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HIV/AIDS

InfectiousHuman immunodeficiency virus1920s (origin), 1981 (recognized)Sexual, blood, perinatal
TypeInfectious
CauseHuman immunodeficiency virus
First Known1920s (origin), 1981 (recognized)
TransmissionSexual, blood, perinatal

About HIV/AIDS

Has killed over 40 million people since 1981. Originally called GRID, gay-related immune deficiency. HIV likely jumped from chimpanzees to humans in the 1920s. AZT was the first treatment in 1987. Modern antiretroviral therapy can reduce the virus to undetectable levels, which prevents sexual transmission.

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