HIV Prevention and Care Flashcards
What is an opportunistic infection?
Infection in an IC person caused by organisms that normally aren’t pathogenic
This immune cell is a marker of immune function and is the primary target for HIV infection
CD4 helper T cell
At what concentration is a vial load considered “undetectable” by ultra sensitive assay?
<20 copies/mL
Can HIV be transmitted by saliva?
No — only possible if visible blood
Only transmitted via:
Blood
Semen/vaginal fluids
Internal body fluids (CSF, synovial, peritoneal)
A pt presents to your clinic requesting HIV testing. They do no appear to have any risk factors for HIV. Should you administer the HIV test?
Yes
Pt request is enough to indicate testing
Other indications are those in which there is high risk of contact with blood, semen/vaginal fluids, or internal body fluids
How often should risk assessment be done for HIV?
Annual risk assessment
More frequently for MSM with multiple or anonymous partners, or those who use illicit drugs while engaging in sex
What is the goal of HIV treatment?
Prevent OI
Prolong duration and life quality
Prevent HIV transmission
Maximal virologic suppression (<20 c/mL)
Restore/preserve immune function (high as possible CD4 count — 50-150 cells/µL/yr)
How long does a person need to remain on ARVs after a HIV dx?
Need to be on ARV for life to keep viral load suppressed
When should ARV be started on a pt dx with HIV?
ASAP!
Tx OI simultaneously if possible — may not be possible if concern of drug interactions
What are the benefits of early tx of HIV?
Reduce disease progression
Prevent HIV transmission to others
Do pts die of HIV?
No
Death is a consequence of IC —> opportunistic infections or malignancies; ARV toxicities (old therapies)
When should OI prophylaxis by started on a pt with HIV?
When CD4 <200
What are some common OI with HIV infection? (11)
Thrush (candida albicans)
Oral hairy leukoplakia (EBV)
TB
Bacterial (S. Pneumoniae)
Pneumocystis jirovecii (fungus)
HSV
Candida esophagitis (candida albicans)
Toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmosis gondii)
Disseminated MAC (mycobacterium avium complex)
CMV
Cryptococcal meningitis (crytococcus neoformans)
PJP (p. Jiroveci pneumonia) is an OI in pts with HIV. When should primary prevention for this OI be done?
CD4 <200 or <14%
What is the preferred regimen for primary prevention of PJP (p. Jiroveci pneumonia)?
Cotrimoxazole I single strength or 3x/wk
T. gondii is an OI in pts with HIV. When should primary prevention for this OI be done?
When CD4 <100 and a positive serology (toxo IgG)