Session 8 Lecture 1 Flashcards
What three conditions are commonly associated with HIV?
Oral candidiasis, PCP and Kaposi’s syndrome
How much HIV is present in the UK?
1.9/1000
What does HIV stand for?
Human immunodeficiency virus
What is HIV?
Retrovirus
Infects cells with CD4 surface receptor
How does HIV affect the body?
Replicates inside the cell, Destroys the cell. Causes inflammation and spreads to/infects more cells.
How does HIV get inside the cells?
The antigens on the HIV bind to the CD4 receptors hence gaining entry into the cell
How is HIV transmitted?
Contact of infected bodily fluids with mucosal tissue/blood/broken skin. Eg sexual contact, transfusion, contaminated needles and perinatal transmission.
When does AIDS develop?
Happens when the CD4 count is below 200
When you first get infected with HIV, what first happens to the viral load?
The viral load increases exponentially
Define seroconversion
The period of time during which HIV antibodies develop and become detectable. It generally takes place within weeks of initial infection.
What factors affect HIV transmission?
Type of exposure, Viral load in the blood, Condom use and breaks in skin or mucosa.
What is the average life expectancy of a person who is HIV+?
77 years old
How can you help ensure you live as long as possible whilst being HIV+?
Early detection, treatment, adherence and healthy living.
What diagnostics test can be done for HIV?
Blood serology, PCR or ‘rapid tests’
What are the aims of HIV treatment?
- Get an undetectable viral load
- Reconstitute CD4 count/immune system
- Reduce general inflammation
- Reduce risk of transmission
- Good quality of life
- Normalise lifespan
