HIV

Question 1

Normal lifespan of CD4 T cell

Answer 1

100 days.

HIV infected T cells die after 2 days

Question 2

What types of cells affected by HIV

Answer 2

T cells (cells with CD4 receptors)

Question 3

HIV viral load in blood at infection stages

Answer 3

Initial infection: Viremia (large viral levels in blood) for 2-3 wks

Followed by prolonged period (years) of low viral load

Question 4

Acute Retroviral Syndrome

Answer 4

Acute HIV infection (1-3 weeks after infection)

Flu like symptoms. Can be mistaken as flu.
Fever, swollen lymph nodes, malaise, sore throat

Lasts 1-2 weeks

Question 5

HIV Early chronic infection (Stage 1)

Answer 5

Generally asymptomatic

Fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, night sweats, lymphadenopathy can occur.

Most pts unaware of status. Can last 10+ years in untreated person.

Viral load starts high then remains low for years. CD4 T cell count remains above 500

Question 6

HIV Intermediate Chronic Infection (stage 2)

Answer 6

CD4 T cells drop to 200-500. Viral load increases.

May experience thrush, shingles, oral hairy leukoplakia, herpes, kaposi’s sarcoma

Symptoms may include persistent fever, night sweats, chronic diarrhea, recurrent headaches, fatigue, localized infections, swollen lymph nodes

Question 7

Kaposi’s Sarcoma

Answer 7

In ppl with HIV, presents as malignant vascular lesions on torso

Lesions anywhere on skin and on internal organs

Can cause lymph node swelling, GI symptoms, and cough

Question 8

Goals/Considerations of medication therapy in HIV

Answer 8

Decrease viral load
Maintain/raise CD4 T cell count
Delay HIV symptoms
Delay opportunistic infections
Prevent transmission

Medication resistance can occur if HIV meds not taken as prescribed
•Adherence is critical
•Even a few doses missed can cause med resistance
•As ppl live longer with HIV, resistance to meds becomes more common

Question 9

Late chronic HIV stage (AIDS-stage 3)

Answer 9

CD4 below 200