HIV/AIDS Lecture Flashcards
what is the patho of HIV?
a retrovirus that invades helper T cells (CD4) in the body of the host
is HIV curable?
no - only preventable and managable
is HIV an RNA or DNA virus?
RNA
what is the primary target of HIV?
CD4+ lymphocyte
what is the result of having a decreased number of CD4+ T cells?
immunocompromise
how is HIV transmitted?
through bodily fluids -
sexual, vertical, parenteral, transfusion, nosocomial
where is the highest prevalence of HIV?
sub-saharan africa
what population is the highest risk group for HIV?
men who have sex with men and African Americans
what does an acute HIV infection look like?
mono-like illness
how long does the HIV asx period last (after the acute infection)?
10 years
what happens after the 10-year asx period?
opportunistic infections begin to appear
how do you dx HIV?
Ab testing via ELISA/Western blot, rapid blood/oral test, home kits
how is the virus detected in the lab?
culture or RNA PCR
which HIV Ab test is approved by the FDA and is derived from the gum tissue?
Orasure
what are viral load tests?
determines the quantity of HIV-RNA that is in the blood; should be repeated every 6 months
how long might it take for a neonate to test positive for HIV?
6 months
what drug treatment is recommended for all pregnant HIV women?
Combination anti-retrovirals
what is HIV post-exposure prophylaxis?
anti-retrovirals within 72 hours of exposure
what is the most common method of HIV transmission?
exposure from needle-stick or cuts
what is the actual risk of contracting HIV if you have been exposed?
around 0.1%
what might happen when given prophylactic treatment?
a big immune inflammatory reaction occurring a few weeks to months after therapy
why do we use a multiple drug regimen for HIV?
there is quite a bit of drug resistance
