ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY

SYNDROME --AIDS
A type immune suppression which cripples the human
immune system and the ability of the human body to resist
infections diseases.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
 HIV is a type of retrovirus of an comprises
of an envelope studded with glycoprotein.
This envelope surrounds a protein coat
which contains the viral genetic material
 The enzyme reversed transcriptase enables
the virus to make DNA from its RNA
template, and thus earns its name as a
retrovirus.
 HIV destroys large portions of the T4 cells
by using the glycoproteins in its envelope to
recognize and bind to receptor molecules
(CD4) on the T4 cells (host cells) Two
molecules of single-stranded RNA and an
enzyme is reversed transcriptase
MECHANISM OF HIV INFECTION
Mechanism of HIV INFECTION

 During infection, HIV enters the body of a person and attaches to CD4 receptor on
the membrane of the T4 cell and fuses with the plasma membrane of these host
cells.
 The coat proteins are removed by enzymes and the RNA molecules and reverse
transcriptase of HIV enter the host cells.
 Reversed transcriptase catalyzes the synthesis of a single DNA strand
complementary to the viral RNA strand. A second DNA strand complementary to
the first is then formed catalyzed by the same enzyme.
 The double-stranded complementary DNA (cDNA) is incorporated as a provirus into
the T4 cell’s chromosomal DNA, where it may lie dormant for many years.
This is where the HIV virus busy spreading and killing other lymphocytes
Mechanism of HIV INFECTION

 The provirus is transcribed into RNA when

the T4 cells become activated as the body
of the infected person responds to certain
infection.
 This Viral RNA serves as both messenger
RNA for the formation of HIV proteins and
as genetic material for the new generations
of viruses formed.
 Protein coats form around the viral RNA and
reverse transcriptase molecules to form new
viruses.
Mechanism of HIV INFECTION

 Viruses bub from the host cell, acquiring envelopes from the plasma membrane of
the host cell as they leave.
 The new generations of viruses are released into the blood of the infected person
 This new population of HIV then attacks other T4 cells, particularly those in the
lymph nodes.
 As more and more of the T4 cells are destroyed, the immune system of the infected
person deteriorates, making that person susceptible to various infections. This will
eventually lead to death.
 HIV also infects the brain cells of the infected person causing them to be gradually
damaged. The retrovirus also attacks the bone marrow and causes the precursor
cells in blood tissue to become a “pool” for HIV .
SYMPTOMS OF AIDS

CANDIDIASIS

KAPOSI’S SARCOMA
 HIV is found in the blood , semen or vaginal fluids of the carrier.
DRUG TREATMENTS PREVENTION
 Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors such as  Use of Condoms during intercourse for
Azidothymidine (AZT) and Dideoxyinosine people with multiple sex partners which
(DdI) are used to inhibit the reproduction of can prevent the virus from infecting
virus by blocking the formation of DNA from others.
viral RNA.
 Restriction to one sexual partner only
 Protease Inhibitors such as Ritonavir and that is, sex between husband and wife.
Indinavir are used to block cleavages that
convert new viral proteins into building  Prevent drug abuse and avoid sharing
blocks for new viruses. needles and syringes.
 Screen all donated blood for the
presence of anti- HIV antibodies.
 Avoid sharing shaving razor or
toothbrushes or any personal stuff
which could be contaminated with HIV-
infected blood.
 Educate the public about the disease.