HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Western medicine is defined as a viral infection that targets the immune system, particularly the CD4 white blood cells. These cells' depletion increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections (Douek et al., 2009, Nature Reviews Immunology). It is generally transmitted via unprotected sex, sharing needles, or exposure to infected blood. The condition escalates to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) when the CD4 cell count falls below 200 per cubic millimeter compared to a healthy range of 500-1600 cells (Palella et al., 1998, New England Journal of Medicine). In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches HIV through a focus on preserving "Vital Qi" and identifies early symptoms such as fever, itching, and fatigue as indicators of an invasion of heat. As the condition progresses, toxic heat disrupts multiple organ systems like the stomach, spleen, kidneys, and liver, manifesting in weight loss and poor appetite (Wang et al., 2016, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences). Both frameworks offer diverse perspectives on etiology and management.