The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was identified in 1983 as the pathogen responsible for the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is characterized by changes in the population of T-cell lymphocytes that play a key role in the immune defense system. In the infected individual, the virus causes a depletion of T-cells, called “T-helper cells”, which leaves these patients susceptible to opportunistic infections, and certain malignancies.
Thin-section transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of of two ”human immunodeficiency virus” (HIV) virus
Description:
This thin-section transmission electron micrograph (TEM) depicted the ultrastructural details of two ”human immunodeficiency virus” (HIV) virus particles, or virions. A member of the genus Lentivirus, HIV is separated into two serotypes, HIV-1 and HIV-2, and is the cause for the disease known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS.
This virus may be passed from one person to another when infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions come in contact with an uninfected person’s broken skin or mucous membranes*. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.
HIV Image SpecificsID#: 8431
High Resolution: Right click here and select "Save Target As..." for hi-resolution image (2.65 MB)
Content Providers(s): CDC/ Dr. A. Harrison; Dr. P. Feorino
Creation Date:
Photo Credit:
Links:
CDC – Nat. Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention, Div. of HIV/AIDS Prevention; Fact Sheets
Transmission electron micrographic (TEM) image of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Description:
This highly magnified transmission electron micrographic (TEM) image revealed the presence of mature forms of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a tissue sample under investigation.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a retrovirus, was identified in 1983 as the etiologic agent for the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is characterized by changes in the population of T-cell lymphocytes that play a key role in the immune defense system. In the infected individual, the virus causes a depletion of subpopulation of T-cells, called T-helper cells, which leaves these patients susceptible to opportunistic infections, as well as certain malignancies.
High Resolution: Right click here and select "Save Target As..." for hi-resolution image (18.82 MB)
Creation Date: 1983
Links: CDC – National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention – Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention
human T lymphotropic virus type-1 virus), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

This image revealed the presence of both the human T-cell leukemia type-1 virus (HTLV-1), (also known as the human T lymphotropic virus type-1 virus), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), a human oncoretrovirus, is the etiologic agent of adult T-cell leukemia, and of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1–associated myelopathy. Two closely related retroviruses, HIV-1 and HIV-2, have been identified as causing AIDS in different geographic regions. HIV-1 causes most cases of AIDS in the U.S., with only a few cases of HIV-2 having been found in the U.S. Epidemiologically, HIV-2 has been found to be mostly an infection of persons from West Africa.
Scanning electron micrograph revealed the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)

Description:This scanning electron micrograph revealed the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), (spherical in appearance), which had been co-cultivated with human lymphocytes. Note the lymphocyte in the lower left, and some of its extended pseudopodia. HIV-1 virions can be seen on the surface of this lymphocyte. See PHIL 1843 for another view of this electron microscopic scenario.
A retrovirus, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was identified in 1983 as the pathogen responsible for the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is characterized by changes in the population of T-cell lymphocytes that play a key role in the immune defense system. In the infected individual, the virus causes a depletion of T-cells, called “T-helper cells”, which leaves these patients susceptible to opportunistic infections, and certain malignancies.
High Resolution:
Right click here and select "Save Target As..." for hi-resolution image (18.06 MB)
Content Providers(s): CDC/ C. Goldsmith, P. Feorino, E. L. Palmer, W. R. McManus
Creation Date: 1989
Links: CDC – National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention – Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention


