HIV/AIDS In

HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Following initial infection, a person may not notice any symptoms or may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness. Typically, this is followed by a prolonged period with no symptoms. As the infection progresses, it interferes more with the immune system, increasing the risk of developing common infections like tuberculosis, as well as other opportunistic infections, and tumors that rarely affect people who have working immune systems. These late symptoms of infection are referred to as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This stage is often also associated with unintended weight loss.

HIV is spread primarily by unprotected sex (including anal and oral sex), contaminated blood transfusions, hypodermic needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Some bodily fluids, such as saliva and tears, do not transmit HIV. Methods of prevention include safe sex, needle exchange programs, treating those who are infected, and male circumcision. Disease in a baby can often be prevented by giving both the mother and child antiretroviral medication. There is no cure or vaccine; however, antiretroviral treatment can slow the course of the disease and may lead to a near-normal life expectancy. Treatment is recommended as soon as the diagnosis is made. Without treatment, the average survival time after infection is 11 years.

Classification

HIV is a member of the genus Lentivirus, part of the family of Retroviridae. HIV-1 and HIV-2 are the two main types of the virus. HIV-1 is more virulent, is more easily transmitted, and is the cause of the majority of HIV infections globally. The pandemic strain of HIV-1 is closely related to a virus strain that infects chimpanzees, while HIV-2 is more closely related to a virus strain that infects sooty mangabey monkeys.

Signs and Symptoms

Early symptoms of HIV infection may include fever, chills, joint pain, swollen glands, skin rash, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and night sweats. As the disease progresses, it can lead to more serious symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea, weight loss, cough and shortness of breath, prolonged fever, and severe bacterial infections.

Transmission

HIV is transmitted through three main routes: sexual contact, significant exposure to infected body fluids or tissues, and from mother to child. Sexual transmission occurs with the transfer of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or anal mucus. Transmission can be reduced by the use of condoms and other safe sex practices.

Prevention

Preventive measures include safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms; needle-exchange programs to reduce the risk of infection through drug injections; antiretroviral treatment for those who are HIV-positive to reduce the chance of transmission; and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at high risk of HIV infection.

Treatment

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the cornerstone of HIV treatment and is recommended for all individuals with HIV. This treatment involves taking a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV regimen) every day. ART cannot cure HIV, but it can help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. ART also reduces the risk of HIV transmission.

Epidemiology

As of 2020, approximately 37.7 million people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, with sub-Saharan Africa being the most affected region. Despite the existence of antiretroviral therapy, AIDS remains a significant cause of death in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries.

See Also

• Antiretroviral therapy
• Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS
• Prevention of HIV/AIDS
• History of HIV/AIDS
• Timeline of HIV/AIDS

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