HIV

Question 1

define HIV

Answer 1

HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the body’s immune system and can progress into AIDs and increases risk of infection

Question 2

what does HIV target

Answer 2

targets and depletes the
number of T Helper cells/CD4+ cells in the body.

Question 3

how is HIV spread

Answer 3

• unprotected sex
• sharing needles
• vertical transmission.

Question 4

what are the 2 types of HIV

Answer 4

HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Question 5

which HIV is more common

Answer 5

HIV-1 is the most common and virulent

Question 6

pathophysiology of HIV

Answer 6

1. The HIV’s surface glycoprotein (gp120) binds CD4+ cells and inserts its RNA into the cell.
2. The RNA is converted to DNA and then integrated into the host cell’s DNA.
3. Protein synthesis then occurs which leads to the spreading of viral 4. HIV copies whilst the CD4+ cells apoptose.
4. The immune system begins to fail and enters an immunodeficient state. 6. This leads to an increased risk of infection

Question 7

what do severe cases of HIV lead to

Answer 7

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) where the
immune system has been catastrophically damaged

Question 8

how does acute HIV present

Answer 8

either asymptomatic or

*Malaise
* Fever
* Lymphadenopathy
* Maculopapular rash
* Mucosal Ulcers
* Sore Throat
* Myalgia
* Arthralgia
* Fatigue
* Diarrhoea

Question 9

symptoms during clinical latency of HIV

Answer 9

asymptomatic or

• Fever
• Persistent
  Lymphadenopathy
• Opportunistic infections
  (i.e. thrush)

Question 10

how to diagnose HIV

Answer 10

1. history
2. ELISA Testing:
3. monitor progression

Question 11

what does ELISA testing look for

Answer 11

Anti-HIV Ig + p24 Antigen

Question 12

what to monitor in someone with HIV

Answer 12

HIV RNA Copies and CD4
count

Question 13

what are the AIDS-defining conditions

Answer 13

• Pneumocystitis jirovecci
  pneumonia
• Cytomegalovirus (collitis
  > owl eyes)
• Kaposi Sarcoma
• Cryptosporidium
  infection
• TB Infection
• Lymphoma
• Toxiplasmosis

Question 14

main HIV treatment

Answer 14

Anti- Retroviral Therapy:

Question 15

what does anti-retroviral therapy do

Answer 15

Aims to maintain CD4 count and
reduce HIV RNA copies.

Question 16

what does anti retroviral therapy start with

Answer 16

Usually starts with 2 NRTI
(Nucleoside Reverse
Transcriptase Inhibitors) and a
third agent.

Question 17

what can the 3rd agent in anti retroviral therapy be

Answer 17

• Protease inhibitor
• Integrase inhibitor
• Non Nucleoside Reverse
  Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI)