What is HIV/AIDS?

Understanding HIV

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that, if left untreated, can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus primarily targets the body’s immune system by attacking T cells, which are a crucial type of white blood cell involved in regulating immune responses. Over time, HIV diminishes the number of T cells, impairing the body’s ability to combat infections and diseases.

When a person’s T cell count falls below 200 cells/mm3—well below the normal range of 500-1600 cells/mm3—they are classified as having AIDS. While HIV remains incurable, it can be effectively managed.

Origins and Transmission

HIV is believed to have originated from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. Humans likely contracted the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) during the hunting of these animals, leading to the transmission of the virus, which subsequently mutated into HIV.

The primary modes of HIV transmission include sexual activity and sharing needles. The virus can be passed through several bodily fluids, including blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Individuals living with HIV can lower their risk of transmission by participating in antiretroviral therapy (ART) that achieves viral suppression, reducing the viral load to undetectable levels.

Signs and Symptoms of HIV/AIDS

Initial Symptoms

Diagnosing HIV can be challenging without specific testing, as symptoms can vary widely among individuals and at different stages of the disease. After the initial infection, some individuals may remain asymptomatic, while others may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, rashes, or a sore throat. Importantly, even in the absence of symptoms, HIV remains transmissible, and some tests may not detect the virus for weeks after exposure.

Clinical Latency Stage

Following the initial infection, HIV enters a clinical latency stage, during which the virus remains active but replicates at a slower rate. In this phase, individuals typically experience few, if any, symptoms, and this stage can persist for many years, even decades, with effective management and antiviral treatment. Despite the reduced viral activity, transmission is still possible during this period.

Progression to AIDS

Eventually, HIV may progress to AIDS, characterized by severe symptoms and a critically weakened immune system, significantly increasing the risk of opportunistic infections. Common symptoms at this stage include rapid weight loss, recurring fever, extreme fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sores, and neurological disorders. The severe complications associated with HIV are largely due to the body’s diminished ability to fend off other infections.

Treatment

As previously mentioned, HIV is a lifelong condition without a cure. However, advancements in management have greatly improved the quality of life for those living with the virus. It is recommended that all individuals diagnosed with HIV undergo ART, which involves a combination of antiviral medications aimed at inhibiting the virus’s replication. By reducing the viral load in the body, ART allows the immune system an opportunity to recover and enhances the body’s ability to resist infections. Additionally, ART can help mitigate the negative side effects associated with HIV and lower the risk of transmission.

References

HIV/AIDS Basics. (2016, July 14). Retrieved December 22, 2016.
HIV/AIDS: The Basics | Understanding HIV/AIDS | AIDSinfo. (2016, September 13). Retrieved December 22, 2016, from https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/education-materials/fact-sheets/19/45/hiv-aids–the-basics