HIV Flashcards
What is HIV?
infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
List 5 routes of transmission for HIV
Sexual intercourse Blood transfusion/ Organ transplantation Pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding IV drug use Occupational exposure
Describe the pathogenesis of HIV
HIV enters CD4 lymphocytes
Reverse transcriptase allows incorporation of HIV genetic material into the host genome
Dissemination of virions leads to cell death + eventual T-cell depletion
Describe the epidemiology of HIV
Increasing in incidence in Africa and Asia
Describe the 3 phases of HIV
- Seroconversion: 4-8 weeks post infection
Self-limiting, Fever, Night sweats, Generalised lymphadenopathy, Sore throat, Oral ulcers, rash, myalgia, headache, encephalitis, diarrhoea - Early/ Asymptomatic: 18 months-15 years
Apparently well, some may have persistent lymphadenopathy, progressive minor symptoms (e.g. rash, oral thrush, weight loss) - AIDS
Syndrome of secondary diseases resulting from immunodeficiency
List the neurological, respiratory, cardiac, haematological, GI and eye pathologies that are direct effects of HIV Infection
Neuro: polyneuropathy, dementia Lung: lymphocytic interstitial pneumonitis Heart: cardiomyopathy, myocarditis Haem: anaemia, thrombocytopaenia GI: anorexia, wasting Eyes: cotton wool spots
What secondary bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoal infections arise from immunodeficiency in HIV?
Bacterial: TB, skin infections, pneumococcal infections
Viral: CMV, HSV, VZV, HPV, EBV
Fungal: pneumocystic jirovecii pneumonia, Cryptococcus, candidiasis, invasive aspergillosis
Protozoal: toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidia
What investigations are required for HIV?
ELISA confirmed by western blot
Assessment of viral load; HIV RNA or branched DNA assay.
FBC: anaemia, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia with reduced CD4 cell count.
Raised ESR.
Screening for other STIs/ infections
