AIDS and HIV: An Overview, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

AIDS known as Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome is a disease caused by a deadly HIV virus. The full form of HIV is given as Human immuno deficiency virus. Our body's immune system (defense system) is the primary target of the HIV virus.

• In such a condition, the immune system of the person becomes weak and fails to respond effectively against foreign pathogens.
• A person suffering from AIDS can live more than 15 years with proper medication and care.
• However, severe HIV infection can lead to organ failure or even death of the person.

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What is AIDS?

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The virus that causes Acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is called Human immuno deficiency virus (HIV). It is a retrovirus that has RNA as its genetic material. In 2017, almost one million people died from AIDS. And the majority of HIV infection is observed in sub – Saharan Africa.

• The spread of this deadly disease takes place through blood and physical contact through semen. 
• When the HIV infections are not treated soon enough, it spreads and eventually reaches the final stage weakening the entire human body.
• The immune system of HIV patients becomes weak because the main target of this virus is the T-cells present in the body.

AIDS Symbol

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Causes of AIDS

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When a person gets affected the virus spreads into the macrophages. The RNA within replicates and forms a Viral DNA and infects the cells. These infected cells generate various HIV virus particles similar to that of a factory. In turn, this leads to decrease in the lymphocytes in the body of a person. This results in a weak body not having strength to fight against diseases.

• The virus RNA gets inside the host cell after the person is infected.
• DNA production gets started through the process of reverse transcription.
• The RNA copies get generated after the DNA is integrated inside the genome of the host and it starts to multiply to a great extent.
• These RNA copies change into virus copies which leads to the infection of the blood stream. 
• HIV also performs the same task in the T lymphocytes which in turn decreases the immunity of the body.
• When a person is already infected with HIV virus, some minor infections also don't get treated due to a compromised immune system.

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AIDS Symptoms

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The common symptoms observed by the doctors in the patients are:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Headaches
• Joint pains
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Red rashes on body
• Blurred vision
• Muscle aches
• Sweating

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Modes of Transmission of AIDS

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The HIV virus spreads and eventually causes infection to the person in the following ways:

• Unprotected sexual interaction with an infected person

Sexual mode of transmission is the most commonly observed case. According to the observations, it is often found in the hetero sexual contact. Majority of the transmission is recorded in the men who had sex with men. This transmission is high in the anal sex than oral sex comparatively.

The HIV virus transmits through the open pores in their genital areas. And high risk is observed in the people who have been infected during the early months. They ought to have the highest amount of virus in their blood and that is known as the viral load.

• Transmission through contaminated blood

The second most commonly observed mode of transmission is through blood. It is caused due to the sharing of needles or medical injections or during other needle stick injuries. Besides, piercing of tattoos causes HIV transmission. Such cases are often observed in rural and urban areas. In rich nations and cities, the screening is done which avoids the risk of HIV virus transmission.

• Transmission through an infected mother to the baby

When a mother is infected the virus may be transmitted to the child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Almost 15% of the chances of HIV transmission are during breastfeeding in children. The process in which the virus is transmitted from one generation to another generation is called vertical transmission.

Once the person gets affected with the virus the incubation period is large and unpredictable. It may be slow, taking 10 years in some cases and taking months in some cases. Due to this, the patients cannot resist themselves against any illnesses.

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Stages of HIV Infection

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HIV is caused due to the HIV virus also known as the retrovirus that has RNA as its genetic material. This is caused when the virus spreads to the helper T cells and eventually transmits and kills the other helper T cells. It can be divided into two categories such as:

Acute HIV Infection

The stage where rapid transmission of HIV virus is observed due to the increase in the amounts of killer T cells is called Acute HIV infection. Consequently, the killer T cells kill the HIV infected cells and reduce the infection. Though the infection is decreased, the virus will not be completely eliminated from the body.

Acute HIV Infection

Some of the symptoms caused due to infection are:

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Sores
• Rash
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Neuropathy
• Enlargement of liver and spleen
• Malaise

Chronic HIV Infection

When there is a decline in the acute HIV infection the person gets affected and enters into the chronic infection stage. The period of this stage lasts from 3 to 20 years. The infection keeps on growing constantly and the individuals experience similar symptoms.

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Diagnosis of AIDS

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Based on the blood tests, signs and symptoms the individuals are tested for HIV. People of age from 15 to 60 years can take the HIV screening. By identifying the antibodies to HIV virus, the blood tests diagnose HIV virus. In some cases the blood tests may not be accurate. However, once the RNA is detected the tests identify the HIV infection. In simple words, the HIV/AIDS can be diagnosed in following ways: 

• Antigen-Antibody Interaction: The presence of antibodies and HIV antigens in the blood is detected by analysing antigen-antibody interaction. 
• Nucleic Acid Tests: Nucleic acid test also known as viral load test, is a confirmatory test for the presence of HIV virus in the collected sample of an individual. 
• Home Testing Kit: HIV tests can also be done at home using testing kit. Firstly, blood or saliva sample is collected and further kit is used. 

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Treatment for AIDS

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There is no separate vaccine or medication to treat HIV or AIDS. However, the scientists have found antiretroviral medications to keep the HIV virus under control. So, the disease is now treatable and considered to be chronic.

• With proper antiretroviral treatment, the risk of infection decreases gradually.
• Taking medications regularly keeps the infection in control.
• The infection decreases and simultaneously the transmission also decreases.

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Prevention of HIV / AIDS

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Usually the HIV virus spreads due to direct physical contact. So, the individuals must be far away from the infected person in order to avoid the transmission. Some of the measures that can be followed to prevent the transmission of HIV are as follows:

• Protected sexual interaction with the use of condoms. When observed, the transmission of virus from infected persons is comparatively less when the condoms are used.
• Using the needles only for one time.
• Visiting for regular health check ups.
• Regulating blood transfusion.
• Avoiding direct physical contact with the infected person.

AIDS has long term effects on relationships, society, institutions and the communities. It affects mortality and poses many threats to humans. This is a disease that can just be kept under control but cannot be eliminated completely. So, it is the responsibility of the people to take care of their own health and others as well.

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Things to Remember

• It comes under unit 8, Biology and Human Welfare chapter 8, Human Health and Diseases and carries a total of 4 to 5 marks.
• AIDS is caused by the HIV virus.
• AIDS can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person, through blood contamination or breast feeding.
• There are two stages of AIDS - acute and chronic.
• AIDS can be avoided through protected sex, using a needle for a single time, blood transfusion and regular check-ups
• There is no definite cure for AIDS but with increased awareness and precaution it has become a manageable one.