HIV/AIDS Lecture

Question 1

what is the patho of HIV?

Answer 1

a retrovirus that invades helper T cells (CD4) in the body of the host

Question 2

is HIV curable?

Answer 2

no - only preventable and managable

Question 3

is HIV an RNA or DNA virus?

Answer 3

RNA

Question 4

what is the primary target of HIV?

Answer 4

CD4+ lymphocyte

Question 5

what is the result of having a decreased number of CD4+ T cells?

Answer 5

immunocompromise

Question 6

how is HIV transmitted?

Answer 6

through bodily fluids -

sexual, vertical, parenteral, transfusion, nosocomial

Question 7

where is the highest prevalence of HIV?

Answer 7

sub-saharan africa

Question 8

what population is the highest risk group for HIV?

Answer 8

men who have sex with men and African Americans

Question 9

what does an acute HIV infection look like?

Answer 9

mono-like illness

Question 10

how long does the HIV asx period last (after the acute infection)?

Answer 10

10 years

Question 11

what happens after the 10-year asx period?

Answer 11

opportunistic infections begin to appear

Question 12

how do you dx HIV?

Answer 12

Ab testing via ELISA/Western blot, rapid blood/oral test, home kits

Question 13

how is the virus detected in the lab?

Answer 13

culture or RNA PCR

Question 14

which HIV Ab test is approved by the FDA and is derived from the gum tissue?

Answer 14

Orasure

Question 15

what are viral load tests?

Answer 15

determines the quantity of HIV-RNA that is in the blood; should be repeated every 6 months

Question 16

how long might it take for a neonate to test positive for HIV?

Answer 16

6 months

Question 17

what drug treatment is recommended for all pregnant HIV women?

Answer 17

Combination anti-retrovirals

Question 18

what is HIV post-exposure prophylaxis?

Answer 18

anti-retrovirals within 72 hours of exposure

Question 19

what is the most common method of HIV transmission?

Answer 19

exposure from needle-stick or cuts

Question 20

what is the actual risk of contracting HIV if you have been exposed?

Answer 20

around 0.1%

Question 21

what might happen when given prophylactic treatment?

Answer 21

a big immune inflammatory reaction occurring a few weeks to months after therapy

Question 22

why do we use a multiple drug regimen for HIV?

Answer 22

there is quite a bit of drug resistance