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:
There is only one antiretroviral therapy (ART) centre in Haryana state for treating around 10,739 AIDS/HIV positive patients. The therapy centre is located in Rothak.
Even the International AIDS Society never had a nurse on its board which is really shocking given that they are the first ones to give treatment to HIV/AIDS patients.
A new landmark trial has shown that this once-a-month injection can replace the daily antiretroviral therapy (ART) that the HIV positive patients currently undergo.
More than half of total HIV positive patients undergoing treatment at government centres could not be traced according to a Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society (MSACS) report and the doctors believe they might spread it to others besides increasing their own health risks.
The computer simulations are now proven to be successful in tracking the virus's movements through populations.
A new study has zeroed in on a new defence against HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS.
According to a global study, HIV infection doubles the risk of heart disease.
Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in association with Bombay Municipal Corporation took a step forward towards healthy India and organised an awareness workshop at Dharavi.
These results could pave the way for the development of vaccines or other immune-based therapies that could be used together with medications to prevent the spread of HIV or other infections from mothers to their babies.
HIV stigma in Nepal: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) needs to be discussed.
A Lancet report has revealed that more than half a trillion dollars have been spent on HIV/AIDS worldwide between 2000 and 2015.
HIV virus blocks a pathway and thus avoids the immune response that is designed to cure the viral infection.
In India, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition will be available in 64GB and 256GB models respectively -- starting at Rs 67,940 -- from May at Apple authorised resellers and select carriers.
Grindr, which claims to have 3.3 million daily users from every country in the world, will send men who opt into the service a reminder every three to six months, and simultaneously point them to the nearest testing site.
More than 12 lakh PLHIV will be benefitted by this historic launch says the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
There will be HIV Viral Load testing for patients across 525 antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres in the country.
It is also being suspected that numerous truck drivers dislodge themselves in Unnao which is a transit point and might be acting as the HIV carriers.
The drug is a generic version of Gileads's Viread tablet, for which the patent expired on January 25.
Buffalo hump and fat atrophy are very common in those with HIV AIDS, says Dr Rashmi Shetty.
HIV AIDS patients are commonly affected by oral thrush, psoriasis, dandruff, shingles + 6 other skin conditions and rashes, says Dr Rashmi Shetty.
This one pill is equivalent to one whole week's medications
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on December 11 issued an advisory barring condom advertisements before 10 p.m. and after 6 a.m. with a view to prevent children from watching "indecent and inappropriate" content on television.
Supplements and a nutritious diet play an important role in fighting an HIV infection.
Nanoparticles of gold can be utilised to zap deadly viruses according to researchers.
These results could pave the way for the development of vaccines or other immune-based therapies that could be used together with medications to prevent the spread of HIV or other infections from mothers to their babies.
HIV stigma in Nepal: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) needs to be discussed.
A Lancet report has revealed that more than half a trillion dollars have been spent on HIV/AIDS worldwide between 2000 and 2015.
HIV virus blocks a pathway and thus avoids the immune response that is designed to cure the viral infection.
In India, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition will be available in 64GB and 256GB models respectively -- starting at Rs 67,940 -- from May at Apple authorised resellers and select carriers.
Grindr, which claims to have 3.3 million daily users from every country in the world, will send men who opt into the service a reminder every three to six months, and simultaneously point them to the nearest testing site.
More than 12 lakh PLHIV will be benefitted by this historic launch says the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
There will be HIV Viral Load testing for patients across 525 antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres in the country.
It is also being suspected that numerous truck drivers dislodge themselves in Unnao which is a transit point and might be acting as the HIV carriers.
The drug is a generic version of Gileads's Viread tablet, for which the patent expired on January 25.
Buffalo hump and fat atrophy are very common in those with HIV AIDS, says Dr Rashmi Shetty.
HIV AIDS patients are commonly affected by oral thrush, psoriasis, dandruff, shingles + 6 other skin conditions and rashes, says Dr Rashmi Shetty.
This one pill is equivalent to one whole week's medications
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on December 11 issued an advisory barring condom advertisements before 10 p.m. and after 6 a.m. with a view to prevent children from watching "indecent and inappropriate" content on television.
Supplements and a nutritious diet play an important role in fighting an HIV infection.
Nanoparticles of gold can be utilised to zap deadly viruses according to researchers.
With this technique, it is possible to prevent HIV transmission from father to baby.
The study revealed that compounds in marijuana were able to act as anti-inflammatory agents.
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These teenagers have been fighting against all odds, despite suffering from AIDS.
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