HIV Flashcards
What does HIV stand for?
Human immunodeficiency virus
What does AIDS stand for?
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
How many people are infected?
78 million
What is the believed source of HIV?
Chimpanzee virus (SIV) Simian immunodeficiency virus
What are the transmissions of HIV across the world?
Heterosexual Homosexual Intravenous drug use Health-care setting Other
What is the structure of HIV?
120nm in diameter
60 times smaller than RBC
What is the mechanism of infection of HIV?
HIV gp120 binds to CD4 CXCR4/CCR5 binds to co-receptor Fusion through gp41 Nucleocapsid enter the cells & RNA released from core protein RT synthesis RNA-DNA RNA degraded by RNase H dsDNA translocation into nucleus where it integrates into host chromosomes Transcription of HIV mRNA Precursors cleavage Proteins assembly Budding & maturation
What happens when gp120 binds to CD4?
It undergoes conformational changes to expose co-receptor binding site and triggers trans membrane gp41
How many virons does HIV replicate each day?
10 to the 10
What is HIVs mutation rate?
3x10 to the -5
Why is HIV difficult to treat?
Many variants of HIV form each day
What are the 4 mechanisms of immune system destruction by HIV?
Kills infected cells
Syncytia formation
NK cells
Cytotoxic T cells
What is syncytium formation?
The fusion of virally infected cells with unaffected cells
How can HIV be prevented?
HIV awareness
HIV counselling
Protected sex
What is the HIV treatment triple therapy (HAART)?
Nucleoside analogue
Non-nucleoside analogue
Protease inhibitor
