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aids-virus

1981 - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is first identified in Los Angeles, in the US.

 

In this picture, a colored transmission electron micrograph image captures the HIV virus budding from the surface of a T-lymphocyte white blood cell. The virus particles attack T-lymphocytes, stealing their genetic machinery, thereby forcing them to produce more copies of the virus. The new virus particles then erupt from the cell to infect other T-lymphocytes. As these are a vital part of the immune system, the disease severely weakens immunity, making victims susceptible to seemingly harmless infections.

 

Photograph by Eye of Science/Photo Researchers, Inc.

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Uploaded on October 31, 2008
Taken in November 2008