HIV and AIDS

Question 1

Which cells does the HIV virus attack?

Answer 1

CD4 receptors, especially on the T helper cells.

Question 2

Which other parts of the body are affected?

Answer 2

Theres CD4 receptors - macrophages, brain, skin, monocytes.

Question 3

What is the new name for AIDS?

Answer 3

End stage HIV

Question 4

What is the normal CD4 level in the body?

Answer 4

500-1200 mm^2

Question 5

What is classed as end stage HIV?

Answer 5

CD4 level of <200mm^2

Question 6

what is the first symptom of HIV?

Answer 6

seroconversion illness - theres a flu-like illness in the first few weeks, then it becomes asymptomatic until end stage HIV.

Question 7

What are AID defining illnesses?

Answer 7

CD4 count has dropped to levels allowing oppurtunistic infections
Fungal pneumonia (pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia), TB, candidiasis

Question 8

When should screening for HIV be done after contact?

Answer 8

Should be done directly after contact (to see if theres HIV already) and 3 months after - it can take 3 months for the test to be positive.

Question 9

What is the antigen present in HIV?

Answer 9

P24 antigen.

Question 10

What is the most common treatment for HIV?

Answer 10

Triple therapy with anti-virals - mostly 2x Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors + 1 other.

Question 11

What other medication is given to prevent pheomocytic jirovecii pneumonia)?

Answer 11

Co-trimazole (if CD4 is <200)

Question 12

What medication is given for post exposure prophylaxis?

Answer 12

Truvada + raltegravir for 28 days.