Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (also known as AIDS, Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired): An acquired defect of cellular immunity associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count under 200 cells/microliter or less than 14% of total lymphocytes, and increased sus

NIH MeSH · D000163Diseases

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Also known asAIDS · Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired · Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes · Immunodeficiency Syndromes, Acquired · Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency · Syndromes, Acquired Immunodeficiency · Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome · Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome · Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome · Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndromes · Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired · Immuno-Deficiency Syndromes, Acquired

Definition

An acquired defect of cellular immunity associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count under 200 cells/microliter or less than 14% of total lymphocytes, and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignant neoplasms. Clinical manifestations also include emaciation (wasting) and dementia. These elements reflect criteria for AIDS as defined by the CDC in 1993.

MeSH classification

  • C01.221.250.875.040
  • C01.221.812.640.400.040
  • C01.778.640.400.040
  • C01.925.782.815.616.400.040
  • C01.925.813.400.040
  • C01.925.839.040
  • C12.100.937.640.400.040
  • C20.673.480.040

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Related concepts

Acute Retroviral Syndrome

Early stage of HIV infection. Symptoms resemble INFLUENZA or INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS.

AIDS Arteritis, Central Nervous System

Inflammation of ARTERIES in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM that occurs in patients with ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME or AIDS-RELATED OPPOR…

AIDS-Associated Nephropathy

Renal syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients characterized by nephrotic syndrome, severe proteinuria, focal and segmenta…

AIDS Dementia Complex

A neurologic condition associated with the ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME and characterized by impaired concentration and memory, slowne…

AIDS-Related Complex

A prodromal phase of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Laboratory criteria separating AIDS-related complex (ARC) from A…

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections

Opportunistic infections found in patients who test positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The most common include PNEUMOCYSTIS PN…

Common questions about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

What does Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome mean in medicine?
An acquired defect of cellular immunity associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a CD4-positive T-lymphocyte count under 200 cells/microliter or less than 14% of total lymphocytes, and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignant neoplasms. Clinical manifestations also include emaciation (wasting) and dementia. These elements reflect criteria for AIDS as defined by the CDC in 1993. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome known by any other names?
Yes. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is also referred to as AIDS, Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndromes, Immunodeficiency Syndromes, Acquired in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome sit in the medical classification?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome falls under the broader medical category "Diseases" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: C01.221.250.875.040, C01.221.812.640.400.040, C01.778.640.400.040). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome?
For a plain-language explanation of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000163) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗