Syndrome Acquired Immune Deficiency

AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV

HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Breaks down the immune system HIV

HIV prefers to attack the following cells Helper T Cells (WBC) Macrophages (WBC) Glial cells (brain)

Characteristics of HIV 1. Retro virus – RNA virus Entwines itself into the genetic materials of cells 2. Lente virus – May live dormant for years 3. Outer protein coat – Changes rapidly No vaccine 4. Attacks certain cells – Helper T Cells (WBC) Macrophages (WBC) Glial cells (brain)

AIDS = health condition HIV = virus that causes HIV Disease

Incubation period = 8-10 years

Time frame for someone becoming infected before capable of spreading to others is within hours

 Sex – vaginal, anal, oral  Needles – drug, piercing, tattoo  Blood to blood  Mom to baby HIV transmission:

There are 4 stages of HIV Disease  Acute HIV Infection  Asymptomatic HIV Infection  Chronic Symptomatic HIV Infection  AIDS or Advanced HIV Disease

LEVELS OF HIV DISEASE Acute HIV Infection Flu-like illness or None

LEVELS OF HIV DISEASE Asymptomatic HIV Infection None

LEVELS OF HIV DISEASE Chronic Symptomatic HIV Infection fatigue cough night sweats swollen glands weight loss bleeding diarrhea

LEVELS OF HIV DISEASE AIDS Advanced HIV Disease Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia Kaposi’s Sarcoma Tuberculosis Candidiasis Dementia T cell count below 200 … and more

Kaposi's sarcoma lesion thrush, a yeast infection of the mouth

Kaposi Sarcoma

Continuum of HIV Disease I CAnSx AIDS Asymptomatic HIV Infection Chronic Symptomatic HIV Infection I = Time of Infection C = Communicability (2-4 wks) An = Antibodies (25 days-3 mos) Sx = Symptoms (15+ yrs.) Acute HIV Infection

A person can be infected with HIV yet test negative for 25 days to 3 months = window period

Stages of HIV Disease HIV exposure Remain HIV free 1. Acute HIV Infection Able to transmit (becomes communicable) HIV+ if tested (positive HIV antibody test) 2. Asymptomatic HIV Infection 3. Chronic Symptomatic HIV infection 4. AIDS or Advanced HIV Disease May have flu-like symptoms 1-2 weeks Window Period : 25 days to 3 mos. 11 years average 1. Acute HIV Infection Able to transmit (becomes communicable)

 Blood  Semen  Breast milk  Vaginal/ cervical secretions  Blood products Body fluids which transmit HIV

 Sweat  Tears  Urine  Saliva  Vomit  Feces Body fluids with theoretical risk (Possible, highly unlikely, No documented cases)

AIDS (advanced HIV Disease) diagnosed when …  T cell count  200 ( = normal)  1/ 27 opportunistic diseases TB cervical cancer dementia blindness KC PCP

Testing for HIV  clinic  health department  doctors  hospitals  Planned Parenthood

Blood is tested for antibodies

Anonymous: no name/random number assigned Confidential: some info associated with you

 Blood: tested 3 times --- ELISA 2x  Western Blot (more specific to HIV)  Orasure: 3-5 minutes between gum and cheek - pulls out mucus  Oraquick: blood test with results ~ minutes HIV testing

Best methods for HIV prevention  Postponing until monogamous relationship  Condoms  Don’t share needles  Partners tested

Recommended condoms  Latex or polyurethane male = Avanti female = Reality  Allergy  lambskin/ sheepskin  latex condom

Condoms not recommended Lambskin or sheepskin --- allow HIV to pass through

HIV reinfection  Virus mutates quickly – becomes personalized  Add more HIV to body— adds to viral load

Outercourse  No exchange of fluids  No penetration

Treatments for AIDS patients  AZT  DDC  DVT  Norvair 10  Protease inhibitors  expensive --- $10-$18+ thousand/year

Cocktail =  Combination therapy  Keeps viral load low  Toxic --- destroys major organs: pancreas, liver, gums, heart  Schedule driven: sometimes eat/sometimes not