HIV Flashcards
What is the most common type of HIV in the US?
HIV-1, subtype B
Which individuals currently have the highest rate of infection?
Men having sex with men
***Gay, bisexual, and category of “other” men (especially young black men) who have sex with men—are most seriously affected by HIV
Which race has the highest burden of HIV in the US?
black race (African-Americans)
Who should be tested for HIV?
Patients with high-risk behaviors should be tested annually.
All pregnant women should receive universal screening.
Test everyone, ages 13–64, at least one time
Test all patients who present for new STI complaint.
Test all patients who are being treated for TB.
What is “opt out” testing?
In many healthcare settings, people are offered an HIV test on an ‘opt-out’ basis. This simply means that the healthcare worker suggests that it would be good idea to take a test, and that it will be carried out unless the patient asks for it not to be done
what signs/symptoms and lab results can you see in patient with acute HIV (early signs)?
probable signs: fever, fatigue, rash, headache, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, myalgias/arthralgias.
Possible symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, night sweats, aseptic meningitis, oral ulcers, genital ulcers, .
When are patients with HIV highly contagious?
During the first 4-6 weeks after becoming infected
Due to burst of viremia
HIV antibody will be negative.
Duration is two to three weeks and resolves spontaneously
What are lab results seen with acute HIV?
thrombocytopenia
leukopenia
elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST)
What are crucial markers to look for with new HIV infection?
Crucial markers are presence of rash and/or oral ulcers.
Which test can be ordered in patient that we suspect HIV infection on but antibody is negative?
HIV RNA (viral load)
Which test should we perform on HIV-unknown women so intrapartum antiretrovirals can be given?
rapid HIV testing
What is the most common test for HIV?
Most common is antibody test ELISA, confirmed by Western blot.
Which test do you perform on newborn who has been exposed to HIV?
Best test: HIV DNA PCR.
Antibody retesting can be done after _________ of age.
18 months
Which medication do we give to a baby that has been exposed to HIV?
Zidovudine 2 mg/kg/dose 4x/day, within 8-12 hours after birth.
Continue for six weeks.