Source of AIDS

AIDS is caused by infection with humane retroviruses recognized as 'human immunodeficiency virus. in addition classic AIDS virus, a group of related viruses designated as HIV - found in some west African patients having same genetic organization as HIV-1,but considerably different glycoprotein contents, manifested AIDS-like illnesses in some patients, but most cases found asymptomatic.

Mode of transmission:

1.Sexual contact is the main mode of transmission of HIV. About 60%are homosexual or bisexual.
2. Intravenous route-about 20%of patients is heterosexual men and women intravenous drug users, and is related to the sharing of needles. About 7% are homosexual or bisexual men, who are also using intravenous drugs.
transfusion of contaminated of blood &blood products, if not screened or treated, may be a significant way of AIDS transmission
3.Infected mothers are efficiently (30-40%)transmit the virus to their infants perinatally during the first and second trimester. Virus can also be transmitted from mother to infant via breast feeding