HIV virology

Question 1

what is the main route of HIV spread in the UK ?

Answer 1

MSM

Question 2

how many HIV types are there ?

Answer 2

HIV-1 - (group M) most commom

HIV-2

Question 3

what are the different phases of the HIV lifecycle ?

Answer 3

1. binding and entry
2. reverse transcription
3. integration
4. transcription
5. assembly
6. release and protease

Question 4

what is the lab test to diagnose HIV ?

Answer 4

HIV antigen/antibody test

Question 5

what lab tests are used when managing HIV ?

Answer 5

viral load
HIV resistance testing
avidity testing
subtype determination
tropism testing - before CCR5
drug levels

Question 6

how long is the window for 4th gen ELISA testing for HIV antigen/antibody ?

Answer 6

1 month

antibody only assays is 3 months

Question 7

what is the range for HIV RNA viral load in blood ?

Answer 7

40 - >10 million

useful for diagnosis in presence of maternal antibody

Question 8

what is HIV resistance testing used for ?

Answer 8

baseline at diagnosis
suboptimal treatment response
treatment failing
want to change treatment for another reason

Question 9

how do you manage occupational exposure to HIV ?

Answer 9

Truvada and kaletra within 48-72 hours

continued for 28 days

Question 10

what are ways to avoid exposure to BBV in health care setting ?

Answer 10

good basic hygiene with regular hand washing
cover existing wounds with waterproof dressing
take simple protective measures to avoid contamination
protect mucous membranes from splashes
prevent puncture wounds
avoid sharps usage where possible
use safe disposal procedure for sharps
clear up spillage of body fluids
follow procedure of safe disposal or waste