2.6.4 AIDS

Progression from HIV to AIDS:

1. Initial Infection (Acute HIV Stage):

• Symptoms appear 2–6 weeks after infection and include:
• Fever, tiredness, headaches, sore throat, and muscle aches.
• This stage is characterised by a high level of viral replication.
• The immune system begins to produce HIV antibodies, leading to a positive HIV test.

2. Asymptomatic Stage (Latent Stage):

• After the acute stage, symptoms disappear for several years.
• During this time, the virus continues to replicate and destroy T helper cells.
• The individual may appear healthy but is still infectious.

3. AIDS:

• Occurs when the immune system is severely weakened, and the number of T helper cells (CD4 count) drops below a critical level.
• Symptoms include:
• Severe weight loss.
• Chronic diarrhoea.
• Dementia.
• Development of opportunistic infections such as:
• Tuberculosis (TB).
• Pneumocystis pneumonia.
• Candidiasis (fungal infections).
• Increased risk of cancers like Kaposi's sarcoma.

Transmission of HIV:

• HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, including:
  • Blood (e.g., sharing needles).
  • Semen and vaginal fluids (e.g., unprotected sexual intercourse).
  • Breast milk (e.g., mother-to-child transmission during breastfeeding).

Diagnosis of AIDS:

1. HIV Antibody Testing:

• Detects the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood.

2. CD4 Count:

• A CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ indicates severe immune suppression, consistent with AIDS.

3. Viral Load Testing:

• Measures the amount of HIV in the blood to monitor disease progression.

Treatment:

1. Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

• A combination of drugs that suppress HIV replication.
• Keeps the viral load low, slowing the progression to AIDS.
• Does not cure HIV but improves life expectancy and quality of life.

2. Management of Opportunistic Infections:

• Treat infections like TB or fungal diseases that occur due to immune suppression.

Prevention:

• Safe Practices:
  • Use of condoms during sexual activity.
  • Avoid sharing needles.
• Mother-to-Child Transmission:
  • Administer antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Blood Screening:
  • Testing blood donations to prevent transfusion-related transmission.

Key Facts About AIDS:

• AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, occurring when the immune system is too weak to defend against infections.
• Without treatment, the life expectancy after developing AIDS is reduced significantly.
• Effective use of ART can delay or prevent the onset of AIDS.