a disease of the immune system, caused by the virus HIV, usu leading to death from infections that the body is no longer able to resist
Aids is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and is the final or ‘full-blown’ phase of the HIV disease. Once the body's immune system has been infected with the HIV the virus remains latent in the body for up to ten years or so before the person is diagnosed with Aids. It is characterized by severe immune deficiency and is incurable and fatal at present. Transmission is associated with sexual intercourse and contact with infected blood — Dr John Cormack
[acronym from acquired immune deficiency syndrome]