HIV Flashcards
1
Q
Hallmark signs of AIDS defining illness
A
Esophageal candidiasis
persistent pain and diarrhea
kaposi sarcoma
wasting syndrome
2
Q
How can HIV be transmitted?
A
sex
blood/transfusions
breast milk
pregnancy
3
Q
Primary infection stage of HIV
A
CD4 and T cell count greater than 500
signs of general infection like flu
this stage can last 1-6 months
4
Q
Latency Phase of HIV
A
lasts 10 years
CD4 and T cell count gradually falls to 200-499
Virus is replicating
5
Q
Overt AIDS phase
A
CD4 and T cell less than 200
AIDS defining illness
6
Q
The ELISA test.. the western blot assay..
A
screens for HIV; confirms HIV
7
Q
the polymerase chain reaction..
A
detects HIV DNA and whether virus is present
