HIV/AIDS


HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), making individuals more vulnerable to infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection, characterized by severe immune system damage and life-threatening opportunistic infections.

Signs and Symptoms:

HIV Infection (Acute Stage – 2 to 4 weeks after exposure)

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Rash
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Night sweats

Chronic Stage (Clinical Latency – Can last for years)

  • Often asymptomatic
  • Persistent swollen lymph nodes
  • Mild infections (e.g., oral thrush, shingles)

AIDS (Advanced Stage of HIV)

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Recurrent fever
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Night sweats
  • Persistent white spots in the mouth (oral thrush)
  • Pneumonia
  • Skin rashes or lesions
  • Neurological disorders (e.g., memory loss, confusion)

Complications:

  • Opportunistic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, candidiasis, pneumocystis pneumonia)
  • Neurological issues (e.g., dementia, neuropathy)
  • Cancers (e.g., Kaposi’s sarcoma, lymphoma, cervical cancer)
  • Organ damage (e.g., kidney and liver failure)
  • Severe weight loss (wasting syndrome)

Transmission:

  • Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person
  • Sharing needles or syringes
  • From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
  • Blood transfusion with infected blood (rare due to screening)
  • Occupational exposure (e.g., needlestick injuries in healthcare settings)

HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, air, water, or insect bites.

Causative Agent:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
    • HIV-1 (most common worldwide)
    • HIV-2 (less common, primarily in West Africa)

Incubation Period:

  • HIV Infection: 2 to 4 weeks (for acute symptoms to appear)
  • AIDS Development: Can take 10+ years without treatment

Reservoir:

  • Humans (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and other body fluids containing the virus)

Prevention and Control Measures:

Prevention Measures:

  • Safe sex practices: Use condoms, limit multiple sexual partners
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): For high-risk individuals
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): After potential exposure (within 72 hours)
  • Needle safety: Avoid sharing needles and syringes
  • Blood screening: Ensure safe blood transfusions
  • Maternal prevention: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women
  • Education and awareness: Public health campaigns on HIV prevention

Control Measures:

  • HIV testing and early detection
  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress viral load
  • Contact tracing and partner notification
  • Regular monitoring of HIV-positive individuals
  • Community programs to reduce stigma and discrimination

Laboratory Diagnosis:

  1. Screening Tests:

    • Rapid HIV Test (antibody-based)
    • ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)

  2. Confirmatory Tests:

    • Western Blot
    • Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

  3. Viral Load and Disease Progression:

    • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test – Detects HIV RNA
    • CD4 Count – Measures immune system health

Treatment:

  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

    • Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) – e.g., Zidovudine (AZT), Lamivudine (3TC)
    • Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs) – e.g., Efavirenz (EFV)
    • Protease Inhibitors (PIs) – e.g., Lopinavir/Ritonavir
    • Integrase Inhibitors – e.g., Dolutegravir
    • Entry Inhibitors (CCR5 Antagonists) – e.g., Maraviroc

  • Supportive Care:

    • Treat opportunistic infections
    • Nutritional support
    • Mental health and counseling

ART does not cure HIV but helps maintain low viral load, preserving immune function and preventing progression to AIDS.

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