Human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)

Definition

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. If untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition where the immune system is severely compromised, making the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Understanding HIV is essential for recognizing its transmission pathways, prevention strategies, and implications for sexual health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.
2. There are two main types of HIV: HIV-1, which is the most common globally, and HIV-2, which is less common and primarily found in West Africa.
3. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS in about 10 years, but with proper medical care, individuals can manage the virus effectively for decades.
4. Early detection through testing is crucial because many people may not show symptoms for years after being infected with HIV.
5. Using condoms and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

Review Questions

• How does HIV affect the immune system, and what are the implications of this effect on overall health?
  • HIV targets and destroys CD4 cells, which are essential for a robust immune response. As these cells decrease in number due to the ongoing infection, the body's ability to fight off infections diminishes. This gradual weakening of the immune system can lead to severe health consequences, allowing opportunistic infections and diseases to take hold, ultimately resulting in AIDS if left untreated.
• Discuss the various methods of HIV transmission and how understanding these methods can help in prevention efforts.
  • HIV is transmitted primarily through unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Understanding these transmission routes is critical for effective prevention efforts. By educating individuals on safe sex practices, promoting needle exchange programs, and advocating for regular testing, communities can significantly reduce the rates of new infections and protect at-risk populations.
• Evaluate the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on individuals living with HIV and its broader implications for public health.
  • Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition. By reducing viral loads to undetectable levels, ART allows individuals to live longer and healthier lives while also drastically lowering their risk of transmitting the virus to others. This shift has significant public health implications as widespread access to ART can contribute to decreasing overall transmission rates and ultimately controlling the HIV epidemic.

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 diseases.

CD4 Cells: CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a vital role in the immune system by helping coordinate the immune response; these cells are targeted and destroyed by HIV.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the treatment for HIV that involves taking medications to control the virus, allowing individuals to lead longer, healthier lives and reducing the risk of transmission.