Medically Important RNA Virus: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Introduction

human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Human immunodeficiency virus it attacks immune cells “CD4 cells”, hiv  is virus that attacks the Boyd’s immune system there is presently no viable treatment available for HIV.HIV, however, may be controlled with proper medical treatment. People with hiv who get proper hiv medication can live long, healthy  lives and protect their spouses, most people get hiv through sex, or by sharing needles and other drug injection equipment with a person who has hiv. Can also be passed by a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth related to breastfeeding. 

Haw is HIV/AIDS transmitted?

Sexual contact - HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus enters the body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or mouth during sexual activity.

Blood contamination - HIV may also be spread through contact with infected blood. However, due to the screening of blood for evidence of HIV infection, the risk of acquiring HIV from blood transfusions is extremely low. HIV is not transmitted through casual ways such as living same room, using same crockery or through coughing or bites.  

Sign and symptoms of HIV

• Fever

• Cough

• Dore throat

• Headache

• Muscle ache

• Joint pain

• Skin rash

• Diarrhea

• Swollen lymph glands

• Weight loss

• Night sweats

• Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Having these symptoms alone does not indicate that you have hiv. 

What are the stages of HIV

1. Acute HIV infection:

People have a large amount of hiv in their blood and very contagious. Early diagnosis and intervention during this stage are crucial as prompt initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help control viral replication and preserve immune function.

2. Chronic infection:

This stage is also called asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency, without treatment, this stage may last a decade or longer, or may progress faster. At the end of this stage, the amount of hiv in the blood goes up and the person may move into stage three (aids).

3. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS:

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): ▪AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe immunodeficiency. ▪In individuals with AIDS, the immune system is significantly compromised, leading to a wide range of opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, candidiasis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. ▪AIDS is also associated with the development of certain cancers, including Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer. ▪Wasting syndrome (unintentional weight loss) and neurological complications, such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).

What causes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is not caused by another disease.it is an infection that is acquired when the virus enters the body. The cause of HIV infection is direct exposure to the virus itself. HIV is not caused by casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, or mosquito bites.

Clinical Manifestations of HIV

1.  Acute Retroviral Syndrome:

Symptoms can resemble a flu-like illness and may include fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, and muscle aches. These symptoms typically occur within 2 to 4 weeks after infection and may last for a few weeks.

2.  2.  Asymptomatic Stage:

After the acute retroviral syndrome, HIV infection enters a chronic asymptomatic stage, which can last for several years. During this stage, individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms, but the virus continues to replicate and cause damage to the immune system.

3  3. Persistent or Recurrent Infections:

As HIV progresses and the immune system becomes compromised, individuals become more susceptible to various infections. Common infections seen in people with advanced HIV infection include: Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Fungal infections, including oral and esophageal candidiasis (thrush) and cryptococcal  meningitis.

4  4. Opportunistic Infections:

Opportunistic infections are infections caused by organisms that usually do not  cause severe illness in individuals with a healthy immune system

5  5. AIDS-Defining Conditions:

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is diagnosed when a person with HIV infection develops one or more specific opportunistic infections or certain cancers

Haw to diagnoses HIV

HIV Antibody Testing: The most common method for diagnosing HIV infection is through HIV antibody testing. Antibody tests detect the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection.

HIV Antigen Testing: HIV antigen testing detects the presence of viral antigens, specifically the p24 antigen, in the blood. Antigen tests can detect HIV infection earlier than antibody tests, as the p24 antigen appears in the blood before antibodies are produced.

Haw to treatment HIV

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV infection. ART involves the use of a combination of antiretroviral drugs to suppress viral replication, preserve immune function, and prevent the progression to AIDS.

Haw to prevention HIV

• Avoid unprotected sexual intercourse

• Avoid unexamined blood transfusion

• Avoid used syringes and equipment 

Conclusion

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a chronic infection that weakens the immune system by destroying CD4 cells, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and diseases.