ABSTRACT
ETIOLOGY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY The disease is caused by HIV, capable of transcribing viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) into linear double-stranded DNA that is integrated into the host genome. The virus specifically targets CD4+ T cells, as well as macrophages and dendritic cells. The decline in CD4+ T cells leads to a loss of cell-mediated immunity, leaving the host increasingly susceptible to opportunistic infections.
