HIV and aids Flashcards
How is HIV spread
Sexual transmission
Injection of drugs
Blood
organ transplant
genetic - vertical
How does HIV work
It infects and destroys cells of the immune system: T helper cells which are CD4+
HIV attaches to CD4 receptors and destroys them
What does a low CD4 cause
Increased risk of infection development
What is a normal CD4 count
more than 400
Why does CD4 increase before decreasing a lot due to the HIV
The body produces more CD4 due to the CD4 being destroyed but eventually the HIV overpowers this
What is an AIDS infection
Development of certain infections or tumours due to weakness in the immune system
What is the treatment of AIDS
antivirals
When should HIV be tested
When someone comes in with recurrent STI
Unexplained symptoms:
Lymphadenopathy
neurology
diarrhoea
weight loss
renal impairment
fever
thrombocytopenia
What is a seroconversion illness
When the antibodies first develop
What are the symptoms for HIV
Flu-like illness
fever
malaise and lethargy
pharyngitis
lymphadenopathy
toxic exanthema
When should hIV treatment be started
Immediately after diagnosis
What is the treatment of HIV
combination antiretroviral therapy
Where does HIV cause it’s effect
HIV is an RNA virus so changes RNA into DNA and inputs this into the cell DNA to replicate viral proteins
How do reverse transcription inhibitors work
Inhibit conversion of RNA to DNA
How do integrase inhibitors work
Prevent the HIV DNA getting into the host cel
How do protease inhibitors work
Inhibit the maturation of virion particles
What is reconstitution illness
Large inflammatory response due to immune systems being enhanced by antivirals - the inflammatory response can be dangerous
When to start antiviral treatment for HIV in pregnancy
Before third trimester
What is a sign of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
TB lymph node becoming enlarged after starting antivirals
What are symptoms of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Marrow toxicity, lipodystrophy - patient loses fat in areas but gains fat in other areas
What are side effects of non-nucleoside revere transciptase inhibitors
Rashes, hypersensitivity anddrug interactions
What are side effects of protease inhibitors
Have many drug interaction, diarrhoea, lipodystrophy and hyperlipidaemia
What are the side effects of integrase inhibitors
rashes, headaches, disturbed sleep and depression
What can be done to prevent HIV
behaviour change and condoms
circumcision
prophylaxis
