Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Flashcards
Define human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
HIV is caused by a retrovirus that infects and replicates in human lymphocytes and macrophages, eroding the integrity of the human immune system over a number of years, culminating in immune deficiency and a susceptibility to a series of opportunistic and other infections as well as the development of certain malignancies.
Explain the aetiology/risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Needle sharing with intravenous drug use
Unprotected receptive anal intercourse
Unprotected receptive penile-vaginal sexual intercourse
Percutaneous needle stick injury
High maternal viral load (mother to child transmission)
Summarise the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Globally, there were 37.9 million people living with HIV worldwide at the end of 2018, with approximately 1.7 million becoming newly infected in 2018. Approximately 70% of people living with HIV are in sub-Saharan Africa.
Recognise the presenting symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recognise the signs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on physical examination.
Fevers and night sweats
Weight loss
Skin rashes and post-inflammatory scars
Oral ulcers, angular cheilitis, oral thrush, or oral hairy leukoplakia
Diarrhoea
Wasting syndrome
Changes in mental status or neuropsychiatric function
Recent hospital admissions
Tuberculosis (TB)
Generalised lymphadenopathy
Kaposi’s sarcoma
Genital STIs
Chronic vaginal candidiasis
Shingles
Identify appropriate investigations for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and interpret the results.
Serum HIV enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Serum HIV rapid test
HIV non-invasive tests
Serum Western blot
Serum p24 antigen
Serum HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
CD4 count
Serum viral load (HIV RNA)
Serum hepatitis B serology
Serum hepatitis C serology
Serum electrolytes
Serum creatinine
Urinalysis
