HIV Flashcards
What is the structure of HIV?
Diploid genome - 2 molecules of +ssRNA, enveloped
What are the three structural genes of HIV?
env, gag, pol
What does env code for?
gp120 and gp41: Formed from cleavage of gp160 to form envelope glycoproteins
What does gp120 do?
Docking glycoprotein- Attaches to host CD4+ T cell
What does gp41 do?
Transmembrane protein that Fusion and entry into host cell
What does gag code for?
p24 - capsid protein
What does pol code for?
reverse transcriptase; synthesizes dsDNA from genomic RNA, which then integrates into host chromosome
What does HIV bind?
CD4 as well as coreceptor - CCR5 on macs (early infection), CXCR4 on T cells (late infection)
What protein mutation can confer immunity to HIV infection?
CCR5. Homozyg = immune. Heterozyg = slower course.
What are tat and rev?
Two regulatory genes required for transcription.
What is the ELISA test forHIV used for?
Presumptive diagnosis - it is a rule-out test, a sensitive test with a high false positive rate and a low threshold.
What is Western blot assay for HIV used for?
Rule in test - Specific, low false-positive rate, and high threshold.
What is viral load used for?
Monitor effect of drug therapy. High viral load associated with poor prognosis.
What is the cutoff for immuncompromised, and for AIDS?
Immunocomp: CD4+ < 400
CD4+ < 200, CD4+ % <14, or HIV+ with AIDS-defining illness eg Pneuomocystis
When may ELISA/Western blot be falsely negative?
First 1-2 months of infection.
When may ELISA/Western blot be falsely negative?
Babies born to infected mothers; anti-gp120 crosses the plasma.
What is the presentation of candida albicans in HIV+ with CD4 <500?
Oral thrush