AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome -- A disease of the human immune system that is categorized by a reduction in the numbers of helper T cells to 20 percent or less of normal, rending the person highly vulnerable to life-threatening conditions and to some that become life-threatening, and that is caused by infection by the HIV virus.

Congenital abnormalities -- Malformations of organs or body parts during development in utero.

Ethics, medical -- The principles of proper professional conduct concerning the rights and duties of the physician, relations with patients and fellow practitioners, as well as actions of the physician in patient care and interpersonal relations with patient families.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus -- Any of several retroviruses and especially HIV-1 that infect and destroy helper T cells of the immune system causing the marked reduction in their numbers that is diagnostic of AIDS.

Kaposi's sarcoma -- A rare skin cancer characterized by the development of bluish-red nodules, usually on the lower extremities, most often on the toes or feet. A high incidence is often found in AIDS patients.

Pediatrics -- A medical specialty concerned with maintaining health and providing medical care to children from birth to adolescence.

Pneumocystis carinii -- A rare form of pneumonia often contracted by people with weakened immune systems.

Public health -- Branch of medicine concerned with the prevention and control of disease and disability, and the promotion of physical and mental health of the population on the international, national, state, or municipal level.