Which virus is responsible for causing AIDS?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). It attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. Over time, if HIV is not treated, it can destroy so many of these cells that the body becomes unable to fight off infections and diseases, culminating in AIDS. Understanding the role of HIV is essential for recognizing the importance of prevention, testing, and treatment strategies that are vital in managing this virus and its effects on health.

The other options refer to different viruses: HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) affects the liver and can lead to chronic disease, HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) also targets the liver, and HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus) causes herpes infections. While these viruses are significant in their own right, they are not related to the development of AIDS in the way that HIV is.