HIV Infection and AIDS

What is HIV Infection?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection is a condition where the virus attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases. The virus specifically targets CD4 cells, also known as T cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system.

What is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the virus has severely damaged the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer. AIDS is characterized by a CD4 cell count below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Symptoms of HIV Infection

The symptoms of HIV infection can vary depending on the stage of the disease. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Rash
• Sweating
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Muscle and joint pain
• Oral thrush (a fungal infection)

Symptoms of AIDS

The symptoms of AIDS can include:

• Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), a type of pneumonia that affects people with weakened immune systems
• Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer that causes lesions on the skin and internal organs
• Candidiasis, a fungal infection that can cause thrush and other symptoms
• Tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body
• Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause brain damage and other symptoms
• Cryptococcosis, a fungal infection that can cause meningitis and other symptoms

Transmission of HIV

HIV is transmitted through:

• Unprotected sex with an infected person
• Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
• Blood transfusions from an infected donor (although this is rare in countries with strict blood screening protocols)
• Occupational exposure, such as needlestick injuries, among healthcare workers

Treatments for HIV Infection and AIDS

The primary treatment for HIV infection is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of medications to suppress the virus. The goals of ART are:

• To reduce the viral load (the amount of virus in the blood) to undetectable levels
• To increase CD4 cell counts and improve immune function
• To prevent the progression of HIV infection to AIDS
• To reduce the risk of transmission to others

There are several classes of antiretroviral medications, including:

• Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)
• Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)
• Protease inhibitors (PIs)
• Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs)
• Fusion inhibitors
• CCR5 antagonists

In addition to ART, people with HIV infection and AIDS may also receive treatment for opportunistic infections and other related conditions. This can include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antifungal medications for fungal infections
• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, for cancers related to AIDS

Prevention of HIV Infection and AIDS

The best way to prevent HIV infection is to:

• Practice safe sex by using condoms or other barrier methods
• Avoid sharing needles or syringes with others
• Get tested for HIV regularly, especially if you are at high risk
• Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of infection
• Take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible after a potential exposure

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of HIV infection and AIDS, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and others from this serious disease.