Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Definition

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. Over time, if untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), where the immune system becomes severely compromised. Understanding HIV is vital in the context of sexually transmitted infections, as it can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HIV can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk.
2. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS in 10 years or more, but with proper medical care, many individuals live long and healthy lives with the virus.
3. Regular testing for HIV is crucial for early detection and management, especially for sexually active individuals or those at higher risk.
4. In 2020, approximately 37.7 million people globally were living with HIV, highlighting its ongoing impact on public health.
5. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive measure for high-risk individuals that significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV when taken consistently.

Review Questions

• How does HIV affect the immune system and what are the implications of this impact on an individual's health?
  • HIV specifically targets CD4 T cells, which are essential for maintaining a strong immune response. As the virus destroys these cells over time, the body becomes less capable of fighting off infections and diseases. This weakening can lead to opportunistic infections and certain cancers, particularly if the infection progresses to AIDS. The overall health of an individual with HIV can significantly decline without effective treatment.
• Discuss the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in managing HIV infection and its role in public health.
  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical in managing HIV infection because it helps to suppress the viral load in an individual's body. By keeping the virus at undetectable levels, ART enables individuals to live longer and healthier lives while also preventing transmission to others. The widespread use of ART has significant public health implications, as it contributes to reducing new infections and helps control the epidemic.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current preventive measures against HIV transmission and their impact on reducing incidence rates globally.
  • Current preventive measures against HIV transmission include education on safe sex practices, access to condoms, regular testing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). These strategies have proven effective in reducing incidence rates globally. For instance, PrEP has been shown to lower the risk of acquiring HIV among high-risk individuals by over 90% when taken consistently. The combined effect of these measures has led to significant declines in new infections in many regions, showcasing the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies.

Related terms

AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by a severely weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and certain cancers.

CD4 T Cells: CD4 T cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the immune response, helping to coordinate the body's defense against pathogens. HIV specifically targets these cells.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a treatment for HIV infection that involves taking a combination of HIV medicines to control the virus, improve quality of life, and prevent transmission.