Human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes HIV infection. An acronym
for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a specific group of
infection and deadly disease resulting from immune suppression caused by a
microscopic germ known as human immune deficiency virus (HIV), it renders the
body susceptible to fatal attacks by diseases against the body which the body
could have normally resisted.
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes HIV infection. An acronym
for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), is a specific group of
infection and deadly disease resulting from immune suppression caused by a
microscopic germ known as human immune deficiency virus (HIV), it renders the
body susceptible to fatal attacks by diseases against the body which the body
could have normally resisted.
There
are two types of HIV, HIV type 1 and HIV type 2. HIV type 1 is more common
worldwide and can be transmitted through the same routes and is associated with
opportunistic infections. Human immune deficiency virus type two (2) is
predominant in West Africa, Angola and Mozambique. HIV type two (2) is less
easily transmitted, it develops slowly. Maternal to child transmission is
relatively rare in HIV type two (2). Some anti-retroviral drugs are effective
against HIV type two (2).
are two types of HIV, HIV type 1 and HIV type 2. HIV type 1 is more common
worldwide and can be transmitted through the same routes and is associated with
opportunistic infections. Human immune deficiency virus type two (2) is
predominant in West Africa, Angola and Mozambique. HIV type two (2) is less
easily transmitted, it develops slowly. Maternal to child transmission is
relatively rare in HIV type two (2). Some anti-retroviral drugs are effective
against HIV type two (2).
When
an individual is infected with HIV, it affects and kills the CD4 – T cell (a
specific type of white blood cells). The CD4+ cell in the blood
reflects the state of immune system. The effect of HIV is measured by the
decline in the number of CD4+ cells. The normal count in the normal adult is
between 600 – 1, 200 cells mm3.
an individual is infected with HIV, it affects and kills the CD4 – T cell (a
specific type of white blood cells). The CD4+ cell in the blood
reflects the state of immune system. The effect of HIV is measured by the
decline in the number of CD4+ cells. The normal count in the normal adult is
between 600 – 1, 200 cells mm3.
HIV
attacks the white blood cells called CD4 cells that protect the body from
illness. Overtime, the body’s ability to fight common infection occurs. There
is a direct infection of organs, systems, e.g. brain (HIV dementia) and wasting
heart (cardiomyopathy).
attacks the white blood cells called CD4 cells that protect the body from
illness. Overtime, the body’s ability to fight common infection occurs. There
is a direct infection of organs, systems, e.g. brain (HIV dementia) and wasting
heart (cardiomyopathy).
HIV
can be transmitted during each stage:
can be transmitted during each stage:
Seroconversion Window Period: This takes place within 4-6 weeks for antibodies to
develop.
develop.
Asymptomatic Stage: No sign of HIV because the immune system controls
the virus production.
the virus production.
Symptomatic Stage: Physical signs of HIV infection and immune
suppression.
suppression.
AIDS: This is the late and severe stage of HIV infection. As HIV infection
progresses, the CD4+ count continue to decrease and the individual
is susceptible to opportunistic infections.
progresses, the CD4+ count continue to decrease and the individual
is susceptible to opportunistic infections.
HIV
infection has now spread to every country in the world. Statistics show that
approximately 40 million people are currently living with HIV infection and an
estimated 2.5 million have died from this disease. Worldwide, 42% of people
with HIV are women.
infection has now spread to every country in the world. Statistics show that
approximately 40 million people are currently living with HIV infection and an
estimated 2.5 million have died from this disease. Worldwide, 42% of people
with HIV are women.
Globally,
85% of the transmission is through heterosexual intercourse. The clinical
manifestations are:
85% of the transmission is through heterosexual intercourse. The clinical
manifestations are:
·
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.
·
Severe and frequent infections.
Severe and frequent infections.
·
Extreme and unexplained tiredness that may be obtained with headaches,
light headedness, dizziness, glands located in throat, armpit or groan, periods
of persistent deep and dry coughing.
Extreme and unexplained tiredness that may be obtained with headaches,
light headedness, dizziness, glands located in throat, armpit or groan, periods
of persistent deep and dry coughing.
·
Severe or recurring vaginal yeast infection.
Severe or recurring vaginal yeast infection.