Which of the following is considered an infectious disease?

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is classified as an infectious disease because it is caused by a pathogen that can be transmitted from one person to another. It specifically targets the immune system, leading to the gradual deterioration of a person's ability to fight off infections and diseases. Understanding that HIV is an infectious disease is crucial for health education, as it highlights the importance of prevention methods, such as safe sex practices, needle exchange programs, and regular testing to control its spread.

In contrast, conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension are not caused by infectious agents, but rather by a variety of factors including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, diabetes is a metabolic disorder, and hypertension, or high blood pressure, is typically influenced by lifestyle behaviors and genetic predisposition, none of which are transmitted through pathogens. This distinction emphasizes the differences between communicable diseases, which are caused by specific infectious agents and can be spread between individuals, and non-communicable diseases that primarily result from chronic factors.