Study of HIV

A Presentation by Shobhit Raj

Contents

➔ Introduction

➔ Stages of HIV

➔ Diagnosis

➔ Prevention

➔ Treatment
Introduction

HIV is an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, where the

immune system is completely impaired and hence susceptible
to many infections which are fatal. This is pandemic
(epidemic all over the world), and is caused by human
immunodeficiency virus. It was identified in 1981, by CDCP
(Centre for disease control and prevention). There is no
cure/no vaccine/no drugs. Drugs may control the disease and
prolong the life of the patient, but doesn’t prevent disease.
Stage- 1 of HIV

Stage 1 - occurs in 8 weeks, individuals may be asymptomatic

in 40 to 50% of the patients, and in some cases symptoms
like headache, flu like symptoms, throat inflammation,
weakness, large lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting.
Stage- 2 of HIV

Stage 2 - extends upto 10 years, asymptomatic or mild

symptoms like swollen glands can be seen, HIV decreases in
blood, HIV antibody can be detected, at the end of the stage,
weight loss, GI problems, lymphadenopathy are seen. The
CD4 count is less than 500/µl.
Stage- 3 of HIV

Stage 3 - immunity is deteriorated, reduction in CD4 cells is

markable, hence many opportunistic infections and cancer
can occur, severe diarrhoea, vomiting, pneumocystis
pneumonia and esophageal candidiasis are also seen. CD4
cells count can be less than 350/µl.
Stage- 4 of HIV

Stage 4 - aggravation of opportunistic infections takes place

leading to tuberculosis and pneumonia, Kaposi sarcoma,
attack of herpes and flu virus, fungal and parasitic infections
are also observed. CD4 count can be less than 200/ µl.
Patient suffers with fever, weight loss, sweat, looks lean, with
various infections along with cancer leading to death.
Diagnosis
History of the patient is very much essential in this disease
before making up final diagnosis. Blood tests like ELISA, RIA
are suggested if antibodies are detected in blood. PCR is an
advanced test which gives further confirmation. Tests like
southern blot test and biological fluids from gum tissues also
help for detection. Various modes of transmission include
unsafe sex, blood transfusion, mother to baby and other
biological fluids (semen/vaginal fluids/milk). There is no risk
with fecal matter, sputum, sweat, tears, nasal secretions,
saliva, urine and vomiting until and unless blood is present in
these secretions.
Prevention

Prevention of the infection is done by sex abstinence from

suspected partners, or by following safe sex, avoid
contaminated blood transfusions, safe delivery or termination
of pregnancy, preventive therapy for mother by using
antiretroviral drugs, use of disposable needles, maintenance
of hygiene and educating public. No vaccine is available for
the disease
Treatment

Disease can be controlled by prolonging the life of the

patient by antiretroviral drugs like nucleoside reverse
transcriptase inhibitors (e.g zidovudine), non nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g nevirapine), and protease
inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir). These drugs help in controlling the
virus multiplication and thereby reducing the morbidity.
Thank You!