HIV Flashcards
What is the process of being infected with HIV
An initial seroconversion causes a flu-like illness occurs within a few weeks ofinfection, the infection is then asymptomatic until the condition progresses to immunodeficiency after the virus enters and destroys the CD4 T-helper cells of immune system. The patient then develops an AIDS-defining illness and opportunistic infections which can occur years after initial infection
Transmission of HIV
Unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex, mother to child at any stage of pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, mucous membrane, blood or open wuound exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids
What is AIDS-defining illness
Infections which occur when the CD4 count has dropped to a level which allows for unusual infections and malignancies to occur, it is associated with end stage HIV
Examples of AIDS-defining illnesses
Kaposi’s sarcoma
PCP
CMV
Candidiasis
Lymphomas
TB
When will antibody tests be reliable for picking up HIV infection
3 months after exposure
What does PCR testing reveal
Testing for the HIV RNA levels tests directly for the number of viral copies in the blood, giving a viral load
What is monitored during individuals with known HIV
CD4 count and viral load
What CD4 count indicateds AIDS
Under 200 cells/mm3
When is a viral load of HIV considered undetectable
Viral load below labs recordable range which is usually 50-100 copies/ml
What does treatment of HIV involve
Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
Examples of NRTIs
Tenofovir and emtricitabine
Example regimines for HIV
Two NRTIs plus third agent
Different classes of highly active anti-retrovirus therapy medication (HAART)
Protease inhibitors
Integrase inhibitors
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Entry inhibitors
Additional management for prophylaxis against AIDS illnesses
Co-trimoxazole for PCP and those with CD4 count below 200.
CVD risk factors monitored
Cervical smears for HPV
Vaccinations such as influenza, pneumococcal, hep A and hep B, tetanus, diptheria and polio
What is PEP
Post-exposure prophylaxis which is used after exposure to HIV to reduce risk of transmission.
When must PEP be commenced
Within 72 hours and the sooner the better
Current regimine for PEP
ART therapy using Truvada and raltegravir for 28 days
What is PREP
Pre-exposure therapy which is taken before suspected sexual activity or activities which risk transmission form others
What are the different PREP regimines
4 times a week - T’s and S’s
Once daily
2 tablets 2-24 hours before, day of and 1 tablet for 2 days after event
What are the optinos for reducing transmission during birth
Caesarean, IV zidovudine, prophylaxis treatment.
What is Kaposi’s sarcoma
Cancer cells are found withing the skin of mucous membranes which line the GI tract.
Presentation of Kaposi’s sarcoma
Purple patchs or nodules on the skin and/or mucous membranes
Lymphadenopathy
Cause of kaposi’s sarcoma
HHV-8
What is pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP)
Infection of lungs by the fungus pneumocystis jirovecii
Presentation of PCP
Fever, cough, dyspnoea, respiratory failure
