HIV

Question 1

How does the transmission of HIV differ between BC and Saskatchewan?

Answer 1

In BC, transmission is primarily due to MSM, while in Saskatchewan it is primarily driven by needle use.

Question 2

What cells are most commonly affected by HIV?

Answer 2

CD4 T-helper cells (lymphocytes)

Question 3

What is a retrovirus?

Answer 3

Contains RNA and the enzyme (reverse transcriptase) to convert its RNA to DNA and embed it in host cells.

Question 4

Two measures of HIV infection/progression?

Answer 4

CD4 cell count (400-1200 normal range) and HIV viral load (measurable 40 - 10 million)

Question 5

Impending train wreck metaphor for HIV

Answer 5

The HIV viral load is the speed of the train, and the CD4 cell count is the amount of track left.

Question 6

3 common opportunistic infections

Answer 6

Pneumocystis, cerebral toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus retinitis

Question 7

What is Pneumocystis and what is the CD4 level for concern?

Answer 7

Fungal infection of the lungs. 200.

Question 8

What is Cerebral Toxoplasmosis and what is the CD4 level for concern?

Answer 8

Brain infection, can be picked up from pets. 100.

Question 9

What is Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and what is the CD4 level for concern?

Answer 9

A virus many people carry that is kept suppressed by normal immune system function and can cause issues in the back of the eye. 50.

Question 10

What are PEP and PrEP for preventing HIV?

Answer 10

They are biomedical interventions involving the administration of antiretroviral therapy either after a high risk exposure (PEP) or prior to a high risk exposure (PrEP)