HIV

Question 1

Define and describe Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (20%)

Answer 1

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus.
Lentiviruses have a long latent phase between infection and the development of symptoms.
HIV causes immunodeficiency by infecting and destroying cells of the immune system, in particular CD4 cells.

Question 2

Briefly describe the main classes of medication used in the treatment of HIV (40%)

Answer 2

The are 3 different Antiretroviral therapy (ART) across 2 more different classes:

Entry Inhibitors (EI)- Maraviroc, Enfuvirtide

Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) -Abacavir, Emtricitabine, Lamivudine, Tenofovir

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) - Doravirine, Etravirine, Nevirapine,

Protease Inhibitor (PI) - Atazanavir, Darunavir, , Lopinavir

Integrase Inhibitor (II) _ Bictegravir, Dolutegravir, Elvitegravir, Raltegravir

Question 3

Discuss the main markers used in diagnosis and management of HIV and complications that can arise as a result of untreated HIV (40%)

Answer 3

Diagnosis can be done by testing HIV antibodies, CD4 counts and viral load test.
ART should start as soon as possible, especially in pregnancy, AIDS, early HIV infection and HIV associated with illness.

Complications associated with HIV includes:
Advanced HIV to AIDS- if untreated or on-responsive to therapy.
Waisting and Diarrhoea,
Neurological problems
mental health problems
Renal diseases
Metabolic abnormalities
Bone Diseases