Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the T cells or CD4 cells in the blood. The body cannot get rid of HIV like it can other viruses such as those that cause the flu. HIV can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time, which can put individuals at risk for development of opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections are those that occur in people with compromised immune systems. These are especially risky for people with HIV/AIDS because they do not have the immune function to fight such infections.
History
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HIV virus has been identified as originating in a specific type of chimpanzee native to West Africa. When in the chimpanzee, the virus is referred to as simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The virus is thought to have been transferred from chimpanzee to humans when native West Africans came in contact with the infected blood while hunting the animals for their meat. Scientists believe that the virus changed from the SIV virus found in the chimpanzees to the HIV virus we know of today after being transferred to humans. According to this theory the virus slowly spread into other parts of the world and grew into the epidemic we recognize today.
Contraction
Although there are several modes of transmission of HIV, the most common are through unprotected sex, sharing of needles and syringes, and transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, birth or breast feeding. Other less common modes of transmission include being bitten by an individual infected with HIV, eating food that is pre-chewed by an infected individual, being "stuck" with an infected object (generally in a health care setting), and contact with open wounds and mucous membranes of infected individuals. Blood transfusions, tissue and organ transplants, and tattoos and body piercings also increase the risk of HIV contraction.
Signs and Symptoms
According to AIDS.gov, an individual can exhibit symptoms of ARS (acute retroviral syndrome) within 2 to 4 weeks of infection. The symptoms are fairly common and are often thought to be a serious case of the flu. Symptoms include night sweats, fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, rash, chills and mouth ulcers. Although these symptoms may be present, it is possible to be infected with HIV and exhibit no symptoms. The only true way to diagnose HIV is by getting tested.
Testing
HIV tests generally test for HIV antibodies that are created in response to the infection. It can take 2 to 8 weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies to be detected on an HIV test. According to the CDC the majority of individuals produce HIV antibodies within the first 3 months of infection, however some individuals can take longer. In general HIV tests take 1 to 2 weeks to get results. There are rapid HIV tests available from which results can be gotten in as little as 20 minutes. A positive test result should be followed up by an additional test to confirm infection.
Treatment
HIV treatment is commonly done through HAART (highly active anti-retroviral therapy). The goal of HAART is to reduce virus levels in the blood and suppress symptoms. Although treatment suppresses the virus, it does not eliminate it completely. HAART usually involves a combination of at least three medications and can be very expensive. According to the Mayo Clinic, viral load measures the amount of virus that is in the system. The Mayo Clinic recommends that viral load be measured prior to beginning treatment as well as every 3 to 4 months during treatment.
Prevention
There are several strategies that can help decrease the risk of HIV infection. First and foremost everyone should be aware of their HIV status. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 18 to 64 should be tested at least once in their lifetime and those at an increased risk be tested once every year. Engaging in protected, monogamous sex and avoiding injections are simple ways to decrease risk of infection.
