Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) & Aquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDs)

HIV Infection Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) The virus that causes AIDs Destroys infection fighting T cells- (WBC are the primary target) Spread by infected persons through contact with certain body fluids Pandemic- disease that spreads quickly through populations all over the world 5-10 yrs for HIV > AIDS if not receiving treatment

HIV Infects the Body Helper T Cells- WBC activate immune response = primary target cells of HIV infection Healthy people carry 500 – 1500 T cells in a mL of blood Replication: process where HIV attaches to T cell and forces to make many copies of infection. New virus released after replication and attach to other new helper T cells. Phase 1: asymptomatic stage Phase 2: beginning or worsening of symptoms Phase 3: beginning of AIDS (TC count <200)

*HIV Transmission* Spread during sexual activity: vaginal, oral, anal w/ infected person Sharing of needles, syringes etc Infected mother to infant before or during birth OR breast feeding Blood Semen Vaginal Secretions Breast Milk

Cultural Discovered in US during 1980’s Developed from Chimpanzees 10,000+ teens 13-19 yrs old diagnosed w/ HIV in US- (4,000+ reported have developed AIDS) Leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa SS Africa: 28.1 mill. South and Southeast Asia: 6.1 mill. Latin America: 1.4 mill.

Ways HIV is transmitted: Sexual Contact (many partners…) Open Mouth Kissing- (1 case recorded by CDC) Sharing needles or other drug equipment Sharing needles for tattoos/piercing Contact w/ blood or other fluids, mucous membranes, or broken skin Perinatal transmission (15% - 30%)

Ways HIV is not transmitted: Hugging Holding hands Coughing/sneezing Sharing towels/combs Being bitten by bugs Donating blood Swimming pool Gym equipment

Symptoms May look and feel healthy (no symptoms) -Asymptomatic Flu-like: fever, sore throat, skin rash, diarrhea, swollen glands, loss of appetite, and night sweats These symptoms might come and go as T cell counts fluctuate HIV antibody test is only way to determine if infected

HIV Testing HIV antibody test usually detects HIV antibodies within 3-6 months after infection ELISA: blood test used to check for antibodies for HIV. Repeated 2x to confirm Western Blot: blood test to confirm ELISA Used together = 99.9% correct HIV+ = antibodies for HIV are present in the blood Orasure: very accurate oral HIV test

Treatment for HIV/AIDs NO CURE, treatment focuses on slowing the progression (Early treatment = critical) Slows rate at which HIV multiplies which in turn delays progression of HIV to AIDs Antiretroviral Drugs (3 classes): Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors Protease inhibitors- slow the process Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Treatment continued… Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): Preferred treatment for HIV Triple drug combination such as: 2 NRTIs and 1 PI Eat healthful foods, get enough rest & sleep, exercise, and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

Treatment during pregnancy No way to determine for sure if a baby will be born HIV + Zidovudine (AZT) = only drug proven to reduce risk of HIV transmission Treatment should begin after 14th week of pregnancy and continue until delivery During labor, AZT will be given to mother intravenously After birth, baby receives AZT for first 6 wks