Acquired immune deficiency

syndrome (AIDS)

Features of AIDS and HIV are listed

in Table 10.4

Is caused by the
immunodefiencyvirus

Pathogen Human immunodeficiency virus

Methods of In semen and vaginal fluids during sexual
transmission intercourse ,infected blood or blood
products ,contaminated hypodermic
syringes , at mother to fetes across
placenta , at bith, mother to infect in
breast milk
Global Worldwide ,especially in sub-Saharan
distribution Africa and south East Asia
Incubation Initial incubation a few weeks but up to
period ten years or more before symptoms of
AIDS my develop
Site of The helper lymphocytes ,macrophages
action ,brain cell
pathogen
Clinical HIV infection _flu like symptoms and the
features symptomless AIDS _opportunistic infection
including , weight loss ,diarrhoeas fever
sweating dementia
Method of Testing blood ,saliva or urine for the
diagnosis presence of antibodies produced against
HIV

Primary infection (Acute HIV)

Some people infected by HIV develop a flu-like illness within two to four weeks after the
virus enters the body. This illness, known as primary (acute) HIV infection, may last for a few
weeks. Possible signs and symptoms include:
  Fever

 Headache

 Muscle aches and joint pain

 Rash

 Sore throat and painful mouth sores

 Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck

 Diarrhea

 Weight loss

 Cough

 Night sweats

These symptoms can be so mild that you might not even notice them. However, the amount
of virus in your bloodstream (viral load) is quite high at this time. As a result, the infection
spreads more easily during primary infection than during the next stage.

Transmission

Most people who get HIV get it through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or
other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers). But there are powerful tools that
can help prevent HIV transmission.

This section answers some of the most common questions about the risk of HIV
transmission for different types of sex, injection drug use, and other activities. You can also
download materials about HIV transmission.

What is HIV treatment?

HIV treatment involves taking medicine that reduces the amount of HIV in your body.

 HIV medicine is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).

 There is no effective cure for HIV. But with proper medical care, you can control HIV.
 Most people can get the virus under control within six months.
 Taking HIV medicine does not prevent transmission of other sexually transmitted
diseases.

When should I start treatment?

Start Treatment As Soon As Possible After Diagnosis

  HIV medicine is recommended for all people with HIV, regardless of how long
they’ve had the virus or how healthy they are.
 Talk to your health care provider about any medical conditions you may have or any
other medicines you are taking.
 Let your health care provider know if you or your partner is pregnant or thinking
about getting pregnant. They will determine the right type of HIV medicine that can
help prevent transmitting HIV to your baby.

Prevention

Tell your sexual partners if you have HIV

Use a clean needle. 

If you're pregnant, get medical care right away

Consider male circumcision.

What is the treatment for HIV?

The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a
combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment regimen) every day.

ART is recommended for everyone who has HIV. ART can’t cure HIV, but HIV medicines help
people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission.

What effect does HIV have on the body?

HIV attacks a specific type of immune system cell in the body. It’s known as the CD4 helper
cell or T cell. When HIV destroys this cell, it becomes harder for the body to fight off other
infections.

When HIV is left untreated, even a minor infection such as a cold can be much more severe.
This is because the body has difficulty responding to new infections.

Prepared by zaynab isack mahamed