The localization and the phenotypic characteristics of the infected cells suggested that the cells that harbor the virus were dendritic cells. Within 2 days after inoculation, the infected cells were found in the paracortex and subcapsular sinus of the draining internal iliac lymph nodes. Presence of virus in the blood could be seen as early as on day 5 after inoculation of the virus. In other cirumstances, the entry of HIV is through exposure to blood such as blood transfusion, by sharing needles among the drug addicts or by transplacental passage of the virus. Oral infection is also a well documented route for transmission of HIV in neonates.
Neonates can acquire the disease by breast feeding.
In addition, seroconversion of adults after oral-genital sex has been observed. A new finding clearly supports these observations. Although the minimal dose required for achieving systemic infection by oral route was about 800 times more than that required by intravenous injection of the virus, this does was 6000 times lower than the minimal dose required after rectal exposure. The prognosis of HIV infected individuals is quite variable. In most adults, the average time between the entry of the virus into the body and development of AIDS is 10-11 years.