HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus, that can make DNA from RNA using reverse
transcriptase. It weakens a person's immune system by destroying T helper cells.

The HIV virus is made up Two RNA strands, proteins. A protein

layer called the capsid is found inside the envelope and encloses
two strands of RNA and some enzymes including reverse
transcriptase. A lipid envelope is found on the outside and
contains attachment glycoproteins. The lipid bilayer is derived
from the cell membrane of the host helper T cell that the
particle escaped from. (1)

HIV uses its genetic material to instruct the host cell to produce
the materials needed to make new HIV.

Normally lymphocytes seek out and destroy pathogens that enter the body, producing antibodies
that attach to pathogens and enhancing phagocytic activity. However, when HIV enters the
bloodstream and circulates around the body, it avoids being recognised and destroyed by
lymphocytes by repeatedly changing its protein coat.

A glycoprotein on the HIV surface binds to a

protein called CD4, this is usually a receptor on
T-helper cells. When they attach the capsid
fuses with the T-helper cell membrane and the
RNA and enzymes of the HIV enter the cell.
Reverse transcriptase then converts the virus’
RNA to DNA which moves to the T-helper cell’s
nucleus and enters the cell’s DNA, the viral DNA
is inserted into the chromosomes of the cell. It
creates mRNA, using the cells enzymes, which
contains the instructions to make a viral
protein. Each time the cell divides it copies the
viral DNA the infected cells remain normal as
the viral DNA is inactive. When the mRNA
leaves the nucleus and more HIV particles are
made using the cells mechanisms the helper T
cell dies. As a result, thousands of new HIV
particles are released which are able to infect
other helper T cells. When the HIV particle then leaves the cell it takes a small section of the cell-
surface membrane which forms a lipid envelope.

HIV interferes with the function of the T-helper cells, and lowers the volume available, this results in
a lack of B cells or cytotoxic T cells. Memory cells can also be infected and destroyed and therefore
the body’s immune response becomes greatly weakened, allowing diseases to become more deadly
as they are unable to be countered. (1,2,3)
Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, about two-thirds of people will have a flu-like illness.
This is the body’s natural response to HIV infection. Flu-like symptoms can include: Fever, chills,
fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers. (3)

The ELISA test (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) uses antibodies to detect the presence and
quantity of a protein. An antibody that is specific to the antigen we are trying to detect is added,
allowing them to bind together, and the excess antibodies are then washed off. A second antibody
containing an enzyme then binds with the first and the colourless substrate of the enzyme is added,
which changes it into a coloured product, and the amount of the antigen present is determined by
the intensity of the colour. This technique is used to detect HIV and other pathogens such as
tuberculosis and hepatitis, it is also used when testing for drugs and the amount present.

Antibiotics inhibit certain enzymes required for the synthesis and assembly of the peptide cross-
linkages in bacterial cell walls, which weakens the walls and makes them unable to withstand
pressure, which causes the bacteria to die. Viruses however rely on the host cells and don’t have
their own metabolic pathways and cell structures; therefore, antibiotics are ineffective against them.
Furthermore, they have a protein coat rather than a murein cell wall and therefore do not have sites
where antibiotics can work. Also the antibiotics can’t reach them.

HIV is treated with antiretroviral medicines, which work by stopping the virus replicating in the body.
This allows the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage. A combination of HIV
drugs is used because HIV can quickly adapt and become resistant.(4) – nhs

Antivirals can: Block receptors so viruses can’t bind to and enter healthy cells, boost the immune
system, helping it fight off a viral infection and lower the viral load in the body.

Between 1996 and 2001 more than 3 million

people were infected with HIV worldwide every
year. Since then the number of new infections
began to decline and in 2019 it was reduced to
below 2 million. The lowest number of new
infections since 1990. This is due to people
becoming more educated about the virus and
the help they can receive if they are faced with
it.

HIV continues to be a major global public health

issue, having claimed 40.1 million lives so far.
There is no cure for HIV infection. However, with increasing access to effective HIV prevention,
diagnosis, treatment and care, including for opportunistic infections, HIV infection has become a
manageable chronic health condition, enabling people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.