Abstract : ABSTRACT Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition where CD4+ cell count falls below 200 cells/µl and immune system begins to fail in humans leading to life threatening infections. HIV is transmitted by sexual contact, exposure to infected body fluids or tissues and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breast feeding (vertical transmission).Hence the efforts for prevention and control of HIV have to rely largely on sexually transmitted disease (STD) control measures and AIDS. In the developing countries both prevalence and incidence of AIDS are very high. The management of AIDS can be controlled by antiretroviral therapy, alternative medicine, use of condoms etc. In present study is an update on stages of HIV infection, HIV transmission and approaches for prevention and management of AIDS.

Keyword : Kew words: AIDS, HIV, CD4+, Vertical transmission, Antiretroviral therapy, Condom.