This book uses a question-and-answer format to provide information on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the disease caused by infection from the virus, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Topics covered include: (1) "Outbreak," which discusses the history of the AIDS outbreak including early theories about the causes of AIDS and routes of virus spread; (2) "Basic Biology," which details areas of human biology pertinent to virology including cells, proteins, and messenger RNA; (3) "Viruses," which explains viruses in general and HIV in particular including virus structure, HIV blueprints and variants, and the origin and global spread of HIV; (4) "HIV Transmission," which discusses the role of bodily fluids, sexual contact, and intravenous drug use in HIV spread, the role of condoms in disease prevention, and the role of insects in transferring other disease agents; (5) "HIV Disease," which describes immunological processes in response to HIV infection, target cells, viral load, and HIV progression from the initial asymptomatic infection through AIDS and its accompanying opportunistic infections; (6) "Monitoring HIV Disease," which includes discussion of disease markers, antibody tests, and polymerase chain reaction tests; and (7) "Combating the Infection," which describes drug therapies, acquired immunity, vaccination, and natural immunity. The text is presented in 71 independent modular sections that can be used for classroom or individual use. A self-test follows each section. (PVD)