AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency
Syndrome)
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a serious health condition caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV progressively weakens the immune system by targeting and destroying
CD4 cells (a type of white blood cell), leaving the body vulnerable to infections and diseases that a
healthy immune system would typically be able to control. When the immune system becomes severely
compromised, the individual is diagnosed with AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV infection
YJ
by Yash kumar Jharotiya
Roll no:- 173
HIV and Its Life Cycle
HIV is a retrovirus, which means it uses RNA as its genetic material. After invading a person, HIV
integrates itself into the host's DNA, enabling it to replicate and spread throughout the body. Here’s a
summary of the virus’s life cycle:
• Attachment: HIV binds to the CD4 receptors on the surface of certain immune cells (T cells).
• Fusion: The virus fuses with the cell membrane, allowing it to enter the cell.
• Reverse Transcription: Inside the cell, HIV's RNA is converted into DNA by the enzyme reverse transcriptase.
• Integration: HIV’s DNA integrates into the host’s genome using an enzyme called integrase, allowing
the virus to control the infected cell’s machinery.
• Replication: The cell starts producing viral proteins, which are assembled into new HIV particles.
• Budding: New HIV particles exit the cell and go on to infect other cells, continuing the cycle.
Progression from HIV to AIDS
Without treatment, HIV typically progresses to AIDS over a period of years, though this timeline can vary depending on the individual. There
are three general stages of HIV infection:
1 Acute HIV Infection (Stage 1) 2 Chronic HIV Infection (Stage 2)3 AIDS (Stage 3)
Occurs within 2-4 weeks of contracting Also known as the clinical latency or If untreated, HIV eventually weakens
the virus. Symptoms resemble the flu, asymptomatic phase. HIV continues to the immune system to the point that
including fever, sore throat, fatigue, reproduce at lower levels but without the body cannot defend itself against
and swollen lymph nodes. During this causing major symptoms. This stage infections and illnesses, which is when
stage, HIV multiplies rapidly, and the can last for several years or longer with AIDS develops. The CD4 cell count falls
viral load (amount of virus in the blood) treatment, but the virus is still active. below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of
is very high, making the person highly People may not feel sick during this blood (a normal count is between 500
infectious. phase, but they can still transmit the and 1,500). People with AIDS can
virus. experience severe symptoms like rapid
weight loss, recurring fever, prolonged
swelling of the lymph glands, diarrhea,
sores, pneumonia, and opportunistic
infections like tuberculosis or certain
cancers (e.g., Kaposi’s sarcoma,
lymphoma).
Common Opportunistic Infections
Associated with AIDS
Once HIV progresses to AIDS, the weakened immune system can no longer protect against infections that
a healthy immune system could handle. These infections are called opportunistic infections, and they can
include:
• Tuberculosis (TB): The leading cause of death among people with AIDS worldwide.
• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP): A type of pneumonia caused by a fungus.
• Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can affect the brain.
• Candidiasis: Fungal infections that affect the mouth, throat, or vagina.
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A viral infection that can affect the eyes, digestive tract, and other organs.
Diagnosis of HIV and AIDS
Diagnosing HIV early is crucial for managing the disease and preventing transmission. Common methods of
diagnosing HIV include:
• Antibody tests: These detect antibodies produced in response to HIV. It can take several weeks for the
body to produce enough antibodies to be detected.
• Antigen/antibody tests: These detect both HIV antibodies and antigens (specifically, the p24 antigen,
which appears shortly after infection).
• Nucleic acid tests (NATs): These tests look for the actual virus in the blood (viral load). They can detect
HIV earlier than antibody or antigen/antibody tests.
To diagnose AIDS, healthcare providers look for:
• CD4 count: A count below 200 cells/mm³ indicates a progression to AIDS.
• Opportunistic infections: The presence of certain infections or cancers in someone with HIV can also
signal the onset of AIDS.
Prevention of HIV/AIDS
There are several strategies to prevent HIV transmission:
• Safe sex practices: Using condoms and reducing the number of sexual partners.
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): A daily pill that reduces the risk of contracting HIV in individuals at high risk
• Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Emergency treatment taken after potential HIV exposure to
prevent infection, which must be started within 72 hours.
• Needle exchange programs: Providing clean needles to people who inject drugs to prevent sharing
contaminated needles.
• Mother-to-child transmission prevention: ART during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding can
significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child.
