Human Inmunodeficiency Virus Flashcards
what class of virus is HIV
retrovirus
what cells in the body does HIV attack
cells of the immune system; lymphocytes and macrophages
what does HIV do to the immune system
erodes the immune system over years and causes immunodeficiency and susceptibility
aetiology/ causes (MODES OF TRANSMISSION)
HIV can be transmitted via blood, blood products, sexual fluids, other fluids containing blood, and breast milk. Most individuals are infected with HIV through sexual contact, before birth or during delivery, during breastfeeding, or when sharing contaminated needles and syringes (intravenous drug users)
how can you determine the progression of the disease
CD4 T-cell count
what are the three phases of HIV
seroconversion, Early/asymptomatic, AIDS
summarise seroconversion stage
fever, night sweats, fatigue, malaise, oral thrush, ulcers, sore throat, headache
summarise the early/ asymptomatic stage
patient is apparently well, might have persistent lymphadenopathy, minor symptoms such as rash, oral thrush and weight loss
summarise the AIDS stage (late stage)
syndrome of secondary infections as a result of immunodeficiency
some signs and symptoms (neurological)
polyneuropathy, dementia
some signs and symptoms (pulmonary)
pneumonitis
some signs and symptoms (gastro)
anorexia, wasting, diarrhoea
some signs and symptoms (haematology)
anaemia, thrombocytopenia
some signs and symptoms (cardiac)
cardiomyopathy, myocarditis
some signs and symptoms (eyes)
cotton wool spots
