This defect renders the host susceptible to certain life-threatening infections or malignant processes. Most persons infected with the virus develop AIDS, while some remain symptom free. Outside the body, the virus HIV is a weak infectious agent.
Infection results only from contamination of the host's blood stream with infected fluids.
Current information suggests that this can occur during sex, birth, when contaminated blood products are transfused or when using a contaminated needle. The same current information suggests that transmission does not occur from respiratory droplets, as in coughing and sneezing, or from food, environmental objects or insects. A blood test for antibodies to HIV is available. Because of the potential for false positive results and concerns for individual liberties, the test should not be used for routine screening except to protect the donated blood supply. HIV infection is a serious concern in the University environment.