HIV stands for

• A. Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• B. Human Immune Deficiency Virus
• C. Immune Deficiency Virus
• D. Health Immunodeficiency Virus

Answer: (B)

HIV stands for a virus that targets the immune system. The official expansion is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Here, immuno- is the combining form meaning related to the immune system, deficiency describes a weakened immune response, and virus identifies its role as a pathogen. So it denotes a virus that causes immunodeficiency in humans. This is why the virus is dangerous: it damages the cells that coordinate immune defense, especially CD4+ T cells, opening the door to opportunistic infections. While the term has been used in various ways, the precise medical form uses immunodeficiency rather than immune deficiency. If untreated, HIV infection can progress to AIDS, the advanced stage where the immune system is severely compromised.