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In 2001, 5 million people around the world were infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). By the end of 2001, 3 million people, globally, had died from AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; the end stage of HIV). Current data estimate that 50 million people are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Thus far, approximately 25 million lives have been lost by the effects of the infection. The HIV/AIDS epidemic represents a major problem to the human race. This terminal disease has taken a massive number of lives, and is set to take many, many more. HIV and AIDS are two stages of the same virus. AIDS is the later progressive stage causing death. HIV belongs for a group of viruses known as retroviruses. Retroviruses are a class of enveloped viruses containing a single stranded RNA molecule as the genome. Following infection, the viral genome is reverse transcribed into double stranded DNA, which integrates into the host genome and is expressed as proteins (For more information, see website on retroviruses given in Bibliography). HIV can be transmitted in a number of different ways, eg. via blood, semen, breast milk or vaginal fluids. HIV is most commonly spread by unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who has the v