The word AIDS means acquired immuno deficiency syndrome.

This means deficiency of immune system, acquired during the lifetime of an individual indicating that it is not a congenital disease.

Syndrome means group of symptoms.

**Introduction**

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that weakens the immune system. While HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, AIDS itself is not considered congenital. This is due to the distinction between HIV infection and the development of AIDS.

**Transmission of HIV from Mother to Child**

HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child during various stages of pregnancy and childbirth. The virus can cross the placenta and infect the fetus directly, or it can be transmitted during labor and delivery through contact with the mother's blood or other fluids. Additionally, HIV can also be transmitted through breastfeeding.

**Difference between HIV Infection and AIDS**

It is important to differentiate between HIV infection and the development of AIDS. HIV infection occurs when the virus enters the body and begins to replicate, leading to the destruction of CD4 T cells, which are crucial for immune function. However, not all individuals infected with HIV progress to AIDS.

AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection characterized by severe immune deficiency. It is diagnosed when the CD4 T cell count falls below a certain threshold or when specific opportunistic infections or cancers occur. AIDS is typically diagnosed years after the initial HIV infection if left untreated.

**Why AIDS is Not Congenital**

Although HIV can be transmitted from mother to child, AIDS itself is not considered congenital due to the following reasons:

1. Timeframe: AIDS is a condition that takes time to develop after HIV infection. Infants infected with HIV during pregnancy may not immediately develop AIDS but rather progress through various stages of the disease over time.

2. Developmental Factors: Congenital conditions are present at birth or result from genetic or developmental abnormalities. AIDS is not a result of genetic or developmental factors but rather the progression of HIV infection.

3. Disease Progression: HIV infection does not always progress to AIDS. With proper medical care and antiretroviral therapy, the progression of HIV infection to AIDS can be significantly delayed or even prevented altogether.

**Conclusion**

While HIV can be transmitted from an HIV-positive mother to her child, AIDS itself is not congenital. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection that occurs over time and is not present at birth. Understanding the distinction between HIV infection and AIDS is crucial in addressing the prevention, treatment, and management of the disease.