CSIM 1.22 - Case 46 Launch

Question 1

Describe the basic features of HIV?

Answer 1

Retrovirus
RNA
Enzymes - reverse transcriptase//integrase

Question 2

What is the average latent period for HIV infections?

Answer 2

10 years

Question 3

What are the predictors of progression of HIV infection post-latent?

Answer 3

Increased viral load

Decreased CD4 T-helper cell count

Question 4

Describe what happens to the cells involved during HIV infection?

Answer 4

Initially CD4 T-cell count drops sharply as HIV infects CD4 T-cells//macrophages//dendritic cells
Host’s own cells kill off the virally infected CD4 T-cell and once this declines below a critical level = cell mediated immunity is lost

Question 5

What is the significance of HIV causing a loss of the body’s cell mediated immunity function?

Answer 5

The body is now more susceptible to opportunistic infections and pathogens

Question 6

What is HIV sero-conversion?

Answer 6

The time a person takes to develop antibodies for HIV but does NOT test positive on an antibody test

Question 7

Name five common symptoms associated with HIV infections?

Answer 7

Fever
Lyphmadenopathy
Pharyngitis
Rash
Diarrhoea

Question 8

What happens to a person infected with HIV, when their CD4 count falls below 250?

Answer 8

Susceptible to opportunistic infections such as pneumocystis carni pneumonia and multi-dermatomal shingles

Question 9

Which neoplasm is strongly associated with HIV infections?

Answer 9

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Question 10

In the developing world which condition is strongly associated with HIV infections?

Answer 10

Tuberculosis