HIV/AIDS: South America

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects the cells within an individual's immune system. The CD4 cells, or T-helper cells, are white blood cells that aid your body in fighting off infection. HIV damages and impairs the normal functioning of the immune system, and thus the individual becomes more susceptible to infection. HIV leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV has several modes of transmission, including the exchange of fluids through unprotected sexual activity, injecting drug use (contaminated needles), blood transfusions, and mother-to-child transmission (pregnancy, childbirth, and/or breastfeeding). There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but the disease can be manageable with the use of antiretroviral treatment.

Recent epidemiological reports show that the within South America, HIV/AIDS is concentrated among high-risk populations, and in particular among men who ...