HIV

Question 1

Define HIV

Answer 1

infection with the human immunodeficiency virus

Question 2

how is HIV transmitted?

Answer 2

o	Sexual intercourse  
o	Blood (and other bodily fluids)

Question 3

epidemiology of HIV?

Answer 3

most common in africa and asia

Question 4

what are some of the direct effects of HIV?

Answer 4

o Neurological: polyneuropathy, dementia
o Lung: lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis
o Heart: cardiomyopathy, myocarditis
o Haematological: anaemia, thrombocytopaenia
o GI: anorexia, wasting
o Eyes: cotton wool spots

Question 5

what are some effects of HIV caused by immunodeficiency?

Answer 5

o Bacterial Infection: TB, skin infections, pneumococcal infections
o Viral: CMV, HSV, VZV, HPV, EBV, JC virus = (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy)
o Fungal: pneumocystic jirovecii, pneumonia, Cryptococcus
o Protozoal: toxoplasmosis (ring enhancement
o Tumours: Kaposi sarcoma (raised purple lesions)

Question 6

investigations for HIV testing?

Answer 6

• HIV antibodies
• CD4 count
• PCR for viral RNA
• Viral Load

Question 7

when should tests be done?

Answer 7

o Testing should be done 4 weeks after possible exposure