HIV Flashcards
What was the term first used to describe AIDS?
Gay-related Immune Deficiency
What is the overall trend in new infections across the global population?
Decreasing
List the transmission routes of HIV
Sexual intercourse Vertical transmission Sharing needles Needlestick injury Blood transfusion Organ transplant
What does HIV virus attach to?
Cells with CD4, resulting in reduced CD4+ T cells
What category of virus is HIV?
A lentivirus (type of retrovirus)
What is the envelope protein that mutates in HIV, and therefore limits effective vaccine production?
GP120
What are the chemokine receptors essential for entry of HIV into CD4+ cells?
CCR5 or CXCR4
What is the window period?
The time during which markers of infection are not detectable
What are some tests for HIV?
Antibody Antigen Then: Viral Load CD4 Count Typing Avidity Tropism Resistance tests Drug levels
What is the current window period for antibody/antigen testing using 4th gen ELISA?
1 month
What is viral load measuring (PCR) used for?
Monitor effectiveness of HIV treatment
Diagnosis in presence of maternal antibody
What is HIV Resistance testing used for?
Baseline at diagnosis
Suboptimal treatment response
Treatment failing
Want to change treatment for another reason
What is tropism testing used for?
Detect which co-receptor does the virus use to enter CD4 cells, required before using a CCR5 antagonist
What happens to CD 4 count with antiretroviral treatment?
It rises
What happens to HIV viral load with antiretroviral treatment?
It falls
What is the risk of percutaneous exposure of HIV positive blood?
1 in 300 risk (0.3%)
3% for HCV, 30% for HBV
What body fluids need to be handled with same precautions as blood?
CSF, Pleural, peritoneal, pericardial fluid, Breast milk, Amniotic fluid, Vaginal secretions, semen. Synovial fluid. Any fluid containing visible blood. Unfixed tissues and organs. Saliva – dental procedures Exudate/tissue fluid from burns or skin lesions
When should PEP be commenced?
Within 72 hours of exposure (continued for 28 days)
Who should PrEP be offered to?
High-risk patients (MSMs, sex-workers, partner of HIV positive patient)
