AIDS
Medical ConditionsAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). When HIV infection leads to the development of severe immune deficiency, the person has AIDS. AIDS lowers a person's ability to fight off germs (immunodeficiency). The body may attack itself (autoimmune response), or there may be problems with the nervous system (HIV encephalopathy or peripheral nerve disorders).