HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Here are the key points regarding the causes and transmission of HIV and the progression to AIDS:
Causes of HIV:
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Transmission of HIV:
- Unprotected Sexual Contact: The most common mode of transmission is through unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who has HIV. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Sharing Needles or Syringes: Individuals who share needles, often associated with intravenous drug use, are at high risk of contracting HIV.
- Mother-to-Child Transmission: HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during childbirth, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Blood Transfusions: Although rare in places where blood is screened for HIV, transmission can occur through transfusions with infected blood.
- Exposure to Contaminated Blood Products: This is largely a concern in settings with inadequate healthcare practices.
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Viral Structure: HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells), which are critical for maintaining the immune response.
Progression to AIDS:
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Chronic HIV Infection: After initial infection, the virus can remain dormant for years. During this time, an infected person may not show symptoms but can still transmit the virus.
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Symptoms and Immune System Signaling: As the virus continues to replicate, it reduces the number of CD4 cells, leading to immune system impairment. People may start to experience various symptoms, including flu-like symptoms, fatigue, weight loss, and recurrent infections.
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AIDS Diagnosis: A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their CD4 cell count drops below a certain level (usually less than 200 cells/mm³) or if they develop certain opportunistic infections or cancers due to the weakened immune system. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by severe immune deficiency.
Prevention:
Preventive measures include practicing safe sex (using condoms), taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), avoiding sharing needles, and ensuring that pregnant individuals with HIV receive proper medical care to minimize the risk of transmission to their babies.
Conclusion:
In summary, HIV is caused by the virus transmitted primarily through certain high-risk behaviors, leading to a gradual deterioration of the immune system, which can progress to AIDS if left untreated. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage HIV, preventing the progression to AIDS and allowing individuals to live healthy lives.
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