a general overview of how HIV progression might be described. ACUTE INFECTION CLINICAL LATENCE Aids Figure 1: Overview of disease progression The stage of acute infection is often defined by the Acute retroviral syndrome (ARS), characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, rash, myalgia, and other common flu-like symptoms. These symptoms usually begin to appear within the first 2 to 4 months after infection, but can take up to 3 to 6 months to appear. This stage of diagnosis is often considered a common flu. As a result, the necessary measures are not taken and a crucial point of defense against the HIV-1 virus, from a medical point of view, is neglected. Clinical latency, also known as asymptomatic HIV infection, is characterized by an absence of symptoms and apparently healthy CD4+ T cell counts. The HIV-1 virus is still present and active during this period but a relatively stable viral load is maintained. This p...... middle of article ......ment and Prevention of HIV Infection, lecture notes distributed at Columbia University, New York. URL http://www.columbia.edu/itc/hs/medical/pathophys/id/2009/hivantiColor.pdf. [Accessed September 26, 2013][7] Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection – Treatment overview. URL http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/tc/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv-infection-treatment-overview. [Accessed September 27, 2013][8] Antiretroviral medications – PEP, PrEP and treatment as prevention. URL http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/Transmission_17146.shtml. [Accessed: October 6, 2013][9] A daily dose of HIV medication reduces the risk of HIV infection. URL http://www.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2010/Pages/iPrEx.aspx. [Accessed: October 10, 2013][10] Microbicides. URL http://www.who.int/hiv/topics/microbicides/microbicides/en/. [Consulted October 11, 2013]6 | Page