HIV Flashcards
1
Q
Explain the virus structure of HIV?
A
- RNA retrovirus
- uses reverse transcription
2
Q
How quick is HIV replication?
A
- very quick in early and late infection
- new generation every 6-12yhours
3
Q
Explain the stages of HIV virus entry into the body?
A
- binding to the CD4+ cell
- fusion into the cell
- reverse transcriptase
- integration into the cell
- transcription
- translation
- formation of new viral proteins
- new generation every 6-12hrs
4
Q
What cells do HIV virus primarily target?
A
- CD4+ T cells
T helper cells
5
Q
Explain what happens to an infected CD4+ Cell?
A
- CD4+ Cell infection
- transported to regional lymph nodes
- infection established within 3 days (72hrs)
- dissemination of virus?
6
Q
Affects on cell levels in HIV?
A
- Reduced circulating CD4+ Cells
- reduced proliferation of CD4+ cells
- reduced CD8 Cells (initially higher)
- chronic immune activation
7
Q
What is the normal and abnormal levels of CD4+ Cells?
A
- normal > 500
- bad < 200
8
Q
What is an opportunistic infection?
A
- infection caused by a pathogen that does not normally produce a disease in a healthy individual
9
Q
What are the 3 stages of HIV infection?
A
- primary infection
- asymptomatic infection
- symptomatic
10
Q
What are the symptoms often displayed in the primary infection phase of HIV?
A
- Non-specific symptoms
- rash, fever, myalgia, headache
11
Q
What is PCP?
A
- Pneumocystic pneumonia
- Opportunistic infection
- CD4 <200
- Insidious onset, SOB, Dry cough
12
Q
Investigations of PCP?
A
- CXR = Interstital infiltrates
- Exercise oxygen desaturation
- bronchoalveolar lavage -> PCR
13
Q
Treatment of PCP?
A
- Co - trimoxazole
14
Q
Symptoms of cerebral toxoplasmosis?
A
- CD4 < 150
- Headache, fever, focal neurology
- cerebral oedema
15
Q
How does cerebral toxoplasmosis appear on CT?
A
- Ring enhancing lesions on brain CT
