Skip to main content

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

Introduction:

AIDS is a life-threatening condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It affects the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 T-cells, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. AIDS represents the most advanced stage of HIV infection.


Causes and Transmission:

  • Causative Agent: HIV (Types: HIV-1 and HIV-2).

  • Mode of Transmission:

    1. Sexual contact: Unprotected intercourse with an infected person.

    2. Blood transfusion: Using contaminated blood or blood products.

    3. Sharing needles: Among drug users.

    4. Mother-to-child: During pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

    5. Occupational exposure: Rare, through accidental contact with infected blood.


Stages of HIV Infection:

  1. Acute Infection:

    • Time frame: 2-4 weeks after infection.

    • Symptoms: Flu-like symptoms (fever, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes).

    • High viral load: Highly contagious.

  2. Clinical Latency (Chronic HIV):

    • Time frame: Several years (if untreated).

    • Symptoms: Usually asymptomatic or mild.

    • Virus is active but reproduces slowly.

  3. AIDS:

    • CD4 T-cell count: Below 200 cells/mm³.

    • Symptoms: Severe infections (pneumonia, tuberculosis), cancers (Kaposi's sarcoma).

    • Without treatment, life expectancy is reduced.


Symptoms of AIDS:

  • Severe weight loss (wasting syndrome)

  • Persistent diarrhea

  • Chronic fever

  • Night sweats

  • Recurring infections: Pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections

  • Neurological issues: Memory loss, confusion

  • Skin lesions: Kaposi’s sarcoma


Diagnosis:

  • ELISA Test: Detects HIV antibodies.

  • Western Blot Test: Confirmatory test.

  • PCR Test: Detects viral RNA; useful for early diagnosis.

  • CD4 Count: Measures immune system health.

  • Viral Load Test: Measures the amount of HIV in the blood.


Treatment:

  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

    • Combination of antiretroviral drugs (e.g., AZT, Tenofovir, Efavirenz).

    • Goal: Suppress viral load, restore immune function, and reduce transmission.

    • Lifelong treatment required.


Prevention:

  1. Safe sex practices: Use of condoms.

  2. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): For high-risk individuals.

  3. Avoid sharing needles: Needle exchange programs.

  4. Blood screening: For HIV-free blood transfusion.

  5. Mother-to-child prevention: ART during pregnancy, safe delivery methods.


Global Impact:

  • Epidemiology:

    • 38 million people living with HIV worldwide (as of recent data).

    • Highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa.

  • Challenges:

    • Stigma and discrimination.

    • Access to medication in low-income regions.


Conclusion:

AIDS is a severe and life-threatening condition resulting from HIV infection. While there is no cure, early detection and antiretroviral therapy can significantly improve the quality of life and reduce transmission. Prevention through education, safe practices, and screening remains essential in controlling the global impact of this disease

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to Let Me Explain (A Part of bionexts.in)

  Welcome to my Blogspot! Here, I explain various topics related to Bio-Medical Science with detailed class study notes. I trust it will be helpful for you. MISSION OF THE PROJECT My mission is to provide you Class Study Notes with a clear understanding of various Bio-Medical related topics, especially professional courses, using easy language. Don't worry; I'll also include other topics.  ☺️ CLICK ANY ONE OF THE SUBJECTS Immunology   Techno Professional Skill  Developmental Biology   Molecular Biology Cell Biology Genetical Engineering Biostatistics Bioinformatics Basic Acclimatization Skill Animal Biotechnology Medical Biotechnology Industrial Biotechnology Plant and Agricultural Biotechnology Research Methodology, IPR and Bioethics Are You Preparing For The GATE Examination Also! Click Here  Click Here   Are You Preparing For The UPSC Examination Also! Click Here Yes And Normal General Science Click Here And I'm going to explain to you the biology t...
Read more

Animal Biotechnology

On this page, you will find all topics related to Immunology! Here Every Major Topic Includes Sub-Major Topics. Find the topic you want to learn! Describe the basics of animal cell culture Introduction Definition, scope, and importance. Historical developments in animal biotechnology Basic requirement for animal cell culture Types of animal cells and their characteristics. Types of Culture Primary and secondary culture. Cell Cine & Maintenance and preservation of cell lines. history of animal cell culture Suspension culture ,  Cell cloning and hybridization ,  3D cultures ,  Scaling up & Growth factors.  Cell line and maintenance, viability test, cytotoxicity  Describe the cell culture and vaccine production Application of cell culture technology in the production of different vaccines and pharmaceutical proteins. Explain reproductive structures and artificial fertilization  Structure of sperm and ovum Cryopreservation of sperms and ova of...
Read more

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

On this page, you will find all topics related to Immunology! Here Every Major Topic Includes Sub-Major Topics. Find the topic you want to learn! Genome Introduction to the Genome Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Genome The Central Dogma of life C value paradox Genes are made of DNA Semi-conservative mode of DNA replication Cot Curve   Repetitive DNA sequences (satellite DNA, LINE, SINE etc) DNA melting and buoyant density Neucleosome Phasing DNA Replication and Recombination Replication initiation, elongation and termination in prokaryotes and eukaryotes DNA Replication (Explain) The Meselson-Stahl experiment Homologous Recombination at the molecular level The Holliday Model Double-stranded DNA repair model Removing of the DNA Primer / Flap Model DNA damage and Repair Mutation- Nonsense, missense and point mutations Intragenic and Intergenic suppression Frameshift Mutation Mutagens Transposition Transposable genetic elements in prokaryotes and eukaryotes Mechanism of transposition Role ...
Read more