HIV

Question 1

How does HIV affect the immune system?

Answer 1

Causes weakness of the CD4 T cells

Question 2

When does HIV become AIDS?

Answer 2

When the CD4 count falls below 200

Question 3

What are the three maiin routes by which HIV is passed?

Answer 3

Sexual transmission
Parenteral transmission e.g. used needles
Vertical transmission from mother to child

Question 4

What is the primary HIV infection?

Answer 4

This is the seroconversion stage and causes a flu like illness this is due to high viral load in the body and there is high risk of transmission

Question 5

How does chronic HIV appear clinically?

Answer 5

Initally asymptomatic until they begin to show signs of immunodeficiency with oppourtunistic infections

Question 6

What is the advantage of early HIV diagnosis?

Answer 6

Access to HAART (highly active antiretroviral therpy)

This means this treatment can be more effective if diagnosed early

Question 7

Where does screening for HIV take place?

Answer 7

In populations where the prevalence is greater then 2/1000 so at GP practices in certain areas
Also done in blood donors, dialysis patients, and organ donors and recipients
Key to test all patients where HIV is a differential

Question 8

How is HIV testing done?

Answer 8

With venous blood HIV antigen/antibody test - result will be available in 24 hours