What virus is associated with causing AIDS?

The virus associated with causing AIDS is Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV infects key cells in the immune system, particularly CD4 T lymphocytes, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy immune response. Over time, as HIV replicates and destroys these immune cells, the body's ability to fight off infections and certain diseases decreases dramatically, leading to the progression of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Understanding the role of HIV is critical in the context of microbiology and immunology, as it highlights how a viral infection can lead to severe impairment of the immune system and the various opportunistic infections and conditions that can result from this deficiency. This has significant implications for treatment strategies, prevention efforts, and continuing research in infectious diseases and immunology.