During a
tonsillectomy,
Eric Cartman is inadvertently infected with
HIV after a botched
blood transfusion. When Cartman's classmates are notified of his diagnosis,
Kyle Broflovski begins laughing uncontrollably, believing that Cartman's HIV is justly deserved. A benefit is held for Cartman, but is sparsely attended as most people are apathetic to AIDS and
cancer has become more focused on.
Elton John does not arrive as scheduled, so
Jimmy Buffett performs in his place, to Cartman's anger. When Cartman confronts his friends the following morning, Kyle continues laughing and promptly leaves. Enraged at Kyle's reaction, Cartman sneaks into Kyle's room later that night with
Butters Stotch's help and purposely infects Kyle with HIV by drawing his own blood and dropping it into Kyle's mouth as the latter sleeps. Kyle and his mother,
Sheila, find out from Dr. Doctor, and Kyle immediately suspects Cartman. In a bloodthirsty rage, Kyle confronts Cartman at the playground and begins beating him until
Mr. Mackey breaks them up.
Principal Victoria reprimands Cartman for infecting Kyle, as well as Kyle for his perceived tattling. Further infuriated, Kyle ignores Cartman's apology and goes to Cartman's house, breaking his possessions in retaliation. When Kyle threatens to break Cartman's
Xbox 360, Cartman pleads with him, telling Kyle that he has done research that led him to conclude that
Magic Johnson's longevity since developing AIDS may lead to a possible cure. Cartman and Kyle travel to Johnson's house and tell him of their discovery. Though he is sympathetic, Johnson is unsure of how he can help. Upon investigation, Kyle and Cartman find that Johnson keeps his money in his bedroom since he does not trust banks. Johnson allows some of his money to be used in research for a cure, and scientists experiment with a concentrated dose of $180,000, which successfully neutralizes HIV particles. The discovery makes worldwide news, and an event is held in Kyle and Cartman's honor. After the emcee mistakenly addresses Kyle and Cartman as "two brave lovers," Kyle reneges on his promise not to break Cartman's Xbox, prompting the latter to run after him. ==Cultural references==