HIV Flashcards
HIV refers to
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV is an
RNA retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
HIV primarily targets the
CD4+ T cells, a type of cell known as T helper cells and uses them to replicate itself
What cells does the virus use as a host to replicate
T helper cells
Most common HIV
HIV 1
what does the virus do to the CD4 T-helper cells
enters and destroys them
how does the HIV first present
an initial seroconversion flu-like illness occurs within a few weeks of infection
after the seroconversion flu what happens
The infection is then asymptomatic until the condition progresses to immunodeficiency.
immunodeficiency causes
AIDS- defining illnesses and opportunistic infections. This progression occurs potentially years after the initial infection.
Transmission
Unprotected anal, vaginal or ora; sexual activities
Vertical transmission - Mother to child at any stage of pregnancy, birth or breast feeding
Mucous membrane, blood or open wound exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids
Name 4 Aids defining illnesses
Kaposi’s sarcoma
PCP
Lymphomas
Tuberculosis
Why do AIDs defining illnesses occur
The CD4 count has dropped to a level that allows unusual opportunistic infections and malignancies to appear
Is HIV treatable
Yes, most patients are fit and healthy after treatment
How long does it take to develop antibodies for the virus
up to three months
Testing 3 ways
Antibody testing is the typical screening test for HIV = simple blood test.
p24 antigen test = checks directly for the specific HIV antigen in the blood. This can give a positive result earlier in the infection.
PCR testing for the HIV RNA levels = tests directly for the number of viral copies in the blood, giving the viral load
