Definition: Human immunodeficiency virus. A non-taxonomic and historical term referring to any of two species, specifically HIV-1 and/or HIV-2. Prior to 1986, this was called human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV). From 1986-1990, it was an official species called HIV. Since 1991, HIV was no longer considered an official species name; the two species were designated HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Other names Lymphadenopathy-Associated Virus; LAV-HTLV-III; Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type III; Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type III; Human Immunodeficiency Viruses; HTLV-III; AIDS Virus; Viruses, Lymphadenopathy-Associated; Viruses, AIDS; Virus, Lymphadenopathy-Associated; Virus, AIDS; Lymphadenopathy-Associated Viruses; Lymphadenopathy Associated Virus; Human T Cell Leukemia Virus Type III; Viruses, Human Immunodeficiency; Virus, Human Immunodeficiency; Immunodeficiency Viruses, Human; Immunodeficiency Virus, Human; Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type III; Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type III