HIV, Influenza, Herpes Flashcards
What does NRTI stand for?
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor
True or False: NRTIs are a type of antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS.
True
Which enzyme do NRTIs primarily target in the HIV replication process?
reverse transcriptase
What is the mechanism of action of NRTIs?
They compete with natural nucleotides and incorporate into the viral DNA chain, leading to chain termination
What is the main goal of NRTI therapy in HIV/AIDS treatment?
To reduce viral load and improve immune function
What is the significance of NRTIs in preventing HIV transmission?
They can reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy
Which NRTI is commonly used in combination therapy for HIV/AIDS?
Tenofovir
True or False: NRTIs can completely cure HIV/AIDS.
False
What is the role of NRTIs in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention?
They can help reduce the risk of HIV infection in high-risk individuals
How do NRTIs differ from NNRTIs in terms of mechanism of action?
NRTIs compete with natural nucleotides, while NNRTIs bind directly to the enzyme
What is the most common route of administration for NRTIs?
Oral
What is the recommended frequency for taking NRTIs in HIV treatment?
Usually once or twice daily
What is the primary goal of NRTI therapy in HIV-infected individuals?
To suppress viral replication and maintain low viral load
What is the significance of NRTIs in reducing HIV-associated morbidity and mortality?
They can improve the quality of life and prolong survival in HIV-infected individuals
Name one potential drug interaction with NRTIs.
Methadone
What is the importance of adherence to NRTI therapy in HIV treatment?
Adherence is crucial to prevent drug resistance and treatment failure
How do NRTIs affect the HIV virus?
They inhibit viral replication by interfering with the reverse transcriptase enzyme
What laboratory tests are typically monitored during NRTI therapy?
CD4 cell count and viral load
What is the potential consequence of long-term NRTI use?
Development of mitochondrial toxicity
What is the role of NRTIs in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)?
They are essential components of cART to suppress HIV replication
How do NRTIs impact the immune system in HIV-infected individuals?
They help restore immune function by reducing viral load
What is the significance of NRTIs in preventing HIV drug resistance?
They can help prevent the emergence of drug-resistant HIV strains
What type of virus do antiretrovirals target?
Antiretrovirals target retroviruses.
True or False: Antiretrovirals can cure HIV/AIDS.
False. Antiretrovirals can manage HIV/AIDS but cannot cure it.
What is the main goal of antiretroviral therapy?
The main goal of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce the viral load in the body.
What is the most common class of antiretrovirals used in HIV treatment?
The most common class of antiretrovirals used in HIV treatment is nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
What is the mechanism of action of protease inhibitors?
Protease inhibitors block the activity of the HIV protease enzyme, preventing the virus from maturing and infecting new cells.
What is the purpose of combination antiretroviral therapy?
Combination antiretroviral therapy uses multiple drugs to target the virus at different stages of its life cycle, reducing the risk of drug resistance.
What is the significance of viral load testing in monitoring antiretroviral therapy?
Viral load testing measures the amount of HIV in the blood, helping healthcare providers assess treatment effectiveness and disease progression.
What are the common side effects of antiretroviral therapy?
Common side effects of antiretroviral therapy include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and headaches.
What is drug resistance in the context of antiretrovirals?
Drug resistance occurs when the HIV virus mutates and becomes less susceptible to the effects of antiretroviral drugs, reducing their effectiveness.
What is pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and how does it relate to antiretrovirals?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves taking antiretroviral drugs before potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection.
What is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and how does it relate to antiretrovirals?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking antiretroviral drugs after potential exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of infection.
What is the role of integrase inhibitors in antiretroviral therapy?
Integrase inhibitors block the action of the HIV integrase enzyme, preventing the virus from integrating its genetic material into the host cell’s DNA.
What is the purpose of boosting agents in antiretroviral therapy?
Boosting agents increase the levels of certain antiretroviral drugs in the body, enhancing their effectiveness and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
What is the significance of adherence to antiretroviral therapy?
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy is crucial to maintain viral suppression, prevent drug resistance, and improve overall health outcomes.
What is the role of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) in HIV treatment?
NNRTIs inhibit the activity of the HIV reverse transcriptase enzyme, preventing the virus from replicating its genetic material.
What is the purpose of combination antiretroviral regimens?
Combination antiretroviral regimens combine drugs from different classes to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.
How does antiretroviral therapy impact HIV transmission?
Antiretroviral therapy can reduce the viral load in HIV-positive individuals, lowering the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
What are the key considerations when selecting an antiretroviral regimen?
Key considerations include drug interactions, side effects, resistance testing, and patient preferences.
What is the role of entry inhibitors in antiretroviral therapy?
Entry inhibitors block the HIV virus from entering the host cell, preventing infection and replication.
How does antiretroviral therapy impact the immune system?
Antiretroviral therapy helps restore and maintain immune function by reducing viral replication and preserving CD4 T-cell counts.