Due to the socio-economic burden on this disease, I decided to carry out a little enlightenment.
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Associated Definitions
HIV
The acronym for Human Immunodeficiency VirusAIDS
The acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
The Virus.
Former names of the virus include:
- Human T cell lymphotrophic virus (HTLV-III)
- Lymphadenopathy associated virus (LAV)
- AIDS associated retrovirus (ARV)
HIV is an enveloped virus of the lentivirus subfamily of retroviruses. It has Icosahedral (20 sided) shape. Being a retrovirus, it transcribe RNA to DNA. HIV is double stranded with the two viral strands of RNA found in a core known as capsid surrounded by protein outer coat. The outer envelope contains a lipid matrix within which specific viral glycoproteins are imbedded.
These knob-like structures responsible for binding to target cell.
TYPES OF THE VIRUS
There are two types of HIV; HIV-1 and HIV-2.
- HIV-1.- More common worldwide. |Mother to child transmission occurs more in of HIV-1 than HIV-2
- HIV-2.- Found in West Africa, Mozambique, and Angola. |is less easily transmitted. |is less pathogenic.
|Duration of HIV-2 infection is shorter
Methods of transmission
- Sexual transmission, contact with body fluids
- Exposure to infected blood or blood products.
- Use of contaminated clotting factors by hemophiliacs.
- Sharing contaminated needles (IV drug users).
- Transplantation of infected tissues or organs.
- Mother to fetus, perinatal transmission variable, dependent on viral load and mother’s CD 4 count.
Note: HIV primarily infects human cells that have CD4+ cell-surface receptor molecules, using the receptors to gain entry.
REVISED WHO CLINICAL STAGING OF HIV/AIDS FOR ADULTS & ADOLESCENT
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LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION
ENZYME LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY
WESTERN BLOT
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PREVENTIVE MEASURES
- A
Abstinence from all HIV related risky behaviors (such as sexual intercourse, sharing of IV needles, body piercing, or tattooing using non sterile needles, etc) is the only 100% effective way to prevent transmission of HIV. - B
Be faithful to your partner - C
Make use of a condom - D
Drug therapy after being diagnosed
Other precautions are ;
Universal Precautions (all body fluids are treated as if they are infectious)
Avoidance of Alcohol/drug use
Use Negotiation and Communication
Resisting negative peer pressure