Medically Verified By: Dr. Sachin Shelke
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection transmitted through the sexual route. Intravenous needle sharing, infected blood transfusions and transmission from mother to child during birth and breastfeeding can also cause HIV infection. The symptoms become manifest two to four weeks after HIV infection. Symptoms can also be delayed for as long as ten months. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and can cause complications. Treatment of HIV / AIDS comprises antiretroviral drugs and lifestyle management. The patient may suffer from opportunistic infections, which are usually fatal. Hence control of infection in an HIV positive patient is a crucial part.
HIV is classified into two different types:
The stages and progression of HIV infection is as following:
Asymptomatic phase: HIV infection initial stages without any significant symptoms. However, changes in the immune system are noted. This phase can last up to 3 months. Primary infection to develop into HIV disease and immunosuppression takes many years.
Primary infection: The patient replicates the HIV in his bloodstream and lymph nodes in this phase of the disease.
Symptomatic stage: this is known as the late phase of HIV disease, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The patient is at risk of developing opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis, candidiasis during this phase of infection.
Patients may remain asymptomatic initially after infection. Symptoms progress over two to three weeks after infection, the delay in symptoms for ten months has also been noted in many patients. Non-specific symptoms of HIV may occur during the Acute retroviral phase of the illness. Symptoms pointed out during this phase are as following-
Following are the routes of acquiring HIV/AIDS infection:
The following measures can prevent the spread of HIV infection:
Screening test and confirmatory test are the mainstays for the diagnosis of HIV infection. A complete blood count is performed to assess thrombocytopenia, leukopenia or anaemia. CD4 cell count and viral load are also essential in the diagnosis of HIV infection. Differential diagnosis also plays a significant role in testing for HIV infection. For example, considering cardiovascular disorders, order cardiac biomarkers.
In the case of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, pneumonia is a significant complication. Planning of chest X-Ray may be valuable to detect pulmonary infiltrates. Arterial blood gases provide essential information about an HIV infected person. Tuberculosis testing should be done. Sputum cultures are necessary for detecting bacterial infections. Other diagnostic tests such as CT scan may be crucial if disseminated TB is a possible diagnosis, especially in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Individual with AIDS and decreased cd4 cell counts are at risk for pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Industries diagnostic tests such as bilirubin, transaminase and light base are functional.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is essential in patients with dysphagia. Diarrhoea is a common symptom in patients with AIDS. In these patients testing for bacteria, parasite, and ova should be performed. In severe refractory cases, colonoscopy is essential. Neurological complaints of HIV and AIDS should be detected using CT scan, CSF analysis, and lumbar puncture.
Antiretroviral drugs: Antiretroviral drugs are the mainstay of treatment in HIV infected patients. Nucleoside/ nucleoid reverse transcriptase inhibitors in many combinations available. Along with this, CCR5 inhibitors and protease inhibitors are also used in the treatment of HIV infected patience.
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is a vital part of HIV treatment.
Prognosis
The progress of a patient suffering HIV with CD4 count greater than 500 lives a normal life compared to a person with a low CD4 level. Patients with AIDS who have untreated opportunistic infections have a low life expectancy.
Complications
A major complication to HIV is its progression to AIDS. It can be recognised when there is a low CD4 count with signs of opportunistic infections.
AIDS usually occurs when the lymphocyte count is below a specific level, and one of the following infections is present:
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Do you know that doing a regular physical activity can strengthen the immune system of the people suffering from HIV? So, just get going, if you haven't been doing yet.
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According to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, President Donald Trump will soon sign a legislation to extend an HIV/AIDS aid programme that started 15 years ago.
A new study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes has revealed that Stigma related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) impairs cognition in men living with the condition.
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The research group leader at USZ, Roger Kouyos reportedly explained that by comparing the immune response of patients, they were able to show that the HI virus has an influence on the extent and specificity of the antibody reactions.
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If you are losing weight because of unknown reasons, it's imperative you see your doctor because you might just be suffering from a serious condition.
While common cold or flu can cause your lymph nodes to swell up, there are other serious conditions that may just prove to be the culprits.
According to a new study published in the Journal of Immunity, monkeys could be prompted to produce neutralizing antibodies against one strain of HIV that resembles the resilient viral form that most commonly infects people.
HIV testing is pivotal in ensuring that the ailment is detected early and the persons infected with the virus can have longer, productive lives. Dr. Swati Rajagopal, Consultant-Infectious Disease, Aster CMI, sheds light on the topic in this article.
Dr Rita Bakshi, Senior Gynaecologist and IVF Expert, International Fertility Centre, briefs you about 'Know Your Status', which is also the theme of the Aida Day this year.
Increasing HIV cases is a serious problem for Balochistan.
Though there is no cure for HIV, advancements in medicine have made it possible for people with HIV to lead a normal life.
The United Nations is working towards putting the world on track to end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
For people living with HIV, this can be challenging because it can take a toll on their physical and emotional well-being. Hence, here are some tricks to help you to de-stress and enhance your emotional well-being.
Do you know that doing a regular physical activity can strengthen the immune system of the people suffering from HIV? So, just get going, if you haven't been doing yet.
Infants born to women with HIV are subject to factors during pregnancy that unexposed infants aren't. Exposure to HIV particles may make their immune systems develop differently.
According to U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, President Donald Trump will soon sign a legislation to extend an HIV/AIDS aid programme that started 15 years ago.
A new study published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes has revealed that Stigma related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) impairs cognition in men living with the condition.
Shockingly, approximately 9.4 million people are not aware that they are infected with the HIV virus? Social stigma and discrimination are acting as a barrier somewhere or the other in the HIV testing. However, one must know access to HIV testing is a basic human right and it must be exercised.
The research group leader at USZ, Roger Kouyos reportedly explained that by comparing the immune response of patients, they were able to show that the HI virus has an influence on the extent and specificity of the antibody reactions.
San Antonio, Texas Biomed AIDS research team is studying the antibodies that can eventually work as a vaccine against HIV.
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