Final answer:
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that causes AIDS by attacking the body's immune system. There is no cure for HIV, but treatment can delay the onset of AIDS.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acronym HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a retrovirus responsible for causing Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is a disease characterized by the progressive failure of the immune system. HIV targets and destroys the body's CD4+ T cells, which are crucial for the immune response. Transmission of the virus can occur through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from mother to child. Despite intense research efforts, there is currently no cure for HIV; however, medications can significantly delay the progression of HIV to AIDS, allowing individuals to live longer, healthier lives even with the infection.